Cigarette Addiction

• The active substance in cigarettes is nicotine, a stimulant and one of the most addictive substances.
• Nicotine works very quickly, which leads to frequent use. After inhalation, it reaches the brain within 10 seconds, producing the desired effects almost immediately.
• Cigarette use often becomes integrated into daily life, as frequent exposure and social acceptance make continued use easier.
• Seeing others smoke can increase cravings, while fear of withdrawal or failure can make quitting difficult.

Cigarette addiction is a disease, not a matter of willpower. Expert-led cessation programs are essential for effective treatment. Self-attempts often fail, and some unregulated medications can have negative side effects, wasting time and money. 

• Low-dose nicotine poisoning: nausea, vomiting, increased saliva, pallor, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, increased blood pressure, palpitations, cold sweating, hand tremors. 60 mg can cause respiratory failure and death.
• Pregnancy risks: low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, increased risk of infant death.
• Withdrawal symptoms: begin ~90 minutes after the last cigarette, peaking in the first 24–48 hours, and can last weeks. Symptoms include depressed mood, dysphoria, insomnia, irritability, anger, anxiety, reduced heart rate, increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
• Cigarette smoke contains 4,000 chemicals, including carcinogens that irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Carbon monoxide in smoke binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces oxygen delivery in the body.

Long-term risks: heart attack, lung, throat, esophagus, bladder, and kidney cancers; emphysema and chronic bronchitis are ten times more common in smokers than non-smokers. 

• For patients who do not require hospitalization
• 1-month program, extendable if necessary
• Includes:
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medication and psychosocial support
• Medications can reduce nicotine effects, and nicotine patches may be offered if needed
• Program begins with a personalized cessation plan, combining medical treatment to reduce cravings with psychological support from day one
• Psychological sessions focus on:
  • Smoking history
  • Reasons for starting and continuing smoking
  • Triggers for use
  • Stress management techniques
  • Strategies to avoid cigarettes

Goal: help patients quit smoking long-term and adapt to a healthier lifestyle 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.