More and more people are trying to kick the habit of smoking, but genetics may predispose some smokers to stronger addiction. Nicotine stimulates the brain as it soothes and satisfies, which provides an immediate flood of dopamine and other neurochemicals to wash over the brains pleasure centers. Dr. David Abrams, an addiction researcher at the National Institutes of Health, said, “I completely understand why you wouldn’t want to give it up, it’s more difficult to get off nicotine than heroin or cocaine”. He also noted that, “Your brain thinks that this has to do with survival of the species”. Nicotine is not addictive for everyone. Some people don’t smoke because they never cared for it to begin with.
New discoveries in genetics may provide answers to why some people are so taken with smoking and end up so addicted. Some people produce a gene-coded enzyme, which eliminates nicotine from the system quickly, so they tend to smoke more and are more addicted. Others have receptors in the brain that bond tightly with nicotine, which produces a very strong high, in turn making it even harder to quit. No treatment works for everyone.
Experts recommend setting a date for quitting and to quit on that day. Before you officially quit, identify times during the day when you are at risk for smoking. Make a plan as to what you will do in those situations after you quit. If drinking coffee prompts you to smoke, try having tea instead. Tea may not trigger your desire for a cigarette. Keep a diary of your risky times and record each time you have a cigarette. Try cutting down on your smoking before you actually quit and switch to a lower strength of cigarette. Remove all ashtrays from your vehicle and home as well as anything that smells like smoke. Exercise helps relieve the urge to smoke and also reduces stress.
There are many options out there for quitting and doctors have written millions of prescriptions for drugs such as Chantix, which has a better success rate than Zyban. The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning about this drug back in early January 2008, so make sure to discuss it thoroughly with your doctor before starting any prescription medications. There are also nicotine patches, gum and sprays, but these are all expensive. Some patients have benefited from hypnosis, so it may work for you. Avoid smoke filled settings and situations and enroll in a smoking cessation program for added support along the way.
Comments (0):