This article aims to understand the different stages of the dreadful human activity called smoking.
Causes That Make Us Smoke
- It often begins as a habit at an early age. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons why people start smoking.
- Youngsters find it fashionable to smoke. The portrayal of smoking in movies and media glamorizes the habit, encouraging young people to try it.
- Adults seek refuge from the stress of life in a puff of a cigarette and start smoking. The quick sense of relief after smoking creates a false notion of stress management.
- We often start as passive smokers, being exposed to secondhand smoke, and eventually end up as active smokers.
Statistics reveal that nearly 90% of adult smokers began smoking before the age of 18. According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 youth try their first cigarette every day in the United States alone. Peer influence and societal norms play significant roles in the early stages of smoking behavior.
Getting Intoxicated
- Cigarettes contain several harmful chemical compounds. The primary harmful compound is nicotine.
- Nicotine is responsible for intoxication and the addiction to smoking. It tricks the brain into wanting more by creating a temporary sensation of relaxation and euphoria.
- Smoking affects almost all organs in our body and their normal functioning. The risks of acquiring diseases, like lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses, start rising, causing serious threats to life.
- Lifestyle changes, poor food habits, and lack of exercise further intensify the intoxication effect over time.
- There is a gradual and systematic decline in our physical and mental capabilities as the addiction strengthens.
Nicotine is not the only dangerous chemical in cigarettes. Tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde are among the 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that smoking is responsible for more than 8 million deaths worldwide each year, with 1.2 million of those due to secondhand smoke.
Reaching the State of Addiction
- Nicotine manipulates the functioning of several hormones and enzymes in our body.
- It compels neurotransmitters in our brain to send signals that make us crave more nicotine. This is how smokers remain addicted and feel the need to continue smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Studies show that nicotine addiction is as powerful as addiction to drugs like cocaine and heroin. The brain quickly develops a tolerance to nicotine, requiring more of it to achieve the same effects. This cycle of craving and consumption makes quitting smoking extremely difficult without intervention.
Deciding to Quit Smoking
- The decision to quit smoking is life-saving, but it is a long uphill task.
- Learning about harmless alternatives to smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or behavioral therapy, is the first step toward quitting.
- Food habits need to be changed, and regular exercise is a must to help the body heal and combat cravings.
- Making lifestyle changes that keep us away from smoking is crucial for long-term success.
- Family members’ support is vital in strengthening our resolve to quit smoking. A strong social support network can significantly increase the chances of success.
- Regular health check-ups and seeking advice from family doctors can help counter the withdrawal symptoms of smoking successfully.
Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to a person’s life expectancy, according to the CDC. Within weeks of quitting, blood circulation improves, and lung function begins to recover. After a year, the risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.
Fighting the Withdrawal Symptoms
- Nicotine is such a potent element of cigarettes that its harmful effects haunt people even after they quit smoking.
- People often experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms can last for several days or even weeks, making the quitting process mentally and physically challenging.
- Consuming fluids and taking herbs that help counter withdrawal symptoms can assist in quitting smoking completely over time.
Nicotine withdrawal typically peaks within the first 3 days after quitting, but the cravings and mental challenges can persist for months. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gums, patches, and lozenges, can ease these symptoms and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Research shows that smokers who use support programs are 3 times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to quit on their own.
Conclusion
The journey from becoming a smoker to quitting is filled with challenges at every stage. From peer pressure and societal influences that push us toward smoking to the physical and psychological battle of addiction, the timeline of smoking highlights how difficult it can be to break free. However, the decision to quit smoking is one of the most beneficial choices for long-term health. With the right tools, support, and commitment, overcoming smoking addiction is possible, and the rewards for a smoke-free life are immeasurable.
