Tobacco smoking is the number-one cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars and snuff, contain nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant that makes it difficult to quit using tobacco. The smoke produced by burning tobacco contains thousands of dangerous chemicals known to cause such diseases as emphysema and cancer. Exposure to facts and pictures about smoking helps people understand the health risks associated with tobacco use.
Smoking Statistics
Smoking is a widespread health threat in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association, 21.1 million women and 24.8 million men smoke cigarettes. More than 23 percent of white males and 20 percent of white females are smokers, while 25 percent of black men and 17 percent of black women smoke.
Health Effects
Tobacco smoke harms every organ system in the body. Cigarette smoke contains a variety of toxic compounds, some of which include benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and the radioactive element polonium-210. When burned, tobacco produces a sticky substance known as tar that accumulates in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring.
The American Cancer Society states that smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and more than 30 percent of total cancer deaths in the U.S. In addition to lung cancer and other respiratory conditions, such as emphysema, smoking increases the risk for reproductive problems, heart disease, gum disease and cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and bladder.
Addiction and Withdrawal
In addition to its detrimental health effects, tobacco's highly addictive nature makes it a truly dangerous substance. Nicotine --- the psychoactive compound in tobacco --- is more addictive than heroin, according to the New York Times.
In the brain, nicotine increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and feelings of satisfaction. This is the same neurotransmitter affected by other stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, which share many similarities with nicotine.
When attempting to quit, smokers are often bombarded with withdrawal symptoms severe enough to sabotage their efforts. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, headache, insomnia, tremor and strong cravings for tobacco.
Prevention/Solution
The only way to avoid health problems caused by smoking is to avoid starting in the first place. Nonsmokers also lower their risk by avoiding secondhand smoke, while smokers may increase their chances of quitting by using nicotine replacement products, such as gum and patches.
The prescription medications varenicline and bupropion may help some smokers quit. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, subjects taking varenicline had a 21.9 percent abstinence rate after 52 weeks, while those taking bupropion had abstinence rates of 16.1 percent, making both drugs significantly more effective than placebo. Other options include hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy.
Considerations
The health risks of smoking vary depending on a number of factors, including personal health, extent of tobacco use, and other lifestyle and environmental factors. Smokers and smokeless tobacco users should undergo frequent medical examinations to monitor lung function and overall health.
References
- American Heart Association: Cigarette Smoking Statistics
- American Cancer Society: Questions About Smoking, Tobacco and Health
- New York Times: Nicotine: Harder to Kick ... Than Heroin
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Varenicline vs. Sustained-Release Bupropion and Placebo for Smoking Cessation
