Smoking, a habit difficult to break

• May 1, 2024

Quitting smoking is a goal that is difficult to achieve. When deciding to quit smoking, smokers usually only refer to health as the reason for quitting. Many smokers continue with that addiction , not because they do not want to leave it, but because they can not do it.

Nicotine addiction is the main obstacle to overcome the habit of smoking, because it is a highly addictive drug. Is considered as addictive as heroin or cocaine , due to its rapid absorption into the bloodstream it is transported throughout the body. Nicotine induces pleasant feelings that make the smoker want more. As the nervous system adapts to the drug, smokers tend to increase the number of cigarettes they smoke, which increases the amount of nicotine in their blood.

Smoking also causes lung cancer and it is a risk factor for many other types of cancer. It also increases the risk of lung diseases. Other side effects of tobacco use are premature wrinkling of the skin, bad smell in clothing and hair, gum disease, stained teeth, yellow nails and increased risk of muscle degeneration.

Quitting smoking is difficult and requires a lot of effort. The absence of nicotine leads to Withdrawal symptoms , which implies physical and mental changes after an interruption or termination of drug use.

Withdrawal symptoms may include any of the following: dizziness, restlessness, headache , tiredness, irritability, feelings of frustration and anger, depression, lack of concentration, sleep disorders, anxiety and increased appetite. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if a person who has smoked regularly, abruptly interrupts or greatly reduces the number of cigarettes smoked. Symptoms can last up to several weeks.

Options to leave it

But once the habit stops, the body repairs the damage done almost immediately and beneficial changes are observed for health. The best way for some people to stop smoking is the combination of medicine, change in personal habits and emotional support. One way to stop addiction is through the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which is provided in other forms such as gums, patches, aerosols, inhalers or pills. Side effects include skin irritation, dizziness, heartbeat, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and stiffness.

In an interview for GetQoralHealth , the doctor Lilia Isabel Ramírez explains what are the treatment lines to stop smoking:

The nicotine patches provide a measured dose of nicotine through the skin; Nicotine chewing gums act through the mucous membrane of the mouth; the spray quickly provides nicotine to the bloodstream, as it is absorbed through the nose; inhalers provide nicotine vapor to the mouth and are the closest thing to smoking a cigarette. Nicotine pills are the newest form of NRT on the market.

Another pharmaceutical aid to quit smoking is the bupropion, which has similar success rates to the NRT. It works with the desensitization of nicotine receptors in the brain. Other methods to stop smoking are atropine and scopolamine as combination therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, laser therapy, herbal cigarettes, clinics and self-help groups.

Relapses occur mainly in the first three months after quitting. While they are in treatment, smokers they should avoid alcohol consumption, be around other smokers, gain weight, bad mood or depression.

Video Medicine: How To Break Your Bad Habit (May 2024).