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Why?

Because smoking is legal – Even though they’re increasingly expensive, you can buy cigarettes and tobacco products when you’re 18 and just about anywhere.

Because nicotine is highly addictive - the physical addiction affects mood, alertness and concentration but there is also a psychosocial addiction that may be even stronger. That means that many smoke to relieve anxiety, anger and stress.

If you’re living with HIV, you’re no stranger to anxiety, stress and a range of other emotions that the average Joe smoker doesn’t have to deal with – but it’s also more important that YOU quit than the average Joe smoker and here’s why:

While smoking doesn’t make the HIV infection worse, studies show that people living with HIV who smoke are more likely to get HIV related infections and of course at a increased risk of other smoking –related diseases.

How Smoking Can Affect You

• PCP Pneumonia and Oral Thrush are more common amongst HIV smokers.
• Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, high blood pressure and stroke.
• Emphysema is more common in HIV positive smokers.
• You can be more likely to suffer side-effects from your HIV medications.
• You can be more likely to develop osteoporosis.
• Smoking can interfere with the processing of medications by the liver.

Now Is The Time To Do Something About It!

Luckily today it is easier than ever to quit smoking with the availability of medicines and nicotine replacements and plenty of information in pamphlets, self-help books and online. Because you are HIV positive, please consult your physician. They can be a fantastic resource and help you choose a good and safe way for you to kick the habit!

Once you’ve made the decision to quit, here are some tips by the American Cancer Society (which has a fantastic web site: American Cancer Society) to help you along the way:

Set A Quit Date And Make A Plan

Select a date not so far in the future so you can change your mind, no longer than a month. Make a commitment to it. If you’re going cold turkey, make sure you have plenty of substitutes – gum, coffee stirrers, toothpicks and so on. If you’re using a prescription drug, you may need to start before your quit day. Make sure you have thrown out all of the cigarettes and ashtrays. Tell your friends to solidify your commitment to quitting and set up a support group.

Dealing With Withdrawal

There is both physical and mental withdrawal. For the physical symptoms, there are many nicotine replacements available for the short-term. The mental withdrawal can be more challenging. Cigarettes were a way of your lifestyle. You may have smoked with coffee or while chatting with friends. You may have to temporarily change your habits. Try to avoid temptation, rationalization and find ways to reward yourself when you do.

Staying Quit

Use your support group. If you don’t have one set up consider attending stop-smoking classes that your ASO or area health clinic might have. There are also Nicotine Anonymous groups that you can look into. Above all, if you have a “slip” and smoke in a moment of weakness, regroup and make it just a “slip” - it’s up to you.

Copyright 2018, Positive Health Publications, Inc.

This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!