According to the World Health Organization, tobacco products are products derived from the tobacco leaf and used through smoking, chewing, sniffing, or sucking. All tobacco products contain a highly addictive substance called nicotine. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for various serious health problems, including various lung diseases, circulatory system disorders, and many types of cancer.
The toxic effects of tobacco products on the human body are attributed to over 7,000 chemical substances found in these products. Smokers not only endanger their own health but also expose those around them to harmful effects passively, inhaling smoke containing over 7,000 chemical substances. Many of these chemicals are harmful, and some have carcinogenic effects.
Tobacco use is considered by the World Health Organization as one of the greatest public health threats worldwide. This threat causes a range of health problems throughout human life, from the prenatal period to death, including over 50 types of cancer.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, the diagnosis of tobacco addiction requires the presence of at least two of the following criteria:
Using tobacco often or for longer periods than intended.
Unsuccessful attempts to quit or control tobacco use despite the desire to do so.
Spending excessive time obtaining or using tobacco.
Strong craving for tobacco.
Inability to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to repeated tobacco use.
Decreased or lost participation in social activities due to tobacco use.
Continued tobacco use despite knowing it's harmful, even in hazardous situations (e.g., smoking in bed).
Persistent tobacco use despite recurring social problems.
Continued tobacco use despite the presence of physical or psychological problems caused or exacerbated by tobacco use.
Tolerance to tobacco, requiring more tobacco to achieve desired effects.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and using tobacco (or a nicotine-related substance) to relieve or prevent these symptoms.
Health Problems Caused by Tobacco Use:
Cancers, especially lung and respiratory system cancers
Gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
COPD and other lung diseases
Arterial blockage leading to stroke
Yellowing, wrinkling, and skin cancer
Bad breath and yellowing of teeth
Complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth and developmental disorders in children, and postpartum cessation of breastfeeding
Let's more clearly and fluently explain the changes after quitting smoking:
2 Hours Later: Just 2 hours after quitting smoking, nicotine levels in your body start to drop.
6 Hours Later: After 6 hours, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal. This indicates that the body's negative reactions to smoking are gradually diminishing.
12 Hours Later: After 12 hours, poisonous carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke is cleared from your body. This improves the functioning of your lungs and is a positive effect on your respiratory system.
2 Days Later: Within 2 days, you'll notice a significant improvement in your taste and smell senses. You may perceive the smell of foods and flowers more clearly.
2-12 Weeks Later: Between 2 to 12 weeks, your circulation improves. This makes physical activities easier, providing more endurance for activities like walking or running.
3-9 Months Later: Between 3 to 9 months, problems like coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing decrease. Your lungs strengthen, helping to relax your respiratory passages.
5 Years Later: If you've quit smoking for 5 years, your risk of heart attack is halved. You've taken a significant step for your health.
10 Years Later: After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer is halved, and your risk of heart attack equals that of someone who has never smoked.
In addition to these, there are statistics that highlight the importance of quitting smoking:
Globally, 7 million people die each year due to smoking-related causes.
Every day, 19,100 people worldwide die from diseases related to smoking.
Smokers deliver about 300 doses of nicotine to their brains every day by smoking half a pack of cigarettes.
"10 Effective Steps to Quit Smoking":
Set a quit date.
Remove cigarettes, lighters, matches, and ashtrays from your surroundings.
Set small goals and progress step by step.
Find activities to distract yourself.
Brush your teeth frequently and take showers.
Pay attention to your diet and drink plenty of water.
Avoid triggers that trigger the urge to smoke.
Deal with the urge to smoke by chewing gum or drinking herbal tea.
Get fresh air and engage in physical activities.
Relax by taking deep breaths when the urge to smoke arises.
