NICOTINE ADDICTIONIf you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be. It is hard because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Quitting is hard. Usually people make two or three tries, even more, before finally being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you can learn about what helps and what hurts.Quitting takes hard work and a lot of effort, but you can quit smoking.RECOGNIZING YOUR ADDICTION Every smoker is addicted to a slightly different combination of “stimulants” in cigarettes and the act of smoking. A stimulant is the addictive property in a cigarette that keeps you craving for more, even though you know you shouldn’t.You must find out what you like about smoking. Write that reason down. By writing it down, you will understand it.WHY DO YOU SMOKE? Is smoking a “positive” experience for you? If so, then you have conditioned your mind and body, through prolonged exposure to smoking, to get positive feelings when you smoke.Non-smokers don't experience the roller-coaster ride of the highs and lows. Instead, they maintain a much higher level of well-being. They don't need a cigarette to relax – they have learned to relax naturally.The Effects of Nicotine Nicotine affects almost every system in the body. When you take a puff, your heart beats faster, your pulse quickens, your veins constrict, your blood pressure increases. Your adrenal glands pump out adrenaline that increases your heart rate, relaxes many of your smooth muscles, and raises your metabolic rate. Even the electrical activity in your brain changes.These are powerful biological effects. Indeed, nicotine is a very powerful drug. In fact, it i...
