As 2025 begins, many people are setting resolutions to improve their health鈥攁nd quitting smoking or vaping remains one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Whether you鈥檙e a teen hooked on vaping or an adult who鈥檚 smoked cigarettes for decades, breaking free from nicotine can dramatically improve your quality of life. Yet, quitting isn鈥檛 easy, and many who try are derailed by intense cravings, mood swings, and the physical grip of addiction. That鈥檚 why finding the right support is key. As a naturopathic physician, my role is to help people to take charge of their health. So over that last 14 years, I鈥檝e studied the art and science of quitting nicotine and developed a multi-faceted approach to help people.

Let鈥檚 start with vaping, which has become a major concern for teens. While it鈥檚 often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is far from harmless. E-cigarettes deliver high doses of nicotine鈥攐ften more than traditional cigarettes鈥攊n a form that鈥檚 easy to overuse. This makes them highly addictive, especially for young brains that are still developing. Beyond nicotine, e-cigarettes contain chemicals that can irritate the lungs and have been linked to serious health issues, including the "vaping-related lung injuries" seen in recent years. Teens who vape are also more likely to transition to traditional cigarettes, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of nicotine addiction.

For adults who鈥檝e smoked for decades, the stakes are just as high. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, contributing to heart disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, and countless other health problems. While the damage caused by years of smoking can鈥檛 be entirely undone, quitting now will immediately reduce your risk of further harm. You鈥檒l breathe easier, feel more energetic, and enjoy the long-term benefits of a smoke-free life.

Why is it so hard to quit? Methods like quitting cold turkey often fail due to intense withdrawal symptoms and the psychological pull of nicotine. Nicotine gums and patches may ease withdrawal, but they keep your body dependent on nicotine and can be costly over time. They also don鈥檛 address the behavioural patterns and triggers that often lead to relapse.

Our program includes painless laser 鈥渁cupuncture鈥�, natural medicines, and psychological strategies to address both the physical and mental sides of nicotine addiction. This integrated approach aims to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and provide tools for long-term success. Laser therapy, a cornerstone of our program, uses gentle laser beams to stimulate specific points on the body. It works much like acupuncture to reduce cravings, calm the nervous system, and support withdrawal. When paired with natural medicines that aid detoxification and mood balance, the physical hurdles of quitting become far less daunting.

Equally important are the psychological strategies for staying smoke-free. Identifying triggers, managing stress, practicing mindfulness and building a solid support system are key components of long-term success. By addressing these aspects, we aim to give people the tools they need to quit for good.

Breaking free from nicotine is a journey, but it鈥檚 one worth taking. Whether you鈥檙e worried about your teen鈥檚 vaping habit or ready to quit cigarettes after years of smoking, there are ways to make the process smoother and more effective. With the right support, you can reclaim your health and enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free life.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician practicing in downtown Courtenay. www.getwellhere.com/quit-smoke-now/ or 250 897-0235.