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Smoking and Tobacco Use

Quit Smoking For Better Health

At a glance

Cigarette smoking is a major public health concern, with over 16 million Americans living with a smoking-related disease.

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause over 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

For every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness.

Unfortunately, an estimated 28.8 million adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes.

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and causes many diseases.

Quitting smoking lowers the risk for early death and of developing smoking-related diseases,

Cigarette smoking cost the United States more than $600 billion in 2018.

On November 21, please join people across the country for the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout

The Health Risks Associated with Smoking

Smoking is harmful, affecting the body in many ways. It can cause short-term problems and lead to serious diseases over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says smoking kills more than 480,000 people in the U.S. each year.

Short-term Effects on the Body

Smoking can harm the body quickly. Here are some of the short-term effects:

Effect	Description
Increased heart rate	Nicotine makes the heart beat faster
Higher blood pressure	Smoking narrows blood vessels, raising blood pressure
Reduced oxygen to the brain	Carbon monoxide in smoke lowers brain oxygen
Irritation of the airways	Smoke irritates airway linings, causing coughing and wheezing

Long-term Consequences of Smoking

Smoking’s long-term effects are severe. It damages nearly every organ in the body. Some serious risks include:

Lung cancer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Heart disease

Stroke

Other types of cancer (mouth, throat, esophagus, etc.)

The American Cancer Society says smoking causes about 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. It’s responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths. The risk grows with the number of cigarettes smoked and how long one smokes.

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

Smoking greatly increases the risk of chronic diseases. Smokers face:

Condition	Increased Risk
Coronary heart disease	2-4 times higher
Stroke	2-4 times higher
Lung cancer	25 times higher
COPD	12-13 times higher

Quitting smoking can greatly reduce these risks. The sooner you quit, the better your health will be.

The Dangers of Passive Smoking

Secondhand smoke, or passive smoking, is harmful to non-smokers. It comes from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. These releases toxins and carcinogens into the air, affecting those nearby.

Even a short time around secondhand smoke can harm the heart and lungs. It can also raise the risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

Health Risks for Non-smokers Exposed to Secondhand Smoke

Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke face health risks.

These include:

Health Risk	Description
Respiratory issues	Coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and respiratory infections
Cardiovascular disease	Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease
Lung cancer	Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer
Reproductive health issues	Reduced fertility, increased risk of miscarriage, and low birth weight in babies

Children are very sensitive to secondhand smoke. They might get more asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and SIDS.

Protecting Loved Ones from Secondhand Smoke

To protect your loved ones from secondhand smoke, take these steps:

Make your home and car smoke-free

Avoid smoking when non-smokers, children, and pregnant women are around

Choose smoke-free places to eat and hang out

Support laws that ban smoking in public areas

By reducing secondhand smoke exposure, you keep your family and friends healthy. You also help create a better environment for everyone.

Nicotine Addiction: How Smoking Hooks You

Smoking is more than just a habit; it’s a powerful addiction fueled by nicotine, the primary addictive substance found in tobacco products. When you light up a cigarette, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. This triggers a release of dopamine in your brain, which is linked to pleasure and reward.

This creates a temporary sense of euphoria and relaxation. Over time, your brain gets used to the regular flow of nicotine. You may start to crave more cigarettes to feel the same pleasure.

This is the start of nicotine addiction, a cycle that’s hard to break. As you keep smoking, your body gets used to nicotine. You need more to feel the same craving.

Several addiction factors can make nicotine dependence stronger, including:

Genetics: Some people may be more likely to get addicted to nicotine because of their genes.

Social influences: Being around smokers or growing up in a smoking household can make it seem normal. This can increase the chance of addiction.

Stress and emotional triggers: Many smokers use cigarettes to cope with stress or other emotions. This makes nicotine addiction even stronger.

Quitting smoking is a big challenge because of nicotine addiction. Smokers may feel strong cravings, get irritable, and have other withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. It’s hard to break free from nicotine’s hold. Knowing how nicotine addiction works and what factors contribute to it is key for those trying to quit smoking and get healthier.

The Various Types of Tobacco Products

Tobacco products come in many forms, each with its own health risks. Cigarettes are the most common, but there are others like cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are also popular.

Cigarettes, Cigars, and Pipes

Cigarettes are made of finely cut tobacco leaves in thin paper. Cigars are larger, with tightly rolled tobacco in a leaf wrapper. Pipes burn tobacco in a chamber and let users inhale the smoke.

All these products are harmful when smoked. The smoke contains toxic chemicals and carcinogens.

Smokeless Tobacco and Chewing Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco, like chewing tobacco and snuff, lets users absorb nicotine without smoke. But, they’re not safe, causing oral cancer and gum disease. These products often have sweeteners or flavors, making them appealing and addictive, mainly to the young.

Emerging Products: E-cigarettes and Vaping

E-cigarettes and vaping have become popular alternatives to traditional tobacco. They heat a liquid with nicotine and flavorings to create an aerosol. But, their long-term health effects are not fully known.

There are worries about their impact on young people’s brains and the harmful chemicals in the aerosol.

Understanding the various types of tobacco products is key to making informed health decisions. While some may seem safer, all tobacco products carry risks and can lead to addiction. It’s vital to know the dangers and seek help to quit if needed.

The Financial Burden of Smoking

The cost of smoking is more than just the price of cigarettes. It puts a big financial burden on people and society. In the U.S., smokers spend over $2,000 a year on cigarettes. This can lead to tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

Smoking also raises healthcare costs. Illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease need expensive treatments. Even with insurance, smokers often pay more than non-smokers.

The financial effects of smoking aren’t just on smokers. Society also pays a lot through healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Here’s a table showing some of the annual costs of smoking in the U.S.:

Category	Annual Cost (in billions)
Healthcare Expenses	$170
Lost Productivity	$156
Secondhand Smoke Exposure	$5.6
Smoking-Related Fires	$0.5

These numbers show how much smoking costs society. Governments and healthcare systems spend a lot on smoking-related health issues. This takes away from other important projects. Knowing the cost of smoking helps people make better choices and quit smoking for their health and money.

Smoking Cessation Programs and Resources

Quitting smoking is tough, but many resources can help. You can find programs for nicotine replacement, prescription meds, support groups, and counseling.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is very common. It gives you nicotine without the bad stuff in tobacco smoke. You can get it in gum, patches, lozenges, or inhalers.

NRT Type	Description
Nicotine gum	Chew to release nicotine and curb cravings
Nicotine patches	Stick on skin to deliver steady nicotine doses
Nicotine lozenges	Dissolve in mouth to provide nicotine
Nicotine inhalers	Inhale nicotine vapor to mimic smoking

Prescription meds like bupropion and varenicline can also help. They change how your brain works to reduce cravings and symptoms.

Support Groups and Counseling

Support groups and counseling are also key. They offer a chance to talk with others who know what you’re going through. You can get advice and support from trained counselors.

Combining different programs is often the best way to quit. By trying different options, you can find what works best for you. This increases your chances of beating nicotine addiction.

Strategies for Quitting Smoking Successfully

Quitting smoking is tough, but you can do it with the right plan and support. Start by setting a quit date within two weeks. Get ready mentally and physically for the journey.

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are tough, but they pass. You might feel cravings, get irritable, have trouble sleeping, or feel tired. Here are some ways to cope:

Symptom	Duration	Coping Strategies
Cravings	A few minutes	Deep breathing, distraction, delay
Irritability	2-4 weeks	Exercise, relaxation techniques
Insomnia	1-2 weeks	Establish a bedtime routine, avoid caffeine
Fatigue	2-4 weeks	Rest, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet

Building a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Share your quit plan and ask for their support. Joining a support group or seeing a counselor can also help.

Avoiding Triggers and Managing Stress

Find out what makes you want to smoke, like stress or certain places. Find ways to deal with these without smoking. Try deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to relax and stay focused.

Remember, quitting is a journey with ups and downs. If you slip up, don’t give up. Learn from it and keep going. With the right support, you can live a healthier, smoke-free life.

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is a great choice for your health. The benefits of quitting start right away. Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, you’ll feel better.

One big plus of a smoke-free life is better lung function. You’ll breathe easier and cough less in just a few weeks. Your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and COPD goes down a lot.

Length of time after quitting	Benefits
Minutes	Heart rate drops.
24 hours	Nicotine level in the blood drops to zero.
Several days	Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to level of someone who does not smoke.
1 to 12 months	Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 to 2 years	Risk of heart attack drops sharply.
3 to 6 years	Added risk of coronary heart disease drops by half.
5 to 10 years	Added risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box drops by half. Risk of stroke decreases.
10 years	Added risk of lung cancer drops by half after 10 to 15 years. Risk of cancers of the bladder, esophagus, and kidney decreases.
15 years	Risk of coronary heart disease drops to close to that of someone who does not smoke.
20 years	Risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box drops to close to that of someone who does not smoke. Risk of pancreatic cancer drops to close to that of someone who does not smoke. Added risk of cervical cancer drops by about half.

Quitting smoking also boosts your mental and emotional health. You’ll feel more energetic, less stressed, and in control. Plus, you’ll save money that you can use for fun things.

Choosing a smoke-free life is a journey, but it’s worth it. With the right help and mindset, anyone can quit smoking. You’ll enjoy a healthier, happier future.

Anti-Smoking Campaigns and Initiatives

In recent years, governments, health groups, and advocacy groups have worked hard to lower smoking rates. They aim to teach people about smoking’s dangers, stop new smokers, and help current ones quit. These efforts are key to improving public health.

Government policies and rules are vital in these campaigns. Laws in many countries limit smoking in public, raise tobacco taxes, and require warning labels. These steps help protect non-smokers and make smoking less appealing and expensive.

Public health campaigns and awareness programs are also important. They use strong images and emotional stories to show smoking’s health risks. Stories from former smokers or families affected by smoking illnesses are often used.

Thanks to these efforts, smoking rates have dropped in many places. For example, in the U.S., smoking rates fell from 42% in 1965 to 13.7% in 2018. Yet, there’s more to do, as smoking is a major cause of preventable deaths globally.

The table below shows how different anti-smoking measures have affected smoking rates in various countries:

Country	Anti-Smoking Measure	Smoking Rate Before	Smoking Rate After
Australia	Plain packaging laws (2012)	16.1% (2011)	13.8% (2019)
United Kingdom	Smoking ban in public places (2007)	24% (2006)	14.1% (2019)
Brazil	Tobacco control policies (1989-2010)	34.8% (1989)	18.5% (2010)

Government Policies and Regulations

Governments worldwide have taken steps to fight smoking. These include:

Smoking bans in public places and workplaces

Higher taxes on tobacco products

Mandatory warning labels on cigarette packages

Restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion

Minimum age laws for purchasing tobacco products

Public Health Campaigns and Awareness Programs

Public health campaigns aim to teach about smoking’s risks and encourage quitting. They use various media to reach many people. Some successful campaigns include:

The “Truth” campaign in the United States, which exposes tobacco industry tricks

The “Stoptober” campaign in the United Kingdom, which encourages quitting in October

The “World No Tobacco Day” campaign by the World Health Organization, which highlights tobacco dangers

By combining government policies, regulations, and public health campaigns, anti-smoking efforts have made big strides. Yet, more work is needed to keep reducing smoking’s health toll worldwide.

Smoking: A Global Health Concern

Smoking is a big problem worldwide, harming millions of people. Even though we know it’s bad, many countries have high smoking rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) says over 1.1 billion people smoke, mostly in poorer countries.

Prevalence and Statistics

Smoking leads to over 8 million deaths every year. About 1.2 million of those deaths are from breathing in secondhand smoke. In the United States, smoking kills over 480,000 people each year, making it the top cause of preventable death. Smoking also costs healthcare systems around the world billions of dollars.

Efforts to Reduce Smoking Rates Worldwide

To fight smoking, governments and groups around the world are taking action. They’ve set up rules like higher taxes on tobacco and bans in public places. They also limit tobacco ads and help people quit through campaigns and programs.

Working together is key to solving the smoking problem. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a treaty with 182 countries. By sharing strategies and working together, countries can lower smoking rates and protect health worldwide.

Free Quitting Resources

While quitting smoking can be a challenge, it's one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.

To start your quit-smoking journey, make a plan. Your plan can include proven treatments to help you quit, like counseling and medicines. Using counseling and medicine together gives you the best chance of quitting for good.

If you are thinking about quitting smoking and would like some help, a quitline might be just what you need to succeed.

Quitlines provide free coaching—over the phone—to help you quit smoking.

When you call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, you can speak confidentially with a highly trained quit coach.

Quitlines provide many of the services and similar support you get in a stop-smoking class or from your doctor, and can be a valuable complement to your doctor’s care.

Quitlines are available throughout the United States.

Coaching help is available in several languages.

Telephone

1-800-QUIT-NOW

1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)

1-800-838-8917 (Mandarin and Cantonese) (中文)

1-800-556-5564 (Korean) (한국어)

1-800-778-8440 (Vietnamese) (Tiếng Việt)

Smartphone apps and text

Text QUITNOW to 333888 is a free mobile text messaging program for adults. (Message and data rates may apply)

SmokefreeTXT for Teens is a free mobile text messaging program for youth aged 13 to 19. (Message and data rates may apply)

quitSTART App

Web

Quit Smoking (En Español)

Smokefree.gov (En Español)

Asian Smokers' Quitline

FAQ's

Q: What are the health risks associated with smoking?

A: Smoking can cause many health problems. These include lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It also leads to emphysema and other chronic diseases.

Smoking has immediate effects on the body. It increases heart rate and blood pressure. It also reduces lung capacity and weakens the immune system.
Q: Why is nicotine so addictive?

A: Nicotine is found in tobacco products and is highly addictive. When inhaled, it quickly reaches the brain. It triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure.

Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine. This leads to withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Q: What are the different types of tobacco products?

A: There are many types of tobacco products. These include traditional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Smokeless tobacco, like chewing tobacco and snuff, is also available.

New products like e-cigarettes and vaping devices have emerged. Each type poses its own health risks.
Q: Is secondhand smoke dangerous?

A: Yes, secondhand smoke is dangerous. It contains harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. It can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues in non-smokers.
Q: What is the financial impact of smoking?

A: Smoking can be very costly. It includes the cost of cigarettes and higher healthcare expenses. Smokers may also face increased insurance premiums and lost productivity at work.
Q: What resources are available to help quit smoking?

A: Many resources can help quit smoking. These include nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications. Support groups and counseling services are also available.

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help find the best approach for quitting.
Q: What are some strategies for quitting smoking successfully?

A: Successful quitting often involves setting a quit date and making a plan. It’s important to cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and build a support network.

Avoiding triggers and managing stress are also key. Remember, quitting smoking is a process. It may take multiple attempts to succeed.
Q: How prevalent is smoking worldwide?

A: Smoking is a global health concern. There are 1.1 billion smokers worldwide. While rates have declined in some countries, they remain high in others.

Efforts to reduce smoking include government policies and public health campaigns. International initiatives also aim to promote tobacco control.

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Most recent revision October 14, 2025 10:09:10 AM

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