This May 31st, World No Tobacco Day, the mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, shared a message of commitment to health, celebrating two years without lighting a single cigarette. The day, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about the risks of smoking.

Through a video posted on his official Instagram profile, Barcala issued a clear warning to young people and adults about nicotine consumption: "It's not worth trying." His stance is firm, discouraging any initiation.

The mayor highlighted that the real challenge is not just the substance itself, but the dependence the habit creates. Barcala confesses that the hardest part was "breaking the habit," the gestures and routine that create identical addiction, whether smoking a traditional cigarette or vaping. He thus demystifies e-cigarettes as a harmless alternative.

His direct recommendation to avoid future battles against addiction is prevention: "Don't start," because then you will never have to go through the "tough process of quitting."

The assessment of these 24 smoke-free months shows a significant improvement in the mayor's quality of life. Barcala states that "your whole life changes when you quit smoking," feeling better physically and regaining energy for daily activities. Furthermore, he emphasizes the strengthening of mental fortitude and personal satisfaction gained from overcoming this dependence, which has allowed him to consolidate his sports routine.

Health statistics warn that the sweet flavors of e-cigarettes attract younger generations. Faced with this reality, Barcala insists that, with willpower, anyone can quit smoking, but he prioritizes prevention to protect long-term health.