Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : December 16, 2014 10:44 AM IST
After putting a hold on the decision to ban loose cigarettes, the government has now announced its plans to initiate a helpline called 'Quit Line' dedicated to help tobacco users quit.
Speaking at opening ceremony of the 3rd National Conference on Tobacco or Health programme at Tata Hospital, Amal Pushp, the director of National Tobacco Control Programme, ministry of health and family welfare mentioned that the helpline would become functional in a month's time. The helpline will offer personal counselling for tobacco users in Hindi as well as in English. The helpline will have its headquarters in Delhi.
Could a helpline help tobacco users quit?
Quitting tobacco is not so easy. It is a process that demands commitment and will power. Many a times, those addicted to tobacco have to go through a tough time where they have to fight their urge to smoke and stay tobacco-free. A helpline will keep such individuals motivated to quit and stay committed to their decision to quit. Counsellors handling the helpline are trained to provide positive messages and offer personal support to help addicts quit. They keep you reminding why you arrived at the decision to quit in the first place and keep you encouraged. More than that, a helpline can act as a personal support system which can be the biggest ally to quit tobacco use for life.
Apart from a dedicated helpline, the government is also planning to introduce tobacco cessation centres across the country. In a recent report, it was revealed that India has a higher number of smokeless tobacco users, with overall prevalence of 29.5%. Giving up the tobacco habit a cancer survivor s tale)
Image source: Getty images
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