Tobacco

What is the drug in tobacco?
Nicotine is the active drug in tobacco. It is a stimulant and affects the heart, circulation, and nervous system. Its immediate effects on the body are a faster heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing or spit tobacco, and snuff.

What are the long- term health dangers of smoking?
Smoking causes cancers of the lung and other parts of the body. Heavy pipe and cigar smokers run a greater risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus. Tars in the smoke cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease. Nicotine raises blood pressure and can cause cardiovascular problems. It has been linked to lung cancer.  It is also very addicting. These health problems affect many smokers. The final result is often the death of a smoker.

What are the short-term health problems of smoking?
Coughing, shortness of  breath, and other breathing problems, possible heart problems, reduced endurance and more frequent colds and illnesses are all short-term problems of smoking.

What are the non-health problems caused by smoking?
Smoke damages audio, video, computer, and other electronic equipment. This causes down time and the cost of cleaning and repair. Smoking affects social conduct.  Smoking costs money. The tobacco products are costly as well as health insurance costs are more for smokers. Smoking can cause fires,  damage buildings,  and other property and forests.

What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy?
A woman who smokes during pregnancy is more likely to lose her baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or death soon after birth. Smoking also increases the risk of a premature birth, and of a baby with low birth weight. Low birth weight is a sign of poor infant health.

Is there a safe level of smoking?
There is no level of smoking which can be considered safe or healthy. The safest level is not to smoke at all. If a person smokes, the healthiest course is to quit.

Why do people smoke?
People begin to smoke for many reasons. Young people can be influenced by seeing adults or friends smoke and by cigarette advertisements. Some young people may start in order to feel more grown up. Smokers continue to smoke for a number of reasons. Nicotine causes a dependency.  Smokers  who are dependent  keep smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms; others smoke out of nervousness,  habit or because others around them smoke.

Do people become dependent on cigarettes?
Yes. Stopping smoking causes withdrawal symptoms. The smoker can become irritable, restless, and anxious. They may tremble or be unable to sleep. These symptoms make is difficult to stop smoking.

Do many people smoke cigarettes?
In 1991, the national Household Survey on Drug Abuse showed 12% of youth aged 12-17 were current cigarette smokers (had smoked in the past month). Among adults ages 18-25, 32% had smoked cigarettes in the past month. Among adults ages 26 and older, 28% were current smokers.

What if a nonsmoker is exposed to tobacco smoke?
Secondhand smoke can produce ill effects to non-smokers. These include eye irritation, headaches, nose and throat discomfort, and even serious allergic reactions.  People who suffer from chronic heart or lung disease are very vulnerable to the effects of cigarette smoke.

How can a person get help quitting?
Many forms of help exist to help a smoker quit. One first step can be to talk with your physician. Nicotine chewing gum or a skin “patch” to reduce the cravings may be prescribed. “Stop smoking” programs are available. Some smokers quit gradually. Others stop smoking all at once. Most smokers try several times before they stop smoking permanently. No matter what methods are tried, the support of family and others can be very helpful.

Here are some tips to help in ones effort to quit:
1. Don't give up trying to quit.
2. Keep trying until you succeed.
3. Smoke fewer cigarettes each day.
4. Don’t smoke the cigarette all the way to the end.
5. Take fewer puffs on each cigarette.
6. Reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.
7. Decide NOT to smoke in certain places.
8. Decide NOT to smoke at certain times.

Legal information:
Tobacco products may only be sold to those over eighteen years of age. Michigan law prohibits smoking in schools and most public buildings. Smoking is limited in restaurants and food stores. Some communities have restricted or eliminated the sale of tobacco products in vending machines. Tobacco advertising is governed by various regulations.