Everyone knows that smoking kills, but what they may not know is by just how much it shortens your life and how it can make what life you do have miserable. It's well known that smoking is one of the major killers in modern life. It is a physical and psychological addiction that is only heightened by its strong social aspect.
Short Life
A 50-year study conducted by Sir Richard Doll and reported in the "British Medical Journal" found that on average a smoker dies 10 years younger than a nonsmoker. At least half of smokers will ultimately be killed by their addiction. According to Janet Bigham's book "Dying to Quit," as reported in Medical News Today, each pack of cigarettes cuts 28 minutes off the average smoker's life expectancy, and a typical smoker loses 25 years of life.
Quality of Life
More than 20 diseases are caused or aggravated by smoking, including throat and lung cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. So even if you don't die younger, the chances of you getting one of these diseases is high and your quality of life will be seriously reduced. You may end up dependent on drugs and other treatments just to get you through the day.
Effects of Quitting
Giving up at any age increases your life expectancy. According to Britain's "Daily Mail" newspaper, at 50 it's increased by six years and at 60 by three years. When you do give up, after 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. After eight hours the nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood reduce by over half and oxygen levels return to normal.
If you give up for 24 hours the carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body. Your lungs begin to clear out mucus, other smoking debris and buildups of tar. After 48 hours no nicotine is left in the body and your ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
Following a year of not smoking your risk of a heart attack falls to half that of a smoker. After 10 years your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker and after 15 years your risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
Your Nonsmoking Life
For a smoker, a life without cigarettes may seem daunting. But as a nonsmoker you can now take pleasure in things where before you would be craving and planning your next cigarette. You can now go in an airplane, watch a film and get through a family meal without wanting to get outside for a cigarette. The American Heart Association recommends you keep a list of pleasurable activities you can now do as a nonsmoker when you feel urges to smoke during your transition phase.
Success Rates
According to the American Cancer Society, about 4 to 7 percent of people are able to quit smoking without medicines or any other help. They report that studies in medical journals have reported that between about 25 and 33 percent of smokers who use medicines can stay smoke free for over six months. Combining some medicines and therapies may work better than using them alone. Just don't give up giving up, and accept all the help available to you.
