MamasHealth.com Home Substance Abuse Alcohol abuse Alcohol men vs women Alcoholic recovery parties Alcoholic spouse Cocaine addiction Ecstasy Hangovers Heroin addiction Inhalant addiction Infants exposed to drugs LSD addiction Marijuana addiction Meth addiction Nicotine addiction Prescription abuse Quit smoking Steroid abuse Substance abuse help Links Email Mama My personal story: How I quit smoking cold turkey Physical abuse Children and drugs	Complications of Smoking Smoking is a major risk factor for: oral cancer, larynx cancer, pharynx cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, urinary cancer, and cervical cancer. Smoking is a major cause of emphysema and bronchitis. How to Quit Smoking Develop a plan. Seek Counseling. Join a support group. groups can be found at college campuses and public health departments Ask your doctor to help you. your doctor can prescribe medications that will help make the process easier. Personal story about quitting cold turkey. Medications that can help you quit Nicotine Patch The nicotine patch delivers a steady stream of nicotine into your bloodstream through your skin. It can be used daily for 6 to 12 weeks. If you are using the patch, apply the patch to a different place on your skin each day to reduce irritation. The nicotine patch is available without a prescription. Most grocery stores sell them. Nicotine Nasal Spray Nicotine nasal spray delivers nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of your nose. It is available only with a doctor's prescription. Nicotine nasal spray should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral modification program Nicotine Inhaler The nicotine inhaler looks like a short cigarette with a plastic mouthpiece. It allows you to get the nicotine your body needs to control your craving, but in a less concentrated, and less and less addictive dose. The nicotine inhaler should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral modification program. Nicotine Gum Nicotine gum is a gum that delivers nicotine into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. The goal is to use just enough nicotine to maintain your nicotine level and hold back withdrawal symptoms. It can be used daily. The instructions on the package will tell you how long you should use it. Nicotine gum should be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral modification program. What to Expect when You Stop Smoking Immediately after you quit smoking, you will feel more hungry, tired and irritable than usual. You will also experience a temporary increase in coughing, strong cravings for a cigarette and difficulty concentrating and maintaining focus. Benefits of Quitting Your health starts improving immediately after you stop smoking. Time What Happens Immediately   The air around you is no longer dangerous to children and other adults. 20 minutes   Blood pressure drops to normal levels. Your pulse drops to normal levels. The temperature of your hands and feet increase to normal. 8 hours   Carbon Monoxide level in your bloodstream drops to normal. Oxygen level in your bloodstream drops to normal. 24 hours   Your chance of having a heart attack starts to decrease. 48 hours   Your senses of smell and taste improve 2 to 12 weeks   Circulation improves Breathing improves 1 to 9 months   Coughing decreases Sinus congestion decreases Shortness of breath decreases Energy levels increase Ability of lungs to self clean and reduce infection increases. 5 years   Risk of having a stroke is similar to a non smoker 10 years   Life expectancy is similar to a nonsmoker Risk of dying from lung cancer is 1/2 of a smoker Risk of developing oral, throat, esophageal, bladder, kidney and pancreatic cancer decreases.
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