Is quitting thuoc lao different from quitting cigarettes?

What it shares with cigarettes

Thuoc lao contains nicotine, and it is burned. Those two facts are the ones that matter.

Combustion produces smoke. That smoke goes into the smoker’s lungs, and into the air around them.

Nicotine produces dependence. Dependence does not care what the product is called.

For the people nearby

Thuoc lao smoke is smoke. According to GATS Vietnam, published by WHO, 45.6 percent of adults are still exposed to secondhand smoke, and 33 million people are exposed inside their own homes.

WHO states there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. That applies to smoke regardless of whether it came from a cigarette or a water pipe.

How to quit

The same as for cigarettes, because the problem being solved is the same.

Quitline counselling. 1800 6606, free, Respiratory Centre at Bach Mai Hospital, 08:00 to 22:00 daily.

Nicotine replacement therapy. Patches, gum and lozenges licensed as cessation medicine. Ask a pharmacist about the dose.

Prescription medication. On medical advice only.

One thing to prepare for separately

Thuoc lao is usually attached to a fixed social setting: a particular seat, a particular group, a particular time of day. When planning a quit, deal with that setting specifically, because it is a stronger trigger than the craving itself.