Smoking is a common habit. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports about 30 percent of Americans 12 and older smoke mostly cigarettes. A single cigarette contains 10 milligrams (mg.) of nicotine, providing the average smoker with about one to two mg. of nicotine/cigarette. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, reaching the brain within about 10 seconds after the first puff. The drug causes a discharge of the brain chemical, epinephrine. In turn, this stimulates the central nervous system and causes a sudden release of glucose. Stimulation is eventually followed by depression and fatigue, leading the user to seek another cigarette.

In addition to nicotine, cigarettes contain many other chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk for cancer. Cigarette smoking is the cause of about 90 percent of all lung cancers. Smoking is also linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder and ureter. In addition, smoking is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, bronchitis, emphysema and exacerbation of asthma. Researchers say tobacco use causes more than 440,000 deaths/year and is the leading cause of preventable death in this country.

Many smokers say they would like to quit, but have difficulty breaking the habit. In addition to the strong cravings, smokers who are deprived of nicotine may experience emotional symptoms, like anger and increased aggression. Stop-smoking aids, like a nicotine patch or gum, can sometimes be used to gradually reduce the body's cravings for cigarettes.

The Smoking-Alcohol Connection
Smokers who drink have a high rate of smoking relapse. Health experts say social situations associated with smoking (such as drinking at a bar) can trigger a strong desire to smoke. However, there may be more physical reason for the relapse. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a strong chemical connection between smoking and alcohol. Studies show when a smoker drinks even a tiny amount of alcohol, the pleasure of cigarettes is amplified. Investigators theorize alcohol may actually prime the brain to be more receptive to the effects of nicotine. In addition, the stimulating effects of nicotine may offset some of the sedative effects of alcohol.

Researchers are now looking into the use of the nicotine patch in combination with an oral drug, called mecamylamine. Mecamylamine blocks the nicotine receptors in the central nervous system and has been shown to be an effective aid for smoking cessation. More recent studies suggest it may also block the reward pathways associated with alcohol consumption. If the treatment is successful, it may one day be used to help smokers who drink kick both habits.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For general information about smoking:
National Institute on Drug Abuse, http://www.nida.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, http://www.samhsa.gov

Source: Medstar