Smoking Addiction and Cessation - Term Paper Example

? Smoking Addiction and Cessation As seen in the works of numerous analysts and researchers, smoking has both positive and negative implications on the health of a human being. Amongst the effects of smoking in an individual involves reducing the appetite of the individual, increasing the stress levels of the users as well as generally affect the health of an individual. Analysts continue to argue that it is the nicotine present in tobacco that leads to a great percentage of the users getting addicted to the pipes, cigars and cigarettes. Worse still, statistics indicate that the effect smoking not only affects the health of the users, but also risks the life of the smokers. The death statistics keep escalating by the day. In this case, it is arguable that smoking is not an issue that can be ignored or have minimal airing in the media. With the alarming statistics and background information on smoking and the addiction issue, it is worth conducting further research concerning the theme. Smoking Addiction and Cessation Introduction The deep concerns regarding smoking require answers from detailed research and study. Smoking leads to an introduction of nicotine in the body. It is this inhaling of nicotine that leads to the smoker getting addicted to cigarettes so as to quench the thirst for the drug. One of the major indicators of addiction is that the users can barely stay for hours without the drug (Cunningham & Selby, 2007). In as much the users are aware of the fact that the drug is addictive, most of them are seemingly not wary of the fact the fact that the drug may have negative effects on their health. Additionally, most of the ones who try quitting the drug end up re-using the same drug to quench their craving (Cunningham & Selby, 2007). In the long run, the users of nicotine end up getting addicted to the drug. The drug then affects the brain; what regulates what the victim or user does or does not do. This essay shall then assess the potential effects of smoking addiction on appetite, stress, and health in the first part; and conclude with how smoking cessation affects appetite, stress, and health on the second part. Part 1-Effects of smoking addiction on appetite, stress, and health Smoking addition has a major effect on the appetite of the smoker. In the argument of Luo et al (2009), it is arguable that smoking reduces an individual’s appetite. The authors continue to argue that due to the presence of nicotine in cigarettes which is the major component in tobacco; smokers tend to portray withdrawal symptoms that range from reduced appetite in the individuals (Luo et al., 2009). Nicotine is indicated to gain entry in the body of the human being upon request by the user (Cunningham & Selby, 2007). In this case, therefore, the hormones of the individual are altered once nicotine gets to the brain of the individual (Davies & Soundy, 2009). A huge number of the smokers barely have the sense of taste and smell, as the brain hormones such as adrenaline, beta-endorphin and morepinephrine are greatly affected (Davies & Soundy, 2009). The users then get anxious and depressed and stressed and rarely have appetite to consume food stuffs (Luo et al., 2009). To verify this, smokers have been reported to lose a lot of weight, as they consume far much less calories unlike the non smokers (Davies & Soundy, 2009). On the other hand, smokers also shed a lot of calories in a day, since their metabolic rate is faster as compared to the non smokers (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Analysts also caution against the faster metabolic rates among the smokers arguing that the faster the metabolic rate, the increased the heart rate in an individual (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Luo et al (2009) also attest to the reduced appetite on smokers due to the influence of nicotine. Smokers are less likely to have sensible dietary habits even in their slightest inhalation of nicotine in their bodies. Secondly, smoking addition has a major effect on the stress levels of the smoker. On another note, Luo et al (2009) indicate that smoking does not relieve stress. It is indicated that smokers often feel anxious and tensed in numerous situations, and majority of them can barely relax (Davies & Soundy, 2009). In the event that smoking is heightened, the chemical levels increase; thus, the levels of stress are increased- not reduced or leveled (Luo et al., 2009). On the other hand, regular smokers have had the problem of maintaining their moods, as they constantly go through a lot of tension (Davies & Soundy, 2009). However, analysts argue that there has been a misconception that smoking reduces stress in smokers, and the myth has been abridged by smoking campaigns in the country. Analysts argue that in the event that the misconception ensues, chances are the addition levels are going to increase, as most of the smokers are likely to reduce their stress (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Del Rio & Becona (2010) argue that psychological treatment for smoke addicts will be useful for the smokers. On the other hand, Luo et al (2009) say that the cessation of smoking is one that ultimately leads to the smokers evading the effects of smoking such as stress. However, stress is one of the most adverse implications of smoking, as smokers hide in the fact that smoking relieves stress but in actuality it is a causative agent of stress among smokers. It is at this stage that Niaura et al (1988) argue that quitting smoking cannot be done with the cigarettes at hand, and a lot of practice is needed to avoid excessive smoking. The withdrawal process can then be said to be achievable only if the smokers comprehend stress as a product of nicotine addiction and that dealing with the addiction may cause discomfort; thus, they ought to be hardened to deal with the condition (Niaura, et al 1988). Conclusively, stress remains part of human existence, and successful cessation can only be achieved through effective management of the addiction. Thirdly, the negative health effects of smoking cannot be exhausted. In the argument of Bruin-Visser et al (2012), the drug has been indicated to have potential threats like cancer, effects on the heart, blood circulation, and effect on the lungs amongst others. For instance, smokers who take more than 10 puffs daily, they are prone to suffer both physical and emotional disorders. Studies indicate that most of the smokers suffer migraines, insomnia, bad tempers, nervousness, and some also experience change in moods (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Lung infections are most notable effects on the health of smokers. At one time the illness becomes chronic, and may result to chronic bronchitis and emphysema (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). Chronic pulmonary infections have been indicated to be a leading cause of deaths in the US, and the numbers are escalating (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). For the pregnant women, the case worsens as Polanska, Hanke & Sobala (2005) write. The authors continue to argue that smoking risks the life of the mother and that of the unborn child (Polanska, Hanke & Sobala, 2005). Still births, infant deaths, miscarriages, low birth weights are characteristics of smoking mothers (Polanska, Hanke & Sobala, 2005). It is unfortunate that these women only attempt to quit smoking upon realization of being pregnant, and such children are indicated to be slow learners in school as they are second hand smokers (Polanska, Hanke & Sobala, 2005). Generally, the health of a smoker is clearly put at risk with every puff smoked by the smokers. It is therefore a calling to all smokers to beware of the health risks that are linked with smoking addiction. Part 2- How smoking cessation affects appetite, stress, and health Smoking cessation refers to the process of discontinuing with inhaling nicotine by a smoker. In the argument of Jenkins (2004), cessation can only be achieved in the event that medical professionals are involved in the entire process. It is only through the medical practitioners that the smokers can get professional help and deal with the condition effectively (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). Several mechanisms can be applied in the cessation program such as individual counseling programs and group counseling. Nevertheless, cessation programs are actually affordable and cannot be ignored especially due to the numerous positive benefits of the program. Counselors also indicate that failures in the course of cessation are normal occurrences and should not affect the long-term process of the cessation program (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). Jenkins (2004) indicates that interventions provided by the health care professionals play a huge role in promoting smoking cessations. With the smoking variations different across countries, the cessation rates have been indicated to be increasing and useful amongst various smokers. Bruin-Visser et al (2012) does not ignore the fact that cancer rates have been on the increase as a result of an increase in smoking rates. The authors continue to indicate that nurse-managed programs are the best in successful dealing with patients with head and neck cancer effectively (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). This section shall therefore assess how smoking cessation affects appetite, stress, and health of the ex-smokers. Smoking cessation can significantly minimize the risks on the health on the life of a smoker. Since nicotine addition causes recurrent intervention, Bruin-Visser et al (2012) confirm that if the smoker sticks to specific interventions provided by the caregivers, chances are that the smokers will benefit from the cessation programs. Studies indicate that the smokers’ numbers are decreasing, as compared to previous years (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). This is to mean that smoking can actually be stopped; thus, nicotine dependence can actually relapse. In terms of health, cessation has its share in the life of the smokers. As indicated in the research conducted by Bruin-Visser et al (2012), reducing the nicotine dependence in the life of the smoker reduces the health problems of the smoker, diseases related to smoking and also risks of loss of lives. This is to mean that people who stop smoking reduce their risks of death at all ages in the life of an individual. As argued by Bruin-Visser et al (2012), smoking cessation reduces the risks of lung and other related types of cancer. As if not enough, cessation also reduces dangers of heart attacks, stroke and other peripheral vascular infections. Bruin-Visser et al (2012) indicate that the risk of heart attacks is reduced within 1-2 years of quitting smoking. On the other hand, it is important to note that smoking cessation reduces other respiratory infections such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing and also short of breath (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Persons who quit smoking have lower chances of succumbing to lung infections than persons who are persistent in smoking. Additionally, smoking minimizes constant obstructive pulmonary infection, what claims a huge percentage of lives in the country as indicated above (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). On the part of the women especially, pregnant women who go through successful cessation reduce their risk to infertility, miscarriages or low birth weights (Polanska, Hanke & Sobala, 2005). This means that women who admit to have an addiction problem in terms of smoking, chances are that they will save both their lives and that of their unborn babies. In the thought of Smerecnik et al (2011), a lot of smokers tend to rely on denial symptoms and not open to accept that they have an addiction problem. Additionally, it is important to note that cessation has an impact on the stress levels of the smokers. Studies indicate that cessation helps reduce stress in an individual as well as detoxify their lungs (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). This is an interpretation of the fact that persons who quit smoking find ways of dealing with stress and emotional pains that emanate from smoking. Stress has been stated not to operate in its own, but is an influence of other factors. Reduction of stress after smoking relapse clearly indicates the effect of smoking on the stress levels on the smokers (Thanavaro & Delicath, 2010). Stress levels in the smokers can be linked to the situations smokers go through and other psychobiological patterns. In this case, therefore, smokers can be said to respond to situations that influence their moods and motivation levels (Thanavaro & Delicath, 2010). Abstinence of smoking even for a short while has indicated a change in the adrenocortical responses by the smokers that involved reduction of stress among the smokers (Davies & Soundy, 2009). Generally, it is warranted to argue that smoking cessation reduces the stress levels in the smokers since most of them are more relaxed and do not need to rely on nicotine to maintain their normal bodily conditions. Other studies indicate that smoking cessation is linked with alterations in the appetite of an individual. As argued by Thanavaro & Delicath (2010), smoking relapse puts the individuals at a risk of weight gain since the neurobiological mechanisms related to addiction are minimized. During the relapse phase, the individual experience increased dietary intakes, weight gain in the cessation period. The appetite-linked peptides increased leading to subsequent dietary intakes by the individuals (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). Smoking has for long been termed as an appetite suppressant especially on the intake of some types of foods. In the long run, the manner in which food is metabolized by the smokers is affected. However among the withdrawal symptoms of ex-smokers include increasing the appetite of the individuals that is mostly characterized by an addition of their weight (Bruin-Visser et al., 2012). Conclusion Conclusively, smoking addiction has adverse effects on the life of an individual in terms of their health wellbeing, stress levels as well as the appetite levels. However, the cessation programs on the tobacco addicts have been seen to have productive benefits on the life of the ex-smokers. Despite the possibility that cravings may lead to the re-occurrence of the behaviour, it is recommended that support groups as argued by analysts above be followed up to the letter to ensure that the recession programs succeed. Quitting therefore can be indicated to be along process that requires commitment. In fact from the study, it is arguable that quitting is not an easy task, and that all the ex-smokers must be prepared to deal with the withdrawal symptoms of smoking. Addition is also very addictive, and the addiction as discussed above, is seen in the reoccurrence of the smoking even after the smokers attempt to quit even after a long while. Addicts have been seen to gain pleasure from the drug, which only happens for a short while, until the smoker requires the same drug to quench their thirst. The effect of nicotine on the brain of the individual has been discussed, an aspect that regulates the moods and other metabolic reactions in the life of an individual. The health issues are also alarming; it is recommended that a lot of campaigns be held to enlighten the masses on the negatives of addiction to nicotine. To avoid losing a lot of lives due to the addiction to nicotine, it is a call for collective responsibility to deal with the menace. References Bruin-Visser, J. J., Ackerstaff, A. A., Rehorst, H. H., Retel, V. V., & Hilgers, F. F. (2012). Integration of a smoking cessation program in the treatment protocol for patients with head and neck and lung cancer. European Archives Of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 269 (2), 659-665. doi:10.1007/s00405-011-1673-0 Cunningham, J., & Selby, P. (2007). Relighting cigarettes: how common is it?. Nicotine & Tobacco Research: Official Journal Of The Society For Research On Nicotine And Tobacco, 9(5), 621-623. Davies, G., & Soundy, T. (2009). The genetics of smoking and nicotine addiction. South Dakota Medicine: The Journal Of The South Dakota State Medical Association, Spec No43-49. Del Rio, E., & Becona, A. (2010). Depressive Symptomatology in Smokers with Personality Disorders who Participated in a Psychological Treatment Program for smoking cessation. (English). Health & Addictions / Salud Y Drogas, 10(1), 97-109. Jenkins, G. (2004). What really works? Practice Nurse, 28(7), 52-58.  Luo, S., Crainiceanu, C., Louis, T., & Chatterjee, N. (2009). Bayesian inference for smoking cessation with a latent cure state. Biometrics, 65(3), 970-978. doi:10.1111/j.1541-0420.2008.01167.x Niaura, R. S., Rohsenow, D. J., Binkoff, J. A., Monti, P. M., Pedraza, M., & Abrams, D. B. (1988). Relevance of cue reactivity to understanding alcohol and smoking relapse. Journal Of Abnormal Psychology, 97(2), 133-152. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.97.2.133. Polanska, K., Hanke, W., & Sobala, W. (2005). Smoking relapse one year after delivery among women who quit smoking during pregnancy. International Journal Of Occupational Medicine And Environmental Health, 18(2), 159-165. Smerecnik, C., Quaak, M., Van Schooten, P., & De Vries, H. (2011). Are smokers interested in genetic testing for smoking addiction? A socio-cognitive approach. Psychology & Health, 26(8), 1099-1112. doi:10.1080/08870446.2010.541909 Thanavaro, J., & Delicath, T. (2010). Auricular Transcutaneous Electro stimulation Therapy and Intensive Counseling for the Treatment of Smoking Cessation in a Primary Care Practice. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 21(4), 215-224. doi:10.3109/10884602.2010. Read More