Many people would like to quit smoking but it is not a simple task. It takes determination, commitment, and will power to be able to achieve it. Perhaps the biggest motivation is health. Smoking causes around four million fatalities every year, with smoking related diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease shortening the life of nearly 10 per cent of adults worldwide according to figures from the World Health Organisation.
When we understand the reality of the health problems that come with smoking it can help us to take steps to kick the habit. The good news is that millions of people do mange to quit smoking every year. More than half the number of people that smoke are able to give up in the long run.
Every single cigarette that is consumed contains not only addictive amounts of nicotine but numerous other toxic substances. The moment you light up a cigarette, nicotine is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain in a matter of seconds. It may feel good as it causes an increase in the amount of dopamine that that is being circulated around the body. But this hormone will decrease when you do not smoke, causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.
Another toxic substance that is found in all cigarettes is tar. Because tar contains carcinogenic compounds it can cause cancer in the smoker. Carbon monoxide is also present in cigarette smoke. It attaches itself to the red blood cells and lowers their ability to carry oxygen around the body. These are just a few of the toxic substances that you breathe in when you smoke.
Due to public health campaigns and warnings that come with all tobacco products, every smoker is aware of the risks to a certain degree. On average a person that smokes their whole life will live ten years less than an average non-smoker. The number of ailments that are caused by smoking are vast. Lung cancer is just one form of cancer that has been shown to be caused through the consumption of cigarettes, other forms include: stomach, kidney, pancreas, throat, bladder, and also a type of leukemia.
Smoking is also known to cause damage to the lungs. Both pneumonia and COPD can occur in smokers. These are very painful and debilitating sicknesses caused by an inflammation to the respiratory system. Heart disease is also more common in smokers due to the damage caused to their arteries. Other illnesses that are linked to smoking are osteoporosis, angina, infertility, and impotence.
Stopping smoking can only ever be a positive step. It is possible for your body to make a full recovery if you quit early enough. As the number of people seeking help with quitting smoking has increased, the number of treatments available has risen.
The first person you should talk to about quitting is your local doctor. They will be able to offer you professional advice and also prescribe medication than can help with the withdrawal symptoms. Widely used treatments include two forms of tablets – buropion and varenicline – as well as nicotine replacement therapy.
It is possible for any individual to give up smoking. Help exists from individuals and organisations that understand how you feel.
You could benefit from a natural immune system boost and help breathing problems by giving up.