Complete Guide to Passive Smoking

What is passive smoking?

When the tobacco burns, the main and additional smoke streams are formed, which is exhaled by the smoker during the smoking process. This smoke contains more than 250 toxic chemicals that cause cancer. Among them, formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. Smoke inhaled by non-smokers is considered an environmental (external, ambient) tobacco smoke.

The effects of tobacco smoke on surrounding people are called passive smoking. It is very difficult to avoid passive smoking because one in five people smokes. The next article will tell how much tobacco smoke is harmful to you and your family.

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Negative effects of Passive Smoking

• Every year, 3,400 passive smokers die from lung cancer.


• Tobacco smoke irritates the mucous eyes, nose and throat.


• Tobacco smoke provokes coughing, shortness of breath and extraneous noise in the lungs.


• Every year 46,000 passive smokers (from 22,700 to 69,600) die from heart disease.

Passive smoking is especially dangerous for children:

• Children who inhale tobacco smoke are more prone to pneumonia, bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases.


• Children who passively inhale tobacco smoke, often suffer from inflammation of the middle ear.


• Tobacco smoke often provokes asthma attacks in children.


• Syndrome of sudden infant death is observed more in children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy or were surrounded by people after birth.


• Experts estimate that 79,000 children with a middle ear infection and 202,000 with asthma attacks as a result of passive smoking turned to the hospital for help.

How can you protect yourself and children from passive smoking?

Using the following recommendations, you can protect yourself and the family from secondhand smoke:

• Do not smoke at home.


• Ask others not to smoke in your home, especially nannies or anyone who can look after the child.


• Be with the child only in those places where smoking of tobacco products is forbidden.


• Ask the smoker to go outside during the process.


• Teach children to stay away from smoking people.


• Support those who try to quit smoking.

What if you smoke yourself?

• Never smoke in the presence of children. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of tobacco smoke.


• Smoke only on the street, away from children.


• Harmful chemicals remain in the air for a long time, even if you have already smoked.

How to protect yourself and family members from exposure to tobacco smoke outside the home?

• Explain to friends or employees that you do not like when they smoke in front of your family.


• Do not let others smoke in the car.


• Attend restaurants or bars where smoking is prohibited, and thank them for it.


• Make sure that in the institution where your child is, do not smoke.


• Ask your management to take security measures for those who do not smoke.

Stop smoking for yourself and your loved ones.

Passive smoking harms the health of pets

According to the poll, smokers agree to refuse to use tobacco products to protect their pets from tobacco smoke.

Researchers led by Sharon M.Milbergeg, Henry Ford Health Sciences doctor in Detroit, USA, concluded that 28.4% of smokers who participated in the online survey reported that information on the dangers of second-hand smoke to pets stimulates them to abandon this bad habit.

Of the 3,300 people registered in the online survey as pet owners:

• 66% - owners of dogs;


• 53% - cats;


• 10% are birds.

Of them:

• 16% of non-smoking owners of animals living in the same territory with smokers reported that they will talk about quitting smoking with their partners in order to protect pets from cigarette smoke.


• 24% have written that they will ask their partners to smoke outside the house.


• 40% of smokers and 24% of non-smokers who live in the same territory with smokers expressed a desire to get acquainted with information about the dangers of second-hand smoke and ways to stop this harmful habit.

Researchers argue that the goal of public health companies is to convince smokers that cigarette smoke harms health, both to people and to pets.

Passive smoking leads to cancers in dogs and cats, allergies in dogs, eye, skin and respiratory diseases in birds.

"This new kind of motivation will primarily affect lonely people who are attached to their pets," the scientists say.

Smoking disturbs sleep

One of the negative consequences of smoking is a bad dream because at night the body does not receive a subsequent dose of nicotine, there is a withdrawal syndrome. This is claimed by scientists from the University of Hopkins. They examined 40 smokers who smoked 20 cigarettes a day.

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At home, smokers were attached to an encephalograph for the night, which registered the electrical activity of the brain during sleep. And for comparison, the same procedure was carried out with 40 non-smokers. Participants were also asked whether they slept quietly at night and whether they felt tired throughout the day. Restless sleep is more characteristic of smokers than non-smokers: 22.5% of smokers reported having a restless night compared to 5% of non-smokers. This was confirmed by an encephalograph who showed different patterns of brain function.

Ling Chan, MD, suggests that this is caused by nicotine. Team Chan explains this as follows: nicotine is a stimulant, so it can be difficult to fall asleep. But, when the body stops its action, there are symptoms of withdrawal syndrome, which ultimately leads to restless and anxious sleep.

Genes and the brain determine early nicotine dependence

If you at least once in a life smoked a cigarette, then undoubtedly remember those feelings that you have experienced in this. Currently, a new study indicates the initial reaction of the body to smoking and the presence of a special gene that provokes the development of nicotine addiction .

Nicotine and genes

The results of a recent study shed light on why some people unwillingly become slaves to cigarettes. Scientists point to a link between the first attempts to smoke, the smoking process itself and a particular phenomenon, namely the nicotinic receptor - a gene known as CHRNA5.

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435 smokers and non-smokers took part in the study. All non-smokers, at least once in their lives, tried tobacco products (not more than 100), and as a result did not become active smokers. Inveterate smokers smoked at least 5 cigarettes a day for the past 5 years. Active smokers during the study were 8 times more likely to claim that the first puff was more enjoyable to them than the non-smoking participants. Such addiction to nicotine can be explained by the possible presence in the body of the gene CHRNA5, which provoked dependence on tobacco products.

Nicotine and the brain

"Nicotine does not cause such euphoric sensations as drugs (morphine)," says researcher Stephen R. Laviolette, Ph.D. (USA). "In fact, during the first attempt to smoke and there is a threat of getting nicotine addiction. At present, we know very little about how the brain reacts to the initial intake of nicotine, and also about the harm that we are inflicting on it.

Researchers studied areas of the cerebral cortex that were related to the emergence of nicotine dependence. During numerous experiments, they identified two "hot spots" that controlled a negative or positive state as a result of the initial exposure to nicotine. The results were published in the latest issue of the journal Neurobiology.

The results of the studies will serve as the basis for the development of a new type of therapy, which may prove to be much more effective than the currently used antinicotin preparations.

Smokers quit smoking after they learn about the age of their lungs

Smoking people are more likely to give up this harmful habit if their attending physician explains in an accessible way how old their lungs are in the process of smoking. This is claimed by British scientists who examined the lungs in 561 smokers aged 35 and older. All smokers underwent a lung function test, and everyone was strongly advised to quit smoking.

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After passing the test, half of the participants in the study told the doctors about the "old age" of their lungs and showed comparative patterns of their lungs and lungs, which they never smoked. For example, a 52-year-old smoker learned that his lungs work just like the lungs of a 75-year-old nonsmoker. For comparison, smokers participating in the study received a letter about the condition of their lungs after passing the above-named test, while the age of their lungs was not indicated. At the end of the year, 13.6% of the smokers of the first group (who were told about the age of their lungs) quit smoking, compared with 6.4% of those who were not informed of the "old age" of their lungs.

These findings were made on the basis of the analysis of saliva, which confirmed the refusal to smoke. "The presentation of information in an understandable manner and the use of visual aids contribute to the fact that many quit smoking," writes Gary Parkes, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine Medicine (Hertfordshire, England). Graphic information on the age of the lungs is an excellent way for physicians to "adapt patients' information about the harm of the kuren", the British Medical Journal concludes.

Harm from passive smoking occurs within a few minutes

Staying in a smoking room for 30 minutes leads to severe damage to the blood vessels of a healthy young person, significantly increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, according to a new study.

The results confirm the growing amount of evidence that any exposure to nicotine (including passive smoking) is a huge health hazard. Passive smoking exposes a non-smoker to a number of harmful chemicals, including nicotine, which has been shown to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

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In the United States, 50,000 non-smoking people die each year as a result of heart disease caused by inhalation of tobacco smoke or passive smoking. Therefore, passive smoking becomes a major public health problem.

The author of the study, Kritian Heis, MD (Germany) and colleagues (California) examined and evaluated the condition of the blood vessels of healthy young non-smokers after exposure to nicotine for 30 minutes (the level corresponded to the level of nicotine in public places for smoking). After a while, the study participants were examined again after their stay in clean air (without nicotine). Scientists have discovered the fact that even short passive smoking causes a disturbance in the action of the blood vessels of a healthy person and interferes with the work (throughout the day) of endothelial progenitor cells that are involved in the restoration of blood vessels.

"In aggregate, the results of the study prove that even a short period of passive smoking has severe long-term and negative vascular consequences," the scientists write in the article. Hayes and his team were the first to describe the effect of passive smoking on human endothelial progenitor cells. The decrease in the number of endothelial progenitor cells and their dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

"These results are of great importance for public health and should awaken the consciousness that even short-term passive smoking leads to negative consequences," Hayes says. In an accompanying article, David S. Selemaer, MD, cardiologist at the Royal Hospital of Prince Alfred in Sydney, Australia, writes that the findings on the negative effects of passive smoking on the work of endothelial progenitor cells will serve as the beginning of further research. He also added that the Hines team demonstrated the proverb "there is no smoke without fire."

Smoking and your body

In blood

A large number of chemicals with tobacco smoke enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Carbon monoxide (exactly the same as in car exhaust!) Replaces part of the oxygen in the blood. This causes a lack of oxygen in all organs, including the brain.

Nicotine

One of the chemical elements that enter the blood is nicotine. Nicotine is an alkaloid contained in tobacco (up to 2%) and some other plants. Strong poison; in small doses, it acts excitantly on the nervous system, in large doses it causes its paralysis (stopping of breathing, cessation of cardiac activity). Multiple absorption of nicotine in small doses during smoking causes nicotinism. Nicotine sulphate is used to control pests of agricultural plants.

Smoking and lungs

Cigarette smoke comes into direct contact with the lungs, greatly increasing the risk of cancer, pneumonia, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases that make breathing difficult. Fortunately, many changes are reversible.

Smoking and heart

The effect of exposure to chemicals contained in tobacco smoke on the body is the main risk factor for developing myocardial infarction and other cardiac diseases.

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Smoking and appearance

Smoking causes yellowing of teeth and nails, as well as increases the number of wrinkles and leads to the syndrome "The face of a smoker". From many years of smoking, the walls of the vessels begin to convulsively contract, and as a result, many small cracks form in the tissue. These injuries lead to very adverse consequences. First, the blood corpuscles acquire great stickiness, forming blood clots, and secondly, small scars appear, and the smooth internal surface of the vessels itself becomes rough. These roughnesses contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis.

Smoking and hearing

The study showed that smokers 1.7 times more often become deaf. Among those who smoke between the ages of 60 and 69, 56.4% are worse off hearing. Among nonsmokers, the hearing deteriorated in 35.5%. Among those who stopped smoking, 47.3% became afflicted with hearing loss.

Smoking and men's health

In men, smoking increases the risk of impotence.

Smoking and health of women

Smoking leads to many complications during pregnancy, such as a premature baby and a decrease in fertility. Smoking women also may experience an earlier onset of menopause. Smoking women are more likely to suffer from depression.

Smoking and diabetes

If you have diabetes and you smoke, you are at great risk of complications, including problems with the eye vessels and vessels of the extremities.

Smoking and cancer

Smoking can cause cancer in organs that come in contact with smoke, such as the lungs, throat and mouth. Since chemicals from the smoke penetrate the blood, cancer can occur in many other organs.

Autoimmune disease

In smokers, according to a recent study ( J Rheumatology, 11, 2001), the risk of developing an autoimmune disease of systemic lupus erythematosus is increased. It is an incurable disease characterized by inflammation and damage to tissues and organs throughout the body, including the joints, skin, heart, kidneys and central nervous system. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, that is, it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The researchers found that those who continue to smoke, the likelihood of developing lupus is seven times greater than that of non-smokers. Those who have already quit smoking, this probability is almost four times more than those who have never smoked people. It is not surprising that cigarettes affect the tendency to autoimmune reactions, since in cigarette smoke there are at least 55 chemicals that affect cell growth or its viability, including carbon monoxide, cyanide, hydroquinone and others. It is also possible that smoking can trigger an autoimmune process in conjunction with other factors.

Data:

Smoking leads to the development of three major diseases with a fatal outcome: lung cancer; chronic bronchitis and emphysema; coronary disease.

In the case of several countries where smoking has become a mass habit for a long time, it has been proved that tobacco causes mortality:

• from lung cancer in 90% of all cases,


• from bronchitis and emphysema in 75%,


• from heart disease in about 25% of all cases.

Approximately 25% of regular cigarette smokers will die prematurely due to smoking. Many of this number could live for 10, 20 or 30 years longer, i.e. in this case the average loss of life years is significant. Deaths due to smoking on the average will lose 10-15 years of their lives.

In one European country (with a population of about 50 million people), the number of deaths due to smoking is equivalent to the number of deaths due to air crashes of high-capacity jet liners, assuming that such disasters - with the death of all people on board - will occur daily.

Smoking increases the risk of stroke in women by an average of 4 times

Young smokers are twice as likely to have a stroke as their non-smoking peers, according to new research.

The more a woman smokes a cigarette a day, the higher the risk. The results of the study were published in the journal Stroke, published by the American Heart Association.

• Scientists who observed women aged 15 to 49 concluded that the possibility of a stroke in those who smoked from 1 to 10 cigarettes a day increased 2.2-fold.


• Those who smoked 11-20 cigarettes - 2.5 times.


• And those who smoked from 21 to 39 cigarettes, were at risk of stroke more than 4 times.


• And the most malicious smokers who smoke 40 or more cigarettes a day - increased the risk by 9.1 times.

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The study involved 466 women who suffered a first stroke. The parallel group consisted of 604 women of similar age, race and ethnicity who had not previously had such a disease. Details of the stories related to smoking were established directly in the face-to-face interview. Women were divided into three groups:

1 - who are currently smoking
2 - non-smokers
3 - former smokers

"Our study provides strong evidence that reducing the number of cigarettes smoked reduces the possibility of developing the disease, but the fact that smoking cessation is the most reasonable action in the current situation remains beyond competition ," said John Cole, a scientist, a doctor of medical and associate professor of neurology at the University of Medicine School in Maryland.

The positive point is that if you quit smoking, the risk of a stroke is significantly reduced. The possibility of developing the disease gradually decreases after 3 years after quitting smoking. After 5 years, former smokers have the same chances of the disease as non-smokers. The sooner you stop smoking, the better.

People who abandoned cigarettes before the age of 35 can live the same life as those who have never shown interest in tobacco products.

Smoking is one of the main factors causing cancer

It is widely known that tobacco smoke causes lung cancer. New research shows that tobacco smoke, including passive smoking, leads to cancer not only in the lungs but also in other organs.

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The scientists analyzed the data of the National Center for Health Statistics and concluded that smoking provokes the development of cancer. The effect of tobacco smoke, including passive smoking, was not the focus of research, researchers were studying such oncological factors as diet and pollution. But as it turned out, smoking is one of the main factors causing cancer.

The fact that lung and other organ cancers are closely related should make smokers and non-smokers think about the dangers of tobacco smoke. It is also necessary to introduce disease prevention reforms and promote healthy lifestyles. The study is published on the BMC Cancer website.

Smoking accelerates the aging process for 10 years

Cigarette smoke provokes a defect in the cell structure seen in people with Werner's syndrome - a rare genetic disease that leads to rapid aging of the body. Smoking accelerates the aging process, bringing death closer to 10 years ahead of schedule.

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Today, researchers found the key to solving this problem, which shed new light on new treatments. The idea is that smokers are not the only people who are aging quickly. At the age of 20, people with a rare genetic disorder called Werner's syndrome, turn gray, have thin skin and a hoarse voice. Soon, cataracts, diabetes, arteriosclerosis and fragility of bones develop. In 40-50 years they die from heart disease and cancer.

Smokers are also prone to heart disease and cancer. Perhaps there is a connection? Yes, Iowa University researchers Toru Nunoya, a doctor of medicine and his colleagues agree. Werner's syndrome is caused by mutations of a gene called the Werner syndrome protein. The gene produces a protein that protects and restores every cell of the body.

Nunoa and his colleagues selected lung smokers with a diagnosis of emphysema. As expected, the cells contained a very small amount of this protein. The genes of smokers turned out to be normal, but for a number of reasons they did not produce protein, which protects and restores the cells of the body. When the researchers grew lung cells in the laboratory, they concluded that the cigarette smoke extract reduces the production of this protein and helps to accelerate their aging. Cells that were genetically engineered to produce this protein, did not succumb to the action of nicotine.

"Our research shows that when developing the treatment of smoking-related illnesses, for example, emphysema, you should remember the protein of Werner's syndrome," Nunoa said in the newsletter. The results of the study are published in the 6th issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Reanimation Medicine.

We quit smoking, breaking stereotypes

Although nicotine is excreted from the body in 3 days, many returns to smoking after a year and, even, after 10-20 years. Why? It's all about the emotional sensations that the process of smoking is associated with. Narcologists say that dependence cannot be completely eliminated, it is necessary to maintain an internal ban on smoking all your life.

Therefore, if you quit smoking without getting prepared for it psychologically, without creating a clear motivation that will work for more than one year, success is unlikely. Before you throw away cigarettes, you need to completely change the attitude to life and the possible negative.

Strength of will

It's easy to say "Do not think about cigarettes," and what to do if the body is experiencing nicotine hunger, legs themselves are brought to the tobacco kiosk, depression rolls one after another, and the arrow on the scales is steadily moving toward forbidden figures? Many smokers do not even try to quit, because, in advance, they are afraid to "break".

Do not relax! For a smoker to spend a day without cigarettes - this is an unthinkable feat. Was this an agonizing day in vain? After all the body starts to be released from harmful substances already in 20 minutes after the last smoked cigarette, and for a day it essentially moves ahead in self-cleaning.

Stress pushes into the "smoking room"

Another common obstacle to life without cigarettes is the mistaken belief that cigarettes calm nerves and help fight stress.

The inability to constructively perceive life's turmoil is rooted in childhood. Unfortunately, to deal with childhood fears account for the whole adult life. It is better to seek help in the therapist's office, rather than in the smoking room.

Replacing one habit with another

Food is the same way to suppress an internal conflict, like smoking. If the second to refuse, the first immediately comes to the fore. Nutritionists say that 95% of cases of gaining excess weight after quitting smoking are the result of replacing one habit with another.

Since, after giving up smoking, really, all the time you want to chew something, do not deny yourself this little pleasure. "Little" - in a literal sense, because small portions of low-calorie food, five meals with light snacks between meals will cause the mouth to be busy all the time, and the weight will remain the same. Yes, do not forget that now you can afford the luxury of doing light physical exercises. They also help to keep fit.

Cigarettes and social circle

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As a rule, the circle of the smoker's communication consists, basically, of smoking people. Most often, following advice to refuse to communicate with smoking friends and not participate in events where there is a possibility to smoke, the person who threw, feels like a vacuum. He remains alone, because old friends are taboo, and new ones are not so easy to find. And after all, an ex-smoker is not so easy, as a result, a breakdown occurs.

At the time of giving up smoking, it is not necessary to give up life. The thing is again in relation to it - coming to the "smoke" party, it is necessary, as it should, to praise yourself for the fact that you have already passed the stage that the remaining "locomotives" have yet to master. And who better than friends who are time-tested can support in a useful endeavor.

Motivation

Having thrown out cigarettes, the smoker suddenly discovers that he has nothing to take his hands on, and in his mind all the time the thoughts of smoking revolve. To cope with this will also help motivation. If you quit smoking in order to improve your health - you can already begin to improve your body at the first stage of quitting smoking. If your goal, the restoration of the former beauty - salon and home procedures will not leave you time to drag out. It is useful to learn some new occupation or to return to the old hobby.

Many people smoke from boredom, from inability to communicate with themselves, to know their inner world, to love themselves and make their life interesting.

For complete success, in the process of quitting smoking, one should not think about the desire to quit smoking, but about the desire to be healthy!

Top 10 most original methods to quit smoking

We made a small rating of the most original methods of giving up cigarettes:

In the tenth place, an American smoker who, literally, flooded his craving for smoking ... fortunately not with alcohol, but with ordinary water. He drank a glass of water every time he wanted to smoke. For the month that the smoker needed to defeat the desire to smoke, he drank almost 150 liters of water. At the same time, the body cleared the toxins accumulated during the years of smoking.

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The ninth place is occupied by an English student, who picked up the rope instead of a cigarette. And I jumped, jumped, jumped until the desire to smoke did not disappear. This is the girl's will power - you have to force yourself not only not to smoke, but also to play sports.

In eighth place is also a student, but Russian, who does not like physical education, but very much likes chewing gum. She almost continuously chewed her two weeks before she could do without cigarettes. The truth and the experience of smoking at the girl small - about two years.

The seventh place is occupied by the smoker-sweet tooth, who came up with a simple way to deceive nicotine addiction. In a pack of cigarettes, he wore exactly 20 ordinary candies, which he used on cigarette smoke.

In the sixth place, a proponent of gradual withdrawal from smoking. A smoker with 30 years of experience, unable to quit smoking immediately and forever, cut a piece of a piece of cigarettes, until in the next pack there were only filters left. Maybe with will power and problems, but the woman's patience is abundant.

The fifth place of our rating we gave to the Ukrainian smoker, who successfully and in a short time was able to quit smoking. Because, going out on a smoke break, he did not light a cigarette, but tried to eat its contents. Mr. von Sacher-Masoch was also from Ukraine.

In fourth place, a citizen well enough provided to buy a pack of cigarettes when he wants to smoke, and unopened to throw it into the nearest urn. Apparently, you can stop smoking in this way in two cases - when it becomes a pity for money or when you get tired of going for cigarettes.

In third place is the original, which came up with a cigarette burning on the filter side and being tightened. They say, after one such delay, the desire to smoke completely disappears for a minimum of three days. We will not approve, you can check.

Honorable second place, in our humble opinion, worthy of becoming famous in the past year, an English banker, who almost a month fleeing from cigarettes on an uninhabited island. And not in a warm tropical paradise, but on a cold Scottish rock, blown by all the winds.

And, finally, the first place of our top is occupied by American Jodi Perkins, who asked to close her in the prison cell, desperate to quit smoking in accessible ways. Unfortunately, the authorities did not satisfy her request, but offered assistance to specialists.

Excretion of nicotine from the body - the facts

In conversations with smokers, it turned out that many would like, but do not even try to quit smoking. All these people are convinced that once their experience of smoking consists of a two-digit number, then the withdrawal of nicotine will also take years. Thus, the rejection of a bad habit seems painful and impractical. In fact, many confuse the concept of "removing nicotine from the body" and "cleaning the body of the effects of smoking." Therefore, we consider it necessary to clarify this issue.

The mechanism of the physiological need for nicotine

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Everyone knows that nicotine is a poison, but very little is known that this substance in small doses is vitally important for our body and participates in the metabolism. This need is replenished by our liver, which produces a small amount of endogenous (natural) nicotine. When a person begins to smoke, the permissible dose at times exceeds the norm, and the body is protected from an overdose with the only way available to it - it stops producing its own nicotine. Accordingly, if the smoker for a long time does not smoke, and while "his" nicotine is not produced, there is a lack of it - there is nicotine starvation.

You can determine when nicotine begins to be excreted from the body - at this time there is a desire to smoke. The less this substance remains in the human body, the stronger the craving for the cigarette. Probably, you already understood that the half-life of nicotine is 2-3 hours.

The body begins producing its own nicotine 1-3 days after stopping smoking. Thus, after three days physically you can already do without cigarettes! That is, about any years can not be and speeches, if there is in view of it "excretion of nicotine."

But the cleansing of the body of toxins, the restoration of normal operation of organs, indeed, takes from 3 to 15 years. Scientists generally state that the half-life of individual elements that enter the body with tobacco smoke can take up to 50 years. Nicotine is by no means the most dangerous substance, much more harmful to the health of tar, combustion enhancers, various chemical compounds that are formed at high temperatures.

After cessation of smoking, it takes about 20 minutes to normalize the pressure. After 8 hours the blood of the smoker is fully saturated with oxygen. Lungs are cleaned of tar on average over 3 years, and cardiac activity is restored in 5 years. These indicators, in fact, affect the experience of smoking - the more it is, the more time it takes for the body to recover.

But what about "breaking"

It is not limited to 3 days, but can it last for a month or two? Why years later, sometimes reminds us of smoking, an acute desire to drag out, which occurs under certain circumstances? To this physiological need is irrelevant - after the beginning of the development of its own nicotine, the body no longer needs "imported". The emergence of the "withdrawal syndrome" is to blame for the nicotinic receptors of the brain. When nicotine affects them, there is a feeling of satisfaction, pleasure. The longer a person smokes, the more nicotinic receptors grow, and they demand more and more substances that bring pleasure. Nicotine, which is produced by the body, is not enough to satisfy this need, and therefore there is a "breaking". Over time, "superfluous"

A few recommendations - how to help the body at all stages of getting rid of the effects of smoking:

• To speed up the withdrawal of nicotine, drink plenty of water, especially when you strongly want to smoke.


• To cleanse the body, enter into your diet milk and herbal preparations.


• If the cardiovascular system allows to steam well in a bath, go in for sports, swimming.


• Strengthen the body with antioxidants and vitamin complexes for smokers.


• With "withdrawal syndrome", take drugs that block nicotinic receptors.

Tips on how not to start smoking again

So, you quit smoking. The stage of "withdrawal syndrome" was passed, you got rid of psychological dependence and you can relatively calmly look at people with a cigarette. Do you think that all the difficulties are over? Nothing like this. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is much more difficult not to start again. The main danger lurks when you cease to control yourself, in full confidence that you have parted with a cigarette forever. Read about how not to smoke again and let these tips help you stay from returning to a bad habit.

To smoke "for the company"

What happens The majority of former smokers breaks when they are offered to smoke "for the company." At the stage of withdrawal from smoking, to refuse such an offer is difficult physically, but it is easy psychologically. At this time a person knows that he can break down, and directs all will power to ensure that this does not happen. However, craving for smoking, as well as for any drug, is ineradicable, even suppressed it continues to live. When you have not been smoking for some time, and someone offers a cigarette, a couple of puffs seems acceptable. You think that you have already quit smoking and the half-cigarettes will not change this. Errors, having tasted the taste of nicotine, the lurking craving for smoking wakes up and you, without even noticing it, will start to smoke a pack again in the day.

Traps Parties or holidays, smoking friends, home smoking, depressed mood or, conversely, a joyous, carefree state.

What to do: Learn to say "no" in any situation. Consent to smoke, most often, impulsive and quick passes. Take a deep, slow breath-out and realize what you are about to do. If it does not work, say "yes", but instead of taking a cigarette, take a pencil, a straw, chew some food. After 5 minutes, you yourself will be surprised how close were to start smoking again.

"Be like everyone else"

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What happens Often, those who quit smoking, especially young or insecure people, develop a syndrome of "herd". If most of the people around you smoke, it seems that it's easier to smoke yourself than to look like a "black sheep". As a rule, there are always people who start provoking, asking questions, offering "to be like everyone else". First, you start smoking for a look, just to get rid of it, but gradually return to your old habits.

Traps are a society of people, among whom smoking is considered the norm, insecurity, the desire to imitate.

What to do: Think about if you could quit smoking, this is already talking about your exclusivity. Believe me, not everyone can give up cigarettes. With this thought, start developing your self-esteem and awareness of your individuality. You should not go back to smoking just because everyone is smoking. To neutralize the provocateurs, think up your way of abandoning the cigarette and work it out to automatism. It can be a joke, a phrase, or even just a silence or an icy look. Try to communicate with non-smokers and organize your free time.

Stress

What happens: Unfortunately, it's rare to live in ideal conditions, even from those who stopped smoking. The slightest stress and hand again reaches for the cigarette. After all, it calms, relieves tension, lifts the mood. In this situation, the most common misconception of those who quit smoking again comes to the forefront - nothing will happen from a few puffs. And if stress is prolonged? And if depression does not let go? Correctly, very soon you will again think about how to quit smoking.

Traps Aval at work, a quarrel with close people, depression, a nasty rain outside the window.

What to do: You already know that the soothing effect of cigarettes is nothing more than an illusion. But what really helps relieve stress, is a bath with aromatic oils, a cup of tea with herbs, a heart-to-heart talk, a sport. If these things are not available at the time of stress, use psychological techniques. Only it is necessary to determine in advance "by typing" what will help you to switch - relaxation, counting to ten, methodically tearing up a piece of paper or something else.

Situations that can lead to a breakdown, a lot, as well as ways to stay away from smoking. Live consciously, never turn off self-control and then, you really can quit smoking forever.

How to quit smoking? 10 Simple Tips

Almost all smokers know that quitting smoking is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

After the first fruitless attempts, they have the question "How to quit smoking forever?". Here you will be helped only by patience, motivation, and willpower.

Even children know that smoking is an unhealthy habit for our body. Smoking causes disease not only pulmonary and cardiovascular system. It negatively affects all (!) Organs of our body. No cell remains healthy if a person starts smoking, and especially if he smokes long enough.

So, you still firmly decided to quit smoking, as you realize the destructiveness of this harmful habit. Congratulations, then the first step has already been made - you have a desire to quit, and this is a great achievement. We offer to your attention a few tips that will help get rid of bad habits. But not with the help of a miracle, but with the help of only you.

1. Make a healthy lifestyle your goal number 1.

Set your desire to quit smoking in first place among others. By concentrating only on it, you significantly increase your chances of successful achievement of the result.

2. As often as possible, imagine the result of getting rid of bad habits.

Constantly think how much you will feel better when you can stop smoking. Imagine how easy your breath will become and how much your internal energy will increase. Think about what you can buy with the money that you will save by stopping smoking. Write 10 advantages of a non-smoking person's life before a smoker, and read it every time you want to smoke.

3. Simplify your life.

Think whether there are people in your environment who would like to quit, but they can not do it. Together, getting rid of this bad habit is much easier than yourself. Tell your family and friends about your goal.

Ask co-workers and acquaintances not to smoke at you. Keep the plan to achieve the goal of "quit smoking!" in a written form. Write down all the ways that you can help get rid of bad habits, and look at them in difficult moments

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4. Try to separate yourself and your personal experiences.

Instead of thinking that quitting is very hard, think about how you are getting closer to your goal every minute. Remember that every day will become easier and easier, until the body completely does not get rid of nicotine addiction.

5. Encourage yourself.

Stack all the money that could be spent on cigarettes in the bank. In a year you will understand that you could save for a decent trip or a quarter of a brand-new car. At the end of each week, without smoking, pamper yourself with a trip to the cinema, a restaurant, a trip to where you've long wanted to visit, buying a new thing and so on.

6. Alternative medicine.

Do not forget about acupuncture, anti-nicotine patches and phytotherapy. Contact a qualified specialist who can individually develop acupuncture procedures for you, make a list of herbs that will help you quit smoking faster. Anti-nicotine patches are also a powerful supportive therapy. Do not use patches that contain small doses of nicotine, supposedly helping to quit smoking with ease. Choose plasters that contain extracts of natural herbs without unnecessary chemical and nicotine additives.

7. Go to your goal with thoughts.

"I can quit smoking, I must!" If your child or loved one stayed in the building after the fire started, would you save it? Would you doubt? Certainly not, because it would be about saving lives. So in the case of smoking. You must save your life from bad habits.

8. Imagine the path to success.

Give each night 10 minutes to yourself. Close your eyes and imagine how you say "no" to every offer of friends or acquaintances to go have a smoke. Feel how good you will feel, knowing that now you yourself are driving a bad habit, and not it you.

Imagine yourself a happy, non-smoking person who can afford to play sports, climb up to the fifth floor without problems and who does not spend money to ruin his health.

9. Learn how to manage desires.

If the desire to smoke suddenly took you by surprise, try to retire and sit comfortably or lie down. Take a few deep breaths, feel how clean air without the slightest admixture of smoke quietly enters your lungs, and just as smoothly emerges. Feel how with each breath your muscles relax, and the tension goes away. Through time it will become easier, and the craving for smoking will disappear.

10. APPLICATOR ANTI-NICOTIN

Tibet HighlandHerbs ™ ™

How to quit smoking? Sooner or later, any smoker poses such a question and seeks ways to get rid of addiction. Quitting smoking is not as easy as it seems for the first time. A unique anti-nicotine patch is a great way to help yourself, without poisoning the body with additional portions of nicotine.

Quitting smoking is very difficult and painful, and miraculous ways are not here. The most important thing is the passionate desire of the smoker himself to give up the addiction and neutralize the consequences of smoking. Every person who wants to quit smoking should clearly understand for themselves that there will be no miracles. It is best to use a comprehensive approach to quitting smoking, since not only nicotine addiction appears, but also psychological dependence on cigarettes.

There are two main types of aids from smoking: with nicotine supplements and without them. Among the smokers there is a myth that the harm and consequences of smoking are caused by resins and organic compounds released during the smoking process. And nicotine itself is considered quite harmless means, just causing addiction. Using nicotine patches and cigarettes, with a reduced content of nicotine, smokers are only further away from the goal of "quitting smoking," and nicotine dependence is increasing.

Researches of scientists have already proved, that nicotine - at all a harmless substance to which the organism simply gets used. 60 grams of nicotine can kill an adult, which is only three cigarettes. When an overdose of nicotine is an intoxication of the body, which adversely affects the entire body, and especially on the heart of a person.

The second way to quit smoking is replacement therapy. In most cases - it's phytotherapy. Anti-smoking plaster "Tibet HighlandHerbs" ™ does not contain nicotine. But it contains extracts of such oriental herbs as cloves, spicy cinnamon, Siberian ginseng and clove oil from flower buds. This combination removes nicotine from the body, relieves the effects of smoking, strengthens immunity, increases physical endurance, stimulates mental activity, cleanses the blood and restores inner harmony. A patch will not relieve you of addiction if you unconsciously approach the question "How to quit smoking?". The patch will help you overcome the craving for nicotine and cleanse the body, but will not get rid of the bad habit.

Anti-smoking plaster Tibet HighlandHerbs ™ has many advantages:

• extracts of herbs continuously fall into the body without your participation in the right doses;


• the patch acts through the skin, thereby not causing harm to the gastrointestinal tract and other organs;


• the patch is especially active at night, when the skin is most susceptible to incoming substances;


• helps not only to stop smoking, but also to get rid of the consequences;


• improves the work of the airways;


• makes the taste of tobacco unpleasant, speeding up the quitting.

Anti-smoking plaster "Tibet HighlandHerbs" ™ is one of the most natural ways to stop smoking.

Applicators "Tibet HighlandHerbs" ™ are easy to use: you need to clean the skin beforehand and paste one patch on the points of the back surface of the palm just below the base of the thumb (Tian-Wei). Change the patch should not be earlier than 16 hours, otherwise the effect of the action of medicinal herbs against nicotine dependence will be incomplete. The optimal time for the patch is 24 hours, after which it needs to be changed. The course of treatment is 28 days. You need to use until completely weaned from nicotine. The higher the experience of the smoker, the more courses are required.

The plaster is safe and has no side effects. Due to the lack of nicotine in its composition, the patch does not irritate the skin and does not cause allergies. Anti-nicotine patch is not recommended for use in children and pregnant women. If you are allergic to some component, it is better to consult your doctor.

Composition. Anti-smoking plaster "Tibet HighlandHerbs" ™ contains:

• clove - antiseptic action, improvement of digestion, blood purification, strengthening of the heart muscle, painkiller;


• spicy cinnamon (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae) - calms the broncho-pulmonary system, gives strength, strengthens the heart, suppresses infections, antiseptic;


• Siberian ginseng (Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis Santicosi) - tones up, improves the functioning of the nervous system;


• clove oil from flower buds (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) - an analgesic, supports the work of the nervous system.

Packaging. 14 patches in a package of 1.0 grams

Indications for use. It is recommended to quit smoking, overcome the nicotine addiction, cleanse the body of smoking products, clean the vessels.

The official distributor of Tibet HighlandHerbs ™ in the CIS countries:

company "HEALTH", WWW.ZDOROVEE.COM

Electronic cigarettes as an alternative to traditional tobacco products

"This is an electronic, alternative to smoking device that mimics the very process of smoking. At the same time, users and other people are not exposed to the risk of getting carcinogenic and chemical substances that usually come from traditional tobacco products, "says Craig Youngblood, president of InLife, which produces electronic cigarettes.

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"They supply the body with nicotine and are used as regular cigarettes. We do not yet know what happens to those who only get nicotine and stop inhaling the resins that are present in ordinary cigarettes. At least, there is only a potential risk, "states Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Pulmonary Association.

Electronic cigarettes do not produce real smoke, but only simulate its appearance and combustion process. Perhaps you've already seen them on sale in kiosks or online stores. They are safer than cigarettes, according to their manufacturers. However, the Food and Drug Administration is not allowed to authorize their sale in the United States at the request of the largest medical associations. The Canadian health agency also banned the import and sale of such products. What's the problem? There is still a discussion about what an electronic cigarette is.

What is an electronic cigarette?

Like gunpowder, electronic cigarettes are a Chinese invention. The first sample was released by Ruyan in 2004. According to media reports, the company sold 300,000 cigarettes in the past year, and this is by no means the only company that produces such a device.

• They come in different sizes and shapes. Most of them are more or less like long cigarettes; others on cigars or tubes. The principle of their work is the same:


• When the user draws in air, the device creates a vacuum, triggers the sensor, connects the battery, the steam generator reproduces the cold vapor and the cigarette starts to work.


• The heater emits propylene glycol (a substance used to create smoke in the theater) in the cartridge.


• The user inhales hot gas, which is very similar to tobacco smoke.


• When you exhale, a cold cloud of propylene glycol smoke forms, but it quickly disappears.


• Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco products, since the nicotine that is present in the cartridge is synthetic.

Retail price varies from 100 to 200 dollars. The cost of the cartridge depends on its filling. Each of them can be used several times, while the substance for recharging cigarettes at home is also sold.

Advantages of electronic cigarettes

Different manufacturers emphasize different advantages:

• Smokers who do not plan to abandon this harmful habit, manufacturers recommend the use of such products in places where smoking is prohibited, for example, on board aircraft, in restaurants or in the workplace.


• Smokers who do not want to give up nicotine addiction, manufacturers offer such cigarettes in order to reduce the harmful effects of nicotine on the body.


• For people who want to get rid of this habit, such cigarettes will help to move from smoking to non-smokers (although the World Health Organization has forbidden manufacturers to specify this on products).

Disadvantages of electronic cigarettes

It is not proven that electronic cigarettes do not harm the body. This is the main factor that worries health care professionals. "To date, we can not confirm either the harm or benefit of using this kind of products, since there is no scientific evidence," says Elena Mendez, MD, a pulmonary research researcher at the University of Miami.

"What happens to those who stop inhaling tar, but continue only nicotine?" While we can not give an answer to this question (it means smoking for 3, 5, 10 years). If there is an addiction, getting rid of it will not be easy, "says Edelman. Moreover, electronic cigarettes can exacerbate nicotine addiction, according to Michael Eriksen, director of the Public Health Institute at Georgia State University in Atlanta and ex-director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "I have not met smokers who would like to switch from conventional cigarettes to electronic and or other smokeless tobacco products. If you look at how they are implemented, you can conclude that they should be used when you do not smoke. Conclusion: You just increase nicotine addiction, but you will not smoke less.

How to quit smoking: Nicotine-replacement therapy

Common name	Trademark
Nicotine (nicotine) Nicotine polacrilex (nicotine polacrilex)	Nikoderm, nicotine transdermal system, nicotrol (inhaler), nicotrol NS  Commit, nicotine, nicotine chewing gum

• Nicotine gum and candy gradually inject nicotine into the mouth.


• Nicotine patches are glued to the body and inject nicotine through the pores of the skin into the body's blood.


• The nicotine inhaler contains a container with nicotine. It is sprayed directly into the mouth.

All these nicotine substitutes are sold without a prescription, which is only necessary when buying an inhaler.

Note: OTC products should not be released to persons under 18 years of age. The doctor can assign them to a minor only in the case of a strong dependence on nicotine.

Effects of Nicotine-replacement therapy

Nicotine-replacement therapy helps reduce dependence by supplying the body with nicotine. It contains 1/3 compared to 1/2 the total amount of nicotine that is present in most cigarettes.

People experience dependence on nicotine, as it increases the level of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norefininpin in the brain. When a person quits smoking, the level of these chemicals drops sharply and the body experiences nicotine starvation, which leads to poor health. When taking medications, the level of dofain and norepinepine rises in the same way as from a smoked cigarette. The brain records the flow of nicotine, and over time the symptoms of dependence gradually decrease.

When you inhale the tobacco smoke, nicotine starts to flow quickly from the lungs to the blood. The effect of nicotine-substituting products comes much later, so nicotine-substituting drugs do not cause dependence as cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Nicotine-replacement therapy is safe, if, of course, it is correctly applied. By itself, nicotine is not as harmful as the process of smoking. Resins, carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals contained in tobacco, gradually destroy a healthy body.

Why use nicotine-replacement therapy?

Nicotine-replacement therapy is useful for those who are determined to quit smoking. Doctors do not recommend it only in case of pregnancy or heart disease.

Pregnancy. The use of nicotine-replacement therapy during pregnancy often leads to the fact that children are born with insufficient weight. But in fact, the process of smoking is much more dangerous for you and your child than the therapy itself. If you are pregnant or plan it, be sure to consult about the use of this therapy with your doctor. During pregnancy it is recommended to use other means, and only then - nicotine-substituting products.

Diseases of the heart. Nicotine-replacement therapy in most cases is successfully used by people with heart disease. But if you have recently had a heart attack or have serious heart disease, such as arrhythmia or angina, be sure to consult your doctor about using nicotine replacement products.

The doctor usually does not suggest using this kind of therapy to persons who are under the age of 18, for the reason that the products have been tested only for adults and nothing is known about the side effects that may appear as a result of their use.

How effective is Nicotine-replacement therapy?

The use of nicotine-replacement products doubles the chances that you will eventually quit smoking. All its forms are effective in case of their correct use. The use of nicotine patch simultaneously with bupropion doubles the chances of success. If you decide to combine different forms of therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor.

You will achieve a better result if, together with nicotine replacement therapy, you compile a program that includes the start date of the course of recovery, a plan for eliminating smoking provocateurs and support from the attending physician, friends or relatives.

Side effects of Nicotine-replacement therapy

With the advent of effective nicotine-substituting drugs, many smokers prefer treatment that is easy to use and causes a small number of side effects. Only some (less than 5%) refuse to continue taking nicotine-replacement products due to side effects.

Abrupt discontinuation of therapy causes withdrawal symptoms similar to those that a person experiences after quitting smoking. The likelihood of developing these symptoms decreases with a gradual decrease in the daily dose.

In rare cases, these products can cause nicotine dependence.

Gum

Adverse events as a result of the use of nicotine gum:

• Bad taste in the mouth. There are several flavor varieties, for example, citrus or menthol, and many find them much more pleasant.


• Tingling of the tongue during chewing.


• Icking.


• An upset stomach or heartburn. This sometimes happens as a result of improper use, because the chewing gum should be between the gum and cheek.


• In the process of chewing, pain in the lower jaw may appear. Nicotine chewing gum is not recommended for people with diseases of the jaw joints (temporomandibular).

Lollipops

Side effects of nicotine lozenges:

• upset stomach, especially when swallowing;


• hiccough;


• heartburn;


• a headache;

Patch

Side effects of nicotine patch application:

• Skin rashes in the area of application of the patch, which can be a reaction to both the plaster itself and to nicotine. Plaster is contraindicated in people with sensitive skin or allergies. If unpleasant sensations from the use of this patch move it to another part of the body or use an over-the-counter antihistamine cream, gel (Benadryl) or ointment.


• Sleep disturbance with the constant use of the patch (for example, restless sleep). This happens because the brain is not used to the constant intake of nicotine into the body. To cope with this problem, you need to shoot it after 20.00. If this does not apply to side effects, but is the result of a withdrawal symptom, removing the patch will not work. It is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Inhaler

Adverse events of the inhaler application:

• a cough;


• stomach upset;


• irritation of the larynx.

Do not use a nicotine inhaler for respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. Read the instructions carefully with a list of side effects.

What to think about

You can not continue smoking with nicotine replacement therapy, as there is a high probability of overdose and development of headache, nausea, blurred consciousness and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Despite the method of quitting smoking, you can intensify coughing during the first week after you give up your bad habit. This is not the result of the development of the withdrawal symptom of nicotine, but simply the body is trying to clear the lungs, regardless of whether you are taking nicotine-replacement therapy or not. If the course of treatment is not completed to the end, you can not achieve the desired result and start smoking again. Do not consume acid-producing beverages, especially coffee and juices 15 minutes before and after applying the drug: the body may not take completely nicotine due to the acid of these drinks.

There is no universal nicotine-replacement therapy. The zealous smokers successfully achieve the desired effect using the strongest products from this series (chewing gum, candy, containing 4 mg of nicotine or patches with 21 mg). Start the course of treatment on the day when you quit smoking, which is a distinctive feature from other forms of treatment. If the side effects bring discomfort, change the type of therapy. Remember that this course of treatment doubles your chances of recovery. The harmfulness of prolonged use of nicotine gum is not established.

Nicotine-replacement therapy will reduce the majority, but not all of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. At the end of the course, dependence is significantly reduced. As a rule, early cessation of therapy leads to a return to smoking. When nicotine intake decreases to zero, you can still experience some withdrawal symptoms, but they are not prolonged and less painful.

Be sure to consult a doctor before using two forms of nicotine therapy (for example, plaster and chewing gum). In some cases, the use of bupropion simultaneously with nicotine-substituting products has an effective effect, but it can only be done under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor, however, can simply ascribe bupropion instead of these two drugs. In rare cases, nicotine nasal spray is used.

How to quit smoking with Clonidine (Catapress)

Clonidine (Catapress): A remedy for smoking

Common name - Clonidine

Trademark - Catapress

Clonidine - a prescription drug in the form of tablets or patches.

Why is he credited with

Doctors attribute clonidine to patients who want to get rid of tobacco dependence, but for some reason can not take bupropion, varenicline and nicotine substitutes or they did not have the desired effect.

How effective is it?

People who took clonidine were much quicker to quit smoking than those who did not resort to medication at all.

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Side effects of Clonidine

These include:

• dry mouth (observed in 40% of patients);


• drowsiness (33%);


• dizziness (16%);


• drowsiness (10%);


• constipation (10%).

Clonidine plaster causes a rash.

While taking the drug from time to time check blood pressure, because Clonidine lowers its level. You may also show signs of depression and there may be a drop in blood pressure as a result of a sharp rise from the spot (postural or orthostatic hypotension).

Rapid refusal to take clonidine sometimes causes side effects: nervousness, excitement, headaches, trembling develop, which is accompanied by a sharp increase in blood pressure (hypertension). You can avoid unpleasant moments by gradually lowering the dosage within 2-4 days.

What to think about

If you decide to take this particular drug, start 3-4 days before the date you set out to quit smoking. Use a clonidine patch for no more than 10 weeks, and change it every week.

Bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban): Cessation from smoking

Common name - Bupropion hydrochloride

Trademark - Zyban

How it works

Bupropion is a pill you take to reduce the desire to smoke. It does not contain nicotine and its effect is significantly different from therapy with substitutes for a substance harmful to the body. Bupropion should be taken every day 1-2 weeks before quitting and continue to continue taking from 7 to 12 weeks.

Why it is used Bupropion is attributed to those who smoke 10 cigarettes a day, and who is already 18 years old.

You should not take it if you:

• you are already taking medications that contain bupropion (Wellbutrin)


• have a tendency to seizures;


• you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, MAOI;


• break the diet;


• You take alcohol.

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How effective is bupropion

Its use for 7-9 weeks doubles the likelihood that you will not smoke for at least 6 months. It acts in the same way as nicotine-replacement therapy. The joint use of bupropion and nicotine-containing patches or chewing gum doubles a person's chances of success in his desire to give up permanently from this bad habit.

Bupropion lowers:

• the desire to smoke;


• irritability, anxiety, anxiety;


• violation of concentration of attention;


• feeling depressed.

Side effects:

• dry mouth (observed in 1 out of 10 people who take bupropion);


• violation of sleep (35-40% of people). If you take a dose in the daytime and in the evening, it is possible, in case of sleep disturbance, to move the evening dose to the afternoon. In this case, take it 8 hours after the morning reception.

In 70% of people taking this medicine, side effects disappear within a week after discontinuation. And only 10% stop taking it because of side effects.

Side effects, which are observed only in 10% of people, include:

• dizziness;


• violation of concentration;


• upset stomach (nausea);


• anxiety;


• constipation;


• shiver;


• rashes on the skin.

There is a small risk of seizures. They can be observed in the event that a person tested them before taking this drug.

What you should know

The simultaneous use of bupropion and therapy with nicotine substitutes (nicotine patches or chewing gum) will be much more effective than individually. Be sure to consult with a doctor in this regard.

Bupropion can not be taken during pregnancy. Young mothers are forbidden to take the drug during the feeding of infants. Be sure to consult with a doctor in this regard.

How to quit smoking: Fighting addiction

It's not easy to stop smoking, because nicotine, which is contained in cigarettes, causes dependence. The body requires constant replenishment of its stock, as a result of which you feel much better. So, when you try to quit smoking, the body stops receiving nicotine. You feel terrible and begin to gain weight, in addition, you are harassed by troubling thoughts and trouble falling asleep. But do not worry! Such problems arise for many. The most difficult thing is not to let yourself again pick up a pack of cigarettes. Use advice on how to cope with this desire. Information is also suitable for those who chew or snuff tobacco.

Basic moments:

• Symptoms of a lack of nicotine in the body are especially felt in the first days after quitting. Some suffer for several months.


• Medical products will help and will get rid of addiction forever.


• Support groups, physical exercises and proper healthy nutrition can also provide significant support.

What are the symptoms of nicotine deficiency in the body?

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Deficiency of nicotine in the body provokes depression, anger, anxiety and grumbling. You may feel anxious, have problems with concentration and sleep regimen, because the body is demanding the replenishment of nicotine. Symptoms of nicotine deficiency are actively manifested when the body requires replenishment of this harmful substance. When you smoke for a long time, the brain gets used to nicotine, which promotes active activity. It helps to concentrate, lowers aggression and promotes rest. In fact, the nerve cells of the brain have already changed, and they are significantly different from similar non-smokers. When you stop smoking, the brain begins to rebuild and while this happens, the human body is in a state of stress. The person is disturbed by the concentration of attention, he is not able to control aggression. This behavior is fundamentally different from the previous one.

How can I overcome nicotine addiction?

Reduce stress

Many smoke for the reason that nicotine helps them to relax. Without it, they experience tension and discomfort. But there are ways that effectively help to overcome nicotine addiction. Try the following:

• slowly take a few deep breaths, hold the last, then exhale as long as possible; try to relax all muscles;


• do massage, yoga or traditional Chinese relaxation exercises;


• listen to relaxing music; master the technique of auto-suggestion and meditation;


• if possible, avoid stressful situations when first trying to quit; rest, walking in the open air.

These tips will help you relax. But it is also important to understand the cause of stressful situations and learn how to react differently to their provocateurs.

Be active

Physical exercise can help reduce cravings for nicotine. Easy training will relieve stress and relieve you of extra pounds.

In case you really want to smoke, start playing sports. Take a walk in the fresh air. Take chewing gum, work in the garden, walk the dog or play with the children.

Have a lot of rest

In case of violation of sleep, use these tips:

• go to bed and wake up at the same time;


• take a warm and relaxing bath before going to bed;


• Do not drink alcohol in the evening, because you can wake up in the night;


• Do not drink coffee, black tea or other caffeinated drinks 8 hours before bedtime;


• Do not sleep in the daytime until you are sure that you will sleep soundly throughout the night;


• if you can not sleep, ask the doctor to prescribe the medicine in this adaptation period;


• meditate or do breathing exercises before going to sleep.

Adhere to a healthy diet

Quitting smoking increases appetite. To avoid extra pounds, you should remember that the secret of weight control is the use of healthy foods and regular exercise. Do not stick to the diet. Most people who quit smoking and refuse food can later have certain kinds of problems that hinder the attainment of the goal. Replace fruits, vegetables and whole grains with foods that contain large amounts of sugar or fat.

Try in this period to reduce congestion

• Quitting smoking will be much more difficult if you are loaded at home and at work.


• Begin to quit smoking at a time when you have little work and family responsibilities.


• Ask family members not to ask many questions in the first week of giving up a bad habit.


• Buy something useful on the money saved from cigarettes.


• Be aware that physical stress, bad sleep or experiences do not contribute to the successful achievement of the goal.

Take medication

The medicine will help you effectively cope with nicotine addiction, and also prevent the recruitment of excess weight. According to studies, drugs double the chances that you can quit smoking forever.

Substitutes for nicotine relieve physical dependence. Nicotine patches, chewing gum, candies and inhalers are especially useful in case of strong dependence.

• A medication such as bupropion will help you overcome dependence and cope with depression.


• Varenicline (Chantix) is a drug that blocks the effect of nicotine, reduces dependence and helps the body to wean from nicotine.

How to Quit Smoking

Are you ready to quit smoking?

Perhaps, today you smoked the last cigarette or are ready to quit smoking from now on. Excellent. This information will give you decisiveness in this bold undertaking. Many smokers give up, and you can.

Why do you want to quit smoking?

Think about why you want to quit smoking? Maybe because you want to live longer and protect the heart and health from the harmful effects of nicotine. Or you want to be a good example for children and spend money on more useful things. The reason you want to quit is very important. If the initiative comes from you, and not from someone else, it will be much easier.

How can I quit smoking?

You do not have to do it alone. Ask your family or doctor for help. This is very difficult but necessary. Many for good can get rid of this bad habit. When you know how to act, giving up cigarettes is much easier.

Be ready. If you are ready to quit right now, act. Medication and family support will help to do this. But if you are not ready yet, do not rush. Determine the date. Choose a time when you will feel at ease. Before that, get rid of the ashtray, lighters and everything that provokes smoking. Do not allow others to smoke in your presence.

Change the mode. For example, if you smoke after eating, go for a walk. Take medication. This will significantly reduce stress and will double the chance of success in this difficult undertaking. You can buy nicotine candy without a prescription. Your doctor may also ascribe the following drugs: Bupropion (Zyban) or Vareniclin (Chantix).

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As soon as you stop smoking, try not to step back.

Do not be tempted to say that you smoke only one or two cigarettes. Do not keep cigarettes in the house or in the car. Always remind yourself that you have a plan and that you are in no way going to refuse it. Try to always remain calm.

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking is difficult, because the body is used to nicotine, which is contained in tobacco. This is more than giving up a bad habit. The body needs to adapt to the fact that it no longer receives nicotine. Nicotine-containing lollipops, plaster and chewing gum will come to the rescue, which will reduce the body's need for this harmful substance.

You will also have to change your habits. Perhaps you are used to chewing tobacco in stressful situations or drinking coffee with a cigarette. Before you stop smoking, think about how you can cope with the established habits. In case of stressful situations, instead of smoking, call a friend, do breathing exercises or take a chewing gum. If you are at work, take a walk during the break. Avoid smoking people.

What if you feel bad when trying to quit?

Surely you will want to smoke in the first 2-3 days after giving up cigarettes, while you will be overcome by a feeling of anxiety and sadness. In some, this condition can last several weeks. Difficulties in concentrating attention can arise, the diet and sleep can be disturbed. But this will not last forever, and the treatment will give the long-awaited effect. Medications in combination with nicotine substitutes will quench the thirst of the body, and soon you will feel much better.

Will you gain weight?

Perhaps you are worried that you will recover when you stop smoking. Throw this thought aside. You have a chance to get much more useful than a few extra pounds, as you will save money and gradually bring back all the functions of the body.

To not gain weight, you should:

• adhere to an active lifestyle, and physical exercises will lift the mood;


• eat more fruits, vegetables and less fatty foods;


• do not try to replace food with cigarettes; Instead, chew a straw for soft drinks.

In this period it would be nice to go on a diet. Think about taking medications and nicotine substitutes. They will help you to go through this difficult period in your life and avoid extra pounds.

What if you started smoking again?

Most people stop smoking and start again several times (from 8-10) before they get rid of this habit forever. If this happened to you, do not give up. Each such attempt ultimately leads to a cherished goal.

Remember that by quitting smoking, you will avoid serious illnesses and continue your life. Analyze the reasons why you decided on such an act. Perhaps, in this way, you can protect the heart and move on to a healthy lifestyle.

With every attempt at giving up cigarettes, you will learn about what helps and what contributes to the achievement of the goal. Analyze what made you smoke a cigarette and work out a plan for the next attempt. If you tried to quit smoking without the help of medications, use them in the future. Medication in combination with nicotine substitutes will double the chances of success. You surely will cope with this!