 The
medical view is that most smokers are addicted to Nicotine.
Whilst this theory is well documented, Scientists and
Psychologists are beginning to focus on the psychological
aspects of smoking. Because if smoking was as addictive
as suggested, wouldn’t people become addicted to patches
or gum ? Similarly, would they not be waking themselves
up in the night to have their “fix” (ie. a cigarette).
Also how would they be able to be only ‘social smokers’
or go on long distance flights without smoking or indeed
go through periods of the day where they were simply unable
to smoke ?
Many smokers report that they simply “need something to
do with my hands”, or because “my friends do it”. Statements
like this indicate that smoking can be a personal choice
for the smoker.
There is a difference between the body’s ‘addiction’ to
nicotine and ‘habit’.
So why do people “want” to
smoke?
Top ten reasons (not in any particular order):
• Stress related issues
• Because they like it
• It can feel like a ‘reward’
• It feels like ‘company’
• An ‘acquired taste’
• It gives oral pleasure
• Helps them cope with life’s problems
• Helps them fit in with their peer / social group
• Mature appearance / self confidence
• Tough / macho image etc
And what are the benefits
of stopping smoking?
• 20 minutes – Blood circulation and pulse return to
normal. Circulation improves – especially to the hands
and feet.
• 8 hours – Oxygen level in your blood increases to
normal. Chances of heart attack start to fall.
• 24 hours – Carbon monoxide leaves body. Lungs start
to clear out mucus and debris.
• 48 hours – Nicotine is no longer found in body. Senses
of smell improve.
• 72 hours – Breathing becomes easier. Energy levels
increase.
• 2 to 12 weeks – Circulation improves throughout the
body. Walking and exercise become easier.
• 3 to 9 months – Breathing problems, coughing, shortness
of breath and wheezing improve. Lung efficiency increases
by 5-10%.
• 5 years – Risk of having a heart attack falls to about
a half that of a smoker.
• 10 years – Risk of lung cancer falls to around half
that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to about
the same as someone who has never smoked.
Medical Issues
Tobacco - a brief
history
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