The Burning Issue: An Overview of Tobacco Addiction

As one of the most addictive legal substances available in the U.S., tobacco can be extremely harmful and dangerous. Whether it’s administered via cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, cigars, snuff, or chewables, tobacco products negatively affect billions of people worldwide.

Understanding What Makes Tobacco So Addictive

The dangers of tobacco come from its primary chemical compound: nicotine, which is what keeps its users hooked. The nicotine provides an adrenaline rush effect as it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. It also boosts dopamine, the “feel good” chemical, and before you know it, people become addicted. For young people, just 5 mg of tobacco a day can cause addiction (about one quarter of an e-cigarette pod).

Because of this, tobacco is both a physical and psychological dependence, and cravings are triggered by drinking coffee, driving, being out with friends, or any other association with smoking cigarettes, vaping, etc.

How Common is Tobacco Addiction?

According to the Addiction Center, approximately 50 million people are addicted to some form of tobacco in the United States alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 1.27 billion tobacco users worldwide, and tobacco use accounts for 5 million deaths annually. The addiction to nicotine is extremely prevalent, making it hard for smokers, vapers, and tobacco users to stop their habit.

Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Use

According to CDC.gov, there are more than 16 million Americans living with a disease caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use and the diseases associated with it can actually shorten your lifespan by up to 14 years.

It causes cancer and other life-threatening diseases

Cigarette smoking and using tobacco products can cause:

In addition, using tobacco increases your risk of developing tuberculosis, eye diseases, and immune system dysfunction (such as rheumatoid arthritis), according to the CDC.

Nicotine isn’t the only offender when it comes to tobacco, however. Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide, tar, and a slew of other harmful chemicals like pesticides, arsenic and formaldehyde that can alarmingly deter your health and well-being.

It causes periodontal, mouth & throat issues

Chewing tobacco specifically brings a host of issues to the mouth area. You can expect:

Tobacco smoke also gives off an odor that causes bad breath while the smell sticks to clothes, curtains, carpet and more, making it unpleasant for those who don’t smoke. Plus, chewing tobacco contains 15x the nicotine that cigarettes do, making the risk of addiction that much higher.

Second-hand smoke can be deadly

One of the worst consequences that comes from smoking is that it affects the people around the smoker even if they don’t want anything to do with tobacco. According to the CDC, 41,000 adult deaths and 400 infant deaths per year are attributed to second-hand smoke, and children who are exposed to second-hand smoke have an increased risk for respiratory infections, middle ear disease, sudden infant death syndrome, severe asthma, and slowed lung growth.

Pregnant mothers who smoke may cause tissue damage in their unborn baby (specifically in the lungs and brain), causing birth defects or health issues. It may even result in miscarriage, as the carbon monoxide in smoke can keep the baby from getting enough oxygen.

What is the Most Dangerous Method of Tobacco Intake?

Smoking cigarettes is widely considered to be the most dangerous method of tobacco intake. However, some studies show the dangers of vaping can actually lead to more increased heart disease risk and more decreased blood flow than combustible cigarettes.

While smoking cigarettes can lead to more severe health conditions, vaping and electronic cigarettes can actually be more addictive, as they often contain more nicotine. A nicotine addiction can lead to a whole new set of mental and physical health concerns.

Signs & Symptoms of a Tobacco Addiction

It’s very easy to become addicted to tobacco due to the effects of nicotine. Common ways you can tell if you or a loved one have a tobacco addiction are below.

You Can’t Stop Smoking

No matter how hard you try to stop, you can’t get yourself to stop using tobacco products. If you continuously come back to tobacco, it may be a sign of an addiction.

You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms Once You Stop

You’ll know if you or someone you know is addicted to tobacco if you notice the following symptoms of nicotine withdrawal:

You Avoid Places Where You Can’t Smoke

Canceling plans or leaving situations because you’re not able to smoke is a common sign. If you or a loved one find it difficult to go places where smoking is prohibited, it may be time to seek help.

You Don’t Stop Despite Health Problems

The health problems associated with smoking and nicotine use are well documented. Still, many people continue smoking despite this knowledge. If you or a loved one are starting to develop negative health issues due to a tobacco habit but won’t stop using, it’s a strong sign of an addiction.

The Fagerström Test

According to the Fagerström Test, if you have your first cigarette of the day within five minutes of waking up, it’s a sign of a heavy addiction. If it’s within 30 minutes, it’s a moderate addiction, and if it’s 60 minutes or later, it’s a bit of a lesser addiction — although all are cause for concern.

Risk Factors That Increase Tobacco Addiction

There are groups of people and circumstances that make tobacco use and addiction more of a risk. This includes:

Ways To Treat a Tobacco Addiction

When you’re addicted to tobacco, relapses are common. A combination of medication and therapy is usually the most effective strategy for those with tobacco addiction.

OTC & Prescription Medications

There are both prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) options to help you quit smoking. Nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges are effective because they contain small amounts of nicotine. Patches provide a steady level of nicotine to help lessen withdrawal symptoms, and gums and lozenges are used to quickly relieve cravings as they happen.

Prescription drugs without nicotine that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include: bupropion and varenicline. These medications work on the brain to help you quit smoking. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first to assess the best solution for you.

Counseling

While using medication is great for lessening withdrawal symptoms and cravings, behavioral therapy could get to the root of your addiction and help you quit for good. It’s advised that a combination of approaches (medication plus therapy) is the most effective way to stop smoking. Individual counseling, group counseling and even residential treatment programs are available. It’s important to talk to your doctor or a recovery specialist about what approach would be best for you to get the optimum results.

How Caron Can Help With Tobacco Addiction

If you or your loved one are ready to put tobacco down for good, we can help. With facilities on the East Coast offering the most accessible treatment programs available, Caron uses evidence-based methods to help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track. Connect with our team today to get started.