Mike Vinson's Assignment--Quitting Smoking Article

Mike Vinson's Assignment--Quitting Smoking Article

Some of Patricia Nicholson's main points are dealing with tabacco and various methods of quitting smoking. Tabacco, which is used in cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos, is a highly addictive substance. As a result of the dopamine "rush," which comes from smoking, the smoker experiences a short-term sense of pleasure and calm. Rather than continue to experience a prolonged period of calm after smoking ends, the user is likely to be irritable, may have an increase in appetite, and or could have difficulty focusing.

To address the unwanted side effects and increase chances of successful tabacco withdrawal, the article offers several suggestions available to the consumer. An end user may consider using some of the following: nicotine patches and gums; nicotine inhalers; lozenges; and nasal sprays. Along with using the nicotine replacement products readily available for doctors, local department stores, and internet web sites, a person increases the chances of success when using a support group.

An astute reader notices that Nicholson's article is gender neutral. I feel this is a weakness, especially since this information is posted on a women's health web site. Additionally, Nicholson says that "almost five million Canadians are smokers"; however, she fails to break down the figures of women and men. Men and women should be included because this information is beneficial for both genders struggling with tabacco addiction.

Recently, I talked to my 65 year old mother named Beate who has been smoking most of her life. When I told her about the prescription drugs Zyban and Champix to help her stop smoking, she ignored my advice. "I can quit anytime I want to," or "I do not smoke that much," responds my mother. I felt the effort to inform and persuade was futile. Although I am frustrated and disappointed with her indifference, her subsequent actions show the strong addictive nature of tabacco she struggles with.

Although not all of them apply to my mom, there are some suggestions for a smoker to consider along with prescription medications and support groups. The committed person can turn to a group physical exercise program such as step aerobics, yoga, or dance lessons to focus attention on fitness rather than smoking. Rather than concentrating on the next use of tabacco, another option to consider is to use a personal trainer while lifting weights at a local gym. Along with physical exercise, a person can also explore alternative medicinal means such as acupuncture, acupressure, meditation, or natural remedies, an individual may experience relief without unwanted side effects. An additional consideration is to enroll at a local community college or public university to expand a person's knowledge about tabacco's adverse effects. Lastly, one can investigate the opportunity of consulting a professional mental health specialist to increase chances of smoking cessation.

By discussing my mom's struggle with tabacco addiction, it is my hope that she and others will benefit from the suggestions presented to stop smoking.

Works Cited

Nicholson, Patricia. Butting Out: Help is Available for Smokers Who Want to Quit. Women's Health Matters Network. 28 May 2010. Web. 7 Jun 2010.