Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes a person's overall health. Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 of every 5 deaths each year (438,000). Of these premature deaths about 40% are from cancer, 35% are from heart disease and stroke, and 25% are from lung disease. Approximately 20.8% of adults in the United States (45.3 million) were current cigarette smokers in 2006. Of these, 80.1% (36.3 million) smoked every day.
Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemical agents, including over 60 carcinogens. In addition, many of these substances, such as carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, and lead, are poisonous and toxic to the human body. Nicotine is a drug that is naturally present in the tobacco plant and is primarily responsible for a person's addiction to tobacco products, including cigarettes. During smoking, nicotine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and travels to the brain in a matter of seconds. Nicotine causes addiction to cigarettes and other tobacco products that is similar to the addiction produced by heroin and cocaine. Examples of nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite. Quitting tobacco use is difficult and may require multiple attempts, as users often relapse because of withdrawal symptoms.
Ways to Quit Smoking:
Nicotine Gum -- Nicotine Lozenges -- Nicotine Patches
