Smoking

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Tobacco was introduced to Europe at the end of the fifteenth-century, however it was not until the 20th Century that smoking became a mass habit and the dangers were discovered. Today, about 10 million adults in the UK smoke (about a quarter of the population) and smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. Approximately 114,000 people in the UK die from smoking related diseases every year and 25% of men in the UK are smokers compared with 23% of women. About 70% of smokers admit that they want to stop smoking, however most believe they are unable to. However, approximately half of all smokers eventually manage to give up (statistics from NHS Direct).

Smoking has also been associated with more than 50 different diseases and disorders, many of which are fatal. About thirty per cent of all cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Other health problems include lung cancer and other lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, early menopause and strokes.

With so many reasons not to smoke it may be difficult for non-smokers to understand how the addiction affects so many people, and why they continue to smoke regardless of all the health warnings. However, many ex-smokers say that quitting was the hardest thing they ever did. Smokers become addicted to nicotine, which is as habit-forming as the drugs heroine and cocaine. Nicotine makes individuals feel calm and satisfied, and soon smoking becomes a habit; the more individuals smoke, the more nicotine they need to become satisfied. Many smokers relate having a cigarette to other things, such as drinking wine or beer, driving, being with other smokers, after a meal or talking on the phone. These triggers ensure it is difficult for smokers to resist temptation.

However, giving up smoking is achievable and millions of people have quit successfully. It may take more than a few attempts after months or years of lighting up, but with perseverance the habit can be kicked. Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of developing many of the problems associated with smoking. Within 10-15 years of giving up smoking, an ex-smoker will only be slightly more likely to develop lung cancer than a non-smoker. Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemical components, which smokers are usually unaware of. Smokers also often underestimate the effects of passive smoking; more than 17,000 children under the age of five are admitted to hospital each year from the effects of passive smoking. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and smaller babies.

The effects of smoking have been hugely publicised, with new advertisement campaigns showing how damaging it can be. Since 1st July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England have been smoke free. It is now against the law to smoke inside pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, lunch rooms, membership clubs and shopping centres.

There are physical, emotional, social and financial reasons to quit:

Physical:

Fatal disorders and diseases

Reduced fertility

Lack of energy

Poor concentration

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Dull skin and premature wrinkling

Nicotine stained fingers and stained teeth

Damaged circulation

Damaged taste buds

Social:

Polluting the air

Putting others at risk from passive smoking

Spoilt clothes and home

Increased risk of fire in the home

Financial:

An individual who has smoked 20 a day for the last 5 years will have spent approximately £9,125 on smoking. Think how else this money could have been spent!

Emotional:

Constant nagging sense of guilt to give up

Non-smokers thinking of the habit as disgusting

Not being in control of the habit

Increasing pressure from society to quit

Causes:

The reason individuals begin smoking differs from person to person. However some common reasons are likely to be:

Peer pressure

Imitating parents

Boredom

Self-expression

The need to experiment

Treatment:

Many people use helplines, NHS specialist centres, pharmacists or their GP when they decide to quit smoking. Some people also find complementary treatments such as hypnotherapy helpful as an aid to quitting smoking.

Further Help

NHS Direct

Go Smoke Free

Quit

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This content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice given by any professional.