Smoking Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

The cigarette smoke has done no good to mankind ever. It has just degraded the mindset and lifestyle of people addicted to it. Long back it used to be a trend, to hold a ruffled piece of paper filled with tobacco and lit ends and blow off the smoke in an unconditioned manner. Not one person realized how bad it’s after effects were.

The drug present in the tobacco leaves that sets the brain into an ecstatic state is Nicotine. Nicotine, when inhaled through the cigarettes, enters the bloodstream through the lungs and then travels right to the brain to show its effects within ten seconds of inhalation. You may find it a habit that you are accustomed to. But no sooner you will get to realize that you are actually addicted to the nicotine when the withdrawal symptoms arise. And once when your body starts craving for another shot of smoke it would be too late for you to stop.

On an average, about a million people die in India every year due to the hazards of smoke. And India accounts for about 12% of the world's smokers. This number is going to increase with each passing day if proper measures are not taken at the right time. And warning people about it is definitely a big step.

The one and the only reason to smoking addiction is the nicotine found in the tobacco leaves. This chemical causes a rush of adrenaline through the bloodstream when a cigarette is smoked. The ‘happy' chemical found in our brain, called the dopamine reaches yet another level when it interacts with the nicotine. The pleasure that the smoker feels makes him smoke even more than before. Just for some moments rewards it's better not to risk your whole life.

The symptoms of smoking addiction are quite easy to find. The following points will help you figure out if you are the one among the other one million people.

• If you are a chain smoker.
• If you have distanced yourself from the social life.
• If all your efforts of quitting cigarettes are going vain.
• If smoking is the only pleasure left in your life.

It's never too late to get rid of a habit. But make sure you don’t get addicted to it. Addiction has never done any good. Neither will it ever.

• The best treatment to get rid of this addiction is to stay away from all your addicted friends. At least for the time being. Also, make them aware of its bad influence.
• Get the patch which injects tiny amount of nicotine in your body which will ultimately help you get rid of the addiction.
• Make use of the Nicotine gums available in markets now.
• The sprays or inhalers are also helpful in such cases.
• Also, medications can help with this problem. So consult your doctor at the earliest.
• Have a healthy lifestyle. Eat good and sleep long. Do think about your loved ones if time permits.
• Some other treatment options for smoking addiction includes hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and neuro-linguistic programme.
• Treatment for nicotine addiction works in a combination of ways. So what may work for one wouldn’t necessarily work the other.

They say prevention is better than cure. It stands true to this day. Why fall into a pit of shit when you know you can walk through it.

So why get addicted to it when you know what you are going to end up with. It's always better to have self-control.

The after effects of this kind of addiction leads to lung cancer, bad breath, and other chronic disorders. Knowing this is more than enough to stay away from the devil.

Give a stand towards awaring people regarding the addiction to smoking. Prevent people from using products that contain nicotine.

Also, some standard regulations or policies can be implemented towards the strict usage of nicotine in public places.

Banning of advertisements regarding nicotine near schools and colleges can be a big step towards preventing the spread of smoking addiction.

The best way to know whether you are addicted to nicotine is to stop using it. See for yourself how long you can take it. There are various psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms related to smoking. This includes getting anxious, going restless, some mild cases of insomnia and headaches. If you are a smoker and going through the same phase, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, symptoms like sweating profusely, increased heart palpitations, tremors, difficulty in breathing and vomiting can be related to the after effects of quitting smoking.

But it's alright. It's never too late for anything. Take a step today for a happy future with your loved ones.