Attention Smokers! Cigarette Packets Will Have 'Quit-Line' Number to Help You Stop Smoking

Smokers struggling to kick the butt finally have some good news they can use. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Thursday that it is planning to include a helpline number on all cigarette packs and tobacco-infused products. The move will come into effect in September of 2018. The decision is part of the government’s larger anti-smoking initiative, which resulted in an amendment to the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Rules, 2008, related to packaging and labelling. The amendment seeks all tobacco product packs to carry specified health warnings.

Calling it one of the most important features of the new set of health warnings, the official statement from the government states that cigarettes and tobacco products will comprise a “Quit-line” number (1800-11-2356). This will help in creating awareness among tobacco users and give them access to counselling services to cause a behaviour change in habitual smokers.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017 conducted among smokers in the group of 15 and above noted that 61.9 percent of smokers, 53.8 percent of bidi smokers and 46.2 percent of smokeless tobacco users have contemplated quitting smoking. The step is also believed to lead to an increase in the demand for tobacco cessation.

Quitting smoking is not as easy as it may sound. Habitual smokes who go off cigarette face withdrawal symptoms, undergo stress and even face cravings. When faced with such challenges in the absence of a guiding force, smokers often go back to smoking again.

The ones struggling with their habit who find little or no success through traditional smoking cessation techniques can benefit from counselling. The counsellor or the coach gives smokers the motivation to quit smoking by helping them recognise the dangers of their habit, developing their coping skills and giving them the necessary push to go ahead with their plan. Speaking to someone also helps them manage their withdrawal better. Above everything, it also gives smokers the feeling that they are not alone in their struggles.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2018 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).