Within moments of the initial inhalation, nicotine is stimulating pleasure centres in the brain — the same centres targeted by cocaine. Nicotine biochemically alerts the liver to release sugar into the blood stream. The elevated blood sugar brings a physical uplift. At this very moment the nicotine is also stimulating the nervous system, causing the release of adrenaline into the body.
Adrenaline produces an increased heart rate and respiration doubling those feelings of tension and being wired. By now, you are desperate for another cigarette, which, you insist, will be relaxing! Secondly you may think that smoking helps you to reduce a stress. Cigarettes take the stress out of life relaxation and help relieve tension and stress. The benefits of smoking are to help smokers calm down and reduce anxiety and stress. When you visualize or think of relaxing what comes to your mind?
However, the Cleveland Clinic explains that while smoking may make you think you feel calmer, it actually increases the level of stress in your body and causes the following negative reactions:. When you smoke, nicotine enters your bloodstream and travels to your brain, where it releases several neurotransmitters including dopamine, the primary reward chemical in the brain.
The positive feelings you experience when dopamine is released are short-lived. In addition, smoking ultimately causes more stress. It takes a toll on your respiratory system and contributes to serious illness. These physical ailments may compound your feelings of stress.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that nicotine damages blood vessels, causing your skin to wrinkle and appear lifeless. It also causes oxygen starvation, which makes your lungs function poorly. Plaque buildup in your arteries has been linked to nicotine, which leads to heart disease. One of the best strategies is to substitute smoking with an effective form of relaxation and to practice it often.
The key is finding something you enjoy. As soon as you feel the urge to light up, try one of these methods instead:. Visualization can instantly relieve tension and anxiety. Take a few moments to sit in a chair or lie down in a quiet room and close your eyes. You could also consider e-cigarettes. Talk to your doctor, a pharmacist or a health visitor about which treatments might be suitable for you. Individual, group or telephone counselling can help people to stop smoking. Talking therapies can help people change their behaviour by thinking and acting more positively.
Many counselling programmes use the techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy CBT and social skills development. Research has shown that CBT may be particularly effective in smokers with or without mental health problems. Removing all tobacco products from your home can help lessen some of the cravings of nicotine withdrawal. Learn to recognise your smoking triggers. Identify when you crave cigarettes, such as at a party or after a meal.
Most cravings only last a few minutes. You may experience headaches, nausea, irritability, anxiety, craving cigarettes, feeling miserable, difficulty in concentrating, increased appetite and drowsiness. Drinking more fresh fruit juice or water, eating more high fibre foods and reducing caffeine and refined sugar in your diet can all help you cope with withdrawal symptoms. Many people who quit smoking will relapse at some point.
Use it as an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong, learn about yourself and figure out what will help you be more successful in future. Home A-to-z S Smoking and mental health Smoking and mental health We all know the physical health risks of smoking tobacco, but did you know smoking also affects people's mental health? Smoking, anxiety and mood Most smokers say they want to stop, but some continue because smoking seems to relieve stress and anxiety.
Why it feels like smoking helps us relax Smoking cigarettes interferes with certain chemicals in the brain. Cutting out smoking does improve mood and reduces anxiety. The mental health benefits of quitting smoking When people stop smoking, studies show: anxiety, depression and stress levels are lower quality of life and positive mood improve the dosage of some medicines used to treat mental health problems can be reduced Smokers with mental health problems People with mental health problems, including anxiety , depression or schizophrenia : are much more likely to smoke than the general population tend to smoke more heavily die on average 10 to 20 years earlier than those who don't experience mental health problems — smoking plays a major role in this difference in life expectancy need higher doses of some antipsychotic medicines and antidepressants because smoking interferes with the way these medicines work Stopping smoking can be as effective as antidepressants People with mental health problems are likely to feel much calmer and more positive, and have a better quality of life, after giving up smoking.
Tips to stop smoking If you want to stop smoking, contact your local stop smoking service , which provides the best chance of stopping completely and forever. Here are some ways to boost your chances of stopping smoking for good. Use stop smoking treatments like nicotine replacement therapy NRT or e-cigarettes. See an NHS stop smoking expert.
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