Substances such as alcohol and nicotine are controversial in today’s society because of their legality. Despite the surgeon general’s warning on each package of cigarettes, tobacco companies continue to thrive in the 21st century, with global retail values totaling $683 billion in 2016 alone. People know cigarettes are bad for them, but do they really know why?
Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, 43 of which have been found to cause cancer. These carcinogens include, but are certainly not limited to, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, and ammonia. One may wonder how disgusting chemicals such as these can become addictive, and it is because they are mixed with nicotine. Nicotine is the most widely abused drug in the United States, and has claimed thousands of lives throughout the years. People may not think much about it because you can buy cigarettes nearly everywhere, from gas stations to grocery stores, even doughnut shops, but they are incredibly dangerous.
Nicotine has been formulated in other products besides cigarettes, including chewing tobacco, sniffing tobacco, and the most recent trend, electronic cigarettes. Those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol justify their behavior by switching between different products to prove to themselves they are not addicted. A person addicted to vicodin may switch to oxycontin or an alcoholic may switch between liquor and beer. They are not making a difference in their addiction because they’re still using essentially the same substances. The same goes for tobacco products. You may stop smoking cigarettes because you started using chewing tobacco, but all you’re doing is changing the method in which you use it; you’re still addicted and using nicotine.
Nicotine can be one of the most challenging addictions to kick. Treatment centers who focus on helping patients overcome their substance abuse problems often attempt to provide help with overcoming tobacco addictions, as well. An addiction to nicotine is essentially the same as an addiction to any other substance. The brain becomes chemically dependent and creates a strong obsessive-compulsive reaction, resulting in addiction. Most people who use tobacco products lack appropriate coping strategies, and stressful situations make them believe they need the substance to relax. Each cigarette you have shortens your life an average of seven to eleven minutes. The time to get help in overcoming your nicotine addiction is now.
The answer to recovery is Simple. Our multi-tiered program is designed to help your loved one find success on a new path in life through school, work, and meaningful volunteering. Structured for progress, clients at Simple Recovery transition seamlessly through each phase of their recovery. Call us today for information: 888-743-0490