Course: Health
Unit: Physical Health – Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Section: Tobacco Awareness
Tutorial: Tobacco
SLIDE 1
Although classified as a stimulant, nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant.
At the first puff over 3000 chemicals enter the system, (one of them nicotine). The
oxygen exchange is replaced by carbon monoxide, which remains in the system for
over an hour. The nicotine stimulates the release of glucose (sugars) and adrenalin into
the system. As a result, the heart beats faster, the blood vessels constrict, the blood
pressure rises and the user feels lightheaded or dizzy. At the same time, dopamine is
released and remains in the brain, relieving tension, and giving a sense of well being.
Tiredness is relieved by the adrenalin, and tension by the dopamine.
The first time user may also feel nauseas as the stomach reacts to Nicotine, the poison
and to the high levels of adrenalin in the system. At the same time, the increased
energy and the “reward” system (dopamine) are remembered by the brain, beginning
the physical and psychological addiction.
SLIDE 2
Friends and family as well as physicians can see the effects of smoking. Although the
smoker has become desensitized to it, the odor of tobacco clings to the hair and
clothing and on the breath.
Dermatologists can tell you immediately if a person is a smoker, by seeing the fine lines
and leathery appearance of the skin. This because the substances in cigarettes cause
the loss of collagen, the substance that provides elasticity to the skin. The constricted
blood vessels reduce the flow of oxygen to the skin, also contributing to the premature
aging of the smoker. Smokers often report that their sense of smell and taste are
reduced, which is seen as a possible reason for reduced weight among smokers
(smokers tend to be 4 to 10 pounds below normal body weight). Unfortunately, this is
why some teenagers take up smoking, regardless of the risks and the risks are many.
The tobacco stains on the teeth give you a clue about what is happening inside of the
body.
SLIDE 3
Over time, smoking causes damage to the respiratory system, the circulatory system, to
the digestive system and to the skeletal system of the body.
The most significant long-term effect of smoking is the very high risk of lung cancer. The
tar (a chemical found in tobacco) deposited in the throat, mouth, and lungs is a known
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carcinogen, and causes cancer of the mouth and throat as well as the lungs. About 90
percent of all lung cancer cases are linked to smoking.
Smoking narrows the airway, paralyzes the cilia, and destroys the air sacs required for
the lungs to hold air. The cilia are hair-like bodies that remove microbes and bacteria
from the lungs. The cilia is the first line of defense for the lungs, so bronchitis, and other
airborne diseases are more common among smokers. As the lungs become inflamed
they release harmful substances that destroy lung tissue. Weaker lungs cannot take in
the oxygen they need, nor recover as quickly. The smoker develops COPD, and other
lung diseases leading to breathlessness and the lung turns black from the deposits of
tar in it.
Smoking also increases the presence of HDL cholesterol, responsible for coronary and
peripheral artery disease, and reduces the presence of LDL (the good cholesterol),
increasing the risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, blood clots and strokes.
Smoking is also associated with causing stomach ulcers, delaying their healing, and
causing their recurrence, and several studies have linked it to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density, creating weakened bones and resulting in
broken bones, and difficulty in healing broken bones. Research has shown a link
between smoking, bone loss and fractures. The incidents are even higher when
combined with abuse of alcohol as well.
SLIDE 4
Many smokers attempt to quit smoking. It is not an easy task. Because smoking is both
physically and psychologically addicting the withdrawals can be uncomfortable.
Some of the physical withdrawals last only 3 or 4 days and others may last a few
weeks. Smokers will feel a variety of symptoms in addition to intense cravings for a
cigarette. He/she may experience flu like symptoms for a few days and an increase in
appetite (once taste is restored). Since the body is not producing it’s own epinephrine or
dopamine, the smoker may be irritable and depressed and unable to sleep. These
symptoms may last for several weeks but once the smoker has quit, he/she immediately
reduces the risks faced. Former smokers live longer than smokers, and their risks of
cancer and lung disease drop.
For the person who is pregnant, the risks are greater. They affect the baby as well as
the mother.
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SLIDE 5
Why quit smoking? According to the American Cancer Society, all of the risks
associated with smoking decrease when you quit smoking. And the longer you have not
smoked, the greater the risk improvement. Notice that some of the health problems are
improved within months, and some long-term risks improve as soon as a year after
quitting. It is not too late to quit smoking.
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