Quitx Wellness launches app-based smoking, tobacco cessation programme

The programme enables tobacco users to quit, reduce nicotine dependence from products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, even bidis

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Quitx Wellness launched an app-based smoking and tobacco cessation programme to help users quit smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption. Quitx, the app has been developed and curated using cognitive-behavioural and Nicotine Replacement Therapies. With the help of healthcare professionals, Quitx has curated a 90 days cessation programme that enables a tobacco user to quit and reduce nicotine dependence from products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products and even bidis.

Study states that there are a total 266.8 million tobacco users in India out of which 7 per cent use smoking tobacco products, 17 per cent use smokeless tobacco products, 4 per cent use both the forms. Due to the lack of awareness about the harm, ingrained cultural attitudes and lack of support for cessation escalates the tobacco use in the community, resulting in more than 10 million deaths yearly. Deprived tobacco cessation advice and support acts as a significant barrier for the implementation of tobacco cessation programmes. Two million people enroll for India’s quit tobacco programme in a year but 80 per cent of these tobacco users relapse at least once when trying to quit on their own. 

Francie Patel, Co-Founder, Quitx Wellness said, ”The first step to quitting is by recognising and acknowledging the level of dependence on tobacco. The foundation of any cessation programme is to understand the users dependence on nicotine and willingness to quit. By keeping these two parameters at the centre, Quitx will make the quitting journey a lot easier. It’s an excellent platform for users who want to go cold turkey but are afraid to do so. It will help them make their choice of going cold turkey easy and stay on course by constantly conversing with them and guiding through the process until they achieve their goal.”

According to a recent poll-study, 72 per cent of India’s exclusive combustible tobacco users between the age group of 18-24 years have attempted to quit smoking during the COVID19 lockdown. In the wake of the current situation, it is essential to empower these users with the right tools and techniques that will enable them to continue their quit journey. For a high nicotine-dependent user, the probability of him relapsing is very high. If we take advantage of new cessation and harm reduction technologies we can save millions of lives from tobacco-related death.

“Quitx is focussed on creating a tailored experience for the smoker during his journey. We understand that every individual’s reasons and triggers for using tobacco are different and also their cravings and coping mechanisms need to be tailored accordingly. Algorithm-based cognitive-behavioural therapies have been curated with the help of psychologists who understand the behavioural differences and the need for an effective and efficient programme that provides real-time support.” Francie further added.