What is Smoking - Case Study Example

University Name Department Name Date of Submission 1.0.Definition Smoking refers to taking or inhaling of burning smoke of tobacco enclosed in either a pipe or a cigar. Smoking could be either as an addictive or casual. Casual smoking entails occasional smoking of tobacco and may be in social meetings meant to mitigate anxiety (Ibrahim & Glantz, 2007). A casual smoking situation may develop into a habit and turn out to become an addiction. 1.1. History of smoking The history of smoking can be traced early on as 5026 BC in ancient times. Its widespread is marked on both the agrarian revolution when people grew, consumed and sold tobacco products. But with the industrial revolution, tobacco farming spread quickly in US and parts of Europe as many people started engaging in cultivation of tobacco and consumption. It 19th century, the plant was widely cultivated in several parts of the globe resulting into many debates on tobacco usage in early 1960s and later its condemnations in 1980s. Cannabis is believed to have been grown in parts of Middle East as early as 2000BC even before the arrival of tobacco in that region. During those days, the consumption of cannabis was meant for social activity that was taken in pipes referred to as hookah (Friend & Levy, 2002). Formerly taken for its curative and healing value, the smoking of opium became prevalent in early 1900s as a result of trade between Britons and Chinese. These resulted into more consumption and rise of renowned opium smoking dens in Britain and China, and later on turned out to be trendy among artistic communities. However, the trend of smoking opium was halted in parts of Europe during World War One and in China for the duration of the Cultural Revolution. The transformation of cigarette smoking realized at around 1920s when health concerns were manifested. The adverse issues of tobacco smoking continued to be spoken in silence as if it was a taboo till early 1950s after the study that was carried by British Doctors-it was found out that tobacco smoking was linked to lung cancer, something that was also confirmed later by US Surgeon’s study. The consumption of tobacco was later on stigmatized leading to the major civil settlement in the history of US that was called Tobacco Master Settlement (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003). Beside, the smoking of tobacco and opium, in 1991 it saw the smoking of cocaine which has presently spread around the globe, same to the smoking of Methamphetamine among other substances (Lerman & Berrettini, 2009). As such, smoking has been undertaken in a different form since antique times. Rugs Studies has shown that tobacco and other hallucinogenic substances were smoked in US, in some places they were used in shamanistic rites, for example in ancient times like in Babylonians and Cultural Civilization, the Israelites and Chinese respectively burnt incense during sacred rituals. 1.2. What is smoking? Smoking is the practice that involves the inhalation of a burning substance, usually a tobacco. The practice is for the most part believed for recreational purposes, as the combustion of a substance emits smoke that is absorbed in lungs and perceived to stimulate the brain system to feel relaxed (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003).Smoking is also primarily practiced as part of rituals that many believe it stimulate dreams and spiritual illumination. 1.3. Types of smoking The most common type of smoking nowadays is by the use of cigarettes, mainly produced in the industry, but also we have hand rolled tobacco. Other smoking types compromise of pipes, cigars, hookahs, bongs and bidis. Tobacco smoking is the most dominant type of smoking that majority of people around the globe practice (Friend & Levy, 2002). Cannabis and opium are other smoking substances that are less used by individuals in societies. Hookah smoking is most common in parts of Africa and in Middle East. A hookah is a parameter that holds the tobacco, water and flame emitting device and is inhaled by use of a pipe. A cigar is a form of a small roll of tobacco that is believed to be more stylish than normal cigarettes. A pipe is a device that is a stretched mouthpiece fashioned like a bowl that is used to inhale burning tobacco. 1.4. Components of smoking Smoking entails different forms of tobacco flavor that have become more common among smokers. The most flavored smoking components include elegant cigars, hookah, cigarettes and bidis.The false imagination has risen in appeal that other components of smoking are much safer compared to other forms of cigarettes, besides the risk that they carry (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003) In US, the federal laws prohibit cigars the selling of flavored cigars but does not prohibit them from being smoked around. As such, the firms dealing in manufacturing of tobacco have devolved ways of producing small cigars which serve as an alternative to flavored cigars. 1.5. Reasons to smoke There are many reasons that have presented to support the reason why students smoke and become addictive to cigarettes, or sometimes develop curiosity of what it is all about. majority of students smoke due to the addictiveness of the substances. For instance, researchers show that nicotine is more addictive than any other substance since when smoked it stimulate the brain system and enters the blood and calm the nerves-termed as biphasic symptom-which continue bringing back smokers as their body get used to smoking (Lerman & Berrettini, 2009). Psychologically dependent: majority of smokers have been used to the twofold effects of being extra ready to act and at the same time calm. This is the reason behind why individuals prefer smoking when they feel worried because of an established dependency on cigarettes to assist them sort out their perceived problems. Social integration: smoking is thought by many to be a social habit, hence when one’s social group is smoking; one will feel to do the same. In other words, it’s a bonding action that brings people who are smoking together. Mirror others: most young people will want to emulate the activity of those who are close to them. This implies doing as they do or walking the way they walk, whereas to others it entails smoking cigarettes. This has been the reason behind why young citizens begin to smoke, especially when the celebrities they love do the same. Peer pressure: in circumstances where peers are smoking, one may start to smoke. Although peer pressure is more rampant amongst youth, this also has the same effect to adults. Majority of individuals experience a natural affinity to be conventional-if friends smoke, the friend will smoke or secure new friends. Enjoy smoking: individuals who smoke knows the benefits they reap for such habit. When asked the reason why they do so, they are likely to say “they like it that way”. Individuals enjoying doing what they like, hence smokers will feel to smoke to be alert (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003) Weight control: some people engage in smoking so as to control weight. Study indicates that smokers weigh 7 pounds less than those who do not smoke, as it’s believed it reduces appetite by reducing individual’s taste for food and smell. This could be the reason behind the much gaining of weight for those who quit smoking, to them, food smells nice and this increases their appetite. 2.0. Smoking problems Cigarette smoking have many effects, not only does it affect smokers but also those individuals who non-smokers but spend most of the time with smokers. Smoking problems may be on the body, heart, brains and skin. 2.1. Body The long-term usage of cigarettes affects the body’s blood system by thinning and stickiness of the arteries resulting to the accumulation of precarious fatty deposits. Smoking also results into blood pressure that sometimes overworks the heart. Similarly, the carbon monoxide inhaled during smoking take away the oxygen from the body; this even overworks the heart leading to inconsistency in heartbeats and sometimes may result into chest pain and sometimes stiffness and poor functioning of the muscles (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003) A further blockage in the arteries in arms may cause peripheral vascular disease and at advanced stage, severe pain could amputation. Smoking also causes cancer to different parts of the body which include lungs, throat, kidney and liver among other parts. 2.1.1. Heart The blockage of arteries within the heart could result into the heart attack. Study shows that smoking could results into 40% of heart related complexions for people aged 60 years and above. Smokers are believed to be four times susceptible to cardiac death compared to those who do not smoke. Passive smokers are also at high risk of being affected by heart diseases. The main cause of coronary artery diseases is smoking. 2.1.2. Skin Beside its effect of heart related problems and cancer, smoking is perceived to cause premature ageing of skin overdue sore healing and other skin disorders like psoriasis (Batra, V., A. A. Patkar, W. H. 2003)The ageing of the skin among smokers may be in forms of droops in skin, wrinkles and lines as well as uneven skin colorizations. Smoke and heat from cigarettes or cigars burns the skin, and thus changing the elastic fibres of the skin making it susceptible to harm. 2.1.3. Brain The blockages of the blood system especially those heading to brains may cause strokes. A study in Monash University shows that smokers of marijuana amongst student fraternity may be harmful to brains, for example, the inhaled smoke may damage or block some arteries leading to brain alterations and to extreme point develop dependence (Batra, V., A. A. Patkar, W. H. 2003). 2.1.4. Respiratory system The effect of smoking to the respiratory system is perceived to be slow, steadily and fatal. Smoking impairs the tubules traps that cleanse a respiratory system within the body. The smoke then paralyses the cilia leading to increased mucus in the system hence a rampant cough. In the long run, surplus production of mucus blocks the respiratory system (Batra, V., A. A. Patkar, W. H. 2003) As such; the pathogenic organisms that are curtailed in the normal system will have now easy access of the respiratory surface and could lead to congestion of the lungs. The prolonged cough and congestion in the lungs results into chronic bronchitis because of impaired respiratory cilia. On the other hand, pathogenic organisms and lung congestion may in long run result into lung cancer. 2.2. Environment Besides being harmful to the human body, smoking is also harmful to the environment. Disposal of cigarette filters is destructive to the surroundings. In Africa, tobacco is believed to cause five percent of deforestation. Similarly, plantation of tobacco incorporates immense use of chemicals where majority of such pesticides which considerably cause ozone depletion (Richmomd, R., & Zwar, N. 2010) the chemicals are also harmful to users (farmers) and sometimes may drain into a water source thus contaminating it. Study also indicates that tobacco is the second most cause of death around the world, and if the present pattern of smoking is maintained, then by 2020 more than 650 million smokers will have died. Additionally, cigarette smoke encloses polonium 210 which is a radioactive substance which is harmful both to the body and the surroundings. 2.3. Society Smoking is also harmful to the society as it predisposes human beings into problems leading to death and pollution of the environment. Majority of smokers die premature deaths leaving behind dependant who solely depend on the society for help. The rampant smoking habits among women has been associated with earlier menopause which in long run cause depopulation hence lack of manpower within a particular society. Smoking among student fraternity could result into addictiveness which affects academic performance in campuses leading to low production of manpower in labour markets (Richmomd, R., & Zwar, N. 2010). 2.4. Economy Tobacco industry is rated among the most profitable and booming businesses in major economies around the world (Ferry & Johnston, 2008). However, the cost of putting up a smoking habit is much higher compared to the gains acquired from sales of tobacco. In developed nations, study indicates that smoking has raised health costs because of dominance in smoking-related diseases. Similarly, smoking has minimized productivity level of nations. In students, smoking cause increased absenteeism of lecturers and students from work and class respectively and increases use of health services in campuses. Universities lose money in treating of smokers on campuses and pay more for student health care insurance. 3.0. Quit smoking Smoking is a twofold practice that involves both physical addiction as well as psychological habit. To get rid of smoking, smokers should follow suggested processes that assist in physical withdrawal from cigarettes and cut short craving to smoke. Majority of campuses have initiated programmes to help students quit smoking which include guiding and counseling. 3.1. Processes Several processes have been presented to help quit smoking among campuses (Ferry & Johnston, 2008). The processes are embossed in the word START where: S-Setting of quitting date: someone may be required to select the exact date to prepare on quitting the habit of smoking. T-Tell those who are close to you: friend, family or colleagues at campus may help one by encouraging him or her to quit the habit. A-Anticipate by planning: one should make a decision of quitting to smoke by focusing on the likely challenges of withdrawals from cigarettes. R-Remove cigarettes: this entails now getting rid of cigarettes in your home, room, car or bag, and thereafter cleaning oneself from any smoking smells. T-Talk to a counselor or doctor: the two will help one within guiding and counseling and prescribing of any medication where need be. 3.2.Tips Before one quit smoking, students are advised to focus on a number of tips that are perceived to be important in withdrawals from cigarettes. This includes: a) Committing one fully. One is advised to be committed to quit smoking and make sure it does not fail. b) Making a plan – a well laid down plan is formidable in helping one to quit smoking. c) Motivation –rationalizing the minds towards quitting smoking is important. d) Joining a forum – one may join a forum of those who want to quit to serve as a motivation and encouragement 3.3. Benefits Quitting smoking is important to an individual. To student, it makes one get focused on his or her studies and thus making them excel in their studies. Also by quitting smoking cigarettes, it reduces instances of being susceptible to smoke-related diseases like cancers and heart attack. It also limits unpleasant concerns like importance and fertility problems (Ferry & Johnston, 2008). Life expectancy of one is increased especially when young people quit smoking. As such, it is not late for students to quit smoking to continue enjoying the health related benefits. 4.0.Smoking on campus Smoking in campuses has sometimes been rampant due to peer influence but this has been able to be restrained due to creating campuses a tobacco free zones. A tobacco free campus has termed to be healthier surroundings for students, staffs and visitors (Ibrahim & Glantz, 2007). Though the smoking habits among students have been secretive, majority of campuses have helped to reach out to those who want to quit by supporting them and as such reducing the number of new users. 5.0. The impact of awareness campaigns on smoking Promoting the social norm within the higher learning institutions has been vital in reaching out those who want to be new users of tobacco by insisting through campaigns on need to create free-tobacco surroundings. Ibrahim and Glantz (2007) argue that campaigns have emphasized that smoking be prohibited within the campus facilities and as such help to minimize the smoking instances within the university. 5.1. Students Study shows that smoking among students have declined presently in major campuses due to campaigns that have been launched around this campus to educate students on need to quit smoking and stay healthier (Ibrahim & Glantz, 2007). The campaigns have also focused on educating students on benefits of not smoking and keeping the environment clean free from smoke. References Batra, V., A. A. Patkar, W. H. 2003. The Genetic Determinants of Smoking. London: Wiley, pp 1338-1340. Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003. Understanding how mass media campaigns impact on smokers. Tobacco Control 12:ii45 Friend, K. & Levy, D.T. 2002. Reductions in smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption associated with mass-media campaigns. Health Education Research, 17(1): 85-98 Ferry, L., and Johnston, A. April 2008. Quitting smoking: Clinical details of cessation International Journal of Clinical Practice 57 pp. 224-230. Ibrahim, J.K. & Glantz, S.A. 2007. The rise and fall of tobacco control media campaigns, 1967- 2006. American Journal of Public Health. 97(8):1383-96 Janson, C., Chinn, S. & Jarvis, D. 2011. Impact of passive smoking on respiratory system: A survey on Respiratory Health. Lancet 358 p. 2103. Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009. Role of Genetic concerns in smoking. American Journal of Medical Genetics 118-B, pp 48-54. Richmomd, R., & Zwar, N. 2010. Review of Bupropion for Smoking Cessation." Drug and Alcohol Review 22 pp. 203-220. Sellers, E. M., Tyndale, R.F. & Fernandes, L.C. 2012. Decreasing Smoking Behaviour and Risk. Drug Discovery Today 8 pp. 487-493. Read More