Smoking Causes More Deaths than Murder, Suicide, and AIDS Combined.

Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal By Bette L. Hall

Cigarette smoking is responsible for more deaths than murder, suicide, and AIDS combined.

In 1984, the US Surgeon General believed we could become a “smoke-free society” by the year 2000. Programs have been implemented to help lead our nation to a smokeless society by healthcare providers and government officials.

However, cigarette smoking leads to nicotine addiction and it’s the addiction that needs to be treated.

Enforcing non-smoking facilities, hospitals, and restaurants is a great way not to subject non-smokers to second-hand smoke, but what good does it do to help the smoker deal with addiction?

With every addiction comes withdrawal symptoms when attempting to abstain from cigarette smoking or other tobacco products. Kicking the habit will not be easy. Nicotine addiction is both chemical and psychological, meaning it can negatively affect you in your body and your mind.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms include headache, irritability, insomnia, and restlessness. Symptoms can last up to three or four weeks.

Joel Spitzer, a smoking cessation specialist, says patients need to know “why they need to quit and how to do it.”

Cigarette smoking is responsible for more deaths than murder, suicide, and AIDS combined.

Every year in the US, premature deaths from smoking rob years from the potential lifespan of those who have died. Strokes are the third leading cause of deaths in the US and cigarette smoking is a major cause. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death and is attributed to cigarette smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and most cases are caused my cigarette smoking.

There are several products on the market today that will help alleviate symptoms. Most of them are nicotine replacement products that are administered in a less lethal manner.

Some of those products include nicotine spray, nicotine gum, nicotine patch, and nicotine inhaler. There is also an antidepressant pill that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms which is a non-nicotine product–Zyban.

Zyban is an antidepressant that helps eleviate irritability and restlessness. It’s been used to treat depression and other problems. Zyban is a prescription medication that works on the neurological level to reduce the nicotine craving.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in to assist you by alleviating withdrawal symptoms, then discus it with your personal physician. Treatment with Zyban is generally initiated while the patient is still smoking

With the help of one of the above products and your healthcare provider, you’ll be on the road to better health. One last help for those desiring to quit smoking is the support group or counseling. Becoming smoke-free is truly within your reach.

Reference: CMA Today. “Smoke Out” by Tamara Matthews. Jan/Feb 2006 Pages 10-15