Nicotine Dependence

Nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the U.S. Nicotine can be as addictive as heroin and cocaine and has been found to be as potent as cyanide. Although a cigarette contains a very small amount of nicotine, “this small dose causes significant changes in the functioning of numerous organs and systems in the body” (“Discover everything you,” 2005). Cigarette smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and 70 known to cause cancer. Tobacco dependence is a chronic condition requiring repeated interventions, but resources and treatments do exist. (“CDC smoking cessation,” 2013) Nicotine affects almost every system of the body. Even the electricity in your brain changes. “Your heart beats faster, your pulse quickens, your veins constrict, your blood pressure increases” (“Discover everything you,” 2005). 

Smoking cessation can significantly reduce the consequences associated with smoking. It is a fact that “smokers can and do quit smoking” (“CDC smoking cessation,” 2013). It is beneficial to quit smoking at any age and no matter how long one has been smoking. The following are just the main benefits of quitting smoking: lowers risk of lung and other types of cancer, reduces risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, reduces respiratory symptoms, and reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (“CDC smoking cessation,” 2013) Some good ideas for quitting include: changing the environment, preparation, making use of the social world, keeping goals in mind, and reducing the appeal of temptations. Quitting smoking causes one to live better and longer. (“Discover everything you,” 2005)

CDC smoking cessation fact sheet. (2013, January 03). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/quitting/index/htm

Discover everything you should know about quitting smoking. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.smoking-cessation.org/

Jorenby, D. E. (1999). A controlled trial of sustained-release bupropion, a nicotine patch, or both for smoking cessation. The New England Journal of Medicine, 340, 685-691. Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199903043400903

Zimmerman, G.L., Olsen, C.G., & Bosworth, M.F. (2000). A ‘stages of change’ approach to helping patients change behavior. American Family Physician, 61 (5), 1409-1416. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0301/p1409.html