Healthy Considerations

Cigarettes’ most common ingredient is nicotine. Many experts consider nicotine to be more addictive than heroine. Aside from heroine, doctors ranked nicotine ahead of alcohol and cocaine in terms of dependence. In fact, research has shown that smoking four cigarettes a day can induce a life-long addiction to nicotine.

Contributing to the addiction is the psychological pleasure or satisfaction a smoker gains when puffing on a cigarette. Smokers often describe smoking as a “pat-on-the-back” after a hard day’s work. Many smokers confess that it’s not the taste of the cigarette that keeps them smoking, but the sense of satisfaction they feel. Studies have also shown that depression is twice as common in people who smoke as opposed to those who don’t.

Nicotine triggers the smoker’s brain to be more efficient in processing information. It also reduces anxiety and induces euphoria. Research has also shown that nicotine induces alertness and arousal, and sedation and relaxation based on the dose of nicotine intake. These effects, though, do not outweigh the harmful effects of nicotine addiction, which can result in lung cancer, numerous other ailments, and even potential death.

Those who struggle to quit smoking often tend to ignor or at least minimize the consequences of their addiction. They can be blinded by the short-term, comforting effects of nicotine. Something most smokers don’t realize is that aside from nicotine, cigarettes contain acetylene (fuel used in welding), cyanide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide, all of which are harmful chemicals. These chemicals are also used as poisons.

Beyond the physical draw of cigarettes, there are strong, compelling psycho-social factors that play a major role in a smoking addiction. A person surrounded by others who smoke, such as family and friends, often take up the habit simply because “everyone does it.” A permissive environment which is indifferent towards cigarette smoking will often produce significant numbers of smokers. On top of this, people who smoke tend to see smoking as a part of their personality, as something they can’t live without (a clear sign of addiction).

As if all this weren’t enough, researchers have recently reported that genetic factors can also play a role in getting someone started on smoking and then keeping them hooked on the habit. These genetic factors can make it much more difficult for a person to quit smoking.

If you’re ready to quit smoking, here’s an excellent website on all the different methods: Quit Smoking Insights

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