Father Quits 13-Year-Old Addiction for the Sake of Son

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Indian Express
31 May 2011
By Priyanka Sharma

Father Quits 13-Year-Old Addiction for the Sake of Son
WITH an aim of becoming an ideal parent, Amandeep Singh, a businessman from Chandigarh, decided to quit his 13–year–long addiction – smoking. From a man who smoked 30 to 40 cigarettes a day, he has become a to a non–smoker all because his fiveyear–old child once complained about the smell of cigarettes. He is one among many residents of the city who have kicked the butt and have been living a smoke–free existence since.

A starling number of 240 million people are tobacco consumers in India. In other words, 35 per cent of Indians are tobacco users, as also indicated by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey of 2009–2010.

Onscreen heroes do not seem to provide the right inspiration. From the Chulbul Salman Khan to Badshah Shahrukh Khan, Indians may have been let down by their heroes, but a ray of hope appears in the form of ordinary people who have come out of the smoke cage after decades of imprisonment.

According to Amandeep, those who are willing to quit the habit need to have strong willpower, which should be accompanied with medical guidance. Along with the support from his family, friends and the assistance from a de–addiction centre, Anandeep has successfully quit smoking.

A child writers an anti-tobacco message during a signature campaign organised bt NGo Global Cancer Concern on Tuesdat.A child writers an anti-tobacco message during a signature campaign organised bt NGo Global Cancer Concern on Tuesdat.
Family support has also been instrumental in making DSP Satbir Singh quit smoking as well. He accounts his son to be the main source of inspiration to leave his 28–year–old long addiction. "In the two years, when I was off cigarettes, there have been several times when I had the urged to smoke but my determination kept me away from any such cravings," he added. There was a time when he smoked four packets of cigarettes a day.

Another success story also comes from a police officer, DSP Jagbir Singh. He has been able to successfully keep away from tobacco for eight months. A chain smoker for 35 years, his wife persistence made him quit the addiction. "I feel better now, my determination has resulted in the happiness of my family, which is a great relief," he said. He feels that with the lack of determination all kinds of anti–tobacco treatments can be fruitless. Nursing students participate in a in Mohali. JASBIR MALHI

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