Italy's Meloni quits smoking: Expert tips to kick the habit

Many people turn to smoking as a way to cope with stress. However, health experts warn that while cigarettes may seem calming in the moment, they often create a cycle of dependence that can be difficult to break.

The topic unexpectedly came into focus during the G7 Summit on Tuesday, when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed that she had quit smoking about a month ago.

A hot mic moment captured world leaders congratulating her on the achievement. Meloni raised her hands in celebration, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney jokingly asked, "Do you have a patch?" as he pointed to his arm.

The candid exchange drew attention to a challenge millions of smokers face, that is, quitting a habit that is often closely tied to stress, routine and addiction.

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Experts say stressful jobs and smoking have long been linked.

Speaking to Firstpost, Dr Sourabh Pahuja, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, "The fact is, high-stress jobs and smoking have a long, unhealthy history together."

People often see cigarettes as a quick escape during a difficult day, but the relief may not be what it seems.

"The problem is that this ‘friend’ does silent damage to nearly every organ in the body. I’m a pulmonologist, and I’m asked this all the time: 'Does smoking really relieve stress?' Physiologically, it is the reverse," says Dr Pahuja.

Why smoking feels stress-relieving

According to Dr Pahuja, nicotine creates a temporary sense of relief by triggering dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical.

"Nicotine causes a short burst of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. The smoker has a breather. But as the nicotine starts to wear off and withdrawal kicks in, issues of irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty in concentration start appearing."

This often creates a cycle where smokers reach for another cigarette not to relieve stress itself, but to ease withdrawal symptoms caused by the previous one.

"The next cigarette is only to relieve the withdrawal from the previous one. What feels like relief from stress is often the cycle of nicotine addiction completing itself."

The hidden damage of smoking

One of the biggest dangers of smoking is that the damage often develops quietly over time.

"Unlike a fever or an injury, lungs don’t complain loudly in the early stages. A smoker can keep on working, travelling and attending meetings while lung function is progressively deteriorating," says Dr Pahuja.

It remains a leading cause of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attacks, stroke and several cancers.

He also points out that many people smoke to stay productive during stressful periods, but the habit can have the opposite effect.

"But smoking diminishes oxygen delivery, reduces cardiovascular fitness, interferes with sleep quality and increases fatigue. Put differently, the coping strategy people use to get through tough jobs could be subtly sabotaging their performance."

The good news, he says, is that quitting smoking benefits health at any age.

Six expert-backed tips to quit smoking

1. Identify your trigger moments

Many smokers associate cigarettes with specific situations such as stress, tea breaks, long drives, alcohol consumption or social interactions at work. Understanding when and why the urge appears can help people prepare for those moments and build healthier alternatives.

2. Delay the craving

When a craving strikes, try waiting for ten minutes before acting on it. Most urges peak and then gradually fade. Giving yourself even a short pause can help break the automatic habit of reaching for a cigarette.

3. Replace the ritual

Smoking is often tied to routine as much as nicotine. Instead of lighting a cigarette, try taking a short walk, practising deep breathing, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum.

Dr Pahuja says, "Just like how we distract a small child, however, unlikely it may sound, it can work."

4. Consider nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine patches, gums and lozenges can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. When used correctly, these products can make the quitting process more manageable.

5. Create accountability

Inform family members, friends or colleagues about your decision to quit. Having people who can encourage and support you often improves the chances of staying on track during difficult moments.

6. Seek professional support early

Doctors, pulmonologists, psychologists and tobacco cessation clinics can provide structured treatment plans and behavioural support. Professional guidance can be especially useful for people who have tried quitting before but struggled to stay smoke-free.

Dr Pahuja also recommends getting your lung function assessed if you are a smoker or trying to quit. He says that seeing the physical impact smoking has had on the lungs can sometimes serve as a powerful motivator to stop and stay committed to the process.