Smoking

Tobacco is an extremely dangerous drug. It is both legal and addictive. Thousands of people die every year as a result of smoking cigarettes. Smoking can lead to lung cancer, heart disease and other major illnesses.

Secondary smoking or passive smoking puts the health of non smokers at risk too. This is leading to smoking being banned in more and more public places.

Smoking amongst adults has dropped in recent years, but the number of young people taking up smoking has increased. Statistics show that one quarter of Britain’s 15 year olds are regular smokers. Half of all teenagers who are currently smoking will die from smoking related diseases.

Giving up smoking can be difficult. Ways of giving up can include using nicotine patches or gum. Nicotine patches are available in most chemists and supermarkets. The patch looks like a sticking plaster and is usually applied to the upper arm. A patch lasts for between 16 and 24 hours and they come in 3 different strengths. You are recommended to use them for 8 – 12 weeks. The patches work by slowly building up your nicotine level throughout the day, this reduces your cravings. You may still want a cigarette but your thoughts about smoking won’t be as strong

Research shows that patches can double your chances of giving up smoking. They are most effective for moderate smokers (10 – 20 cigarettes a day). One thing patches can’t do is give you an alternative activity to smoking. Many people carry on smoking because they enjoy the feeling of lighting and holding a cigarette.

Chewing nicotine gum can give smokers something to do instead of smoking. The gum isn’t like regular chewing gum; it has a slight peppery flavour and tends to tingle on your tongue. It is recommended that you have one piece an hour and keep taking the gum for up to 3 months.

If you still have cravings for cigarettes ask your GP who may have some alternative treatments that may be more effective. Giving up may take a while and won’t be easy but it will be worth it in the end. You will feel healthier, have more money and you won’t stink like an ashtray!