Nicotine Addiction
Until recently, nicotine addiction was not seen as something that required investigating. People have smoked and used tobacco for hundreds of years, so other than being a filthy habit, there was no reason to limit or restrict its use. In the last few decades, however, the medical profession has seen the damaging effects of nicotine addiction. And what is most disturbing about smoking cigarettes is that the person who smoked them is not only one who can die from nicotine related diseases. In fact, it has been shown in many studies that people who worked in environments that permitted smoking, such as bars and restaurants have just as great a chance of dying as those who smoked.
Second hand smoke is a major cause of death to non-smokers. Plus, smoking can cause debilitating problems for those who suffer from difficult breathing due to asthma and allergies. Unlike drugs, alcohol and other substance addictions, nicotine directly harms everyone. Lung cancer has been specifically linked to smoking, whether it be the smokers themselves, or innocent bystanders. Because smoking is now known to be a serious killer, and a drain on medical resources, various activities have been banned. For example in the US and Canada, for many years now, cigarette companies have been barred from advertising on television. It is an offence now to smoke in most public areas such as bars, offices, workplaces, and restaurants. And in some areas, it is illegal to smoke in the same car with children. What was previously seen as the rights of smokers is now seen as the rights of non-smokers.
Basically, the biggest problem with smokers is that they believe that their behavior is not an addiction. They all use the same excuses, that they can stop anytime, they smoke for the taste, etc, etc. The truth is, science has shown that they do experience nicotine addiction. And, various medical articles have clearly demonstrated that nicotine was more harmful than many of the available street and prescription drugs, due to the dependency factor. Deciding to stop and "going cold turkey" are not options for most people. The addiction is just too strong. Despite the negatives of smoking, such as dying from cancer, emphysema or heart disease; ill-smelling clothing and body; banishment from areas and activities; costs of buying cigarettes, and then the costs of medical treatment; and the health dangers, people still smoke. This can only be classified as nicotine addiction.
Today, there are numerous remedies or therapies to combat the urge to smoke. Some of the more popular treatments have been hypnosis, acupuncture, patches, chewing gum, nasal sprays, and medications, both prescription and herbal. For most people, there are two parts to the nicotine addiction. The first is the actual addition to the substance, and thus, when trying to quit, the constant dilemma is the urge or craving. The second part is the behavior of smoking. In others words, the concept of having to do something with one's hands. As much as the addiction to the substance needs to be addressed, so does the whole act of smoking and what it represents. Anxiety, boredom, elation, and nervousness can all be triggers to smoke, with or without the craving for the substance.