Say No to Tobacco: Hard Yes, Impossible No!
To Smoke or Not to Smoke?
My friends keep pressurising me to smoke. Should I give in to peer pressure? At home too, there is no discouragement against tobacco — my father is a chain smoker and grandma loses her cool when there is no “thambaku.” I’m already worried about the impact of passive smoking. Nicotine dependence may be in my genes, inherited from generations of tobacco users, but is it possible to say no to smoking?
Why Crave?
My father, when confronted about the habit, always gets defensive. He talks about the constant craving, and how a cigarette can satisfy this craving while making him feel euphoric. Once the effect wears off, he is longing for more. Whenever he tries to quit smoking, there are the withdrawal symptoms — anxiety, restlessness, craving for nicotine, disturbed sleep, headaches, and depression.
The good feelings and stress relief associated with smoking can be attributed to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in areas of cognitive function — they release neurotransmitters that produce the smoking euphoria.
Not My Poison
My sister, who studies chemistry, gave a never-ending list of some of the poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke — nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, DDT, arsenic, carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, tar, ammonia, sulfuric acid, acetone, formaldehyde, among others.
A Taste of Death
My mom says that a puff of tobacco smoke is like a taste of death. It starts slowly — a social norm, a habit, addiction, and then the health issues. One habit impacts so many systems: liver, lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, reproductive system, and more.
A Burden Too Heavy
The negative health effects of prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke include increased risk of cancers, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, diabetes, infertility and impotence, and weakened senses.
Incentives to Say No
Studies suggest that smoking cessation can reverse a considerable amount of damage caused by the habit. Resources are available on smoking cessation tricks for those who plan to kick the habit.
I Decided to Say “No”!
It was an easy decision for me. It should be an easy decision for you, too!
Understand Your Nicotine Dependence Genetically
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome reveals your genetic predisposition to nicotine dependence — helping you and our certified genetic counsellors build a personalised tobacco cessation plan that works with your biology, not against it.
