Tobacco smoking is the single most common cause of bad health (not to mention bad breath) and premature death in Australia. And it costs too, even if you don't actually smoke - think of all the money being poured into hospitals and programs to help smokers recover from their smoking-related illness.
Is smoking really addictive?
Yes. Nicotine, which occurs naturally in tobacco plants, is the drug that makes smokers want to keep on smoking. Research has shown that nicotine is addictive. This means that when you start smoking regularly, you usually become dependent on smoking. After a while, your body is used to working with nicotine and feels a need for a regular dose.
Most smokers want to quit
Research also shows that most smokers would like to quit. They are aware of the health problems that smoking causes - both for themselves and for the people around them.
Smokers also realise they spend a lot of money on cigarettes. You can work out how much you're really spending each year with the Better Health Channel's smoking cost calculator (new window).
Some people are scared to quit. They are scared of gaining weight (new window) and come up with other excuses to not quit, or they put it off for that mystical day in the future when it will all be so much easier.
It is important for a smoker to decide they want to quit and be confident they will succeed.
OxyGen (new window), Quit (new window) are two excellent support services if you're thinking of quitting, have recently quit or know someone else who wants to give up the ciggies once and for all.
Withdrawal symptoms show the body is recovering
Withdrawal symptoms usually aren't very pleasant and include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Shakiness
- Aches and pains
- Coughing
- Cravings
These are all signs that the body is recovering and getting used to living without nicotine.
What are the effects of smoking?
Many say that smoking cigarettes relaxes them, but nicotine is actually a stimulant. The Better Health Channel (new window) has information on what cigarettes contain and the effect these substances have on your body.
Legal stuff
It's illegal to purchase cigarettes if you're under 18.
From July 1 2007 it's illegal to:
- Smoke in most enclosed workplaces
- Smoke, promote tobacco products, or sell tobacco products at underage events
- Smoke in covered areas of train station platforms, trams shelters and bus shelters
- Smoke in restaurants and places that serve food
- Smoke in all enclosed bars, clubs and pubs
The Victorian Government's Tobacco Reforms (new window) website has all the details.
Links
Better Health Channel - Smoking
Articles about alcohol, smoking and other drugs including inhalants and drug dependency services and support.
Tobacco Reforms
Find out about smoking restrictions in Victoria .
Quit
Find out about the Quit campaign and get information about tobacco and quitting smoking.
OxyGen
Go to the 'Hard Facts' page for tobacco information sheets and information about nicotine addiction, environmental issues, laws and policies.
