Quitting Smoking Essay Example

more than 90% of lung cancer cases and raises the risk for throat, bladder, mouth, pancreas, and tongue cancers. The amount someone smokes directly correlates with their likelihood of developing lung cancer. While current smokers face a high risk of death from this habit, gradually quitting can decrease the probability of lung cancer.

Exposure to tobacco chemicals can damage lung cells and lead to cancer. However, quitting smoking can aid in the replacement of unhealthy cells with healthy ones, resulting in a 25% reduction in cancer risk within ten years. Additionally, cigarette usage is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease in America and is associated with other factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and lack of physical activity (Kevin C., 2002).

When fat and fatty substances accumulate in arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis occurs. This can lead to heart attacks. Smoking is already known to cause heart problems but becomes even more dangerous when combined with high blood pressure and increased blood clotting. People over 50 years old, especially women taking contraceptives, are at a higher risk of heart disease. The effects of smoking on these conditions are severe enough that young women may experience strokes if they are regularly exposed to smoke.

Consuming tobacco and smoking can have an unforeseen effect on nutritional health. They decrease the body's essential mineral and vitamin levels and hinder its ability to absorb these vital elements that are necessary for preventing diseases. The immune system's capability to maintain itself is negatively impacted by smoking, which specifically targets vitamin C, causing depletion of this nutrient in the bloodstream and harm. Consequently, the body needs more vitamins to repair this damage;

however, they may be trapped by smoke leading to long-term reduction of immunity over time.

Individuals who smoke require a higher intake of vitamins compared to those who do not smoke in order to combat immune deficiency and increase resistance against illnesses like colds and flu. Additionally, smoking places one at a greater risk for health issues and leads to societal limitations such as increased insurance expenses.

Warren K (2000) suggests that employers may favor non-smokers in order to avoid workplace complications and inconveniences. Smokers might face limitations at important locations like vehicles and restaurants. Moreover, smoking mothers have a greater chance of bearing babies with respiratory problems, low weight, nausea or sudden infant death syndrome. Though preventable, smoke-related ailments are widespread in society. Many individuals attempt to overcome their nicotine addiction and lower the likelihood of such illnesses. Nonetheless, people continue to smoke for various reasons despite being aware of associated risks.

Smoking is often taken up by young and inexperienced people who want to stay trendy and fashionable. Both boys and girls use smoking as a way to project a specific image and gain acceptance from their peers. Boys tend to use it to appear macho, while girls see it as a means of increasing their sex appeal and staying current with fashion trends.

(Kristi J, 1992) suggests that people may resort to smoking as a way of easing stress and enhancing their mood, even though it can lead to harmful outcomes. This tendency is especially evident when individuals are confronted with difficult situations or demanding activities.

Health experts strongly reject the idea that nicotine reduces stress in smokers. Instead, they argue that high dependency on

nicotine results in increased stress and depression. This is because a smoker's addiction to nicotine leads to a decrease in its normal levels in the body, causing an urge to inhale more nicotine and alleviate the resulting stress.

The fallacy of believing smoking reduces stress is a common misconception as it actually leads to increased stress levels due to addiction (Daniel F, 1999). Nicotine addicts often need to continuously replenish their nicotine levels to maintain their mood, resulting in a cycle of chain-smoking to counteract withdrawal symptoms. However, society's stereotype that being slim is cool has led to a widespread struggle for weight loss through various exercises and medications.

Some individuals think that smoking cigarettes, particularly among women, can assist in weight loss. However, this method is dangerous as people attempt to conform to societal expectations and beliefs. Smoking negatively impacts an individual's appetite and decreases their desire for food which leads to weight reduction. The compulsion for smoke suppresses the need for food. The feeling of relief prompting individuals to smoke is why they are frequently assumed to be beneficial for weight loss.

This situation of weight loss is aggravated by the unsupported belief that quitting smoking will promptly cause an increase in weight, which can ultimately lead to weight-related problems. This concept has some validity, as research has discovered instances of weight gain following smoking cessation. Nevertheless, to fight against this gain, one must focus on counteracting the resulting increase in weight and not use it as a justification for persisting in smoking. In this case, adopting a change in dietary and lifestyle habits is highly recommended (Franklin B et al, 2005).

The primary hindrance to quitting

smoking is said to be the withdrawal symptoms, which are comparable to those experienced when withdrawing from hard drugs such as marijuana or heroin. Overcoming an addiction is a challenging process that necessitates more than just physical strength. Therefore, the most effective approach for quitting any type of addiction should be capable of managing these withdrawal symptoms.

While there is strong resistance to the idea, stopping smoking is most effectively achieved through a method known as "cold turkey." Simply put, this involves quitting smoking abruptly and without any prior planning. This approach is based on the idea that no elaborate preparation is needed, as with cold turkeys. Although opponents of this method acknowledge its difficult and challenging nature, they recognize its cost-effectiveness and realistic approach with minimal side effects (Fred H, 2004).

To be successful with this method, the smoker's commitment and dedication are crucial. Coping with withdrawal symptoms is also necessary. Drinking plenty of fluids helps eliminate toxins accumulated from years of smoking. It's important to know the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, which typically subside within a few days. This approach requires keeping busy and ignoring smoking thoughts and withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals can manage strong cigarette cravings by using a cigarette alternative and inhaling fresh air deeply. Receiving assistance from a community of individuals who have also committed to quitting smoking can be beneficial. Although withdrawal symptoms may persist, they typically diminish as people maintain an environment free of nicotine.

This technique is a cost-effective and safe method for quitting smoking that circumvents the negative effects of switching from one addiction to the discomfort of stopping altogether. Nonetheless, some people find this approach overwhelming and prefer

to consider alternative options, such as hypnosis. Hypnotherapy entails several sessions with an expert practitioner whose objective is to target the subconscious mind by purifying it and creating a dislike for smoking and cigarettes while repressing any favorable associations someone may have had with them. (source: www)

Hypnosis.info explains that hypnosis uses both learned and innate techniques to induce mental relaxation and visualize quitting smoking as achievable. However, it is not suitable for everyone as it requires advanced concentration skills, the ability to relax the mind, a willingness to challenge preconceived beliefs about smoking, and a focus on its negative aspects.

Another way to quit smoking is by using patches. This method involves administering nicotine doses through the skin, starting with a high dosage that matches the smoker's usual daily intake and gradually reducing it over time. Although effective, it can be expensive and requires the guidance of a certified hypnotherapist.

The nicotine cravings of the user have been successfully eliminated. There are two patch variations available, tailored to address degrees of nicotine dependence. The 16-hour patch is intended for lighter users, whereas the 24-hour patch may cater to more experienced smokers by administering nicotine throughout the day. Visit www.quits-smoking-support for further information.

Health experts suggest taking patch medication for at least three months to fully transition off it. Nonetheless, this approach isn't ideal since the dosage extends beyond eight weeks and could potentially cause discomfort to the user due to its possible side effects.

Familydoctor.org explains that individuals may experience a range of symptoms including sleep disruption, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, and muscle discomfort when attempting to quit smoking. However, the side effects associated with using patch therapy during withdrawal

may appear less severe. Alternatively, certain smokers choose to use nicotine gum as it promptly substitutes cigarettes by releasing nicotine into the body.

To avoid relapse into smoking, individuals with tobacco addiction are advised to limit their use of nicotine gum to six months. For ongoing nicotine replacement during cravings, it is recommended that the gum be chewed continuously. It should be noted that this approach may lead to dependence on the gum and mild side effects.

According to www.lungusa., the extended consumption of nicotine gum can cause several discomforts, including throat, mouth and jaw pain, nausea, and an elevated heart rate. Moreover, excessive usage may lead to dental and stomach problems as a result of nicotine ingestion.

Although attempts have been made to reduce cigarette smoking, it remains widespread among approximately 25% of people worldwide. This poses numerous challenges for both smokers and non-smokers, including health problems like heart disease, lung cancer, and nutrient deficiencies that impact not only smokers themselves but also individuals exposed to secondhand smoke.

Smoking restrictions enforced in public areas and establishments, like restaurants and government offices, have prompted many smokers to consider quitting. However, quitting smoking is a difficult undertaking that requires considerable commitment. The quest for the most successful ways to quit smoking has generated debate regarding the best approach. While some argue that going cold turkey is the most effective method because of its low cost and absence of side effects, others disagree.

Although some smokers turn to hypnosis, nicotine gum, and patches to manage withdrawal symptoms, I believe that quitting smoking abruptly is the most effective method. This approach can be supplemented with other strategies and does not require additional costs,

as opposed to the costly and time-consuming procedures associated with gum, hypnosis, and patches.

Providing a cost-effective solution for smokers who have invested significantly in their addiction is crucial. Some alternative methods may yield undesired side effects that deter the smoker from quitting. The cold turkey approach solely necessitates the individual's determination and willingness to tolerate withdrawal symptoms for a short time, ultimately concluding in successful cessation within several days. References: Daniel F. Seidman, Lirio S. Covey. Helping the Hard-Core Smoker.

Within the

tags, there are three book titles listed, which are "A Clinicians Guide" by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates in 1999, "Quotations for all occasions" by Catherine Frank published by Columbia University Press in 2000, and "Reframing Health Behavior: Change with Behavioral Economics" by Warren K. Bickel and Rudy E. Vuchinich.The text in the mentions the publication "The Goetz Plan: A practical Smoking Cessation Program for college Student Journal" by Franklin B. Krohn and Kristin M. Goetz, which was published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates in 2000. Additionally, it mentions an article written by Kristi J. in 2005, which was published in Vol. 39 of the same journal.The following three sources discuss smoking behavior: Ferguson examines how adolescents recruit new smokers, Douglas focuses on the length of time individuals smoke, and Chappell's work is not specified. All three sources were published in the 1990s. The information is presented within a paragraph tag.

Ebony Vol 57, July 2002 published an article about dealing with heart disease, which is the biggest killer. The Evening Chronicle in New Castle, England published an article on November 1, 2004 about the steps to quitting smoking. And quit smoking support website, quitsmokingsupport.com,

provides information on quitting smoking with the transdermal patch.

On 11/09/07, the article "Smoking: steps to help you break the habit" was found at http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/addictions/tobacco/1Fred H. The last update was made on 12/06/07.

Kecley (2004) recommended quitting smoking abruptly, known as "cold turkey," and the information can be found on quitsmoking.com under the articles section.

The American Lung Association reported that smoking cessation occurred in November 2003, with the source of information available at http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp. The date of retrieval was 11/09/07.

On http://www.hypnosis.info/cds/cd02.html, the Oxford Hypnotherapy website provides an article called "How to stop smoking using hypnosis" that examines hypnosis as a technique for smoking cessation. Retrieved on 11/09/07, this piece was originally posted on 07/09/2002.