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A Day to Encourage Commercial Tobacco Users to Quit

by Alberta Becenti, MPH, Public Health Advisor for the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program, Indian Health Service

For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has designated the third Thursday of November as an opportunity for people who smoke to quit or make a plan to quit. In observance of the Great American Smokeout, the Indian Health Service is providing prevention activities to encourage commercial tobacco users to make plans to quit, to learn about the harms of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, and to participate in alternative wellness activities.

Why is it hard for tobacco users to quit?

The nicotine in tobacco is an addictive substance that makes it very difficult for people who want to quit smoking. Using any tobacco products that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs, can lead to nicotine addiction. When a person inhales cigarette smoke, the nicotine in the smoke is rapidly absorbed into the blood and starts affecting the brain within 8 seconds. Smokers may experience feelings of pleasure and an increased concentration that only lasts for a few minutes. When tobacco users attempt to quit, they may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and an inability to concentrate. These unpleasant sensations make it difficult for smokers to quit.

How can we help smokers?

Many tobacco users would like to quit and may have tried several times to quit. Studies indicate that using Nicotine Replacement Therapy cessation aids such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhalers, and nicotine lozenges can increase a person’s smoking cessation success, especially with counseling support. It is important to promote and provide cessation services to smokers who are ready to quit. If local cessation services are not available, refer to 1-800-QUIT-NOW or the Smokefree.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  text messaging program.

Why should we be concerned about tobacco use?

We respect the sacred and traditional use of tobacco among tribal communities. For centuries, some tribes have used traditional tobacco for ceremonies, prayers, and medical purposes. In our efforts, we are addressing commercial tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. The use of tobacco increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Cigarette smoking continues to remain high among American Indian and Alaska Native adults, at 33.9% compared to 14.0% among U.S. adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  , 26% of American Indian and Alaska Native women reported smoking during their last three months of pregnancy, compared to 14.3% of whites, 0.9% of African Americans, 3.4% of Hispanics, and 2.1% of Asians and Pacific Islanders.

What resources and strategies are available to address tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke?

Additional resources on e-cigarettes:

Check with your IHS HP/DP Coordinators about Great American Smokeout events at your sites.

Related content:

Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

Tobacco Prevention

Smokefree.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 


Alberta Becenti, MPH, Public Health Advisor for the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program, Indian Health Service
Alberta Becenti is from the Navajo (Dine') Nation in New Mexico. She serves as a Public Health Advisor for the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program within the Division of Clinical and Community Services at the Indian Health Service headquarters. Alberta coordinates all aspects of effective health promotion and chronic disease prevention programs to improve health by enhancing preventive efforts at local, regional, and national levels.