Smoking Tobacco

Smoking tobacco is a dangerous habit that can lead to a wide range of diseases, cancer, and even death. Fortunately, though tobacco addiction can be tough to beat, it is possible to kick the habit.

Dangers of Smoking Tobacco

Most of the people who use tobacco got hooked on the drug when they were still teenagers. It is thought that peer pressure, a desire to rebel, and clever marketing all contribute to the decision to start smoking tobacco. However, once someone starts smoking, they often become addicted.

It is estimated that more the five million people will die prematurely because of a decision made as adolescents. Smoking tobacco is dangerous and can significantly impact one's physical health. Specific diseases and health problems caused by smoking include:

  • Cancer
  • Strokes
  • Heart disease
  • Emphysema
  • Impotence
  • Increased risk of illness
  • Age-related blindness

You may be wondering how so many terrible things can be caused by smoking tobacco. To get the answer, all you have to do is consider some of the ingredients that can be combined with this dangerous drug. There are over 4,000 different chemicals that are mixed in with common brands of smoking tobacco. More than 100 of them are identified poisons and 63 are known to cause cancer. Some of the more disgusting items include:

  • Nicotine - a nerve toxin and Class I insecticide
  • Ammonia Bromide - a common toilet cleaner
  • Arsenic and Cyanide - deadly poisons
  • Formaldehyde - used to embalm dead bodies

How to Quit Smoking Tobacco

Although there are many good reasons to quit smoking tobacco, the process can be difficult. The nicotine found in tobacco is terribly addictive and overcoming the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be a taxing experience. Those who try to quit smoking tobacco can expect to experience:

  • Nicotine cravings
  • Intense irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Increased appetite
  • Headaches
  • Nausea

Some of these symptoms can be eased with products that are specifically designed to help you quit smoking. The most popular aids include:

  • Nicotine Patches - These products can be applied to the skin. The patch releases small amounts of nicotine into the system, reducing cravings. Patches must typically be worn for eight to ten weeks. The most popular products include Habitrol and Nicoderm CQ.
  • Nicotine Gum - This product also releases small amounts of nicotine into the system and can be chewed whenever the user feels a tobacco craving coming on. The gum can be used for as long as three months. A popular brand of gum is Nicorette Gum.
  • Pills, Sprays, and Inhalers - Unlike nicotine gums and patches, these products must generally be prescribed by a physician. Each works differently, but all are meant to aid in your effort to quit smoking.

While some of these items can be expensive, they are no more expensive that a tobacco addiction. Plus, surveys show that those who use the aids shown above are twice as likely to quit smoking for good.

Whether you decide to use quit smoking aids or go cold turkey, the important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many people suffer from a tobacco addiction, but find it in themselves to quit once and for all. If you find that you are having a hard time doing it on your own, help and support is available. All you need to do is seek it out.

Additional Information

If you are interested in learning more about the dangers of tobacco smoking, or if you want to learn more about how you can put an end to your nicotine addiction, visit some of the websites shown below. You may also want to check out the links to related recovery articles at the bottom of this page.