For many people, quitting may be seen as a sign of weakness. Oftentimes, quitters are branded as “losers” or those who gave up the fight. But when it comes to quitting smoking, quitters are the real winners, accomplishing more for their health and well-being.
In celebration of World No Tobacco Day and to mark the beginning of the National No Smoking Month, Nicorette Philippines hosted a virtual event last May 31 that aimed to inspire and encourage Filipino dissonant smokers to commit to quit for good, aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s theme for the year.
The event was streamed live by over 700 people nationwide and was attended by a number of dissonant smokers looking to start their quitting journeys.
Nicorette Philippines Senior Brand Manager Jason Khu shared, “In bringing Nicorette to the Philippines, we recognized that not everyone has the same experience when it comes to quitting smoking. With that in mind, our goal was to empower and complement their quitting journeys, so that they may be able to make quitting possible for themselves with the help of our smoking cessation product.”
Dr. Joel Santiaguel, a Fellow of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, spoke about the effectivity of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), emphasizing that with the use of NRTs, smokers will be able to manage their withdrawal symptoms better and have higher chances of success in quitting the habit.
He shared, “NRTs have been proven effective by several global studies for many years. How it works is that it replaces your supply of nicotine without making yourself vulnerable to the harmful chemicals found in a cigarette. Over time and regular use, it will ease you out of your nicotine dependence and eventually stop the craving for another stick.”
Relying on willpower vs holistic support
In the 2015 Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey, it was found that only 4.0 percent of those who’ve tried have successfully quit smoking, despite the high interest and willingness to stop among Filipino adult smokers. According to the WHO, the low success rates were mostly due to quitters’ heavy reliance on willpower alone.
Dr. Santiaguel also emphasized how quitting smoking does not need to be a lonely journey, and that one’s family and friends play an important role in bettering one’s health and well-being.
Quit Ambassadors Troy Montero and IC Mendoza echoed the same sentiments as they shared their own experiences with quitting smoking and encouraged those who may be going through the same situations to continue in their journeys—reminding everyone that the results are indeed worth it.
Together with the brand, they gave away 30 starter packs to 30 Filipino quitters to get them started on their individual journeys.
Nicorette’s 2mg medicated chewing gum is on sale for 20 percent off on all Mercury Drug stores nationwide throughout the whole month of June, in celebration of National No Smoking Month. The product is also available in all major drugstores nationwide and online via certified e-commerce platforms. Standard retail price is at P240.00 for a pack of 15 pieces.
Nicorette is a form of NRT that is available over the counter, which does not need a prescription from your doctor. Other resources available in the country include the Department of Health Quitline 1558, the official Nicorette savings calculator, and the online Quitters Community.