In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Dr. V.S. Gideon, Managing Director of Living Sober Rehabilitation Center, breaks down the science of smoking addiction, the struggles of withdrawal and why quitting requires more than just willpower
fatima hasan
Every year, on the second Wednesday of March, No Smoking Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of quitting smoking. This year, No Smoking Day carries the theme “Unmasking the Appeal”—highlighting the deceptive allure of smoking and encouraging people to see through its false glamour.
On this occasion, The Pioneer had an exclusive conversation with Dr. V.S. Gideon, Managing Director of Living Sober Rehabilitation Center, to understand how smoking develops as an addiction, the importance of quitting and the ways to successfully overcome it.
Dr. Gideon explains that smoking is an addiction that affects the brain. It is classified as a brain disorder and there is no known cure for it. He elaborates that addiction is driven by dopamine, a chemical in the brain that generates a feeling of satisfaction. “Every person has dopamine, which is also known as the ‘feel-good’ factor. When you experience pleasure from smoking, dopamine is released. Over time, this leads to addiction,” he says.
Initially, smoking may start voluntarily, often due to peer pressure or passion, but over time, the brain begins to crave that pleasurable feeling. “An extra release of dopamine makes the brain recognize smoking as a source of increased happiness. Eventually, the brain rewires itself, sending altered messages that say: If I don’t smoke, I cannot function.”
Many believe quitting smoking is simply about willpower, but Dr. Gideon dismisses this notion. He asserts that there is no medicinal cure for smoking addiction. Some organizations may prescribe medicines, but even the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there are no medications that can permanently eliminate smoking addiction.
“At our rehabilitation center, we don’t just prescribe medicines. Instead, we follow a compassionate approach, sitting with smokers, understanding their addiction, and identifying their triggers,” he explains. The Living Sober Rehabilitation Center focuses on creating awareness about addiction and helping individuals recognize their vulnerabilities rather than simply offering a quick fix.
One of the biggest challenges of quitting smoking is dealing with withdrawal symptoms. These include palpitations, tremors, sweating, hallucinations, sleeplessness, irritability, and aggression. Dr. Gideon emphasizes that quitting smoking must be an abrupt decision. “If a person smokes ten cigarettes a day and tries to reduce it gradually, the brain will still demand the original quantity. More often than not, people relapse and end up smoking even more,” he warns.
Instead of slowly cutting down, he advises quitting entirely and seeking professional support to manage withdrawal. The rehab center provides holistic programs such as meditation, yoga, and therapy sessions to help individuals cope with cravings and maintain long-term sobriety. “Meditation calms the brain and helps people quit smoking, but it does not work unless they are fully committed,” he states.
While support from family and friends is important, quitting smoking is ultimately an individual commitment. He asserts, “A person makes the decision to smoke, and similarly, the decision to quit must come from them.” That said, family members play a key role in providing moral support. They need to understand that smoking addiction is a brain disorder and support their loved ones in their recovery journey. A positive social circle can encourage a person to quit, but the effort must come from the individual.
Dr. Gideon strongly discourages substituting cigarettes with e-cigarettes or vaping, calling it an ineffective solution. “When a person is addicted to one substance, their brain records that addiction. Switching to another substance does not help because the brain still craves the original source of pleasure,” he explains. Instead, quitting must be absolute and final, with no alternatives.
One of the most difficult aspects of quitting smoking is the possibility of relapse. Dr. Gideon emphasizes that the brain never forgets addiction. Even years after quitting, certain situations can trigger intense cravings. “Patients need to understand that addiction is a lifelong battle. That’s why we tell them that quitting smoking is a maintenance program, not a one-time cure,” he explains. To suppress cravings, individuals must follow structured sobriety techniques. If they consistently apply these techniques, they send a strong message to their brain that they have quit smoking for good.
A common concern among those quitting smoking is weight gain. Dr. Gideon dismisses this as a misinterpretation of health recovery. “Smoking deteriorates physical health. When a person quits, their efficiency improves, their appetite returns and they eat better. It’s not about gaining weight—it’s about regaining health,” he says. While quitting smoking is a personal decision, government intervention is necessary to reduce smoking rates. Dr. Gideon criticizes the lack of strict implementation of smoking bans. “The government imposes fines and penalties for smoking in public places, but how many people are actually penalized?” he questions.
He believes stronger policies, stricter enforcement, and better awareness initiatives are needed to truly combat smoking addiction. Dr. Gideon urges smokers to make the decision to quit and follow through with determination. “Addiction is powerful, but your will to quit can be stronger. The first step is believing in yourself,” he says.
For those struggling to quit, he strongly advises seeking professional counseling. “Meeting a de-addiction counselor is the first and most effective step to overcoming triggers,” he adds. At Living Sober Rehabilitation Center, individuals receive personalized therapy and structured recovery programs that focus on long-term sobriety rather than temporary solutions. “It’s not just about quitting for a few weeks—it’s about quitting for life,” he concludes.
