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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over
one million people quit smoking each year. They reach the decision that
the risks to their health -- as well as to the health of their loved ones
and people around them -- are no longer acceptable. It is a monumental
decision, as any smoker will tell |
you, one that is not reached without difficulty
or determination.
Thanks to the availability of a number
of over-the-counter aids, smokers who want to kick the habit now have access
to some very real assistance in overcoming their physical dependence on
cigarettes.
Smoking
Is An Insult
To
Your Whole Body
Cigarette smoking is the most widespread
example of drug dependency in this country today. Many experts believe
that it may be even more resistant to treatment than addiction to heroin.
The reason for the addiction is nicotine, which is the only
known psycho-active ingredient in tobacco smoke.
Once nicotine finds its way to the brain,
it triggers the release of some powerful chemicals, sending signals throughout
the body. For those who are dependent upon the substance, nicotine produces
a state of enhanced pleasure, decreased anxiety and a sense of being alert
but relaxed.
There are over 3000 chemicals in cigarette
smoke, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, benzine, formaldehyde,
acetone, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia -- to name just a few. Within seconds
of taking a puff, the cardiovascular system becomes highly stressed; the
pulse increases 15-25 beats per minute, and the blood pressure rises about
10 to 20 points on both scales. Basically, these effects from smoking impact
on your body about the same way as being on a treadmill all day long.
After your body has become dependent on cigarettes,
taking them away can cause a whole range of physical reactions or symptoms...irritability,
restlessness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and even difficulty
concentrating. While it is the nicotine in cigarettes which causes the
addiction, it is the other harmful chemicals, tars and carbon monoxide
that cause lung cancer and heart disease.
Recently, using nicotine to help people
quit smoking has been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
and is now avilable in a chewing gum and through a "patch." The nicotine
is time-released into the bloodstream, satisfies the "craving" and relieves
some of the other withdrawal symptoms, allowing the person to concentrate
on their commitment to quit. The nicotine therapy is not a panacea; however,
the person must sincerely want to break their smoking habit and follow
instructions for using the "medication."
The nicotine replacement therapy works
best when supplemented by smoking cessation instruction. In addition
to controlling the physical desire to light up a cigarette, the emotional
desire must be conquered, as well.
Before beginning any nicotine therapy,
people should talk with their doctor and report all medications they
are currently taking and list any of the following conditions:
-
a recent heart attack
-
irregular heart beat
-
angina
-
allergies to drugs
-
rashes from adhesive or bandages (patch)
-
skin disease
-
very high blood pressure
-
stomach ulcers
-
overactive thyroid
-
insulin-dependentdiabetes
-
kidney or liver disease.
It is possible to get an overdose of nicotine,
so obviously, a person should not smoke while wearing the patch or chewing
the gum. Symptoms of an overdose might include dizziness, upset stomach,
diarrhea, blurred vision and lightheadedness.
After the first patch is applied, some people
notice a mild itching which usually goes away within an hour. Some people
do develop a skin rash or inflammation of the skin under the patch. Patch
wearers are advised to take it off if any unusual symptoms appear, and
to contact their physician.
Kicking the Habit...
As you progress through the nicotine therapy, keep focused on all the
reasons you decided to quit. This will help strengthen your resolve if
you have nagging thoughts about cigarettes. Remember, you don't have to
act on those thoughts. Accept that cigarettes are history! Period. One
slip doesn't mean you have failed, but it does signal that immediate steps
are necessary to avoid slipping in the future.
Accept that there will be situations that will trigger the urge to reach
for a cigarette. Smoking cessation training will help you identify your
smoking triggers and learn how to eliminate or deal with them. You'll learn
to think like a non-smoker and this will help you through the tough periods
you might encounter on your way to reaching your goal.
If you need some further incentive to quit, plan to reward yourself
with something special -- paid for all the money you'll save by not buying
cigarettes. If you quit a two-pack-a-day habit, that could put about $1200.00
in your reward fund in just one year!
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