Choosing to Live Tobacco Free Lesson 2 Choosing to Live Tobacco Free

Terms to Know Nicotine Withdrawal – the process that occurs in the body when nicotine, an addictive drug, is no longer used Nicotine Substitute – a product that delivers small amounts of nicotine into the user’s system while he or she is trying to give up the tobacco habit

Reduced Tobacco Use Among Teens National Reports show that 28% of high school students smoke Down from 36% is 1997 Some of the factors that contributed to the decrease include: Antismoking Campaigns Financial Cost Societal Pressures Family Influence

Benefits of Living Tobacco Free Avoiding tobacco use Lowers risk of lung cancer Lowers risk of heart disease Lowers risk of stroke Increases Cardiovascular Endurance Increases Lung Function

Strategies for Preventing Tobacco Use Choose friends who don’t use tobacco Avoid situations where tobacco products may be used Practice and use refusal skills

Reasons to Give Up Tobacco Use Many teens who have quit tobacco use cite the following reasons: They begin to have Health Problems They have the desire, will, and commitment to stop They realize how expensive the habit is They realize that using tobacco can lead to other risky behaviors, such as the use of alcohol They find it difficult to purchase tobacco products They realize the damaging effects of secondhand smoke and don’t want to harm their friends and families

Stopping the Addiction Cycle Millions of People succeed in their effort to quit tobacco use each year This process can be difficult but not impossible Most people who quit will experience Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms and discomfort will be temporary Symptoms will include irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and cravings for tobacco

Stopping the Addiction Cycle Many people who are trying to quit will use Nicotine Substitutes Over-the-counter products that help in the quitting process

Getting Help – Tips for Quitting People trying to quit might want to use the following tips Prepare for the day Get support and encouragement Access professional health services Replace tobacco use with healthier alternatives Change daily behavior Engage in healthful behaviors