According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking remains the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Despite this fact, scores of people continue to smoke large quantities of cigarettes daily. Some smokers engage in chain smoking. Chain smoking can particularly hinder your health.
Definition
The website Mental Help notes the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" considers chain smoking an addictive behavior. You are a chain-smoker if you light a new cigarette mere moments after you just finished one and continue that process throughout the day. Chain smoking is a common, and potentially deadly, form of addiction.
Nicotine Addiction
Tobacco derives from a plant. When the leaves on the plant are dried, they can be rolled and ultimately smoked as cigarettes. Tobacco contains the chemical nicotine. Nicotine is what gets people addicted to smoking. Tobacco is so habit-forming that the Mayo Clinic says it is as addictive as cocaine. Nicotine increases the release of neurotransmitters and provides you with temporary feelings of happiness.
Psychological Addiction
Smoking can become a routine and you may get so accustomed to the habit at certain times that it seems virtually second-nature. For example, you may always smoke after consuming a large meal or while you are drinking alcohol or coffee. You may also have a tendency to smoke during stressful times or as a means to control your food cravings.
Chain Smoking Effects
Smoking cigarettes can trigger a host of health issues. Chronic smoking increases your risk of acquiring cancers and respiratory diseases. Furthermore, smoking cigarettes can result in premature aging, bad breath and yellow teeth and finger nails.
Personal and Professional
Chain smoking can adversely impact both your personal and professional life. Smoking cigarettes is considered socially unacceptable. When you constantly smoke, you have to make frequent trips outside. Regular cigarette breaks can decrease your productivity at work and minimize the time that you spend socializing. If you smoke around others, you place their health in jeopardy.
