Nicotine is an
addictive stimulant and is one of the main factors leading to
continued tobacco smoking. Although the percentage of the
nicotine inhaled with tobacco smoke is quite small (most of the
substance is destroyed by the heat) it is still sufficient to
cause physical and/or psychological dependence.
Prior to habituation, tobacco smokers often focus on the
reinforcing properties of smoking rather than the associated
health risks. The diseases caused by smoking surface relatively
later in life. As a result, they do not serve to deter smoking
given the immediate gratification offered by smoking.
Some smokers argue that the depressant effect of smoking allows
them to calm their nerves, often allowing for increased
concentration. This, however, is only partly true. According to
the Imperial College London, "Nicotine seems to provide both a
stimulant and a depressant effect, and it is likely that the
effect it has at any time is determined by the mood of the user,
the environment and the circumstances of use. Studies have
suggested that low doses have a depressant effect, whilst higher
doses have stimulant effect." However, it is impossible to
differentiate a drug effect brought on by nicotine use, and the
alleviation of nicotine withdrawal.
Passive smoking >>
|
Tobacco smoking
Methods of smoking
Health effects
1.
Establishing a link between smoking and health effects
2. Health risks of smoking
2.1 Carcinogenicity
2.2 Effects on the heart
2.3 Smoker's attitudes
3. Passive smoking
4. Somatic and psychological effects
5. Mood and anxiety disorders
6. Health benefits of smoking
Effects of the habit and
industry on society
1. Effect on healthcare costs
2. Tobacco and other drugs
3. Advertising
4. Peer pressure
5. Parental smoking
6. Smoking in movies and television
7. The use of smoking to project an image
Religious views
on smoking Smoking cessation
Legal issues and
regulation
1. Age restrictions
2. Taxation
3. Restrictions on cigarette advertising
4. Package warnings
5. Smoking bans
|
