Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is proving to be effective. According to the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA), the therapy helped more than 10 people quit tobacco and tobacco products in just three months. Catering to the needs of people who are trying to quit tobacco, the authority launched the NRT in November last year.
On average, at least two people visit the BNCA to avail themselves of the services in a day. As per the severity, the authority then provides NRT in a form of gum and patches which will help the tobacco users with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
According to an official from the BNCA, to date, more than 250 people have registered with the authority and are currently undergoing the therapy. He said it takes a maximum of two months for a person to complete the whole procedure.
“Those who use tobacco are actually addicted to the nicotine and in the process of getting that nicotine, they also land up taking in hundreds of harmful chemicals which causes cancers and various other types of diseases. So, people who are registered with this program will get the nicotine in a very harmless way,” said Sonam Jamtsho, the Deputy Chief for Demand Reduction Division with the BNCA.
“I started using tobacco since I was in Class PP. I wanted to stop but didn’t know how to. When the BNCA announced the therapy, I decided to take part in it. It really helped me,” said Jigme Namgyel, a recovered tobacco user.
“It helped me a lot. It has been almost a month since I stopped smoking,” said another who chose to remain anonymous.
Following the demand, the authority plans to roll out the service in other districts as well. And, as per the World Health Organisation, NRT is also safe for pregnant women who want to quit tobacco.
Pema Seldon Tshering
