OCTOBER 17, 2023 – In March, the American Dental Association and over 40 stakeholders supported legislation aiming to make facilities of the Veterans Health Administration entirely smoke-free by banning nearly all forms of tobacco.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year, and the scientific evidence on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke is clear, convincing, and overwhelming.
The ADA’s advocacy endeavors on tobacco are part of increased efforts and resources to help veterans quit smoking. According to a study published by the Public Library of Science, researchers observed consistently higher smoking prevalence among US military service members and an even higher prevalence among US veterans. Additionally, the study showed that service members smoked more while approaching their separation from the military.
The study concluded that including smoking prevention or cessation programs in pre-separation counseling sessions and developing smoking screening and cessation programs targeting specific high-risk subgroups may reduce smoking among service members and veterans. Below are a few examples of resources and programs that are currently available to help veterans quit smoking successfully.
Overview of the resources currently available
Veterans’ smoking quitline
The CDC reports that quitlines are an effective, evidence-based tobacco cessation intervention that aids in tobacco users’ quit journeys. Quitlines offer a variety of services, including counseling, practical information on how to quit, referral to other cessation resources, and mailed self-help materials.
Furthermore, quitlines are free, confidential, and are staffed by counselors who are highly trained healthcare professionals. They also facilitate the elimination of barriers to seeking tobacco addiction treatment, such as transportation, child care, financial, or geographical barriers. Some state quitlines even offer free cessation medications or provide tobacco users with vouchers or discounts to make these medications more affordable.
Smoke-free alternatives and nicotine replacement therapies
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are quickly gaining popularity among former tobacco users as NRTs are able to relieve some of the physical withdrawal symptoms that come from cessation, which enables ex-smokers to focus on the psychological aspects of quitting. Many studies have established that NRTs can nearly double the chances of quitting successfully.
NRTs come in many forms, but one of the most popular and discreet is the nicotine pouch. These are sold online and in convenience stores. The On! nicotine pouches featured on Prilla are tobacco-free and come in a range of flavors, such as citrus, cinnamon, and wintergreen, and different strengths – 2mg, 4mg, or 8mg. The idea behind having a variety of strengths is to allow users to choose a level that suits their needs and gradually decrease it, with the eventual goal being to quit nicotine completely.
Another form of NRT is Nicorette gum which works similarly to nicotine pouches by providing nicotine to the body to decrease withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, anxiety, and irritation. However, it may cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
Preventive health services
Veterans, active duty service members, and their family members have access to TRICARE, a uniformed services health care program that brings together the health care resources of the Military Health System.
Through TRICARE, veterans can use preventive health services to detect health problems early and treat them before they become life-threatening. This includes Annual Health Promotion and Disease Prevention exams where veterans can be screened for multiple illnesses without out-of-pocket costs. TRICARE offers lung cancer screening for veterans between 50-80 years old who have a history of smoking.
Counseling
Counseling plays a crucial role in addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of smoking addiction, making it an integral component of a comprehensive smoking cessation journey. Trained counselors provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment to discuss an individual’s smoking habits, triggers, and challenges. While tools like NRTs address the physical side of quitting, counseling enables ex-smokers to manage the emotional aspects.
Studies highlight that in adults, even a brief one-time counseling session may increase smoking cessation rates by 2%. This number increases up to 16% when counseling is sought in conjunction with smoking cessation tools and medication. Moreover, counselors can recognize the warning signs of relapse and provide strategies to avoid reverting to smoking.
The enhanced efforts and resources dedicated to supporting veterans who want to quit smoking mark a significant stride toward improving the well-being of those who have served our nation. These initiatives underscore the commitment to the health and happiness of veterans nationwide.