If you use tobacco, you know how addictive it is and how difficult it is to quit it. Even years of tobacco use have trained your mind to take it even more. But you don’t realise that it is secretly eating up your overall health. 

According to WHO, over 8 million people die from tobacco use every year. This eye-opening report shows how lethal it is. But that’s not all. Not only does it affect those who take it, but also those who get exposed to its smoke.

Across the globe, it has been reported that the increasing tobacco use is taking a toll on people’s mental and physical health.

What is Tobacco?

Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves. Its leaves have highly addictive stimulant alkaloid nicotine and harmala nicotine. 

Tobacco leaves are first harvested, dried, fermented, and then finally put in tobacco products like cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, hookahs, cigars, pipes, and shishas. It is also consumed as chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, snuff, and snus.

When a person takes tobacco, nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds. Some say it helps improve mood and make them relax. But regular use can cause addiction. Even when the person tries to quit it, it results in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include: 

  • Urge to smoke
  • Irritation
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling hungry
  • Weight gain
  • Feeling depressed, anxious, or sad

Although some say it reduces their tension, experts say it actually increases stress. Tobacco use leads to a release of a chemical called dopamine in the brain that uplifts positive feelings. That’s why people with depression smoke more for a pleasurable feeling. But in the long run, tobacco consumption makes the brain release less dopamine, which eventually causes people to smoke more.

Tobacco Effect on Physical Health

Regular use of tobacco affects physical health in various ways.

  • Makes the body deprived of oxygen due to increased carbon dioxide intake. 
  • Increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases circulation.
  • Weaken lung functioning.
  • Causes emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and type 2 diabetes. 
  • Increases the risk of lung, pancreatic, bladder, and esophageal cancer, among others.
  • Cause wrinkles, gum disease and gray skin

Tobacco Effect on Mental Health

While we often hear about the bad effects of tobacco on physical health, its effect on mental health are not known to many. The mental challenges begin with the addiction. The addition of tobacco can add extra stress to your life. Also, in many cases, tobacco consumption leads to relationship problems, which further adds to stress.

How to Quit Tobacco?

First of all, you need to motivate yourself to stop smoking and avoid people who force or advise you to smoke. Write down the things you can achieve by quitting tobacco. It may include good health, better concentration and fresh breath.

Make a plan and spend more time with people ready to support you in this journey. If you are experiencing difficulty, consult a doctor. You can also join a tobacco cessation program.

Find a better way to manage your stress. You can do things that excite you, like playing, listening to music, spending time with family, watching your favourite shows, reading novels, etc. You can also talk to your friends and family members in a stressful situation to come out of it. Consciously adopt a healthy lifestyle, eating habits, and breathing exercises. 

Many times you may crave tobacco. If you again get addicted to it after leaving it for some days., don’t give up. Take it as an opportunity to know the gaps in your plan and start again. Study yourself to know what really helps you in quitting smoking.

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with Dr. Akshay Budhraja

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