Tobacco / Nicotine
Introduction Smoking most avoidable cause of death 1,000 Americans die each day due to tobacco related diseases – 1 in 6 deaths smoking related Tobacco companies spend 50 times more $$ in advertising than the government does in anti-smoking ads Should advertising be banned? Why do people begin smoking?
Pharmacology Nicotine is the addictive substance Administration Inhalation Sublingual Absorption – directly into bloodstream Affects brain & CNS Action Causes a release of norepinephrine – stimulant Affects catecholamine – affects HR & BP Nicotine at high levels act as a depressant 50% of nicotine is metabolized in 30 min.
Physiological Effects Physiological effects Increase heart rate Increase blood pressure Increase breathing rate Increase cardiac output Increase brain activity – increase concentration, memory Decrease appetite Psychological effects?
Addiction Physical Need to maintain a functional level of nicotine Psychological Withdrawal symptoms Craving, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite Peak at 1-2 days Negative reinforcement
Adverse Effects Cardiovascular Most modifiable risk factor for H.D. Due to carbon monoxide buildup Atheroscherosis Respiratory Damage to cilia Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease – emphysema, bronchitis Cancer Lung cancer Other cancers
Benefits of Quitting Box 8.8 p. 182 Decrease risk of cancer Increase life expectancy Decrease risk of stroke, chronic cough Save $$$$ Concerns of quitting Gain weight
To Quit Smoking Knowledge about health risks Recognition that health risks are applicable Familiar with steps to quit Patch/gum Support/encouragement Learn to handle stress/urges Decrease risk factors Belief that benefits outweigh the pleasure Certainty that one can start and maintain behavior required to stop
Smokers Rights Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) – Passive smoke Class A carcinogen Mainstream smoke Sidestream smoke S/S – stress, discomfort, cough, wheeze, allergy Is restricting cigarettes (smoking) legal?
Smokeless Tobacco Chewing tobacco & snuff 1.8 million users – mostly young males, athletes Nicotine w/o exposure to CO & tar Same physiological effects as smoking Time-released absorption Other health problems Gum disease, damage to enamel “Leukoplakia” Risk of oral, gum, & cheek cancers Smokeless tobacco doesn’t injure others