Sandra Justice, P.D., FACA
One out of every five deaths each year in the United States is attributed
to tobacco use. Clearly, cigarette smoking is the single most preventable
cause of death and illness in our country.
Considering the risks involved, and given that the hazards of smoking
are common knowledge, an astounding number of Americans still smoke.
Although overall incidence is declining, alarmingly, popularity among
teens is increasing. It is estimated that one million American children
are becoming regular smokers each year.
Nicotine
All commercially available cigarettes deliver sufficient nicotine
to establish and sustain dependence or addiction. Nicotine is the
psychoactive drug in tobacco products. It stimulates the same pleasure
receptors in the brain that alcohol, opioids, and cocaine do. Unfortunately,
smoking is an established cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Health Benefits of Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation has substantial and immediate health benefits for
men and women of all ages. The time course of health benefits is as
follows:
After 24 hours
* Chance of heart attack decreases
After 48 hours
* Nerve endings adjust to the absence of nicotine.
* Ability to smell and taste things is enhanced.
After 72 hours
* Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier.
* Lung capacity increases.
2 Weeks to 3 Months
* Circulation improves.
* Walking becomes easier.
* Lung function increases up to 30%.
1 Month to 9 Months
* Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath all
decrease.
* Cilia regrowth in lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus,
clean the lungs, reduce infection.
* Body's overall energy level increases.
1 Year
* Heart disease death rate is halfway back to nonsmokers.
Cessation Options
Effective smoking cessation strategies are now available that can
help you "kick the habit" and stay smoke free. Most cessation
efforts in the past have included the smoker's efforts alone, such
as quitting "cold turkey" or using a nicotine replacement
product. A higher percentage of successful quit rates are now associated
with a multicomponent cessation program. Behavioral modification is
the cornerstone and interventions range from professional advice and
guidance to in-depth, intensive behavioral modification used with
or without drug therapy.
Techniques involved begin with assessing a patient's motivation level,
charting their smoking habits, and evaluating their overall health.
From that point a smoking cessation counselor will aid the patient
in developing their own plan for quitting, coping with withdrawal
symptoms and triggers to smoke, and maintaining a smoke free status.
If drug therapy is deemed appropriate the best product is identified
and proper use is reviewed. Importance is placed on involving family
members, friends, and co-workers in a patient's smoking cessation
efforts.
WHERE TO TURN
Nicotine is perhaps the most difficult addiction to overcome. The
most effective smoking cessation strategies include behavior modification,
education, and continued support. If you smoke but would like additional
information concerning smoking cessation, or if you are ready to quit,
call a health professional involved in smoking cessation programming.
Smoking cigarettes is a serious problem....Give quitting a serious
try.
For more information, e-mail Sandy Justice at sandraejustice@cs.com.
Sandy, and her husband Charles Lindstrom, are pharmacist/owners of
Nora Apothecary in Indianapolis, IN, an independent pharmacy practice
specializing in compounded medications (human and veterinary) and
personal assessment and counseling programs in nutritional supplementation,
natural hormone replacement, osteoporosis, and smoking cessation.
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