The Effects of Smoking Cigarettes and Methods To Quit
March 25, 2009 by Tisha Tolar
Filed under Health Issues, Medical Issues
The effects of smoking cigarette can lead to a number of illnesses which are responsible for claiming more lives than illegal drugs, 
alcohol, car accidents, homicides, suicides and AIDS combined. The dangers of smoking cigarettes have been well researched and documented yet the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention states one in five people in the U.S. are still smokers.
Dangers of Smoking
There are more than 700 chemicals found in cigarettes many of which are considered toxic and prohibited from the food that we eat. Reaching nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, once lit a cigarette releases thousands of chemical compounds including but not limited to carbon monoxide and other carcinogens. Nicotine which is found naturally in tobacco leaves is an odorless colorless ingredient which is highly addictive to the smoker, both physically and psychologically. Once inhaled nicotine can reach the brain in as little as 10 seconds and has can be found in literally every part of the body including breast milk for lactating woman. The dangers of smoking are not limited to the smoker themselves but also to anyone who is exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoking cigarettes can lead to various forms of lung cancer, a weakened immune system, respiratory ailments and cardiac arrest.
Smoking Cessation
With 70% of smokers interested in quitting it is important to understand that not one method will work for everyone. The following are just a few methods that are commonly used to quit smoking, if you do not find success with the one- don’t give up, the health benefits from smoking cessation are well worth your best efforts. Many smokers attempt to quit and fail several times; keep trying until you find success, you life may depend on it!
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)- There are many products on the market that are designed to help “wean” you off your nicotine addiction. Nicotine patches, gum, nasal spray and inhalers may be prescribed by your doctor to help you by replacing the nicotine fix you get when smoking cigarettes. While you are still getting a dose of nicotine you are avoiding the other dangerous elements associated with smoking a cigarette. It has been found that if used correctly using NRT can double your chances of quitting successfully.
• Cold Turkey-This method is as simple as it sounds. You quit, cold turkey. No patches, no gum, no cigarettes. This method works best for people who have a strong will power and are ready and willing to overcome their nicotine withdrawal on their own. Some people find this to be the easiest method while others may need more help in the quest to become smoke free.
• Reduction- A slow gradual reduction in the number of cigarettes you smoke over time is a method commonly used by smokers trying to quit. The main goal would be to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes until you are able to quit, however this may take quite a bit of time in which you are still exposed to the cancer causing chemicals in cigarettes.
The easiest way to avoid the ugly side effects associated with nicotine withdrawal is to not begin smoking in the first place. Times have changed and the way society views cigarette smoking is no longer glamorous or popular. For teens and young adults avoiding the addiction in the first place is by far the best option. Keep in mind that the longer you smoke the harder it is to quit and the longer you have been exposed to the dangers that come with smoking. Regardless of your age, young or old, you will benefit from quitting smoking so make the decision today to quit the habit once and for all.
© 2009, FIT FOR EVER. All rights reserved.
