Most people who use tobacco products know they pose long term threats to their health. However, many people may believe some tobacco myths that keep them from moving on to a tobacco-free life. Let’s bust some popular ones.

Myth: I Can Quit Anytime I Want To

Fact: People who use tobacco sometimes say they don’t want to quit right now but when they decide they want to, it will be easy for them. However, nicotine in tobacco products is addictive. Quitting tobacco can be hard, but there are lots of resources here to help you succeed. The sooner you quit, the sooner you will enjoy the benefits of a tobacco-free life.

Myth: I Don’t Smoke Enough Cigarettes for Tobacco to Harm My Health

Fact: There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. Smoking just a cigarette or two a day exposes you to dangerous chemicals. It also more than doubles your risk of dying from heart disease.

Myth: A Healthy Lifestyle Can Balance Out the Negative Effects Smoking Has on A Person’s Health

Fact: You can’t “balance out” the damage smoking does to your body. Tobacco harms nearly every organ in your body. No amount of exercise, healthy eating or supplements can undo that damage.

Myth: Tobacco Helps Me Manage My Stress

Fact: Tobacco tricks your brain into thinking it helps you calm down. The calm you experience after lighting a cigarette or vaping is just the feeling of satisfying your nicotine addiction. Using tobacco does not solve the problem that caused your stress in the first place.

Myth: Vaping is Not Bad for My Health

Fact: While vaping is believed to be safer than smoking cigarettes, it still exposes you to addictive nicotine and other harmful substances. It can also raise your heart rate and spike your adrenaline levels.

If you’re ready to move past the myths and into a tobacco-free reality, there are a lot of resources available to help you quit tobacco. You can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or by checking out the tools and resources here and here.