Tobacco Addictions

What is Tobacco?

Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of a plant. Consumption of tobacco most commonly appears in the forms of smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco. The plant used to make tobacco products contains Nicotine.

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that occurs naturally in tobacco. It is the active ingredient in tobacco smoke. It has a pungent odor and an acrid taste. Nicotine is defined as a poisonous, oily, pale yellow substance that turns brown upon exposure to air. In concentrated form, nicotine is used as a potent insecticide.

What are the risks of Tobacco use?

Addiction-Nicotine in tobacco, a strong poison, is the most addictive of all drugs. It stimulates the same areas of the brain as cocaine and amphetamines, and tolerance to nicotine develops faster than to cocaine or heroin. Neurochemically, the body adapts to the toxins in tobacco a few hours after smoking. Soon smoking becomes necessary to feel “normal.”

Health Risks

• Cancer — Cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus and more.
• Frequent colds
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema.
• Stroke.
• Heart disease

Negative Consequences

• Stained teeth
• Bad breath
• Clothes, hair, hands, room and car reek of smoke
• Premature face wrinkles.
• Diminished sense of taste and smell.
• Smoking is an expensive habit

Smoking and other tobacco products harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and affecting the health of smokers in general. Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you and your loved ones.