Health Groups Intensify Efforts to Assist Black Smokers Ahead of Menthol Ban

As the Biden administration gets closer to outlawing menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, prominent health organizations are expanding their outreach to Black smokers, emphasizing the availability of help for individuals who want to stop. African Americans are more likely to choose menthol kinds than white smokers, with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids estimating that 81% of Black smokers will prefer menthol by 2020.  

Carol McGruder, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, believes that the tobacco industry’s decades-long advertising strategies, notably targeting menthol cigarettes at Black communities, are to blame for the glaring racial disparity. 

Menthol cigarettes are far more difficult to stop than regular cigarettes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black menthol users may have a more difficult time quitting than non-Hispanic white smokers. Despite this, there is a need for more trained facilitators in Black communities to assist in solving the nation’s low rates of participation in anti-smoking programs.  

Tobacco use kills nearly 45,000 African Americans each year, according to Jennifer Folkenroth, national senior director of tobacco campaigns for the American Lung Association. When individuals experience such tragic losses, the social, economic, and political structures of a country are gravely damaged.  

Menthol’s minty flavor not only reduces coughing and makes tobacco smoke less annoying, but it also acts as a solid behavioral signal, increasing the smoker’s desire for another puff. Cigarette smoking becomes more addicting when menthol interacts with brain nicotine receptors.  

Two fascinating true tales of people who battled to quit smoking menthol cigarettes are recounted. Millie Martinez, who began smoking menthols as a child, was able to kick the habit thanks to the Truth Initiative’s smoking cessation program. Shireat Nelson was able to wean herself off menthol thanks to in-person treatment from the American Lung Association.  

Despite the increased difficulty of quitting menthol cigarettes, research suggests that the most effective treatment components, such as nicotine replacement therapy, social support, and skill training, remain the same. Treatment programs for menthol users must address the particular issues that this community presents.  

Leaders are advising against premature jubilation as the Food and Drug Administration reviews a proposed menthol ban, instead calling for continuing activism and structural changes to address tobacco-related health disparities. The Center for Black Health and Equity is actively involved in a range of policy support, cooperation, and advocacy efforts linked to Medicaid expansion to cover the price of smoking cessation medications. 

It is expected that 923,000 smokers, including 230,000 African Americans, will quit 13-17 months after the menthol ban goes into effect. Those dedicated to ending Black communities’ dependency on menthol are working hard to get the required funding. As a judgment on the substance’s use is likely before the holidays, organizations such as the American Lung Association are determined to leave no one behind in the battle against its addictive features. 

Journal reference  

More addictive and harder to quit: Health groups want Black menthol smokers to know support groups can help. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-ban-menthol-cigarettes-biden-administration-quit-smoking-rcna125207