Tobacco Usage: Know Your Risk
Both smokeless and smoked tobacco products can cause health problems long term. There are more than 7000 chemicals released when smoking. Seventy are known to cause cancer. Smokeless tobacco has at least 30 of such chemicals that can cause cancer. In addition to cancer, use of tobacco can cause:
- Blood clots
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Poor blood supply
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gum and tooth decay
- Decreased ability of taste and smell
- Heart attack and heart disease
- Lung damage
- Sudden infant death syndrome
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
These products offer an alternative to traditional tobacco products. They are still new to the market. There is still much to study. We do not know yet the long term health issues from use of E-cigarettes/vaping. It is important to know the facts about these tobacco products. The use of any of these products come with risks. Their usage can be harmful to anyone. But, high school students are at a higher risk of harm. About twenty percent of all high school students are now vaping. These products contain nicotine. Nicotine is harmful to a developing brain.
You may have started using these products to help you quit smoking. Or you may have took up E-cigarettes/vaping directly. In either case, we are here to help you quit.The Challenge of Quitting Use
We understand how difficult it can be to quit. Quitting may cause withdrawal. The toughest withdrawal symptoms usually last less than two weeks. Nicotine is the main cause of withdrawal. About 80-90% of people who regularly smoke or vape have a nicotine addiction.
After quitting, you may experience triggers. These can make you want to use tobacco or vape. Knowing your triggers can help you manage them. Different emotions can trigger cravings. Following certain patterns or being in a social setting may trigger you. This is also a symptom of withdrawal.Emotional Triggers
Emotions you experience may trigger you. You may have felt these emotions while using tobacco or vaping. Examples of these emotions include:
- Stressed
- Anxious
- Excited
- Bored
- Down
- Happy
- Lonely
- Satisfied
Pattern Triggers
Different activities you do as part of your routine may trigger you to use tobacco or vape, such as:
- Talking on the phone
- Drinking alcohol
- Watching TV
- Driving
- Finishing a meal
- Drinking coffee
- Taking a work break
- After having sex
- Before going to bed
Social Triggers
Social triggers happen when you are in a group setting with people that may be using tobacco or vaping, such as:
- Going to a bar
- Going to a party or other social event
- Going to a concert
- Seeing someone else smoke
- Being with friends who smoke
- Celebrating a big event
Withdrawal Triggers
If you have been using tobacco or vaping products for a long time, your body is used to receiving nicotine. Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, such as:
- Craving the taste of tobacco (cigarette, vapor, chew, etc.)
- Smelling cigarette smoke, vapor or chew
- Handling the package or tobacco directly
- Needing to do something with your hands or mouth
- Feeling restless or other withdrawal symptoms
You do not have to fight this alone. Let us lend a helping hand. If you are interested in quitting tobacco use. Call 1-866-635-7045.
Additional Resources:
To find out where to get help in your area, call the American Cancer Society toll-free: 1-877-44U-QUIT
