Quit tobacco: smoking, bidi, gutka, khaini
तंबाकू और गुटखा
Nicotine is highly addictive. Most people need several attempts — medicines double or triple the chance of success.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Using tobacco soon after waking
- Strong craving, irritability when without it
- Failed attempts to quit
- Mouth ulcers, white patches, reduced mouth opening (see a doctor)
- Cough, breathlessness
Causes
- Early start in teenage years
- Habit linked to tea, meals, toilet or stress
- Peer and workplace use
Risk factors
- Starting in school years; family members who use tobacco
- Using tobacco with tea, after meals or during work breaks
How it is diagnosed
- Type and amount of tobacco, time to first use after waking, past quit attempts
- Mouth examination for white/red patches; lung check for smokers
Classification: ICD-10 F17 · ICD-11 6C4A
Treatment options
- 1Choosing a quit date and a personal plan
- 2Nicotine replacement (gum, lozenges, patches) used correctly
- 3Prescription medicines when suitable
- 4Counselling for triggers and craving
- 5Follow-up to prevent relapse
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Brief behavioural counselling with a quit date and trigger plan
Guidance for family
- Make the home tobacco-free and support the quit date
When to see a psychiatrist
- You have tried to quit and failed
- Mouth changes or persistent cough — get checked
- You want to quit before surgery, pregnancy or for heart health
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is gutka less harmful than cigarettes?
No. Smokeless tobacco is a major cause of mouth cancer in India.
Will I gain weight after quitting?
Some people gain a little; diet and activity advice helps. The health benefit is far greater.
Is there a tobacco self-check?
Yes, our free tobacco/gutka checklist is available in Hindi and English.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.