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Stats And Information
- Over 47 million individuals smoke in the United States.
- Smoking is responsible for one out five deaths annually.
- In 1997, 29% of the population in Missouri smoked.
- Nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine.
- Nicotine affects the lungs, heart, brain, liver, spleen, metabolism, hormonal system, and blood vessels.
- The body becomes physically and psychologically dependent on nicotine causing severe dependency and increasing the difficulty of quitting.
Methods For Quitting Smoking
For millions smoking is part of many activities throughout the day. There is no "right way" or "best way" to quit smoking. The best way is simply what works for you. The average person who quits is successful after the ninth try. So patience is necessary.
Here are some tips to possibly increase the chance of this time being the one that is right for you.
- Make the decision today to quit.
- Tell friends and family about the decision.
- Set a date to stop and identify a plan that will be utilized.
- Mark the date on the calendar
- Decide what resources will be used (ie. counseling, "cold turkey", etc.)
- Research options to treat withdrawal symptoms.
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Maintaining a smoke free life.
- Review reasons for quitting and benefits for the cessation.
- Don't be fooled that you can just have one.
- Resist the urge and ride it out by allowing 10 minutes to pass.
The most effective time to start nicotine replacement therapy is at the beginning of quitting. All of the nicotine replacements have a finite period of usage. These therapies have potential side effects. While using any of these therapies it is crucial that smoking doesn't occur.
- Nicotine patches: These patches are applied to the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
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- Side effects: skin irritation - redness and itching, dizziness, racing heart beat, sleep problems, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and stiffness. May be purchased over the counter and costs range from $18.83-$45.96 depending on brand, number of patches and which step you are in.
- Nicotine gum: This is gum that delivers nicotine through the membrane in the mouth.
- Side effects: racing heart beat, bad taste, throat irritation, mouth ulcers, hiccups, nausea, jaw discomfort. May also be purchased over the counter and costs for a starter kit range from $29.84-$53.18 depending on brand, dosage, and number of pieces. Costs for refills range from $19.84-$28.83 also depending on brand, dosage, and number of pieces.
- Nicotine nasal spray: Delivers nicotine through nasal membrane and is quickly absorbed.
- Side effects: nasal irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, throat irritation, coughing.
Must be prescribed by your doctor and costs differ depending on prescription insurance plans.
- Nicotine inhalers: This is a cartridge that houses nicotine inside a plastic container that delivers the drug when triggered and inhaled.
- Side effects: coughing and throat irritation. Must also be prescribed by your doctor and costs differ depending on insurance prescription plans.
Since the addiction is so strong with nicotine another component to cessation is the antidepressant Zyban. This drug has been found most effective with the combination of a nicotine replacement, resulting in quit rates of 50% and better. This must be prescribed by your doctor and costs differ depending on insurance prescription plans.
Other methods available are: hypnosis, acupuncture, filters, and smoking deterrents (products that curb cravings by altering the taste).
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Tips On Maintaining Quitting
- Avoid bars and other areas that have an increased smoking population.
- Occupy idle time and do something else when the urge strikes.
- Suck on hard candy such as cinnamon sticks, eat carrots, drink plenty of fluids, and chew gum.
- Change routes when walking and driving.
- Join a support group.
- Learn new ways and practice stress reduction.
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Benefits
The financial benefits of monthly savings are impressive, but the benefits over time to the human body are also substantial:
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- 20 minutes after quitting: blood pressure returns to the level before the last smoke. The temperature of ones hands and feet increases to normal.
- 8 hours after quitting: carbon monoxide level drops to a normal level.
- 24 hours after quitting: chance of heart attack decreases.
- 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: circulation improves and lung function increases to 30%.
- 1 to 9 months after quitting: the respiratory tract and lungs improve in function and infection is reduced.
- 1 year after quitting: coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
- 5 years after quitting: stroke risk reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.
- 10 years after quitting: lung cancer rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
- 15 years after quitting: risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.
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Contacts For More Information
- American Academy of Family Physicians
Health Education Department
8880 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114-3246
- National Cancer Institute
Office of Cancer Communications
Building 31, Room 10A24
Bethesda, MD 20892
Call 1-800-4-CANCER
- American Cancer Society
- American Lung Association
- local hospitals in Kansas City
- www.familydoctor.org
- www.healthfinder.gov
- www.joechemo.org
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