If a person quits smoking, the consequences for the body can be dire. WHO classifies smoking as one of the most serious threats to human life and health. Every year about 7 million people die from tobacco-related causes. Researchers say that one smoker dies every 5-7 seconds in the world. If the rate of tobacco consumption does not decrease, then by 2030, according to researchers, 9 million people will die from cigarettes annually.
The effect of cigarettes on the body
Carcinogens that enter the body with smoke affect almost every human organ and increase the risks of developing:
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
- cancer (lung, larynx, colon, pancreas);
- cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke);
- impotence and infertility;
- lesions of the nervous system (multiple sclerosis).
The paradox of the current situation is that smoking is a preventable cause of death! All that remains is to forget about the bad habit.
But if it’s that simple, why do the WHO numbers look so daunting?
Not just a habit
The fact is that smoking is not just a bad habit, but a psychological and physiological dependence of the body.
The first time, as a rule, the desire to try a cigarette arises in a smoking company. Everyone around is smoking, the desire to stand out from a potential smoker is not observed. A hand reaches for a cigarette, and now you are no longer sitting in the cheerful company of a black sheep: you are like everyone else.
This is psychological addiction. It is formed first. In the future, smoking delays and becomes a certain ritual: smoking over a cup of coffee or in the morning. Smoking in a stressful situation, calming yourself, smoking while working, solving problems - all this is a psychological addiction, which is the most difficult to get rid of. Or completely impossible. A person quits smoking, does not keep a cigarette for several years, but does not feel relaxed in a smoking company. A former smoker must constantly control his desires and keep himself in control.
Over time, physiological addiction is added to psychological dependence.
A person who is not addicted to tobacco will feel unwell after smoking two cigarettes in a row. The smoker will feel nothing. An organism used to tobacco works differently, it is addicted to nicotine and already knows how to react to its intake. Nicotine is delivered and the brain releases the hormone dopamine to neutralize it, which provides a sense of satisfaction.
Ways to deal with a cigarette
Only about 5% of tobacco addicts are able to quit smoking on their own. 80% want to quit, but cannot cope without the help of a doctor. Modern medicine uses a variety of ways to help tobacco addicts:
- Psychotherapeutic methods. The doctor helps to cope with the withdrawal syndrome and find pleasures in life that replace the cigarette.
- Nicotine-containing gum or patches. They help to overcome the unpleasant symptoms associated with quitting tobacco, gradually releasing nicotine into the body. The correct use of this therapy is very important, otherwise you will not be able to achieve the desired result.
- Reflexology (acupuncture, electropuncture, moxibustion, acupressure). Methods that are not recognized by evidence-based medicine, but, according to former smokers, are meaningful and beneficial.
- Medicines. Prescribed only by a doctor.
There is still a chance to cope on your own. At least, it is with her that the difficult path of quitting smoking begins. Those who have been able to quit smoking share a variety of recommendations. They advise you to take yourself a partner, because together it is always more fun; tell everyone about your intention - then it's a shame to retreat; if desired, take a drag on drinking water, chewing gum, carrots.
If you decide to deal with the problem yourself, use the following tips:
- Decide on a specific day to quit smoking.
- Find something to do for the first time - sport is just right.
- Remove everything reminiscent of tobacco: matches, ashtrays, lighters. Do not store any cigarettes in the house.
- Get enough sleep. Limit your TV viewing. This will help relieve fatigue and irritability.
- Water helps relieve withdrawal symptoms. Start and end your day with a warm shower.
Breaking, or withdrawal syndrome
Quitting cigarettes leads to nicotine withdrawal, or withdrawal symptoms. Over the years, nicotine has been incorporated into all vital processes and has an effect on most human organs. It is clear that the process of restructuring the body in a new way causes a number of various negative sensations.
Let's take a look at the main problems that literally every tobacco user faces.
- Weakness, dizziness, decreased performance. They occur in the first weeks after nicotine withdrawal. Surveys of former smokers show that these symptoms resolve within the first two weeks.
- Weight gain. Nicotine slows down the metabolic rate. If you quit smoking, you run the risk of gaining excess weight. Quitting smoking? Start monitoring your diet and increase your physical activity. Sport also helps to get rid of obsessive thoughts.
- Shortness of breath, increased production of phlegm, cough. Tobacco smoke irritates the respiratory tract and increases the production of phlegm. As a result of the withdrawal of nicotine, the stimulation of the airways ends, and it is difficult for the person to clear his throat. This condition can be regulated by physical activity, which is also able to stimulate the bronchi naturally and remove phlegm. If this condition lasts longer, it makes sense to see a doctor.
- Constipation. Nicotine stimulates the digestive tract. Without nicotine, your gut takes time and proper nutrition to get it working.
Practice shows: an integrated approach to getting rid of addiction can achieve positive results.
Consequences for the body
There is no easy way in this matter. Strength, patience and complete confidence in your own righteousness guarantee a successful completion of what you started. Improvements in the body will not be long in coming:
- On the first day, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood decreases, it is saturated with oxygen.
- By the end of the first week, nicotine is completely eliminated from the body. Physical addiction has been defeated.
- By the end of the first year, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is reduced by 2 times.
- Within 10 years, there is a complete recovery of the body.
It's worth it. Be healthy!