MONTREAL — Nicotine addiction takes several forms as this addictive agent is found not only in cigarettes, but also in vaping. Added to this is a relatively new player: nicotine pouches.
Nicotine sachets take the shape of a small tea bag that is placed between the gum and the lip. It is a different product from chewing tobacco for which you have to spit constantly.
Nicotine sachets are popular especially with athletes and professionals who want to stay awake for a long time. “We see a very important phenomenon emerging on the horizon,” warns Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist and official spokesperson for the “I Quit, I Win Challenge.”
According to Mr. Chagnon, the tobacco industry has developed a new, more fashionable way “of finding disciples for nicotine addiction.” He points out that medications and tools are also available for people addicted to nicotine sachets.
Even though this product is gaining popularity, the large part of the population struggling with nicotine addiction consumes it in the form of cigarettes or vaping.
According to the most recent data from the Institute of Statistics of Quebec (ISQ), the proportion of Quebecers who smoke cigarettes is tending to decrease. It is estimated that around 11% of the population still smokes cigarettes.
The majority of them would like to quit smoking, mainly to prevent health effects, get fitter and save money.
Positive effects after just two weeks
For 25 years, more than 532,000 people managed to stop smoking cigarettes thanks to the “I Stop, I Win Challenge”, which asks participants not to smoke for six weeks, which 75% of them succeed in doing.
“There are studies which prove that stopping for six weeks increases the chances of stopping for good by six times,” explains Mr. Chagnon.
For those who would be discouraged by relapsing, the pharmacist points out that participants managed to quit smoking for good after six or seven attempts. “We must understand that stopping for six weeks, even if unfortunately we relapse afterwards, is already an incredible gain for our health,” he says.
“After two weeks of completely stopping cigarettes or vaping, we already have a gain in terms of cardio fitness, heart and lungs. Two weeks later [avoir arrêté de fumer]it’s easier to do physical training and have sustained effort.”
In Quebec, vaping is gaining popularity, especially among young people. About 22% of people aged 18 to 24 were vaping in 2023, according to ISQ data.
Mr. Chagnon specifies that the vast majority of people who vape in Quebec consume nicotine. He explains that the addictive agent is therefore the same: nicotine. He believes that people who vape are currently a bit like “guinea pigs”.
“What I mean by that is that we don’t have the same perspective as with cigarettes. We think it’s less worse than smoking, because there are a lot of harmful products in cigarettes that are absent in vaping, but we’re not 100% sure how correct that is.” Long-term effects should be known in 5 to 10 years.
One in two vapers say they want to stop. The “I Quit, I Win Challenge” addressed this population for the first time last year by accepting their registration. In total, more than 3,000 people who vape participated.
Awareness
Mr. Chagnon recognizes that smokers know very well that it is not good for their health. “The “I Quit, I Win” Challenge is not just about awareness because, indeed, I think the message is getting across well at the moment. Cigarettes, like vaping, we know are not good. The challenge isn’t just that, it’s providing the tools for people who are ready to quit,” he explains.
Support, an online community of people who have successfully quit, a call and text line as well as medication are available to challenge participants to maximize their success.
Furthermore, Quebec pharmacists also play a sometimes overlooked role in the fight against nicotine. For about five years, pharmacists have been able to prescribe all smoking cessation medications. “Before we could prescribe patches, gums, lozenges. Now, we can also prescribe medications that are taken by mouth and that are more effective than patches,” says Mr. Chagnon.
Throughout the year, a person who wishes to quit smoking can consult a pharmacist who will be able to determine the best medication to help them in their process.
The consultation is free and smoking cessation medications are covered by the Régie de l’assurance santé du Québec.
This year’s edition of the “I Quit, I Win Challenge” takes place from February 3 to March 16. People who manage to stay smoke-free for six weeks have a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000. Interested people can register on the defitabac.ca website.
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