Chapter 13Lesson 3:

Tobacco Addiction

Nicotine is an extremely powerful and addictive drug.

When nicotine enters the body the brain sends a message to the body telling it to speed up heart and breathing rates.

Once this effect wears off the user has intense cravings and needs more and more of the drug.

Tobacco’s Web of Addiction

Tolerance- Process in which the body needs more and more of a drug to get the same effect.

Physical Dependence- An addiction in which the body itself feels a direct need for a drug.

Psychological Dependence- An addiction in which the mind sends the body a message that it needs more of a drug.◦ Certain events, situations, and habits trigger a

desire to use tobacco.

Tolerance and Dependence

Prepare to Stop◦ Set a specific date for quitting! Stick to it!

Get Support and Encouragement◦ Let family know you are trying to quit.

Find Out About Health Services◦ Explore the resources in your community.

Change Your Daily Routine◦ Get out of your daily habits and change things up

Follow a Healthy Lifestyle◦ Eat well, manage stress, and get plenty of

physical activity.

Breaking the Tobacco Habit

Cold Turkey- Quitting all at once. Withdrawal- Physical and psychological reactions

that occur when someone stops using an addictive substance.◦ Physical symptoms- headaches, nausea, jittery,

tiredness, and increased hunger◦ Psychological symptoms- irritability and trouble sleeping

Nicotine Replacement Therapies- Products that help assist a person in breaking a tobacco habit.◦ These products reduce the amount of nicotine in the

body slowly, reducing the symptoms of withdrawal.

Withdrawal

Learning to live without tobacco takes time and a lot of willpower.

Relapse- A return to the use of a drug after attempting to stop.

Try to always stay positive, if a relapse occurs work harder to quit and not go back to using tobacco.

Dealing with Relapse