Support groups, exercise & diet help kick addiction: DC

Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Dharmender Singh has called upon residents to quit tobacco consumption on the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, noting that the consumption of tobacco can be fatal. “Smoking at public places is prohibited and any violation can result in a fine of up to Rs 200. Selling tobacco within 100 yards of educational institutions and selling tobacco products to and by persons under 18 years of age is a crime. The consumption and sale of e-cigarettes is also a legal offence,” he said in a statement issued here on Saturday. The Deputy Commissioner listed the benefits of quitting tobacco. “Blood circulation gets better and the functioning of lungs improves. Also, occurrence of cough, fatigue and shortness of breath reduces. The risk of heart attack is lowered and so is the possibility of the cancer of the mouth, throat, food pipe, bladder and cervix,” he added. Stating that determination was the first step to quitting tobacco, Singh pointed out that, according to psychologists, people should fix a date to quit tobacco, and share the date with their loved ones. “If such people’s friends constantly remind them about the resolve, they will be forced to quit,” he said, adding that nicotine-replacement therapy and medicines taken after the advice of a doctor were also helpful in beating addiction. The Deputy Commissioner said joining counselling sessions or support groups provided emotional and psychological support to those wishing to quit tobacco. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet and meditation were also helpful in quitting addiction, he added.

Haryana Tribune