What is Tobacco?
- Tobacco comes from a plant and contains the stimulant drug, nicotine.
- It is usually smoked in cigarettes, cigars and pipes. It is also found in a powdered form called snuff (to be sniffed up the nose) and as chewing tobacco or dip.
What are the effects of smoking tobacco?
- Nicotine increases pulse rate and blood pressure.
- The effects can usually be felt immediately and can last up to 30 minutes from one cigarette.
- First time users often feel dizzy or nauseous, even after just a few puffs or “drags” from a cigarette.
- Regular users often report that smoking reduces their anxiety and helps them relax.
- Some smokers say nicotine reduces their appetite, so they eat less.
Is tobacco addictive?
- Nicotine is highly addictive. Regular use can result in physical dependency with long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
- Depression, irritability, restlessness and anxiety are some of the symptoms experienced by smokers who haven’t had a cigarette in a while. These symptoms produce a strong craving for another cigarette.
What other problems can result from smoking??
- Coughing, as well as other chest and breathing problems, afflict some smokers.
- Bad breath and discolored teeth are also common among people who smoke regularly.
- Regular smokers have a much greater risk of developing lung cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, circulatory problems and bronchitis.
- Smoking during pregnancy can harm an unborn child, resulting in low birth weight and other complications.
- Second-hand smoke can also be hazardous to one’s health, especially to children and people with asthma or other chest problems.
If you smoke and want to quit…
- Stay away from places where lots of people smoke.
- Tell all your friends and family that you are trying to quit and get their support.
- Let your doctor know your trying to quit, and see what they say.
- Try acupuncture, nicotine chewing gum, patches, or other popular remedies.