Nicotine withdrawal syndrome is the body ’s reaction to quitting the use of tobacco products.
People with nicotine withdrawal syndrome feel a craving for tobacco; may be anxious, irritable, restless, have a headache, and have difficulty concentrating; can become frustrated and angry; and have heart palpitations and an increased appetite.
Cigarette smoking also is a factor in many motor vehicle accidents.
Smoking causes other health problems.
Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease and to lose teeth and supporting gum tissues.
Smoking may cause or worsen ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Myths and Facts About Smoking “ I look cool when I smoke.” People who smoke have yellow teeth and dirty and stained fingernails. Their clothes stink of smoke. “ It is ‘in’ to smoke.” In 2002, only 22.9 percent of high school students were current smokers. Many people will not hang out with or date people who smoke. The Truth Teens Who Smoke May Convince Themselves…
Myths and Facts About Smoking “ My smoking doesn’t Many people do not want bother anyone.” to be around people who smoke. Many people do not want people to smoke around their children. The Truth Teens Who Smoke May Convince Themselves… “ My favorite TV and movie Although many celebrities stars use tobacco products.” and athletes do not use tobacco products, those who do use tobacco products face the same risks from tobacco as others do.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen , which is a substance that causes cancer in humans.
Secondhand smoke is the most hazardous form of indoor air pollution.
Laws are being passed to prevent smoking in public buildings, schools, and in the workplace.
What to Know About Secondhand Smoke How You Can Avoid Secondhand Smoke The following are suggestions on how to avoid secondhand smoke: • Speak up to the person who is smoking, but be polite. • Ask smokers not to smoke in indoor areas that you share. • Encourage your family to have a nonsmoking policy for your home. • Encourage family members who smoke to quit smoking and to go outside if they must smoke. • Request seating in nonsmoking sections of restaurants or in public areas.
Check your gums and teeth for signs of oral cancer, which include a persistent sore, lump, or white patch in the mouth; a persistent sore throat; and/or difficulty chewing and moving the tongue or jaw.
Have your mouth checked by a dentist every three months.
Even though an increasing number of teens use tobacco, the majority of teens do not.
Think of ways you might be pressured to use tobacco, and be ready to use resistance skills if someone pressures you to use tobacco products.
Resisting Peer Pressure 1. Use assertive behavior.
Stand tall and look directly at the person. Say “no” in a firm and confident voice.
Resisting Peer Pressure 2. Give reasons for saying “no” to tobacco .
• Explain that tobacco use is harmful and illegal for minors. Using tobacco is against the guidelines of your family and school.
Using tobacco is against the guidelines of your family and school.
Resisting Peer Pressure 3. Use nonverbal behavior to match verbal behavior. • Do not hold a cigarette or pretend to smoke. • Do not use or carry candy cigarettes or shredded gum that is designed to look like smokeless tobacco. • Do not agree to get tobacco for a minor.
Resisting Peer Pressure 3. Use nonverbal behavior to match verbal behavior. • Do not keep tobacco products in your possession for someone else. • Do not behave in ways that indicate that you approve of tobacco use.
Resisting Peer Pressure 4. Avoid being in situations in which there will be pressure to use tobacco. • Think ahead about what to say or do if your peers are using tobacco.
Resisting Peer Pressure 5. Avoid being with people who use tobacco. • Choose friends who do not use tobacco. • Stay away from secondhand smoke.
Resisting Peer Pressure 6. Resist pressure to engage in illegal behavior. • Learn the laws that apply to tobacco use in your community and state. • Do not lie about your age to buy tobacco products. • Do not purchase tobacco products from vending machines.
Resisting Peer Pressure 7. Influence others to choose responsible behavior. • Encourage people who pressure you to use tobacco to change their behavior. • Suggest tobacco cessation programs to people who smoke or who use smokeless tobacco.
Resisting Peer Pressure 7. Influence others to choose responsible behavior. • Be a role model for a tobacco- free lifestyle. • Tell others who smoke not to smoke around you.
Resisting Peer Pressure 8. Avoid being influenced by tobacco ads. • Recognize that ads are designed to convince people to use a product and make profit for the company. • Recognize that tobacco use is not sexy, sophisticated, adventurous, healthful, fun, or the “in” thing to do.
Resisting Peer Pressure 8. Avoid being influenced by tobacco ads. • Do not attend or view sporting events or concerts sponsored by tobacco companies. • Pay attention to the warnings on tobacco ads. • Make complaints to city officials if billboards for tobacco are placed in your neighborhood.
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