Why is it so hard to quit cigarettes?
BY READERS DIGEST
12th Oct 2021 Wellbeing
Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco smoking kills more than five million people each year? Despite education on the very significant health consequences of smoking, around 16% of individuals in the United States still smoke.
According to surveys, while 70% of smokers want to stop, many are able to do so on their own due to nicotine's extremely addictive characteristics.
Why is quitting smoking difficult?
Despite knowing the negative aspects of smoking, quitting is one of the hardest things for an avid smoker to achieve. This is because;
1. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance
Nicotine activates the brain's pleasure centres and is extremely addictive. When nicotine is removed from the body, the smoker will actually feel physical withdrawal symptoms. This often results in the person turning to smoking in order to alleviate the symptoms. Withdrawal effects of nicotine addiction differ from person to person.
Typical nicotine withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Flu-like aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Throat discomfort
- Irritability
- Sleep issues
- Concentration problems
- Headache
- Coughing and chest tightness
- Cravings for a cigarette
- Tongue and gum pain
2. Smoking's rewarding psychological aspects
For the smoker, the behavioural and social elements of cigarette smoking are extremely satisfying. Smoking behaviour becomes inextricably linked with everyday activities and “cues” such as after a meal while mingling with friends, when drinking alcohol, to “take a break”, when stressed (to relax), when resting (to relax even more), and so on.
Smoking's psychosocial and behavioural aspects can be just as difficult to overcome as physical dependence.
3. Genetic predisposition
Several studies have found a significant genetic contribution to smoking habits. It has also been discovered that genetics impact many elements of smoking, such as the desire to begin smoking, the decision to become a “smoker,” and so on. This might explain why some individuals can't stomach smoking at all, while others can sometimes smoke with a "take it or leave it" attitude, and still others become habitual smokers.
Benefits of quitting
- Your heart rate and blood pressure both decrease.
- The level of carbon monoxide in your blood returns to normal.
- Your circulation improves, as does your lung function.
- Coughing and shortness of breath become less severe. The cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs, begin to regain normal function, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
- Your chances of developing malignancies of the mouth, throat, and voice box (larynx) are decreased in half.
- Lower chances of a stroke.
- Lower risks of coronary heart disease
Tips on how to quit smoking cigarettes.
If you want to quit smoking, you can make small lifestyle changes that will help you resist the urge to light up. These include:
- Think positively about quitting smoking and don't give up.
- Identify when you crave the cigarettes and replace it with something less damaging.
- Join support groups that will help in quitting smoking.
- Make a list of why quitting is a good idea.
- Replace cigarettes with nicotine patches or pouches
Nicotine Pouches.
A nicotine pouch is a modern type of smoke-and-tobacco-free nicotine product that provides more discretion and a cleaner feel than traditional oral tobacco products. These pouches are usually placed under the upper lip for about an hour, This move is to efficiently exude nicotine and flavour without leaving any stains. Nicotine patches can easily be found at online resellers like Snusdirect. On Snusdirect, you can easily browse the different flavours and products from their catalogue.
Whatever nicotine strength or flavour you prefer, each nicotine pouch experience is tobacco-free, smoke-free, stain-free, and drip-free.
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