The Latest Updates in National Smoking Cessation Efforts

According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of American adults who smoke say they want to stop smoking. Additionally, over 50% of adult smokers attempt to quit each year.

Fortunately, the national government and various health organizations are eagerly reinforcing smoking cessation programs that aim to support individuals in their smoking cessation journeys. Through these projects, anti-smoking stakeholders also hope to encourage current smokers to consider quitting for the sake of their health, too.

In this article, we will discuss three of the most pressing and updated national smoking cessation efforts happening today:

Nationwide anti-tobacco health campaigns

Anti-tobacco health campaigns are not entirely new, but since organizations actively update the goals of these campaigns, they remain relevant in helping smokers quit. One example of this is the Healthy People 2030 campaign spearheaded by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). From planning to reduce smoking prevalence to 14% in 2018, the organization has ambitiously updated its goal to lower smoking use to 5% in 2030.

According to Lisa Lacasse of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), this is possible by passing policies to further reduce tobacco use, such as significant tobacco tax increases. It will also include expansive implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws in most US states and allocating adequate funds for tobacco health education programs. With this campaign, health experts like Lacasse believe it will help individuals cease their smoking habits and ultimately promote a smoke-free community.

Crackdown on e-cigarettes

Next, the recent crackdown on e-cigarettes is further decreasing the use of smoking and vapor products in the US. In our previous article on ‘NC Attorney General Josh Stein Takes E-Cigarette Maker JUUL To Court’, we explained that the case started when North Carolina Attorney General Stein filed a lawsuit against Juul for deceptive marketing practices. According to Stein, Juul is promoting their e-cigarettes by misrepresenting the potency and danger of nicotine in its products, which means they’re violating the state’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Because the company couldn’t sufficiently provide data to contend these claims, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on all Juul e-cigarette products in the country last year. And since Juul is the leading manufacturer of e-cigarettes, the restriction imposed on these products will result in a decline in e-cigarette use. This can lead to the adoption of other alternatives or even contribute to more people finally trying to quit smoking.

Adoption of NRT products

Another trend in national smoking cessation efforts today is the increased adoption of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). These are quit-smoking medications that alleviate the severe withdrawal symptoms that smokers experience by giving them controlled amounts of nicotine. One of the newest NRT products making waves in the present market is nicotine pouches. As seen with nicotine pouches from leading brands like ZYN, these products are small white sachets placed inside the mouth to release nicotine through the gums. Since they come in various flavors and strengths, ranging from 3mg to 6mg, they can make the smoking cessation journey more enjoyable.

Apart from nicotine pouches, there are nicotine patches from manufacturers like GlaxoSmithKline. Users can receive reliable and long-lasting nicotine relief daily by simply applying the patch on the skin, typically on the upper chest and arm. They’re also discreet since they are transparent and can be hidden underneath clothes. Because of these features, it’s no wonder that the NRT market will reach $5.9 billion by 2031.