Smoking Myths
“It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times.” – Mark Twain
I came across this article and found this to be the most interesting part:
Nicotine-induced reductions in length of retaliation were associated with changes in brain metabolism in response to nicotine in brain areas responsible for orienting, planning and processing of emotional stimuli.
I’m interpreting this to mean that people that have few emotional coping skills are much more susceptible to nicotine addiction, because it actually does change their brain chemistry and calm them down. This is contrary to everything I’ve read indicating that it’s actually a stimulant.
This article helps to clear this up, particularly this part:
It’s a common belief among smokers that cigarettes help calm them down when they are stressed. In reality, what happens is that within hours of your last cigarette you will begin to feel the effect of nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of which include difficulty in concentration, and feeling irritable and agitated. Feeding your nicotine addiction will obviously reverse these effects and make you feel calmer. Therefore, you begin to associate smoking with feeling calm. In fact, there are many other healthier options that can work as effectively, such as breathing exercises.
The truth is, besides the obvious breathing related effects, these are some more actual effects of cigarettes:
The nicotine present in tobacco products causes:
Decreased oxygen to the heart.
Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Increase in blood clotting.
Damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels. – WebMD
So, this nonsense about having a calming effect is 100% false and is just an addict’s delusion. It INCREASES your blood pressure, constricts blood vessels and puts more strain on your heart. None of THAT is relaxing at all.
Today is day NINE people! I’m still cranky as hell and since knowledge is power, thought I’d do some research to remind me why I’m doing this. Now, I have a great day planned with my boys in this beautiful weather to focus on instead of those damn cancer sticks.
Thanks for stopping by!
Very interesting! Did not know that about the calming, but it makes sense. I’ve never smoked, but know people who have tried to quit, so I’ve seen how hard it is! Good luck and have fun with those boys! This weather is BEAUTIFUL! Chicagoland should have Springs every year!
My father and husband smoked for years. I know how difficult it is to quit. Best of luck!
You also forgot about the cigarette breath, prematurely aging skin, and money drain. Remembering all the reason to quit is a great way to keep you on track. You’re doing fantastic!
You can surely do it and YOU Will Do It!
One up for the better self.
I’m so PROUD of youuuu!!!! Kick cigarette’s ass. Kick it, girl, kick it!!! You are one strong woman. If you can do it, maybe it’ll motivate my a$$ to do so too. Good luck – keep it up lady!
(((MOTIVATIONAL HUGS)))
-Jaim
Good luck to you, wish you the best took me a few bags of blow pops to stop and a couple cavities…
Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks Jaime!