With the right help, it’s possible to break the hold of nicotine addiction.
Take this quick quiz to find out your level of nicotine addiction.
1. Research shows that people smoke cigarettes for mainly social reasons
Even though lifestyle and social factors play a role, doctors now realise that nictoine addiction is the key reason it's so hard to quit smoking. We increase our cigarette intake to make sure we get the desired dose of nictotine to feed our addiction.
2. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine
Nicotine is considered to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.
3. Nicotine affects your brain chemistry
Nicotine releases a brain chemical called dopamine which produces feelings of satisfaction when you smoke. It's this pleasurable feeling, combined with cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you don't get your hit of nicotine that make it so difficult to quit.
4. Most smokers success after their second attempt to quit
It's extremely difficult to overcome nicotine addiction - most smokers try 5-7 times before they finally succeed.
5. Most people successfully quit by going cold turkey
Only 3-5% of people who try to quit will succeed without additional help for up to 12 months.
6. Getting advice from a doctor can increase your chances of quitting.
Studies who that even brief advice from a doctor can help you open the door to quitting.
7. If you have been smoking for a long time you can not reverse any of the damage caused by cigarettes.
There are a number of short and long term health benefits experienced when a person quits smoking. Some short term benefits include reduction of risk of lung cancer and coronary heart disease.
