Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to break. It’s also one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It’s already responsible for over 400,000 deaths in the United States alone. If you’re a smoker, you know how hard it is to quit. You may have even tried to quit several times before, only to find yourself picking up the habit again a few weeks or months later.
Nicotine is Highly Addictive
Smoking tobacco leaves contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine is just as addictive as heroin or cocaine. When you smoke, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and travels to your brain. There, it binds to nicotine receptors and creates a pleasurable sensation. These pleasurable sensations encourage you to keep smoking to experience them again and again.
Cigarettes Have Chemicals
Smoke from cigarettes contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are poisonous. Seventy of those chemicals have been linked to cancer. Cigarette smoke also damages your DNA, leading to cancerous changes in healthy cells.
Smoking Causes Lung Damage
Smoking cigarettes causes lung damage by irritating and inflaming the airways. This inflammation makes breathing difficult and can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Cigarette smoke also increases mucus production, further clogs your airways, and makes breathing difficult.
Smoking Accelerates the Aging Process
Cigarettes cause premature aging by damaging collagen and elastin—the proteins that give your skin its elasticity and strength. Here are some ways smoking accelerates the age of some parts of your body.
Teeth and Mouth
The mouth is one of the essential parts of the body. It is used for speaking, eating, and drinking and is also the entryway to the digestive system. Cigarette smoking can cause several problems in the mouth, including:
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Tooth loss
Skin
Smoking can also accelerate the aging process of the skin. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin—the proteins that give your skin its elasticity and strength. This damage leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and an overall aged appearance.
Eyes
Smoking can also cause problems with your eyesight. It is a leading cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. Smokers are four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
Cigarettes are Expensive
Cigarettes are not only bad for your health, but they’re also bad for your wallet. The average price of a pack of cigarettes in the United States is $6.28. If you smoke one pack a day, that’s over $2,200 per year!
Quitting smoking is hard, but it’s worth it. If you’re struggling with it, consider these options to keep healthy.
Dental Treatment
First, you should consider the state of your teeth. If you’ve been smoking for a long time, then it’s likely that you’ve already done some damage. You should visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
If you have any concerns, your dentist can advise you on the best course of action. This may include quitting smoking to prevent further damage or robust crowns for teeth affected by smoking. These crowns are designed to protect your teeth and prevent further damage. It’s made of porcelain, which is a strong and durable material.
Skincare Products
You should also consider using skincare products that contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help repair the damage caused by smoking and prevent future damage.
Many skincare products on the market claim to be effective in treating the effects of smoking.
Stop Smoking Aids
There are many stop-smoking aids available that can help you quit. These include:
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT is a known treatment in the world of addiction. It works by giving you a small dose of nicotine to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Many different types of NRT are available, including patches, gum, and lozenges.
Electronic cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a popular stop-smoking aid. They work by heating a nicotine liquid, which then turns into vapor. E-cigarettes don’t contain many of the harmful chemicals found in regular cigarettes.
Prescription medication
There are also prescription medications available that can help you quit smoking. These include:
- Bupropion (Zyban): This works by blocking the effects of nicotine in the brain.
- Varenicline (Chantix): This works by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain and reducing the pleasure you get from smoking.
Support Groups
Support groups are a great way to stay motivated when quitting smoking. Many different types of support groups are available, including online and in-person.
These groups provide moral support and can offer helpful tips on how to quit smoking.
Smoking is a harmful habit that can cause many problems for your health and your wallet. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking. With determination and support, you can successfully kick the habit for good!
