According to the latest statistics, the number of smokers is close to hitting one billion worldwide, and let's be honest, we all know at least one smoker in our lives, and it could actually be you! When people usually pick up smoking, they rarely think about the aftermath, ill effects it has on their body and brain; the important thing they look for is pleasure or relief. And that is true, the tobacco in the cigarette (However, tobacco is not only present in cigarettes or cigars, it can also be sniffed and chewed) does induce pleasurable sensations and that’s how it manipulates your brain, yes, it does!
How Tobacco manipulates your brain?
Nicotine is a substance in tobacco that stimulates the release of Adrenaline upon absorption, also increases the levels of dopamine, which is one of the main reasons for pleasure and satisfaction. In fact, the intake of tobacco would be perceived as more of a reward. However, these artificial pleasures rarely last long and result in an even greater feeling of displeasure once the levels of these hormones start to taper down, the result is you end up smoking more! Tobacco is very addictive and the earlier you decide to quit, the easier it is to not retaliate and the fewer withdrawal symptoms you might experience. Heavy intake of tobacco might, in fact, change brain structure which could have serious implications!
Also, many researchers claim that tobacco and cigarette addiction can lead to depression; the core of this cause and effect relationship remains unknown, but it could possibly be the change that tobacco and nicotine cause to the neurotransmitters in the brain. However, that does not mean that there is no definite way to overcome tobacco addiction.
There are several treatments that require the help of others, and several methods that one can do on their own. Behavioral treatment relies basically on helping the addict find new ways to overcome his addiction through self-help encouragement and new lifestyle changes, just as not hanging around smokers.
Another treatment is Nicotine replacement therapy, it consists of applying medical patches, nasal sprays or chewing gum that act as a nicotine replacement and slowly direct the body towards not demanding tobacco intake. When it comes to depression, whether or not it is caused by intake of tobacco intake, people tend to start smoking in order to relieve anxiety and tension, and if you are a smoker trying to quit and feel depressed, industry experts recommend several solutions such as exercises, which revitalizes the body and helps release toxins and lessens the bad health effects on the body caused by tobacco. It is also recommended to start practicing new activities that keep you occupied. The more free time you have the more likely you are to go back to smoking.
A lot of people quit, and you can overcome it too. As a matter of fact, previous President of United States of America, Barack Obama was himself a tobacco addict, and he claims that this was his lifelong battle and admits to slipping up from time to time, but he overcame this addiction and you can too!
So it’s time to Say NO to Tobacco! You will be joined by people all around the globe as we celebrate
World No Tobacco Day on May 31st because it’s not just you,
Tobacco threatens us all
No comments:
Post a Comment