Why smoking is so addictive
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems and stroke. Even then approximately 120 million people smoke in India, out of which 10 million lose their life to tobacco use every year.
Most people start smoking in their teens. Teenagers whose parents or friends smoke are more likely to start this habit as compared to others. Some just start accidentally as others think it looks cool. But there is one thing that we all know for sure, that it is not easy to quit smoking once you get habitual of it.
Smoking an addiction
A large number of people try to give up smoking, but not all succeed. They try nicotine, seek professionals help, but still can't resist their temptation to smoke. Many even regret starting this habit at the very first place. But why is it so difficult to quit smoking? Have you ever thought about it?
Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. It interferes with the functioning of your brain by altering the balance of two chemicals- dopamine and noradrenaline. Changes in the level of these chemicals affect your mood and concentration level, which smokers find enjoyable. They start feeling happy and stressfree within minutes after taking the first puff.
Nicotine reaches the brain quickly leading to nicotine rush, which smokers enjoy and with time starts becoming too much dependent on it.
Effect of quitting on brain
When you suddenly quit smoking, the scarcity of nicotine changes the level of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. This makes you feel anxious, depressed and irritated. Due to these issues, many people start smoking again after quitting it.
How difficult is it to quit smoking?
2 out of 3 of smokers say they want to quit, but only 1 succeeds. This is because they become physically as well as emotionally dependant on cigarettes. Studies suggest that smoking is more addictive than using cocaine or opiates. In 2012, researchers closely observed 28 different studies carried out on people trying to quit the substance they were addicted to. It was found that about 18 per cent were able to quit drinking, and more than 40 per cent were able to quit opiates or cocaine, but only 8 per cent were able to quit smoking.
The bottom line
There are no health benefits of smoking. It can cause several health issues and if you are suffering from any disease, it will make the condition even more complicated. So, try to quit it. Taking professionals advice may help, but more that that, strong determination is important.
Most people start smoking in their teens. Teenagers whose parents or friends smoke are more likely to start this habit as compared to others. Some just start accidentally as others think it looks cool. But there is one thing that we all know for sure, that it is not easy to quit smoking once you get habitual of it.
Smoking an addiction
A large number of people try to give up smoking, but not all succeed. They try nicotine, seek professionals help, but still can't resist their temptation to smoke. Many even regret starting this habit at the very first place. But why is it so difficult to quit smoking? Have you ever thought about it?
Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. It interferes with the functioning of your brain by altering the balance of two chemicals- dopamine and noradrenaline. Changes in the level of these chemicals affect your mood and concentration level, which smokers find enjoyable. They start feeling happy and stressfree within minutes after taking the first puff.
Nicotine reaches the brain quickly leading to nicotine rush, which smokers enjoy and with time starts becoming too much dependent on it.
Effect of quitting on brain
When you suddenly quit smoking, the scarcity of nicotine changes the level of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. This makes you feel anxious, depressed and irritated. Due to these issues, many people start smoking again after quitting it.
How difficult is it to quit smoking?
2 out of 3 of smokers say they want to quit, but only 1 succeeds. This is because they become physically as well as emotionally dependant on cigarettes. Studies suggest that smoking is more addictive than using cocaine or opiates. In 2012, researchers closely observed 28 different studies carried out on people trying to quit the substance they were addicted to. It was found that about 18 per cent were able to quit drinking, and more than 40 per cent were able to quit opiates or cocaine, but only 8 per cent were able to quit smoking.
The bottom line
There are no health benefits of smoking. It can cause several health issues and if you are suffering from any disease, it will make the condition even more complicated. So, try to quit it. Taking professionals advice may help, but more that that, strong determination is important.
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