MY SMOKING ADDICTION

 According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 69.6 million Americans aged 12 or older reported current use of tobacco—58.3 million (23.0 percent of the population) were current cigarette smokers, 13.2 million (5.2 percent) smoked cigars, 8.9 million (3.5 percent) used smokeless tobacco, and 2 million (0.8 percent) smoked pipes, confirming that tobacco is one of the most widely abused substances in the United States. I myself have the smoking problem and am in the process of learning more about it in order to quit for good.

Although I have not been a heavy smoker over a period of time. I am just tired of being short of breathe, putting up with the smell which never bothered me until recently, the noticeable yellowish film on my teeth, and the cost of cigarettes these days is adding up. The problem wasn't noticeable until a year ago when i quit drinking, it seems I gave up one addiction for another.

Yes. Most smokers use tobacco regularly because they are addicted to nicotine. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and abuse, even in the face of negative health consequences. It is well documented that most smokers identify tobacco use as harmful and express a desire to reduce or stop using it, and nearly 35 million of them want to quit each year. Unfortunately, more than 85 percent of those who try to quit on their own relapse, most within a week. I am going through the unfortunate phase of the withdrawals which entail irritability, craving, depression, anxiety, cognitive and attention deficits, sleep disturbances, and increased appetite. These symptoms for me come in waves within a few hours after the last cigarette, but I am told that they will peak within a couple of days and taper off in a few weeks.

There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and at least 69 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer.

In the articles researched I noted this about when or why I smoke. It stated that knowing when and why I smoke could help me find a strategy to quit. 

• To relieve tension, especially after arguments or during stressful times, or when you feel angry, depressed, or upset.
• To control your weight, either by keeping it down or because you're afraid of weight gain if you quit.
• For stimulation, to focus, improve your concentration, or boost your energy when you have low energy.
• To be part of the group, by joining your friends in having a cigarette. 

With all these negatives and not enough positives I feel it is time to make a real effort to quit smoking cigarettes. Not only the toll it is taking on my body but in my wallet as well. Here are some of the statistics I found:  
Cost of Smoking and Tobacco

• The cost of a pack of cigarettes averages 

    around $5.00, including taxes. A pack-a-day
    smoker burns through about $31.50 per week,
    or $1,638 per year. A 3 pack-a-day smoker
    spends nearly $5,000 a year on cigarettes.
   can add up to over $200,000, not including
   the other costs that go along with smoking.
   money on the resale of their cars and homes.
   They spend extra on dry cleaning and
   teeth cleaning.

• Over a lifetime, the cost of cigarettes alone 

• Smokers pay more for insurance. They lose

"Getting Gruesome to Stop Smoking | On Point with Tom Ashbrook." On Point with Tom Ashbrook RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Aug. 2013.

I learned that there may be new gruesome labeling packaging for cigarettes.

"Quitting Smoking / Smoking Cessation Center: Find In-depth Information to Help You Stop Smoking." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 13 Aug. 2013.

Found out the actual numbers of smokers in the United States.

"Cigarette Ingredients - Chemicals in Cigarettes." Cigarette Ingredients - Chemicals in Cigarettes. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Aug. 2013.

Explained the various toxins in one cigarette, very disturbing.
N.p., n.d. Web.
 "Cost of Smoking and Tobacco." Cost of Smoking and Tobacco. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Aug. 2013