Many people would like to quit smoking but it is not a simple task. It takes determination, commitment, and will power to be able to achieve it. Perhaps the biggest motivation is health. Smoking causes around four million fatalities every year, with smoking related diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease shortening the life of nearly 10 per cent of adults worldwide according to figures from the World Health Organisation.
When we understand the reality of the health problems that come with smoking it can help us to take steps to kick the habit. The good news is that millions of people do mange to quit smoking every year. More than half the number of people that smoke are able to give up in the long run.
Every single cigarette that is consumed contains not only addictive amounts of nicotine but numerous other toxic substances. The moment you light up a cigarette, nicotine is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain in a matter of seconds. It may feel good as it causes an increase in the amount of dopamine that that is being circulated around the body. But this hormone will decrease when you do not smoke, causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.
Another toxic substance that is found in all cigarettes is tar. Because tar contains carcinogenic compounds it can cause cancer in the smoker. Carbon monoxide is also present in cigarette smoke. It attaches itself to the red blood cells and lowers their ability to carry oxygen around the body. These are just a few of the toxic substances that you breathe in when you smoke.
As you probably aware there are countless risks associated with being a smoker. Studies have shown that men who smoke their whole lives live on average ten years less than non-smokers. There are a vast number of diseases that are caused by smoking. Apart from lung cancer there is cancer of the stomach, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, and throat, not to mention a form of leukemia.
It is also well known that smoking causes damage to the respiratory system. Pneumonia can be a result of smoking as can COPD. Both of these sicknesses cause an inflammation in the lungs. Heart disease is often the result of inhaling tobacco smoke. It occurs due to damage to the arteries. Other ailments and sicknesses that are increased by smoking include impotence, infertility, angina, and osteoporosis.
Stopping smoking can only ever be a positive step. It is possible for your body to make a full recovery if you quit early enough. As the number of people seeking help with quitting smoking has increased, the number of treatments available has risen.
Your family doctor can give you expert advice on the most suitable methods. They can also offer you medication that can help you quit. Today there are tablets available such as varenicline and buropion, as well as nicotine replacement therapy.
If you are serious about quitting smoking, then you can achieve your wish. There is plenty of help out there from people who understand exactly how you feel.