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Identifying Your Smoking Triggers
Smoking is a habit that can be quite difficult to get rid of. Overcoming it takes a lot of effort and time. One way to avoid getting into the habit again is by trying to avoid what triggers you to smoke in the first place.Smoking triggers are simply conditions or situations where one may be compelled to light up a cigarette. Many people are quite oblivious of what may trigger them to smoke. That is why they usually find it quite hard to get rid of smoking simply because they haven’t identified w…
How to Quit Smoking Effectively
It can be hard to quit smoking. An addicting habit such as smoking can take time to get rid of. It takes effort as well as the constant motivation to stop smoking in order to be successful. Here are some of the best tips to help you quit smoking effectively, according to WebMD.Total Cessation Doesn’t WorkIf you wish to totally quit smoking in one day, it does not usually work. Smoking is a habit that depends on nicotine. This chemical is the reason why smokers crave for cigarettes. The body does…
Quitting Smoking: Planning Your Strategy to Quit
Temptation is the desire to do something that you know you should avoid. If you are planning on or, are already in the process of quitting smoking, you will often be confronted by the temptation to smoke. Physical addiction to nicotineIf you are in the process of quitting smoking, you will feel the temptation to smoke quite often. In fact, it is quite natural. The temptation to smoke is partly triggered by your body’s addiction to nicotine. This is where meds play their part. By decreasing withd…
Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse
Teens guzzle cough and cold medicines for a quick – and legal – high. Unfortunately, more and more teens are getting hooked. Why kids abuse cough and cold medsIn the 70s, young people were downing cough syrup for a speedy fix. This was before the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) switched codeine, a narcotic, with dextromethorphan as an over the counter (OTC) cough suppressant. In time, kids found out that they could still get high by taking large doses of any OTC medicine with dextromethorp…
Effects of Nicotine
Nicotine is a type of drug that can be found in tobacco. Smokers get into the habit of smoking due to the effects of nicotine. It can be an addictive drug that can be comparable to cocaine as well as heroin. The longer the smoker gets into the habit, the more dependent he or she becomes on nicotine. Abrupt cessation from smoking can also lead to sudden nicotine deprivation which can have both physical and mental effects. Smokers get nicotine deep into the lungs after every smoke inhalation. Once…
Guide to Quitting Smoking
Many medical experts believe that quitting smoking may be the most important step that many smokers can take to improve and lengthen their lives. Smoking has been linked to various diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis and many more. Smoking cessation may help smokers avoid these conditions and prevent them from getting worse. The ChallengeAlthough quitting smoking may have many healthful benefits for smokers willing to improve their quality of life, it is always a case of easier s…
The Role of Genes in Drug Addiction
Are genetic factors related to drug addiction? Current research shows that, indeed, genes play a major part in addiction: at least 50% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction can be associated with genetic factors. At last year’s congressional hearing organized by APA’s Science Government Relations Office, presenters outlined new research about the genetic basis for drug addiction and suggested ways to incorporate research findings into treatment. According to Alexandra Shields, director of th…
Drug Addiction Is a Brain Disease
Drug addiction starts when one decides to use drugs. It does not start out with the person hoping to become an addict. As one uses a substance over time, his or her control over its use significantly decreases. The person who is a voluntary user at first can eventually become a compulsive substance abuser, an addict.From voluntary use to addictionMore and more studies are suggesting that the change from voluntary use of drugs to addiction occurs through a mixture of processes that include a seri…
What You Need to Know About Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, when taken in moderation, is a great way to relax. Excessive alcohol drinking, however, is another story. It can lead to alcohol use disorders, endangering the person’s health and his or her relationships with others. Disorders associated with alcohol include alcohol intoxication, alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and alcohol withdrawal.The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that about 1 in 13 American adults are an alcoholic or an alcohol abuser at an…
Social Drug Use May Stop If Family Pressures
Some people believe that recreational or social drug use is okay, as long as you are not hooked, dependent, addicted – yet. Many social drug users know that you get to the ‘yet’ in no time at all, and become dependent. It does not necessarily mean though, that once you started using, that’s the end for you. It’s not. But, as noted in Davidson et al. 1993, “the initial experiences of a drug does not necessary lead to regular use but the magnitude of a positive experience with the initial use of c…
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