The Truth About Tobacco

1. The Truth About Tobacco Yeah, it’s bad for me. And..?

2. Tobacco…. • Is a plant that grows naturally in North and South America. • Leaves are dried and processed for smoking, chewing, and snuff. • Has (2) general forms: • Smoke tobacco- cigarettes, cigars, pipe • Smokeless tobacco- snuff, chewing

3. The Spread of Tobacco • Tobacco use dates back 1,000 years ago. • 1492-Indians gave it as a gift to Columbus. • 1500’s- Tobacco became popular in Europe. • 1612- John Rolfe cultivated tobacco in VA. • 1800’s- Tobacco was widespread but used in moderation. • 1884- James Bonsack invented the cigarette manufacturing machine. • 1892 Safety matches were invented.

4. Addiction • The APA defines addiction as the repeated compulsive seeking/use of a substance despite its harmful consequences; it is characterized by the addict displaying 3 or more of the following criteria: • Tolerance- need for substance • Withdrawal- Experience uncomfortable symptoms. • Loss of control- Take larger amounts; takes substance longer than originally intended. • Preoccupation- spend a lot of time obtaining and using the substance or recovering from its effects. • Continuation despite adverse consequences- gives up/reduces activities because of use or continues despite physical/psych problem caused or worsened by the substance.

5. The Consequences of Smoking • Tobacco is the #1 most preventable cause of premature death. • 430,000 American deaths each year are related to tobacco use. (More lives than alcohol car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.) • U.S. spends over $75 billion in healthcare costs as a result of tobacco use.

6. Short Term Effects • Bad breath • Smelly clothes • Discoloring of teeth • Hacking cough • Cravings • Mood swings • Elevated heart rate • Elevated blood presure

7. Even the Rich and Famous • Bob Marley • Nat “King” Cole • Babe Ruth • Sammie Davis Jr. • Desi Arnaz • Ulysses S. Grant • Cal Ripken, Sr. • John Wayne

8. Second Hand Smoke • Is the involuntary smoking of nonsmokers. It is the mixture of side stream smoke- smoke from the lit cigarette/cigar and mainstream smoke- smoke that is exhaled by a smoker. • In 1982, the Surgeon General released a reported that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer and other health problems among non-smokers. • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A Carcinogen- only given to other pollutants such as asbestos, radon, and benzene.

9. Effects of Secondhand Smoke • Death: • 53,000 Americans each year • Health Problems: • Asthma • Bronchitis • Pneumonia • Ear Infections • Emphysema • Lung Cancer • Heart Disease

10. A Gateway Drug • Tobacco is usually the first drug used by young peoples before transitioning to alcohol, marijuana, and harder drugs. • If you use tobacco, you are at greater risk for using other drugs.

11. Quitting • Quitting is both a physical and a psychological battle. • Researchers recommend a combination of medication, change in personal habits, and a lot of emotional support.

12. Benefits of Quitting • 20 min: blood pressure and body temperature returns to normal. • 8 hrs: carbon monoxide and oxygen levels return to normal. • 24-48hrs: chance of a heart attack decreases; nerve endings start re growing; ability to smell and taste improves. • 2wks -3mos: circulation improves; lung functioning increases up to 30%; walking becomes easier. • 1-9mos: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.