Smoking Cessation Process - Coursework Example

Smoking Cessation Introduction Smoking Cessation entails the process through which an individual who has been engaged in smoking activity decides to stop or discontinue taking part in cigarettes smoking. Cigarettes are known to contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical component that makes it very difficult for an individual to fully quit the process once a person has been fully engaged. Although smoking cessation can be achieved within a shorter period, such an activity is likely to lead to re-adoption, anxiety and irritability that very few people would really want to tolerate. Most health officials have pointed out that consistent smoking of tobacco can lead to nicotine dependency that eventually lead to serious medical complication. As such, smoking cessation is a vital process that greatly reduces the development of cigarette related health complications (Lewis, 2010). Besides, nicotine adoption is a high dependency condition that often requires consistent and repetitive amount of treatment characterized by human attitude. Otherwise it is not an easy task to cease taking cigarettes. In fact, the highest population of smokers today is those who at one time tried quitting cigarettes. Problems associated with smoking According to Lewis (2010), smoking is a dangerous activity that interferes with almost every organ of the body before it finally distorts the health of the engaged person. For instance, majority of world’s cigarette smokers have contracted lung cancer and related complications. According to reports from Mayo clinic of the United States, majority of lung cancer and related syndrome have been caused by direct smoking while a good percentage have also been contracted as a result of seconds hand smoke. From the research, smoke inhaled from cigarettes canisters goes in with a substance known as carcinogen. The carcinogen component interferes with the cell lining of the lungs then converts itself into lung tissues almost immediately. Therefore, consistent exposure of cell lining to such smoke would cause the cells to act abnormally that would lead to cancer in the long run. Smoking affects the heart and blood vessels, chemical components contained in tobacco mixes up with the blood component supplied through the naval system thus damages the functioning of the heart structures and the vital blood vessels such as the arteries. If the damage is not corrected in time then it offers chances for coronary related diseases such as arthrosclerosis, heart failure that would eventually lead to death. Moreover, smoking also leads to premature deaths in America and most parts of the world. In essence, out of 500,000 premature deaths in the United States that have occurred in past one year, almost 40% have been caused by smoking related cases. However, such causes can be preventable by smoking cessation. It is perceived that tobacco smoke alone contains up to 7000 different kind of chemicals that are mostly harmful and can cause stillbirths among pregnant mothers as early as the fifth month of pregnancy. Women who are engaged in the smoking of substance such as tobacco or opium are highly susceptible to giving birth to low weight children. Besides, consistent smoking by women during pregnancy is likely to lead to early death of the infants. Some health scholars have supported the fact that smoking also causes a good number of cervical cancers while some women have also complained to experience menstrual problems after smoking for a period of time. Ultimately, reliable sources from health personnel in Australia have shown concerns for erectile dysfunction and impotence as factors caused by cigarette smoking (Lewis, 2010). Smoking enhances prolonged respiratory related complications such as asthma and common cold. Moreover, smoking has been identified as the leading cause of heart inflammation. Smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco has led to sustainable amount problems in Pakistan and sub-Saharan Africa (Lewis, 2010). The nicotine component contained in tobacco acts as an open source to pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing from the chest in children, but most of all breathlessness. Other than the health effects, smoking leads to financial degradation and economic instability up on the users and the family members. Besides, it is characterized by excessive negligence and stigma around the environmental setting especially religious and social groups who believe smoking is a bad phenomenon. Benefits of smoking cessation A social scientist from the United States Alters & Schiff (2006), clarifies that smoking as a physical addiction associated with the psychological perception of a person who is engaged in such an activity. From several researches, it has been pointed out that nicotine contained in cigarette is highly addictive hence making it so difficult for those who are already engaged in the smoking process to quit. However, quitting smoking always come with several considerable benefits. In essence, at the time of withdrawal, a person must develop an interpersonal interest to leave an ingrained ritual because it is not an automatic process. However, there are several benefits that comes in by calling smoking cessation some of which are as shown below An improved health facility Women who are engaged in smoking activities find it very difficult to conceive. Research has shown that by ceasing smoking, women improve fertility rate. Healthy women have improved linings of the womb hence facilitating the potentiality of the sperms-cells during to allow for fertilization. Women who do not smoke increase chances of giving birth to healthy babies of the required weight and free from respiratory related complications (Alters & Schiff, 2006). Increases chances to live longer Majority of smokers’ succumb to premature deaths due to health related complications such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. Besides, other researchers have confirmed that smokers who cease the process before they get to their middle age has got increased chance to live along life more similar to those who have never been engage in a smoking activity. Therefore, quitting smoking before the age of 40 is advisable because it helps to restore the details of lost health. Moreover, those who quit smoking by the age of 30, increase their lifespan by almost ten years. The above statement is not meant to intimidate those who have been smoking for over 50 years because it is not too late to benefit from smoking cessation. However, quitting does not only add lifespan benefits, but it also relieve the body free from diseases thus leading to a happier life during at old age (Alters & Schiff, 2006). Relieves stress from life On several occasions, several smokers have lamented that smoking relieves a person who is undergoing stress and dispersion, which is not true as confirmed by research In fact, smoking is characterized by nicotine a mood-altering drug that triggers the feeling of frustration. As such, it increases chances for anger and anxiety that are believed to be propounded effects of stress. Doctor Griffins Brah, a psychologist from Cleveland hospital in the United States clarifies that by no chance will smoking ever relieve stress. Instead, it exposes the body to numerous negative emotions such as high blood pressure and tensed muscles. Smoking cessation improves the health of a family Quitting of smoking is an attitude that protects the health of the family including close friends and relatives who are less tolerant to smoking business. Partial smokers, otherwise termed as second-hand smokers engaged into a smoking environment may be subjected to diseases such as cancer and ear infection. Therefore, a family free from a smoking environment is believed to have an improved healthy life (Alters & Schiff, 2006). Techniques used to quit smoking Several books, journals and articles written by health scientists and professional health psychologists have pointed out at pharmacological as the best approach to quit smoking explains (Pettus, 2006). From various facts and figures as contained in the American cancer report of 2013, social perception is not enough to convince somebody to cease smoking. In order to successfully quit smoking, one needs to address addiction as a habit and other relevant activities that go around with it some of which are as shown. Hypnosis Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness that is meant to treat psychological factors associated with smoking. With the use of hypnosis method, the patient is urged to believe that smoking is of an unpleasant outcome. As such, the patient is enhanced to develop a perception that smoking intoxicates the body and it is advisable to stop smoking so as to live a long life (Pettus, 2006). Mind-body practices Studies have also pointed at cessation concerns through the use of physical practices and meditation to facilitate smoking cessation. Consistent engagement into such practices reduces craving for cigarettes. With the aid of cognitive behavioral therapy, most patients develop effectively and quit within the first period of smoking (Pettus, 2006). Use of electronic cigarettes Having been introduced by Chines into the market, electronic cigarettes are special cartridges that contain nicotine flavors and are inhaled into the body in place of artificial nicotine. E-cigars have been found to help smoking addicts to quit smoking business within the shortest period (Pettus, 2006). Nicotine lollipops Nicotine supplements known as a lollipop have been used among smoking addicts to alleviate from the dangers of taking the cigar. Such supplements are used under the prescriptions of pharmacists play recommendable roles towards cessation. However, health personalities have warned that nicotine lollipop is dangerous if consumed by children below the age of five (Pettus, 2006). Effects of smoking Several studies have discussed and clarified various effects of smoking that ranges from psychological effects to medical complications (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). However, to offer extensive analysis and easy verifications, such effects are best understood when subdivided into two categories namely short term effects and long term effects. Short term effects of smoking Part of the chemical component contained in nicotine offers instant and direct effect to the brain of the smoker. Firstly, chemical dependency is a clear evidence of some of the behavioral effects that are likely to occur in the short run. Some of the immediate short term effects caused by smoking include Increased amount of stress On the contrary to the belief of smoking addicts that it relieves people from stress, research has confirmed that smoking increases unnecessary amount of stress into the body especially to those engaged in chain-smoking business. The feeling of relaxation that are exhibited by smokers after taking in cigarette is a total reverse of what non-smokers feel in a normal daily life (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Awful breath Bad odors or smell when a person speaks is one of the instant effects of smoking. Smoking usually leaves particles around the throat and lung that causes bad breath after mixing with other particles of air internally. In addition, traits of cigarettes usually take an excessive amount of time in the lungs thus leaving a stale scent termed as smoker’s breath (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Discoloration of teeth and fingers Smoking has been pronounced as the leading cause of discoloration of teeth and fingers. It is confirmed that when a person smokes, there is limited production of saliva in the body. The production of saliva either by parotid or bilingual plays a recommendable role in the body by enhancing lubrication in the mouth that is vital for the dental health. As such, limitation of saliva production due to smoking cause discoloration of the teeth hence facilitating the decay (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Unremitting cough Coughing is a reaction stimulated by the body to expel mucus or any irritant from the throat while some other coughs are also brought additional effects such as smoking. However, smoker’s cough is a reflection of damage caused by chemical components contained in the smoke. Mostly, unremitting cough is brought by damage of cilia linings of the lungs hence leading to diseases such as chronic bronchitis (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Smoking affects the malpghian layer of the skin There are several harmful chemical components contained in cigars’ smoke. If such chemicals mix and get supplied through blood vessels to various parts of the body including skin causes dehydration. Therefore, addicts will have their skins worn out leading to the formation of wrangles more similar to a sign old age (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Decreased physical performance After performing a heavy duty, the body will become active. In such a situation, there would be need for more supply of oxygen to facilitate the restoration of the muscles. Such is a similar state when a person is stressed up. The combination of bronchospasm leads to the production of pressure thus blocking lungs airways hence decreasing activity. Moreover, smoking has been found to cause deformity and reduces lung development among adolescent children. Besides, the deformity of such internal organs may not just be limited to specific state, but recurrent to other future developments (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Long term effects of smoking Very few people will dismiss that smoking is less disastrous in the long run. According to different researches that have been carried out by health personality in various parts of the world, non-smokers are more likely to live longer. (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Consequently, it is advisable for smokers to quit improving their health status and live longer. Some of the long-term effects of smoking entail the following. Respiratory infections From reports filed by the centers for disease prevention in the United States, smoking is the leading cause of respiratory related complications globally. On annual basis, smoking alone amounts to over 70% of the global mortality associated with cancerous or other respiratory related illness. Smoking does not only cause diseases, but it also leads to obstruction pulmonary diseases such as such as bronchitis, fatigue, dispersion and abnormal growth cells along the alveolus systems of the lungs (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Ulcers related syndrome Smoking affects almost various parts of the body thus increases chances to contracting frightening disease such as peptic ulcers. It has been clarified that smoking contributes to various disorders in the stomach including peptic ulcers that causes extensive damage around the stomach linings. Stomach contains enzymes and acid that facilitates digestive process. If acid in the stomach mixes with smoke inhaled into the body, it forms another chemical with high PH contents capable of corroding the linings of the womb hence peptic ulcers. More to the point, smoking also interferes with the flow of the blood around the lining areas of the lungs. It interferes with the secretion of the liquid content that is meant to lubricate the wall linings from the acid (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Crohns disease Crohn is an inflammatory bowel complication that subjects an individual to endless abdominal pain characterized by diarrhea and bleeding of the intestines. Crohn disease is caused by consistent smoking. It halts the digestive processes in the stomach and can only be solved by engaging into a surgery and the removal of the bowel. Damage to the fetus Smoking tendency by pregnant women interferes with the growth of the unborn babies. Children who are born by mothers who smoke during pregnancy are often associated with low weight, stillbirths and increased infant mortality rate. It has been identified that nicotine and other harmful substances that are inhaled by mothers are passed on to the unborn child through the placenta hence acts as a contributing factor of stillbirths in children (Fichtenberg & Glantz, 2002). Effects of second-hand smoke According to Öberg et al (2011), second hand smoke entails a mixture of different forms of smoke and gas particles that are found in space. However, there is a clear distinction of smoke exhaled by a smoker otherwise termed as mainstream smoke. Despite the fact that second-hand smoke are not generated directly by a physical smoker, it is believed to contain a high amount of impurities that cause cancer and other related symptoms (Öberg et al. 2011. Second hand smoke causes cancer Particles contained in the second-hand smoke have been linked to cancerous related complications. There are lots of evidences that show that leukemia and brain tumor that is common in children are influenced by smoke and gas particles that are found in the air. Furthermore, cancer of the voice box and rectum related complications are twice as high in areas people are prone to second-hand smoke than anywhere else (Öberg et al. 2011). Children disorders Second hand smoke has attributed to the escalation in the cost of medical care for infants both in developed and developing countries. Most studies concerning second-hand smoke have showed that children are highly susceptible to respiratory related complications and are more likely to be subjected to an intensive care unit after having been exposed to second-hand smoke. In the United States for instance, second-hand smoke pose greater risks to a pregnant mother leading to depression related symptoms (Öberg et al. 2011) Causes Cardiovascular Disease For people who have never been engaged in smoking, proximity to second-hand smoke increases chances to contracting harmfully coronary complications such as cardiovascular syndrome. Such complications increase chances for disorders like high blood pressure especially for individuals who have previous records heart-related complications. Moreover, it may also lead to stroke for those people above 60 years of age (Öberg et al. 2011). Ways of avoiding second-hand smoke (SHS) One of the best possible solutions to avert second-hand smoke is by avoiding areas that are highly susceptibility to second hand smoke. Besides, the society should engage into a dialog and look for possible ways of encouraging those involved in smoking to consider cessation. However, for the smokers who find it difficult to quit in time should consider doing such an activity in designated areas slightly far away from people. It is vital to note is that, residential areas should be kept free from smoke especially in families where children are involved. Creating a buffer zone that intercept smoking zones free from children and family members would tremendously lead to a reduction in respiratory related complications (Öberg et al. 2011). Social smoking Social smoking a few sticks of cigarettes with a long lapse of interval. For instance, once a night then after a week or a month in that order through a perception that it may not create more harm similar to a chain smoker. Social smoking has increasingly become a challenging phenomenon and poses as much risk as normal smoking cessation. Studies concerning social smoking had been in existence right before right before the normal cessation program. Despite all the withstanding conditions and environmental settings, social smokers are also exposed to the extreme amount of risks just like consistent smokers. According to Hales (2010), there is no specific amount of smoke that is considered healthy for inhalation. Moreover, social smoking often acts as a gateway to regular smoking because majority of regular smokers have passed through a similar procedure to get to their current worsening situation. While some social smokers argue that social smoking is not entitled to addiction, studies have confirmed that those who smoke on an occasional basis are more likely to be addicted. Moreover, a social smoker is likely to adopt regular smoking in the long run. Besides, there are increased chances of second-hand smoke among people who are engaged in social smoking. Majority deaths reported having been caused by cancer; a bigger percentage can be traced to second hand or partial smokers. Furthermore, social smoking often associated with heart diseases and respiratory related complications that interfere with the normal progress of a healthy life. Consequences of social smoking are more similar to the effects of those who are engaged in chain smoking. However, one major difference is that social smoking starts as a peer activity that with a lot of imitations, but ultimately lead to different health risks and complications. Psychological perception of smoking People have different opinions concerning smoking and its side effects. While some people are simply engaged in smoking for leisure, others have developed perceptions that it is an ideal medicine to cure stress and psychological distortions. Regardless of mixed opinions, most smoking addicts have since been taken through a transition process and have adopted new life. Whereas some smokers have formed definite network as a result of smoking, it is important to note that smoking is characterized by varied negative impacts. Some smokers feel that they are being stigmatized because of their situation. In areas where smoking rates are a bit low, a few of the addicts who are engage in smoking business will feel a sense of disparity. Such disparity exists due to the fcat that most people may not want to be exposed to be exposed to smokers. However, with time social acceptance would improve as the number of addicts drops (Hales, 2010). On a psychological perception, smoking often lead to denial of freedom of the victims. Most studies have confirmed that smokers usually develop an attitude about areas they can attend to and where they should smoke. As a result, freedom deficiency increases as smoking restrictions intensifies (Hales, 2010). Ultimately, a smoker may at times feel to be under less control of life. Such situations are mostly brought due to misguided personalities hence may force a person to incur a lot of expenses in purchase of cigarettes just to enhance satisfaction. However, psychological scholars have confirmed that the majority of smokers are more willing to engage in a cessation program. Difficulties engaged in quitting smoking As illustrated by Hales, (2010), it is most difficult to quit smoking as compared to any other sedative drug. Such a condition has been brought by the fact that smoking substances such as cigarettes contains nicotine that stimulates the nerves system of the brain that increases the pleasure for addiction. Moreover, when nicotine contained in cigarettes is inhaled into the body, it affects the communication of the nerves system thus increases some comfort and the need to smoke again. Every continued smoking of cigarettes enhances the adaptability of the body to an increased amount of nicotine. As such a smoker will from time to time need to increase the quantity taken in compared to the previous one hence leading to a state of tolerance. Since the body neutralizes the amount of nicotine in the body so fast and call for more quantity, an individual would be forced to smoke repeatedly so as to accumulate the required content for the body. Ultimately, smoking requires physical dependency of nicotine. Therefore, any slightest attempt of withdrawal will create room for discomfort and fatigue hence improved chances for continuation (Hales, 2010). Conclusion Every smoker has an independent feeling there is a need to cease such an activity. However, majority have found it very difficult to undertake that process despite the fact smoking disrupts a healthy life of the society. The paper has identified several problems that are associated by smoking including throat infection and respiratory related syndromes. However, several benefits are accrued when a person quit smoking activities. References: Top of Form Lewis, K. (2010). Smoking cessation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Top of Form Alters, S & Schiff, W. (2006). Essential concepts for healthy living. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Top of Form Pettus, M. (2006). Its all in your head: Change your mind, change your health. Sterling, Va: Capital Books. Fichtenberg, C & Glantz, S. (2002). Effect of smoke-free workplaces on smoking behaviour: systematic review. Bmj, 325(7357), 188. Öberg, M., Jaakkola, M. S., Woodward, A., Peruga, A., & Prüss-Ustün, A. (2011). Worldwide burden of disease from exposure to second-hand smoke: a retrospective analysis of data from 192 countries. The Lancet, 377(9760), 139-146. Hales, D. (2010). An invitation to health. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Top of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More