Although it may not seem like it, more women smoke than you might realize. According to a report from the CDC, 11% of America's 30.8 million reported smokers are women. Although this figure is lower than the total number of male smokers (14.1%), studies suggest that women find it harder to quit smoking than men.
But why is this the case? Read on to find out what makes it harder for women to quit smoking — and what you can do to pull this feat off yourself.
Why is it Harder for Women to Quit Smoking?
A 2021 study published in the BMJ Open finds that psychological factors like stress are among the main barriers to smoking cessation in women. Unlike men, who smoke more often because of the stimulating effects of nicotine, women are more likely to smoke to regulate their mood. And even though barriers related to stress or mood regulation and environmental factors are common in both men and women, the study found that women seem to be affected by a greater number of barriers and distinct stress-related barriers. These may include sensory aspects, the lack of social support, and the fear of weight gain. As such, women find it more difficult to stop smoking.
Smoking Cessation Tips for Women
Connect with friends
Social support can help you in your smoking cessation efforts. A 2022 study from Preventive Medicine Reports reveals that female smokers who are always present in peer support groups have more than four times the odds of abstinence than those who don't attend. This is why if you want to increase your chances of smoking cessation, it's best to connect with friends or fellow smokers with the same goal since this will provide you with the moral support you need to quit. Even our previous article 'Healthy Habits Advice' found that, like when you want to lose weight, having someone who will encourage and support you can motivate you to keep pursuing your goals. And with today's technology, connecting with friends is possible even if you're not physically together. You can use instant messaging applications, social media sites, and telecommunications platforms like Telegram, Facebook, and Zoom to converse with friends and even join online support groups for female smoking cessation.
Quit gradually rather than cold turkey
Quitting cold turkey can lead to relapse. Instead, try quitting gradually by lowering your intake over time using tobacco-free alternatives like nicotine pouches and patches. Nicotine pouches are oral products placed between the gum and upper lip. These can be used for up to an hour. The nicotine pouches sold on Prilla are available in flavors ranging from mint to coffee to suit your preferences. Their varying sizes also mean you can discreetly use them whenever you need to combat nicotine withdrawal. Meanwhile, the nicotine patch is a sticker-like adhesive placed on the skin. The nicotine patches by GlaxoSmithKline are waterproof, sweatproof, and can regularly release nicotine into the bloodstream for up to 24 hours. Both pouches and patches come in different nicotine strengths, so you can lower your intake over time for greater effect. In fact, a 2013 Office on Women's Health interview of former smoker Pamela Worth reveals that smoking cessation products were crucial in the success of her quitting journey.