Cigarettes contain many chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and non-smokers. There are approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes that when burned, create more than 7000 chemicals. At least 70 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer and they affect every organ of the body. Here are a few examples:
Cigarettes contain nicotine, a chemical that can lead to addiction. Nicotine affects your brain’s dopamine systems in the same way that heroin and cocaine affect an addict’s brain. While smoking, nicotine is quickly absorbed in the body and goes to the brain. It leads to the release of a chemical called dopamine, which prompts the brain to repeat the smoking behavior. That is why people who smoke find it difficult to quit.
Nicotine is a dangerous chemical found in tobacco plants and is responsible for tobacco addiction. It is found in tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, and most electronic cigarettes. Nicotine leads to addiction, which puts you at risk of becoming a lifelong smoker, and in turn, causes devastating health problems.
Smoking harms almost every organ of the body. Smoking leads to many diseases, including lung diseases, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Smoking can affect bone health and the health of teeth and gum. Women who smoke can find it difficult to become pregnant. Smoking also increases the risk of infectious diseases, certain eye diseases, and immune system problems.
Cigarette smoke also impacts our environment. Cigarettes contain many chemicals that are released from discarded cigarette butts and contaminate soil and waterways. Air contamination occurs through secondhand smoke released into the air, which contains many toxic compounds. Cigarette butts are also toxic to animals. Trees are cut down in order to farm and process tobacco crops. In addition, smoking is one of the leading causes of fires in homes and apartments, causing the loss of property and thousands of lives each year.
Smoking cigarettes is expensive. It is important to realize how much money you spend on tobacco. By tracking your spending, you can estimate how much money you spend on cigarettes every day, week, month, and year!
Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from burning tobacco products, and the smoke breathed out by the person smoking. Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 compounds, most of which are toxic, and over 70 of them cause cancer.
Secondhand smoke poses serious health hazards for nonsmokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in adults, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Infants and children who are exposed to secondhand smoke experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and ear infections.
Certain activities, moods, places, and situations can spark a strong urge to smoke. These are called triggers. Different people have different triggers. Some of these triggers are associated with food and drink, such as coffee, alcohol, and mealtime. Others are tied to activities such as working, studying, driving, and socializing. Being angry or under stress can trigger cigarette cravings. Even positive feelings of happiness or pleasure can bring up tobacco urges. It is important to know your triggers and be aware of them.
There are a variety of methods and products to help you quit tobacco use, reduce some of the side effects and maintain a smoke-free life style. The methods can be categorized into medication and non-medication methods. Medication and non-medication methods are usually combined for more effective results.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is used to help people stop smoking. NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms by giving a small controlled amount of nicotine without the other dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes. NRT is a proven scientific strategy that can significantly increase your chances of quitting. It’s a safe strategy; NRT won’t lead to addiction and has few or no side effects. You can discontinue NRT medications after 12 weeks of being tobacco-free.
Here are some tips to deal with the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Here
Cravings are the desire to use a drug given the opportunity.
Feelings such as stress or boredom can trigger nicotine cravings. Being angry or under stress can also trigger cigarette cravings. For example: “Smoking helps me relax.”
You can manage tobacco cravings by participating in activities when feeling the urge to smoke. Some examples are going for a walk, chewing gum, exercising, taking a nap, hanging out with non-smokers, and taking a warm bath or shower.
Nasal spray can be used, but a doctor or medical professional must prescribe it. Nasal spray reduces cravings faster than patch, gum, or lozenges. Pill Bupropion SR can be used as well; a doctor or medical professional must prescribe it. It is straightforward to use; the pill reduces cravings and lessens nicotine withdrawal.
The 4 D’s is a way for you to remember how to conquer your tobacco cravings. The 4 D’s are: Delay, Deep breathing, Drink water, and Distract yourself.
Here are some tips to help you when dealing with nicotine cravings after quitting. Click here
Some of the common things to do when coping with stress is exercising, taking a walk, talking to a friend, and trying deep breathing or practicing relaxation techniques.
You can draw, write, complete crossword puzzles, or play video games.
If you are experiencing increased appetite, try making healthier eating choices (fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks), drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.