Posts Tagged ‘addictions’
It is not easy to quit smoking, though many people want to. To achieve this goal takes a large degree of hard work, commitment, and determination. One of the greatest motivations is health. Figures from the World Health Organization show that on an annual basis there are 4 million deaths associated with smoking, and smoking related diseases have caused a shorter lifespan in nearly ten per cent of the global population.
When we truly comprehend the health risks that are associated with smoking it can really give us the kick we need to break the habit. The positive side is that millions of smokers do manage to quit every year. It doesn't have to be a lifetime habit.
Every single cigarette that is consumed contains not only addictive amounts of nicotine but numerous other toxic substances. The moment you light up a cigarette, nicotine is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain in a matter of seconds. It may feel good as it causes an increase in the amount of dopamine that that is being circulated around the body. But this hormone will decrease when you do not smoke, causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.
Tar is another poison that is present in tobacco smoke. It can cause cancer as it contains carcinogenic chemicals. Another toxin that is present is carbon monoxide. This compound attaches itself to red blood cells which lower their capacity to carry oxygen around the body. There are many other toxic substances also present in cigarette smoke. These can cause thickening of the blood and clotting in the arteries.
Due to public health campaigns and warnings that come with all tobacco products, every smoker is aware of the risks to a certain degree. On average a person that smokes their whole life will live ten years less than an average non-smoker. The number of ailments that are caused by smoking are vast. Lung cancer is just one form of cancer that has been shown to be caused through the consumption of cigarettes, other forms include: stomach, kidney, pancreas, throat, bladder, and also a type of leukemia.
It is also well known that smoking causes damage to the respiratory system. Pneumonia can be a result of smoking as can COPD. Both of these sicknesses cause an inflammation in the lungs. Heart disease is often the result of inhaling tobacco smoke. It occurs due to damage to the arteries. Other ailments and sicknesses that are increased by smoking include impotence, infertility, angina, and osteoporosis.
Quitting smoking can drastically improve you health and life expectancy. If you stop earlier enough, your body can make a complete recovery. Today there are many different treatments and methods open to smokers that want to stop.
Your first point of call should be your family doctor. They can offer you advice and medication that will lessen the withdrawal symptoms you are likely to experience. Possible treatments may include: nicotine replacement therapy (which comes in various forms), bupropion (a tablet), varenicline (also a tablet).
If you are serious about quitting smoking, then you can achieve your wish. There is plenty of help out there from people who understand exactly how you feel.
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