Better Health. No Hassles. Nicotine Dependence Addiction to tobacco products. Nicotine produces physical and mood-altering effects that are temporarily pleasing. Spurs your continued use. Quitting withdrawal symptoms irritability and anxiety. Brings on host of health problems. Nicotine keeps you hooked. Toxic effects are from the other substances in tobacco. HIGH rates of Heart Disease, Stroke and Cancer!

Better Health. No Hassles. Symptoms You can’t stop smoking. Withdrawal when you try to top. Cravings, anxiety, irritability, increased hunger, depressed mood, insomnia, diarrhea and constipation. You keep smoking despite health problems You give up social or recreational activities in order to smoke.

Better Health. No Hassles. Causes Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that keeps you smoking. Boosts dopamine “feel good “ brain chemical. Certain behaviors, cues associated with smoking Morning coffee, after meal, drinking alcohol, stressful situations or the smell of a cigarette.

Better Health. No Hassles. Risk Factors Most people begin during childhood or adolescence. The younger you start the greater chance heavy smoker as an adult. Higher risk if parents smoke. Peer pressure. Genetics. People respond differently to nicotine Depression and mental illness. Drug and alcohol abuse.

Better Health. No Hassles. Complications Tobacco smoke 60 known cancer causing chemicals AND more than 4,800 harmful substances! Lung cancer other lung diseases causes 9/10 Heart and circulation problems.15 cigarettes per day doubles heart attack risk Other cancers: Esophagus, larynx, throat and mouth, bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix, stomach and some leukemias Physical appearance deep wrinkles, premature aging. Yellow teeth, fingers and finger nails. Infertility and impotence. Pregnancy and newborn complications.

Better Health. No Hassles. Complications Cold, flu and other illnesses. Diabetes. Smoking makes insulin less effective. Impaired senses hearing, taste and smell. Risks to family living with smoker lung cancer, heart disease. Children asthma, ear infections and colds.

Better Health. No Hassles. Treatments and Drugs You can quit on your own. More likely to succeed if you follow treatment plan. If you quit before age 50,you can cut in half your risk of dying in the next 15yrs. Medications – Nicotine patch – Nicotine through your skin into your bloodstream – New patch each day for 8-12 weeks – Nicotine gum – You can use 20 pieces per day – Nicotine inhaler Antidepressants – Zyban,Wellbutrin increase dopamine and norepinephrine brain chemicals boosted by nicotine – Also minimizes weight gain Chantix – Potential serious psychiatric side effects – Johns Hopkins not using

Better Health. No Hassles. Treatments Combine medications and counseling for long-term success. Behavioural treatment skills to stay away from tobacco over the long run. Telephone based quit lines: – National Cancer Institute – American Cancer Society

Better Health. No Hassles. Manage Withdrawal Symptoms Exercise. Wait out cravings. Go for a walk, healthy snack sunflower seeds. Talk to a support person. Avoid high-risk situations.Know your triggers. Stress reduction. Take time to do something fun or simply relax. Eat regular meals.

Better Health. No Hassles. Coping and Support Think about short-term benefits – Better breathing – Saving money – Not smelling like smoke Long-term – Lower risk of disease – Longer life – Healthy environment for your family PBG has Healthy living resources. – Phone and mail-based programs for Smoking Cessation – To register call