On average, a smoker has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years lower than that of a non-smoker. If you are a smoker who wants to live a healthier lifestyle and add years to your life, all you have to do is stop smoking. This is easier said than done because after all cigarette smoking is both a physical and psychological addiction. Smoking is already integrated in your daily routine and additionally you develop an uncontrollable reliance on the nicotine in cigarettes. It being an addiction does not ultimately mean that it is impossible for you to stop. Most smokers do want to give up smoking however only 2.5% of those who try are successful in accomplishing this. Those who were able to quit has had at least two or three attempts before triumphantly accomplishing this feat.
As mentioned, the culprit behind smoking addiction is nicotine. Nicotine is a drug that affects the functions of your brain and body. This mood alterant paradoxically acts as a stimulant and a relaxant depending on the amount and frequency it is taken in. Whenever you take a puff of your cigarette, nicotine enters your blood stream and within a few seconds this nicotine rich blood passes the lungs to the brain. This then triggers the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that are responsible for the effects of nicotine. Short quick puffs of cigarettes induce heightened nerve transmission activities warranted by the production of low levels of nicotine in the blood. This consequently creates a stimulating effect. Deep long puffs on the other hand, slows down the transit of nerve impulses thereby effecting a mild sedative outcome. In a nutshell, low dosage of nicotine produces a stimulating effect while a high dose produces a calming effect.
Nicotine also activates the pleasure center of the brain which explains its addictive nature. A number of studies have proven that this substance is more addictive than cocaine and heroin. Over time, smokers build tolerance to as well as dependence on nicotine. Aside from smoking being a physical addiction, there are a number of social and psychological components that that lead to the development of this addiction. Experts say that the advancement of addictions is akin to a learning process. You learn the situations wherein you receive the most enjoyment from taking the substance. You condition the body to associate specific stimuli with the gratifying effects of nicotine. For example, your body takes the cue to desire nicotine after eating your meals, while drinking coffee or alcohol, whenever you feel happy or anxious, and so on.
Withdrawal syndrome is experienced by a nicotine addict once he is not given his regular dose of the substance simply because his body has to adapt to function without nicotine. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, intense headaches, increased blood pressure, nicotine craving, anxiety, and tension.
In forming a game plan to stop smoking, it is crucial for you to be aware of the causes and the nature of your habit. This allows you to address the underlying issue of your deadly habit, the addiction to nicotine.
As mentioned, the culprit behind smoking addiction is nicotine. Nicotine is a drug that affects the functions of your brain and body. This mood alterant paradoxically acts as a stimulant and a relaxant depending on the amount and frequency it is taken in. Whenever you take a puff of your cigarette, nicotine enters your blood stream and within a few seconds this nicotine rich blood passes the lungs to the brain. This then triggers the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that are responsible for the effects of nicotine. Short quick puffs of cigarettes induce heightened nerve transmission activities warranted by the production of low levels of nicotine in the blood. This consequently creates a stimulating effect. Deep long puffs on the other hand, slows down the transit of nerve impulses thereby effecting a mild sedative outcome. In a nutshell, low dosage of nicotine produces a stimulating effect while a high dose produces a calming effect.
Nicotine also activates the pleasure center of the brain which explains its addictive nature. A number of studies have proven that this substance is more addictive than cocaine and heroin. Over time, smokers build tolerance to as well as dependence on nicotine. Aside from smoking being a physical addiction, there are a number of social and psychological components that that lead to the development of this addiction. Experts say that the advancement of addictions is akin to a learning process. You learn the situations wherein you receive the most enjoyment from taking the substance. You condition the body to associate specific stimuli with the gratifying effects of nicotine. For example, your body takes the cue to desire nicotine after eating your meals, while drinking coffee or alcohol, whenever you feel happy or anxious, and so on.
Withdrawal syndrome is experienced by a nicotine addict once he is not given his regular dose of the substance simply because his body has to adapt to function without nicotine. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, intense headaches, increased blood pressure, nicotine craving, anxiety, and tension.
In forming a game plan to stop smoking, it is crucial for you to be aware of the causes and the nature of your habit. This allows you to address the underlying issue of your deadly habit, the addiction to nicotine.
About the Author:
For a lot of people, it is difficult to stop smoking. But if you understand the causes and the nature of your habit, you can create an effective plan and finally get rid of the habit.
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