By DayakDaily Team
When we talk about addiction, a range of social ills come to mind — smoking, drug abuse, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, and more.
Addiction is driven by an artificially elevated sense of euphoria or “feeling high,” leading to the loss of control over actions, even when they result in harm.
Psychologists define addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive behaviours despite negative consequences.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), addiction does not just include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, but also work, internet use, shopping, sex and even sugary food or beverages.
Addiction is a complex issue with various underlying causes. The NHS notes that drugs, alcohol and nicotine affect both body and mind. Take for example the thrill of gambling be it in casinos or online can lead to repeated attempts to recreate that initial euphoria. Similar trend applies with online gaming.
However, addiction has a dark side—withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that when someone dependent on a substance stops or significantly reduces their intake, they may experience sickness, anxiety, and other unpleasant symptoms. This often leads individuals back to their addictions, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
The nicotine hook
In cigarette smoking, nicotine is identified as the primary culprit behind smoking addiction. The toxic chemical compound found in tobacco and the main addictive component in cigarettes.
When someone smokes, nicotine quickly reaches the brain, creating feelings of euphoria and relaxation. The brain’s workings can be altered through its exposure to nicotine and the brain becomes dependent on it and thus making it hard to quit.
Without their usual nicotine fix, smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms like difficulty concentrating, anxiety, sleep problems, weight gain and constant cravings for the alkaloid. These symptoms can be overwhelming, making it hard to stay smoke-free.
Quitting smoking isn’t just about managing physical withdrawal. Smoking often becomes ingrained in daily routines, turning into habitual.
Specific activities, situations or emotions can trigger the urge to smoke. For instance, a person might light up after a meal, during a break, with coffee, or while drinking alcohol. These activities become associated with smoking, making it even harder to quit.
Pressures of the social circle
Social pressures add another layer of difficulty for those trying to quit. Being in environments where smoking is common or where peers smoke makes it harder to resist the temptation to light up. Social gatherings often become contexts where smoking is a shared activity, further reinforcing the habit.
The combination of nicotine dependency and psychological triggers creates a formidable challenge.
Addressing both the physical cravings and the psychological aspects is crucial for a successful quit attempt. This might involve developing new habits, finding alternative ways to cope with stress and building a supportive environment that encourages a smoke-free lifestyle.
Quitting smoking is indeed an uphill battle, with many experiencing multiple relapses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that while many smokers, particularly parents, are aware of the harmful effects of smoking, quitting remains challenging with only about eight percent successfully quitting in 2018.
Dispelling smoking myths
Before exploring better alternatives, it’s essential to understand that the real risk of smoking lies not just in nicotine but in the burning of cigarettes. Combustion releases over 6,000 chemicals, of which about 100 are linked to smoking-related diseases like lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses, as shown by research from Philip Morris International (PMI).
While nicotine is addictive, it’s not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. The real danger comes from the high temperatures (up to 800 degrees Celsius) during combustion. Although nicotine carries some risks, it’s the act of burning tobacco that poses the greatest threat to health.
Dr Markus Nordlund, PMI’s Chief Scientific Advisor explained the differences between cigarette smoke and the aerosols formed by smoke-free products. Nordlund explained that cigarette smoke contains solid particles, or soot, and liquid droplets. And it contains thousands of chemicals, out of which 100 or so are recognized by health authorities to be harmful and potentially harmful. The smoke particles are generated from the high temperature processes happening during combustion.
There are also misconceptions about “tar” in cigarettes. Contrary to popular belief, the tar used in road construction is not the same as the residue from smoking. Cigarette tar refers to the leftover matter from burning tobacco after subtracting the weight of liquid and nicotine. This term was originally introduced by the tobacco industry for quality control.
Another myth is that quitting smoking is futile because the damage is already done. The FDA states that quitting at any stage offers significant health benefits, including lowering the risk of various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
Vape and HTPs: Exploring alternatives
Quitting smoking is a complex process involving both physical addiction and psychological habits. However, thanks to scientific advancements, there are now smoke-free alternatives like vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products (HTPs) that can help smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes.
HTPs and e-cigarettes like vapes are two such alternatives. Both are smoke-free, relying on heating systems to produce an aerosol instead of smoke. According to PMI, HTPs heat real tobacco within a specific temperature range using an electronic heat-control system. The levels of these harmful and potentially harmful constituents are on average reduced by 90 to 95 per cent compared to cigarette smoke.
By heating tobacco instead of burning it, HTPs produce fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes. While not entirely risk-free, these products represent a step towards harm reduction and may support individuals on their journey towards a smoke-free lifestyle.
Vapes, on the other hand, vaporize an e-liquid containing nicotine, flavors, glycerin, and propylene glycol. However, the contents of different vape products can vary, which raises concerns about their safety. Each product should be scientifically assessed to ensure it is safe to use.
Michael Blaha, Director of Clinical Research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease cautions in an article titled “5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know” that “there are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect physical health over the long term.”
Quitting is possible
Quitting smoking may seem difficult, but it’s not impossible. Whether through professional guidance, alternative products like HTPs or developing new coping mechanisms, there are numerous pathways to help individuals on their journey to quitting smoking. With the right support, resources, and strategies, a smoke-free life is achievable.
It’s a challenging journey, but one that promises immense benefits for personal health and well-being. –DayakDaily
