Tobacco Addiction: Half Emotional - Half Physical !

We all know the physical health risks of smoking tobacco, Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic bronchitis, etc. But did you know smoking also affects people's mental health?

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes pleasant feelings and distracts the user from unpleasant feelings. Over time, a person becomes physically dependent on and emotionally addicted to nicotine. This physical dependence causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit smoking or other forms of tobacco. There are mental and emotional effects, too. The nicotine actually affects brain chemistry and emotions.

Why is Smoking so Addictive?

When a person smokes, nicotine reaches the brain within about ten seconds. At first, nicotine improves mood and concentration, decreases anger and stress, relaxes muscles and reduces appetite.

Regular doses of nicotine lead to changes in the brain, which then lead to nicotine withdrawal symptoms when the supply of nicotine decreases. Smoking temporarily reduces these withdrawal symptoms and can therefore reinforce the habit. This cycle is how most smokers become nicotine dependent.

What You Might Feel When You Quit Tobacco?

Depression, Sadness or grief, A sense of loss, Frustration, Impatience, Anger, Anxiety, Irritability, Trouble concentrating, Restlessness or boredom and etc.

What Are the Common Factors/Reasons To Start Smoking ?

There are many factors why people feel urged to smoke cigarettes. Let’s take a look at some common ones.

FACTORS :

1. Family Environment

2. Peer Pressure

3. Adolescence

4. Curiosity

5. High Stress

Smoking and Stress:

Some people smoke as ‘self-medication’ to ease feelings of stress. However, research has shown that smoking actually increases anxiety and tension.

Nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief that it reduces stress and anxiety. This feeling is temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings. Smoking reduces the withdrawal symptoms, but doesn’t reduce anxiety or deal with the reasons someone may feel that way.

Ways To Help You Quit Smoking:

If you’re a smoker, there is now a lot of support available to help you quit. It’s never too late to give up, and you may find that quitting reduces your levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

Stopping smoking suddenly through willpower alone is the least effective way to quit. If you plan ahead, have support and choose the right time to try, you’re more likely to be successful. If you’re feeling unstable, experiencing a crisis or undergoing significant changes in your life, you’re less likely to quit.

---

TECHNIQUES :

1. Deep breathing- most powerful and important.

2. Drink lots fluids to flush out toxins- first few days.

3. Urge to smoke only lasts few mins then pass- breathe.

4. Discipline about diet- for eg. keep check on tea,coffee & alcohol.

5. Nibble low calorie food- like cinnamon, carrots, chewing gum etc.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking :

The health benefits of quitting smoking can help most of the major parts of your body: from your brain to your DNA.

BENEFITS :

1. In 8 hours: Oxygen levels return to normal.

2. In 24 hours: Risk of heart attack begins to decrease.

3. In 72 hours: Lung function improves.

4. In 1-9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decreases.

5. In 12 months: Risk of heart disease is half as compared to tobacco user.

6. In 5 years: Stroke risk is reduced.

Smoking & consuming tobacco can have a terrible impact on your health. Lets pledge to quit Today not just to prevent the ailments it triggers but also for your loved ones.