Smoking in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 44.5 million Americans (nearly 21 percent) are smokers; 36.1 million people smoke every day and 8.3 million smoke some days.

Researchers say nicotine is a highly addictive drug - as addictive as alcohol, cocaine and heroin. On average, a single cigarette delivers 1.2 to 2.9 mg of nicotine. The average smoker inhales 20 to 40 mg of nicotine a day.

When a person smokes, nicotine is inhaled into the lungs, is absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly reaches the brain. Here, the drug reaches nicotine receptors, leading to the release of brain chemicals associated with pleasure and stimulation.

Health Effects of Smoking The American Lung Association reports there are over 4,800 chemicals in cigarette smoke - 69 of them are known to cause cancer. Smoking accounts for 90 percent of all cases of lung cancer. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk for esophageal, laryngeal, pancreatic, colorectal, kidney, gastric, bladder, uterine and skin cancer.

Smoking is also linked to several other types of health problems. About 80 to 90 percent of deaths from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are caused by smoking. Smoking is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is a known contributor to development of infertility, peptic ulcer disease, pneumonia, cataracts, Crohn's disease, migraine, gum disease, sleep disorders and, in women, infertility and low birth weight, preterm babies.

Quitting Smoking People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for smoking-related health problems. Within 20 minutes of the last cigarette blood pressure drops and body temperature in the hands and feet returns to normal. After eight hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal. At one year, risk of coronary artery disease drops to one-half that of a smoker. In ten years, the risk of lung cancer is about half that of someone who has never smoked. Within 15 years, the risk of heart disease is about equal to that of a nonsmoker.

Despite the health benefits of quitting, many people have a hard time. The CDC says about 35 million smokers try to kick the habit each year, but fewer than 7 percent are able to stay away from cigarettes for more than a year.

The reason for the low rate of success in quitting is the addictive power of nicotine. Within hours of the last cigarette, the body craves another. Without a nicotine "fix," withdrawal symptoms occur. People who stop smoking may experience anxiety, irritability, problems with concentration, sleep difficulties, increased appetite and a significant desire for another cigarette. Withdrawal symptoms peak about two to three days after the last cigarette, but can last for days to weeks. Some people have cravings for years after stopping smoking.

Several types of nicotine replacement therapy are available to ease symptoms of withdrawal for smokers who want to quit. The nicotine patch and nicotine gum are available over-the-counter. The patch delivers a decreasing dose of nicotine through the skin. The gum releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the tissues lining the mouth. A nicotine nasal spray, available by prescription, delivers a dose of nicotine through the nasal passages. Also available by prescription is the nicotine inhaler, which delivers a vaporized form of nicotine through the mouth. Doctors can also prescribe a drug, called bupropion. The medication was originally used as an antidepressant, but has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes.

The Stop Smoking Laser Another smoking cessation therapy being offered is Anne Penman Laser Therapy. The therapy was developed in Scotland and is becoming popular in the U.S.

The laser treatment uses a cold laser that is applied to specific pressure points on the body. Jim Flint, Owner/Certified Laser Technician in Mesa, Arizona, says there are 13 different points on each side of the body and one in the middle of the forehead. When the laser light is applied to an energy point, it stimulates the release of endorphins, brain chemicals associated with relief from pain and stress. Proponents of the laser therapy say release of endorphins allows a smoker who is trying to quit to relax, reducing cravings for nicotine and stress related to withdrawal.

The laser therapy is typically given in three sessions. The first session takes about an hour and the second and third sessions about 20 to 30 minutes each. For many clients, the effects of the treatment last for several days.

The national success rate for the smoking cessation laser therapy is about 67 percent. Flint says motivation is an important factor in permanently kicking the habit. While the laser may help clients deal with the cravings of nicotine withdrawal, smokers must still learn to make the decision not to smoke. Smokers often need help learning to cope with situations associated with smoking, like coffee breaks or partying with friends. Laser therapy clients are offered counseling and a 24-hour helpline to help them deal with the social aspects of quitting smoking.

The Anne Penman Laser Therapy is available at sites throughout the country. The treatment is also being marketed for weight loss.

For information about laser therapy for quitting smoking, or referral to a nearby clinic: http://800nosmoke.com

For general information about the health consequences of smoking or smoking cessation: American Lung Association, http://www.lungusa.org, or contact your local chapter Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov National Cancer Institute, http://www.nci.nih.gov National Institute on Drug Abuse, http://www.nida.nih.gov Smokefree.gov, http://www.smokefree.gov