Specifically, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention states,“cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general.” The question then becomes, why do people smoke? There are many, many reasons why people smoke. For some who started smoking as early as 14 years of age, they may have thought that smoking was “cool.”
In asking people why they smoke now, findings have shown a variety of reasons, the following: Addiction Smokers who are addicted to tobacco report a range of positive sensations that come from smoking a cigarette.
Some have experienced reduced tension or a sensation that they are calmer and have a sense of well being when they smoke. Researchers trace these sensations back to the flood of chemicals released into the nervous system by nicotine. Just like any prescription or illicit drug, it changes the body’s chemistry and functioning when it enters the system.
Self-Medication For some, smoking is essentially a way to self-medicate the issues, and illnesses that cause tension and pain.
Patients suffering from some forms of mental illness, such as depression or anxiety disorders. Some may take up smoking because it can help mitigate some of their symptoms.
But as is the case with many powerful drugs, using nicotine to manage medical conditions comes with a host of negative side effects.
Beyond addiction, the risks of lung disease, cancer, heart disease and early death mean nicotine, while potentially effective in treating some disease symptoms, is truly a double-edged sword when used to self-medicate Consequences Unfortunately, there are psychological down sides of smoking.
According to this web article from “HowStuffWorks,” people may find that they can’t easily give up tobacco once the stress passes. Tobacco becomes a psychological -- as well as chemical – crutch.
If there are any stressful situations, people immediately seek a cigarette. So, trying to quit becomes stressful. The one thing that helps to calm people is now the thing that they must fight-cigarettes.
How to Quit Smoking Yes you can! For many who want to quit smoking, but are unsure of how to do it, it can be done. There are several ways to do it, but encouragement from family and friends and a desire to do it are the main factors. 1) Going “Cold Turkey.” To end smoking without any assistance, is known as going “Cold Turkey.
”However, to do this without outside assistance or medication, particularly if one has been smoking for years may not be effective. WebMD the online medical website says that usually between 4%-7% are able to quit this way. 2) BehaviouralTherapy.
Work with a therapist to help identify cravings and things that will “trigger” a desire to smoke and then develop a plan to avoid these “triggers.” 3)Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Items such as a nicotine patch or gum or inhalers or lozenges are used to help stop inhaling the cigarette tobacco.
This plan works with lots of support from family and friends. 4) Medication. Getting prescription drugs that are prescribed by doctors have been effective in helping people quit. 5)
A Combination of Activities. These may work the best. According to the website, “Using a combination of treatment methods may raise your chances of quitting. For example, using both a nicotine patch and gum may be better than a patch alone.
Other proven combos include behavioural therapy and nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medication with a nicotine patch” Health Matters It is hard, but one can stop smoking. It is very important to work with a family member to help do this. It is good for health, the health of the family and your health and health matters.
/Daily News.
No comments :
Post a Comment