Smoking Side Effects
When someone is about to light a cigarette for the first time, one of the last questions they’re likely to ask is, “Wait, before I do this, what are the side effects of smoking?” They’re unlikely to seek out medical information or case studies, though the answer to this question is essential in order to obtain a full understanding of the risk inherent in smoking. The addictive substance in cigarettes, nicotine, has a marked effect on brain function, and the thousands of chemicals present in cigarette smoke present a host of other health complications. Learning about the risks of smoking can help provide the encouragement smokers need to seek treatment, and it can help loved ones and supporters better understand what to look out for.
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What Are the Side Effects of Smoking?
Addiction takes a toll on both the mind and body. In the case of tobacco, a common short-term side effect of smoking is a sense of increased anxiety, which can make even simple tasks feel like an ordeal. Smokers may also suffer from depression, dizziness, and feelings of exhaustion or tiredness. Increased cravings and irritability are frequent and unpleasant side effects from smoking, adding more stress to daily activity and making it more difficult to deal with stressful events in a healthy way. As smoking continues, the effects become stronger over time. Cravings may be nearly impossible to resist, and smokers may find that nicotine is the only thing that seems to help with their feelings of depression and worry. Unfortunately, understanding the mental side effects of smoking provides only part of the larger picture.
The physical side effects of smoking vary with regard to how long the individual has been smoking. In the short term, a smoker may notice difficulty breathing, coughing, constipation, bad breath, headaches, and increased appetite. Over time, these effects compound to become much more serious. Long-term smokers risk the development of chronic bronchitis, heart disease, cataracts, high blood pressure, loss of smell or taste, stomach ulcers, impotence, tooth decay, and cancer. The combination of these side effects of smoking can result in a shorter natural life span or in sudden death.
Can Side Effects from Smoking be Treated?
The short answer is yes: treatment is available for any single side effect of smoking, whether by prescribed medication or through addiction counseling. However, in order to avoid the development of more debilitating side effects, smokers should seek to end their addiction as quickly as possible. Some smokers may seek out a rehabilitation center for the medicine and professional staff necessary to help treat both the mental and physical side effects of smoking, though many find success with smoking cessation regimes prescribed by their primary care physician and over-the-counter (OTC) smoking cessation support products are available at local drug and convenience stores.
Addiction Transfer and Personalized Rehab Recommendations
In some cases, smoking addiction may transfer into a drug or alcohol addiction, in which case an addiction recovery program is often recommended. BetterAddictionCare’s nationwide recovery network includes some of the top rehab facilities in the nation, and we can help find the right one for you or a loved one. Our customized pre-screening assessment automatically sifts through our database of rehab centers to help determine the best program match for you. The facilities in our network are always accepting new patients, and admissions are immediate. Once you’ve found your ideal rehab, our team of Client Care Specialists can assist with the coordination of any transportation and public or private insurance requirements. After the program ends, our post-treatment support services can continue to aid your recovery.
Call today or fill out our contact form for more information or to get addiction help now and start healing with a rehab center near you.
