In terms of the rate of formation of dependence, nicotine is second only to heroin, and this bad habit is very common. According to statistics, almost 25% of people on the globe are addicted to nicotine in various forms. Nicotine addiction is a type of drug addiction that is formed as a result of tobacco smoking (tobacco smoking). During periods of smoking cessation, unpleasant symptoms appear: (physical weakness; decreased ability to work; decreased concentration; nervousness, irritability; indigestion; depressive mood; indomitable appetite).
When a person tries to smoke for the first time, this process causes him dizziness, nausea, and very rarely at least any pleasant sensations, but if you overcome this barrier, then the addiction will develop quickly, the habit will form almost instantly, and it will be quite difficult to get rid of the problem.
Causes of nicotine addiction:
Genetic predisposition, environment, childhood family experience, and manifestations of certain diseases, such as depression and other mental problems. Nicotine is very quickly absorbed into the blood and only 7 seconds after it enters the brain, where it acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This increases the amount of adrenaline, resulting in increased pressure, and increased heart rate and breathing. In large doses, nicotine is a poison, in small doses, it is a psych stimulant.
Physical addiction
Nicotine is an important natural psych stimulant that promotes the production of dopamine and is produced in the body of everyone. When a person smokes a cigarette, the level of nicotine in the blood rises 5-10 times higher than normal. After some time, the body blocks the synthesis of native nicotine. The natural reward system that dopamine is responsible for breaks down. A “broken” reward system leads to unexpected consequences: the smoker only enjoys smoking.
Psychological addiction
Hand in hand with physical addiction comes psychological addiction. Anything can become its basis: (unresolved internal conflict; psychological trauma; unsatisfied needs; secondary benefits; unwillingness to go against the family scenario; getting rid of obsessive thoughts).
Tobacco combustion products damage almost all systems and organs in our body and cause many terrible diseases, one of which is lung cancer – 90% of all those who died from this type of cancer were active smokers in the past.
The effect of smoking on the body.
Circulatory organs:
With an increase in the concentration of nicotine, the load on the heart increases, tachycardia occurs and peripheral vasospasm occurs (blood viscosity increases, the risk of thrombosis increases, and the heart suffer from hypoxia due to spasm).
Digestive organs:
irritation of all mucous membranes – oral cavity, esophagus, stomach. The teeth turn yellow, and their enamel becomes brittle, gum disease begins, and the intestines suffer, as well as the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. The appearance of a smoker suffers greatly – brittle nails, dull hair falling out, weak skin turgor, and unhealthy complexion.
Orthopaedist Specialist Dentist Role Conditions and treatment
Respiratory system:
The main target of tobacco smoke is the respiratory system. Tobacco smoke passes through the mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. The constant effect of nicotine on the inner surface of the alveoli leads to a decrease in their elasticity and swelling. Sexual function and childbearing: In men, smoking disrupts sperm production, reduces potency, and there are predisposing factors for the appearance of prostate cancer. In women, there is a change in the menstrual cycle and an imbalance in hormone levels. The result of these pathological processes is infertility.
Central and peripheral nervous system:
Since nicotine is built into the biochemistry of the brain, its detrimental effect cannot be overlooked, it leads to the excitation of the transmission of impulses between neurons, and with a significant intake of the toxin, inhibitory processes begin to predominate. The regulation of the production of neurotransmitters is disrupted, and other functions of the central nervous system suffer.
The action of nicotine leads to poisoning and disruption of the work of all organs and systems of the body. And even after quitting smoking, it will take a person several mont
hs to eliminate this substance and even more time to restore health.
Conclusion: Tips for Quitting Tobacco
- It’s possible to quit tobacco even if quitting is not your only goal.
- Talk with your family, friends, and doctors about how quitting tobacco will help you in the long run.
- Set a specific quitting date in the future.
- If you’re trying to quit tobacco, try not to think about the past or the future when you do it.
- Get rid of all of your tobacco products.
- Try to find other interests that will help you distract yourself from tobacco use.
- Exercise regularly and use deep breathing exercises.
- Make a list of all the people you love and who love you and call them on the phone every day or set up a plan to see them in person.
- Use social media, your smartphone, or any other form of technology as a way to stay connected with friends and family members.
- Set realistic goals for yourself that are achievable during your quit date, such as not smoking around others or going out to restaurants only once a week.
A recent study found that the most common reasons for tobacco use are: “the individual perceives a strong positive affect from using the substance and/or its use provides an escape from negative affect” or”tobacco is used to cope with or relieve physical discomfort.”These findings suggest that individuals who use tobacco may be doing so to relieve negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety, rather than just for pleasure.