SAEDNEWS: Let’s not forget that women are one of the tobacco industry’s largest targets. Through diverse marketing strategies, the industry seeks to link women’s tobacco use to beauty, freedom, and prestige. Women are being actively targeted because, compared to men, fewer have joined the ranks of tobacco consumers.
According to Saed News, citing IRNA, marketing strategies in the tobacco industry often mislead consumers with labels such as “light” or “low-tar” cigarettes. The World Health Organization reports that more women than men use these types of cigarettes. Many “light” cigarette smokers assume they are safer, but in reality, they compensate for lower nicotine by smoking more cigarettes or taking deeper puffs—resulting in the same nicotine intake as regular cigarettes.
We are not here to deceive you: quitting smoking is not easy. But millions of people, just like you, have quit and never returned. With readiness and determination, you can succeed too.
Official Translation Services Across Iran at Standard Rates
Many women are surprised by the positive feelings they experience after quitting:
Greater Sense of Control Over Life
Women who quit often feel more in control because they no longer have to plan their day around smoking. They are no longer concerned about finding places to smoke or inconveniencing others.
Free from Cigarette Odor
Women enjoy quitting because their hair, clothes, home, car, and breath no longer smell of smoke. They also regain the ability to fully enjoy the scents of food, flowers, and perfumes.
Reduced Worries
Women experience less anxiety because they no longer worry about running out of cigarettes. They also save money and no longer stress about the health risks of smoking.
Better Appearance and Energy
Many women report healthier, more radiant skin after quitting. They have more energy, walk more actively, play with their children, and feel generally more vibrant.
While you may have heard about smoking’s link to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, it also causes other health issues in women:
Reduced bone density
Rheumatoid arthritis
Cataracts
Oral diseases
Stomach ulcers
Slower recovery after surgery or injury
Depression
Menstrual problems
Early menopause
Pregnancy complications
Respiratory problems
Congratulations on deciding to quit! This guide, developed with input from experts and former smokers, will help you prepare for quitting, anticipate challenges, and navigate the days and weeks ahead.
Four Questions to Ask Yourself Before Quitting
Are you unsure about quitting?
It’s normal to feel uncertain. Many people experience this. Don’t let it stop you—every day may bring doubts, but don’t abandon your plan. The effort is worth it.
Do you know what’s in a cigarette?
Understanding cigarette ingredients and their effects on the body is a powerful tool in managing your quit journey.
Why do you want to quit?
Identify personal reasons for quitting. Write them down and place the list where your cigarettes used to be—your bag, kitchen, or car. This will serve as a constant reminder.
Why is quitting so hard?
Smoking has been a major part of your life. Nicotine addiction takes time to overcome, and it may take multiple attempts to quit permanently. Millions have done it—you can too.
Even if you feel anxious, taking these steps will maximize your chances of success:
Set a Quit Date
Choose a date soon enough to maintain motivation, but allow yourself time to prepare. For workplace smokers, holidays can be an ideal time.
Tell Your Support Network
Share your plan with family, friends, and coworkers. Support makes quitting easier.
Ask if they notice mood changes and reassure them it will be temporary.
Find a quit buddy or at least someone who will not smoke around you.
Speak with other women who have successfully quit. Even limited support can help.
Anticipate Challenges
Many relapse within the first three months. Plan for this period:
Identify triggers—people, places, or situations that tempt you to smoke—and avoid them.
Prepare for cravings; they often last only a few minutes. Have 10-minute distraction activities ready.
Learn about withdrawal symptoms to better manage them.
Remove Tobacco from Your Environment
Cigarettes and smoking reminders are everywhere: home, car, workplace.
Clean thoroughly: clothes, drawers, car interiors. Buy flowers and enjoy their fragrance.
Discard cigarettes, lighters, matches, and ashtrays.
Consider dental cleaning to remove stains.
Avoid keeping even one pack for “occasional use”—it increases relapse risk.
Remember, other tobacco products (hookah, pipes, etc.) are also harmful.
Consult Your Doctor
Your physician can guide your quit plan and recommend suitable medications, counseling, classes, or support groups.
According to the Tobacco-Free Association, cravings come and go and will eventually pass permanently. Be patient—each craving lasts only a few minutes.
Helpful strategies include:
Go to smoke-free places: libraries, museums, theaters, and stores.
Keep something in your hands: pencil, paperclip, stress ball, or water bottle.
Keep something in your mouth: toothpick, sugar-free candy or gum, or carrot sticks.
Drink more water or juice (avoid acidic juices).
Brush your teeth or take a walk after meals instead of smoking.
If you used to smoke in the car, switch to public transport, take new routes, or listen to new music.
Change daily routines that trigger smoking.
