Smoking

Once you are addicted to smoking, it's very hard to stop. Cigarettes contain a highly addictive drug called nicotine which is a stimulant.  This speeds up the body system increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.   There are many ways to give up smoking such as hypnosis, nicotine patches, and cessation (stopping) clinics.

Smoking related illnesses

There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco, most of which are bad for your health. Here are some of the illnesses related to smoking.

• Cancer (lungs, mouth, nose, throat, leukaemia)
• Chronic-breathing problems (bronchitis and emphysema)
• Coronary heart disease
• Strokes
• Gangrene.

The facts

• One in two lifelong smokers will die from smoking
• The younger you start, the more likely you are to be killed by the addiction
• A person who starts smoking at the age of 15 is three times as likely to die from Cancer as someone who starts smoking in their mid 20s

Tips to help you quit

• Make a date to stop smoking and stick to it
• Chew gum. This can help keep the craving at bay (anything that keeps your mouth or hands occupied).
• At moments of weakness focus on the reasons why you wanted to stop.
• If you turn to the fridge instead of cigarettes, make sure it's healthy food so you don't have to worry about your waistline.

Remember that every day you go without a smoke you're beating the addiction

Smoking and the law

• You have to be 18 to purchase any form of tobacco products as well as rolling papers. 
• Britain is now smoke free. You can not smoke in any enclosed place that is open to the public such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and all places of work.

Useful Websites

NHS Stop Smoking

QUIT Because