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Causes of nicotine addiction at a young stage, and how to prevent it

Health tips: Nicotine addiction is a disorder with no absolute cure. It is the major addictive chemical present in tobacco. It is responsible for the rush of adrenaline when smoked or inhaled via cigarette smoke, along with triggering an increase in the happy hormone or dopamine. Here are the symptoms and prevention of nicotine addiction.

May 22, 2024 / 17:31 IST
People who are a part of a family or a friend circle that smokes, are more likely to become addicts. In fact, the chances of you becoming a smoker can partially be inherited. (Image: Canva)

Tobacco kills more than 80 lakh people every year. Among them, 13 lakhs are those who die due to exposure to second-hand smoke. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 2016-17, 28.6 percent of Indian adults are tobacco users, of which 14.2 percent are females and 42.4 percent are males. Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of critical care and pulmonology, CK Birla hospital, Gurugram talks about the symptoms of nicotine addiction and how one can get rid of it sooner.

The symptoms of nicotine dependence

1. Even after trying hard enough, you are unable to give up on smoking. You continue to smoke despite knowing the health risks or developing a health condition.

2. You experience withdrawal symptoms when you’re trying to quit. Irritability, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, anger, frustration are some of them.

The risk factors

Age: The younger you are when you start smoking, the greater the likelihood that you’ll become an addict.

Peers, parents and genetics: People who are a part of a family or a friend circle that smokes, are more likely to become addicts. In fact, the chances of you becoming a smoker can partially be inherited. Genetics may affect how your brain receptors will respond to high dosage of nicotine.

Substance abuse and mental health issues: People who abuse drugs or alcohol have a greater chance to become a chain-smoker and an addict. Moreover, certain studies have linked a correlation between mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and smoking. People with mental health condition like these are more likely to become smoker

How to prevent nicotine addiction

Nicotine replacement therapy: Consult your Dr about the available medications and replacement products and use it basis his advice and your health condition. Some of these medication and replacement products include:

  • Prescription nicotine in an inhaler or a nasal spray
  • Nicotine lozenges and gums
  • Non-nicotine, quit-smoking medications and drugs like varenicline and bupropion on prescription.
Delay or substituting: Distracting yourself from cravings by delaying your response with simple tactics like waiting for 10 minutes can help you move past your cravings. You can also sometimes substitute it by chewing on a sugarless gum, carrots, apples, hard candy, nuts or sunflower seeds.

Physical activity and relaxation techniques: It is important to relax because fighting off the withdrawal symptoms can itself be extremely stressful. Exercises like deep breathing, yoga or visualisation can help you calm down. Additionally, regular 10-minutes of workout can also help you move past your cravings.

Counselling: In some cases, counselling can also help by being a reinforcement. In others, online support like reading cases of people who’ve quit or joining online programs can motivate and guide in managing their cravings better.

Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
first published: May 22, 2024 05:31 pm

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