Choosing to quit smoking is a crucial decision that triggers a series of healing processes in the body. According to Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, physiological changes begin almost immediately after cessation. Within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure start to normalize, while 12 hours after quitting, carbon monoxide levels decrease and oxygen levels increase. Over the following weeks, lung function and circulation improve significantly. Long-term abstention leads to a substantial reduction in disease risks: after one year, the risk of coronary heart disease drops, and by five years, the stroke risk is significantly lower due to improved blood vessel health. After 10 years, lung cancer risk declines dramatically compared to those who continue smoking, and after 15 years, heart disease risk approaches that of a non-smoker. Despite the challenges of nicotine withdrawal, which can include mood swings and irritability, the long-term benefits of quitting smoking far outweigh these temporary discomforts.