Smoking Cessation

Why do so many people smoke cigarettes?
Millions of Americans are addicted to cigarettes. This addiction is due to a chemical called nicotine, which can cause physiological changes in your body, causing you to become dependent on cigarettes. The “kick” you feel after smoking is caused by the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) that stimulates the body and causes a sudden release of glucose, as well as an increase in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.

Some people smoke when they are under stress or are worried. Others like to smoke when socializing, because of peer pressure, or out of sheer habit.

What are the reasons to quit?
Although it is often difficult to stop smoking, there are many reasons to stop:

The medical reasons are:
1. You could have a heart attack—You should be aware that your risk of having a heart attack is significantly higher if you are a smoker.
2. You could get lung cancer, cancer of your mouth, tongue, larynx. The risk of cancer in even remote areas of the body are also increased with cigarette use.
3. Smoking can also exacerbate or cause conditions such as asthma, emphysema and other lung diseases. This is due to the irritation and inflammation of the airways from cigarette use. Some smokers develop a chronic cough secondary to cigarette use.
4. You can acquire stomach ulcers
5. If you are pregnant, you can endanger the health of your child if you smoke. The fetus can suffer from growth retardation and other defects… and you also have a higher risk of the baby being born prematurely if you smoke.
6. Smoking causes wrinkles, bad breath, and can permeate your clothing, giving you a bad smell. It can also cause stains on your teeth.
7. Passive smoke, or smoke that other people breathe because you are smoking around them, is very damaging to those around you. Infants and children have higher rates of asthma and ear infections due to second-hand smoke.

Why should I decide to stop smoking?
Kicking the habit is not easy and the most important ingredient to success in quitting is that you have made up your mind. Try to find other ways of dealing with stress, keeping in mind that in the long run, smoking doesn’t solve any of your problems, it only creates new ones! For instance, ask yourself: how stressed would you be if you had a heart attack? Wouldn’t that add to your worries? Make a list of personal reasons why you want to quit smoking, and read them to yourself daily. Ask people who care about you, such as your friends or family, if they feel you should stop smoking and why. Finally,

How can I quit?
Quit Plan:
1) Make up your mind to quit
2) Find other ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, talking to friends or family. You might want to join a support group.
3) Be prepared to gain some weight—do not worry, since there are healthier ways to lose weight and remember all the negative health effects of smoking.
4) Expect to have withdrawal symptoms, such as nervousness, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. You may have strong cravings for a cigarette. This is normal since you have been addicted to nicotine, but these symptoms should go away in the first few weeks.
5) Set a quit date—from this day, you must firmly resolve not to smoke any cigarettes. It is a good idea to give yourself a week before your quit date to slowly taper down the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. For instance, if you normally smoke a pack a day, subtract 2-3 cigarettes a day until you are down to only a fraction of what you normally smoke before you actually quit.
6) Your doctor may start you on Nicotine replacement therapy, which comes in various forms such as a patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, or lozenge, especially if you are a heavy smoker. Your doctor may also possibly recommend an oral medication such as Wellbutrin or Zyban. These medications can help wean you off cigarettes and help to lessen withdrawal symptoms.
7) Don’t lose hope if you start smoking again! Your doctor will guide you through this process and help you. Make regular follow-up visits for support, and consider joining a community program to help you stay on the right track.

http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Nicotine/Nicotine.html

Copyright 2007, MD Kiosk, Inc.