According to the World Health Organization, the main symptoms of tobacco addiction, also known as nicotine use disorder, are as follows:
- Impairment of the ability to control usage,
- Giving more priority to tobacco use over other activities,
- A strong desire to use nicotine, characterized by continued use despite encountering harms or negative consequences,
- The gradual loss of the old effect of nicotine (developing tolerance),
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after cessation or reduction of nicotine use,
- Continuing tobacco use despite recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of tobacco (e.g., getting into arguments with others about tobacco use),
- Repeated use of tobacco in situations that could be dangerous (e.g., smoking in bed),
- Repeated tobacco use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., hindering work).
What is Tobacco Withdrawal?
The specific substance of tobacco is a dark-colored liquid, and this toxic liquid is called nicotine. Nicotine has a strong addictive effect. When not taken for 90-120 minutes, withdrawal symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms can be felt at their peak on the first day of quitting tobacco; however, withdrawal symptoms gradually decrease and disappear over time.
Some situations that may challenge the individual during the quitting process, such as coping with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, may arise. You can make this process easier for yourself by getting expert support.
Among the withdrawal symptoms are;
- Easy irritability or anger
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood pressure
- Insomnia-like symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization's 2020 statement; exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, especially at an early age, leads to much more critical consequences. Approximately half of the world's child population breathes air polluted by tobacco smoke, and this situation can lead to serious consequences.
Smoke released into the environment can be as harmful as the cigarette being smoked. Some facts about this issue are as follows:
Smoke released from a burning cigarette contains 4,000 chemicals, 50 of which are carcinogenic. A cigarette burns for about 12 minutes; however, we can say that a person smoking a cigarette inhales it for only 30 seconds. The remaining smoke is inhaled by those around. Environmental cigarette smoke is more harmful than the smoke inhaled. Environmental cigarette smoke contains 3 times more nicotine, 70% more tar, and 2.5 times more carbon monoxide than the cigarette being smoked. Two-thirds of a burning cigarette goes into the air.
When we fight against smoking, we protect not only our own health but also the health of our loved ones.
What Are the Health Problems Caused by Tobacco Addiction?
Tobacco use affects the following four main non-communicable diseases:
. Cardiovascular diseases
. Types of cancer
. Diabetes
. Respiratory diseases
Tobacco can lead to serious consequences along with health problems not only in users but also in those who are not direct users. Therefore, the situation of those exposed to tobacco despite not using it is of great importance. This situation is addressed as passive smoking or exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Secondhand tobacco smoke is the smoke that fills enclosed spaces when tobacco products like cigarettes and hookahs are used. Inhaling this smoke is referred to as passive smoking.
In recent years, new generation tobacco products have also been included in the fight against the harms of tobacco and tobacco products. According to the World Health Organization's 2019 statement, these products are called Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). The most common types are; e-cigarettes, vapes or vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes, and e-cigars. Electronic cigarettes contain liquid nicotine and other chemicals that can be toxic to human health.
Although these products are promoted by the tobacco industry as less harmful products that can be used to quit smoking, the World Health Organization's 2020 statement reports that these products are as harmful to health as tobacco products. Children and adolescents are particularly at high risk regarding the use of these products. Since brain development continues until the mid-20s, the use of these products at an early age negatively affects brain development. Additionally, it is known that e-cigarette use increases the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. These devices also pose significant risks for pregnant women who use them, as they can harm the developing fetus.
From your last cigarette;
- 20 minutes later, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- 12 hours later, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
- In 2 weeks - 3 months, your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
- In 1 - 9 months, your cough and shortness of breath decrease.
- 1 year later, your risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
- 5 years later, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker for 5-15 years.
- 10 years later, your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a smoker's.
- Your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas cancer decreases.
- 15 years later, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker's. (World Health Organization, 2020)
10 Steps to Quit Smoking
Set your quit date.
Remove all cigarettes, lighters, matches, and ashtrays from your surroundings.
Set small goals.
Find activities to keep yourself busy.
Brush your teeth and shower frequently.
Pay attention to your diet, drink plenty of water.
Avoid triggers that will stimulate your desire to smoke.
Suppress your urge to smoke by chewing gum or drinking herbal tea.
Get fresh air, move around.
If you crave a cigarette, take 10 deep breaths.
Electronic Cigarettes Are As Harmful to Health as Other Tobacco Products