Siletz news /, May 01, 2001, Page 19, Image 19

Siletz
Community
“Cha-may weeya ”
Medicine Talk
Why are Cigarettes and Chewing/
Dip Tobacco So Addictive?
Tobacco Facts
Tobacco Prevention & Education Program
Oregon Quit Line - 1-877-27O-ST0P
by Shannon Chrisman, Tobacco Prevention & Education Coordinator
Have you tried to quit smoking, dip, or chewing more times than you can
What are Your Triggers?
count? Well, you’re not alone! What is the major reason why cigarettes and chew
are so difficult for you to give up? It’s because of nicotine.
Nicotine is the main ingredient in cigarettes and dip/chewing tobacco, and
Health
Clinic
Do you sometimes reach for a cigarette because something triggers that craving
for you to want a cigarette? The triggers to smoke can be emotional or situational.
it’s the ingredient that keeps you going back for more and more. Did you know
that if you took one drop of pure nicotine and placed it on your skin, it would kill
you? The amount of nicotine in dip/chew/cigarettes isn’t enough to kill you, but
they have enough to get you addicted and it’s the nicotine that keeps you hooked.
Why is nicotine so addictive? When you smoke, the nicotine at the lit end of
Emotional Triggers
♦ You feel irritable
♦ Anxiety
♦ You’re angry
♦ You are depressed
your cigarette bums. The burning process changes the nicotine from a solid form
Situational Triggers
into a gaseous form. The gaseous form is extremely potent and it reaches your
brain quickly. When you take a puff of your smoke, the gaseous nicotine reaches
your brain in about seven seconds. It’s the speed of the nicotine gas hitting your
brain that makes cigarettes so addictive.
♦ You feel sad
♦ You feel guilt
♦ You’re bored
♦ Nervousness
♦
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♦
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Driving your car
Certain friends
After completing a project/task
You wake up/first thing in the morning
♦ After a meal
♦ Drinking alcohol
♦ Drinking caffeine
♦ Ona break
Similarly, chewing tobacco contains high levels of nicotine. In fact, dip and
chew contain much, much higher levels of nicotine. Because nicotine levels are
so high and because chew and dip are placed in the mouth, it is quickly absorbed
into the bloodstream and also goes right to the brain. Many people believe that
chewing is a better and safer alternative to smoking. It is not. It’s just as deadly
and addictive.
When cigarettes or chew/dip products advertise low nicotine, it’s not any less
These are just examples of some triggers. Try recognizing your own emotional
or situational triggers. As you learn to recognize them, try to come up with
alternative ways of dealing with those urges. Try catching yourself before you
smoke. Instead, go for a walk or do some other activity you enjoy. Write down
five or more of your triggers to smoke and for each one, try to list several alternative
activities to smoking. By identifying what triggers you to smoke, you can begin
to take back control of your own life and quit.
addictive than the higher-nicotine products. All tobacco products have high enough
levels of nicotine to cause and sustain addiction.
It’s a step in the right direction to cut back on the amount of nicotine in your
cigarettes and to choose the products with lower levels of tar and nicotine. Of
course, the best choice for you is to cut them out altogether. There’s no doubt
about it, quitting smoking and chewing is hard. Pat yourself on the back for trying
Special Points of Interest
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and if you didn’t succeed the first time, it’s okay. Try again. After all, it can take
years of practice to develop the habit; it’s going to take practice to undo that habit.
If you need support in quitting, contact the Tobacco Prevention Program at
the Siletz Community Health Clinic at 1-800-648-0449 or 541-444-1030.
Win a $25 Gift Certificate to
Fred Meyer!
There is still time to complete the Tobacco Prevention & Education
Program Survey that was in the April 2001 issue of Siletz News. Anyone can
complete the survey (non-smokers, smokers, other tobacco users, teen-agers,
ex-smokers, young, and old). Your expert opinion is important to us! If you
would like another survey sent to you, please call the TPEP at
1-800-648-0449 or 541-444-1030. Thank you for your input!
65 percent of teens do not smoke or use tobacco.
Teens do listen to what their parents say.
Cigarette consumption is down 22 percent.
75,000 fewer Oregon adults are smoking.
In 20 years, a two-pack-a-day ex-smoker could save $47,500.
Stress Relievers
1. Take deep breaths.
8.
2. Repeat positive prayers/affirmations. 9.
3. Use your sense of humor. Laugh!
10.
4. Write in a journal.
11.
5. Stretch your body.
12.
6. Go for a walk.
13.
7. Listen to music, sing, or dance.
14.
Begin a hobby.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Spend time with your family.
Join a gym, exercise.
Talk to someone you trust.
Make a date with someone special
Meditate, relax.
Seven Reasons Not to Smoke While Pregnant
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
You can do it and you’ll live longer.
When you quit, your baby quits.
Your pregnancy is healthier and easier.
Baby is a healthier weight.
Your baby will live longer.
Your breast milk is chemical-free.
You protect your baby from smoke.
Siletz News
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May 2001 □ 19