Provincial government takes more steps to help young smokers quit

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: VICHIENPETCHMAI (THINKSTOCK)
As it stands, about 18 per cent of young adults ages 20 to 24 smoke, but the provincial government is helping young smokers quit.

The provincial government is offering free counselling from a pharmacist (for up to one year) and medication through OHIP+ for young adults 24-years-old and younger to assist these individuals in their efforts to quit smoking. According to statistics from Leave The Pack Behind (LTPB), an organization committed to helping reduce the rates of tabacco usage by young adults, most young adults want to quit smoking. In addition, seven out of 10 young adults want to quit smoking within the next 30 days.

On Jan. 1, the government began covering more than 4,400 drug products for youth 24 and under. Information from the Ontario government's website states that the only requirements for youth 24 and under to have these drugs covered are a health card and an eligible prescription.

Heather Travis, manager for LTPB, explained that about 18 per cent of young adults ages 20 to 24 smoke.

“Concurrent cannabis use is [also] common in this age group, and what's important to know is that it can affect the ability to quit cigarettes. LTPB's own research has shown that among young adults who used the patch to quit, [many were] less likely to succeed if they used cannabis (or vapes for that matter),” Travis said.

Oftentimes, the cost of cessation medications to quit smoking can be a barrier for young adults. According to a Jan. 24 Ontario government press release, youth ages 18 to 24 who are participating in smoking-cessation counselling will have access to the prescription medications Champix and Zyban once a year. “These non-nicotine medications work with chemicals in your brain to reduce nicotine cravings, to make withdrawal a little easier and generally make smoking a lot less pleasurable and enjoyable,” Travis said.

Travis explained that a lot of young adults do not have a doctor or visit one. With pharmacists available for counselling, it will make [medical professionals] more accessible for young people. She added that these counselling sessions with a pharmacist can either be through Skype, phone or email. “[…] Speaking to a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist for support while quitting smoking has been shown to double someone's chances of being likely to quit,” Travis said.

Statistics from LTPB's website state that individuals who quit smoking before the age of 30 reduce the risks for cancer, heart disease and other tobacco illnesses compared to those who continue to smoke after the age of 30.

In addition to the announcement from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Travis explained that there is a new plant-based product that was recently approved by Health Canada to help smokers quit called Cytisine (Cravv). “It's classified as a natural health product and it is made by a pharmaceutical company in Canada. It's not as widely available in pharmacies. Some pharmacies carry it and some pharmacies do not. Interested smokers can buy it either on the ZPharm website or ask their pharmacist if they carry it,” Travis said. The smoking cessation product (Cytisine) costs about $60 and is taken for 25 days.