Out of the 28.3 million American smokers recorded by the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) in 2023, almost 70% have expressed the desire to quit. Unfortunately, the rate of successful quit attempts is infamously low. Less than 10% of those who try to manage to cease smoking long-term. More so, the chances of quitting may even be smaller for smokers who travel, as instability is one of the causes of smoking.
Being on the road means that smokers may unintentionally be exposed to triggers, and accessing the usual smoking cessation methods may be more challenging. If you’re having a hard time quitting smoking while traveling, listed below are some tips that may help.
Stay hydrated
Drinking water is often overlooked as a smoking cessation method for its simplicity, but studies have proven its effects are significant. Smokers have observed that drinking water cancels withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and constipation, thus alleviating the need to reach out for another cigarette. Furthermore, as emphasized previously in our article ‘Essential Tips for Combating Allergies While Traveling’, staying hydrated is essential for traveling, especially on planes, as they often have unusual humidity levels. To help with this, bringing a water bottle with you when you’re on the go is recommended. Earlier this year, Travel and Leisure released a list in which they ranked the Thermoflask as the best reusable water bottle for traveling due to its durability and ability to keep water cold for hours.
Know where to get NRTs
Procuring smoking alternatives are easy at home, but travelers may have a harder time finding any at their destination. Fortunately, the popularity of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products has made them accessible mostly anywhere online. These are smokeless products that deliver nicotine in controlled dosages and have been proven effective in weaning off smokers from cigarettes. For a discreet option that can be used in traveling hotspots, the nicotine pouch is tucked under the upper lip to release nicotine. As exhibited by the nicotine pouches on Prilla, they are tobacco-free and don’t contain the toxic chemicals of cigarettes. For travelers exploring the US, these nicotine pouches can be found in many convenience stores. Prilla also offers 24-hour express delivery within the US, which is ideal for those who are frequently on the move. Users can also opt for Nicorette gum which is chewed but still has to be held between the cheeks and the gum to be effective. This can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon, which takes up to a week for shipping.
Try being a daredevil
One of the unique parts of traveling is that it exposes you to new activities. Most destination spots have unique tourist attractions that involve being adventurous and getting the blood pumping. Fortunately, studies have proven that being active can help smokers curb cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Lots of movement can release endorphins or hormones that can make you feel happy and lessen stress, which is a major trigger for smoking. It also serves as ample distraction and can help you recenter your headspace away from nicotine cravings. Some famous exciting tourist activities that can help you stay off smoking are hiking, ziplining, off-roading, skydiving, and scuba diving.
Be familiar with local quitlines
Several researchers have discovered that the chances of smoking cessation can increase by up to 80% with behavioral support. Though it may seem challenging to find a quit-smoking program that can help when traveling, most places have accessible local quitlines that provide resources and assistance that can help with stopping. A study from the National Library of Medicine highlights that most cigarette packages are actually required to carry the hotlines and information of local smoking cessation programs. Additionally, smokers can just contact the nationwide number 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669), which will automatically connect them to the cessation counselors of the state that they are in.
Stopping the habit while traveling may be hard, but as shown above, there are ways to overcome it.