Smoking is a drug addiction. Just like heroin or cocaine produces drug seeking behavior and has negative effects on the body so does nicotine. What makes it different is that it is legal. That is the only difference.
Heroin and cocaine have similar dangerous affects on the health of the user but they are illegal. Nicotine produces a “manageable†high and is legal.
Physiological dependence includes an increased tolerance to the drug, dependence on the drug for body functions and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is withdrawn.
Psychological dependence includes a number of reasons that smokers say they continue to smoke – tension reduction, habit, craving (also physiological), pleasure, stimulation and handling. Others have addictive social behaviors that are related to their specific social activities.
Other aspects of nicotine that have been found is that it is 1000 times more potent than alcohol, 10-100 times more potent than barbiturates and 5-10 times more potent than cocaine or morphine!
A smoker who inhales 1-2 packs per day takes approximately 200 to 400 hits daily for years. This consistent intake of a fast acting drug produces dependence on the drug.
Later this week I’m beginning a series on the seven steps to stop smoking. It gives a day by day plan how to quit smoking.
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