We now know that cigarettes are extremely addicting, and that it is the drug nicotine in tobacco that causes addiction.

While smokers are compelled to keep puffing away by this addiction to nicotine, it is the 4,000 plus other chemicals in cigarette smoke that causes the most harm. That is what makes cigarettes harmful.

What is it about nicotine?

When you smoke, nicotine enters the bloodstream through the lungs. It quickly reaches the brain, where it affects certain chemicals that change the way you feel. Eventually the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to control these chemicals that make you feel "normal"

Are you addicted?

You may be addicted to nicotine if you experience one or more of the following signs:

• You continue to smoke despite the desire to quit
• You have made a serious but unsuccessful, attempt to stop using tobacco or permanently reduce the amount to use
• Your attempts to stop smoking have led to physical withdrawal symptoms (including a craving for tobacco, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty in concentration, headaches and drowsiness).
• You develop a "tolerance" to tobacco. Smoking the same number of cigarettes produces less effect over time, making it necessary to increase the number you you smoke to achieve the desired sensation
• You have continued to smoke even when you have a serious physical problem (such as cardiovascular or respiratory diseases) that you know is worsened by tobacco use

Withdrawal

When smokers who are addicted to nicotine quit smoking (and as a result, stop nicotine entry into their bodies), they may suffer from symptoms that can be psychological, emotional, or physical in nature. This is called withdrawal. They may experience irritability, anxiety, difficulty in concentration, restlessness or depression.

• Why you smoke test
• TOBACCO
• MORE ON TOBACCO
• SNUFF - SMOKELESS TOBACCO
• Cigarettes and nicotine. How it works
• QUITTING SMOKING (COLD TURKEY)
• QUITTING SMOKING GRADUALLY

This site is designed by David Ogot snr. And hosted by
Science & Engineering Research Center
©goinghomedotcom 2001 - 2008
Disclaimer Privacy Policy