Although prescription and illicit drugs often receive more attention, legal substances like tobacco and alcohol are actually the most harmful to the body. In the U.S., these two substances are among the most commonly used, and the deadliest.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 16 million Americans are living with diseases caused by smoking, and cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly half a million deaths annually.
While cigarettes are often seen as the primary tobacco issue, smokeless tobacco is also dangerous. Though less deadly than smoking, it still poses significant health risks. That’s why it’s crucial to adopt strategies to quit before the situation worsens.
How to Quit Chewing Tobacco Today
Quitting tobacco is challenging, and many people need multiple attempts before successfully stopping. However, the effort is worth it, as quitting brings numerous physical and mental health benefits. It also lowers the risk of severe health issues like stroke, heart attack, and more.
Set a Date
It’s easy to say, “I’ll quit tomorrow,” or “This will be the last time,” but these are often just empty promises, leading to continued use. By choosing a specific quit date and preparing your environment ahead of time, you can stay committed to making the change.
Tell Friends and Family
Tobacco use, whether through smoking or chewing, often leads to addiction. Like any addiction, quitting can be tough, especially if you try to do it alone. By informing your loved ones about your decision to quit, you not only gain their encouragement but also their help in keeping you accountable.
Join a Program
Many tobacco cessation programs are available to provide the support and motivation you need to overcome nicotine addiction. These programs offer the chance to connect with health professionals and others facing similar struggles.
Behavioral Therapy
Research shows that behavioral therapy can significantly increase quit rates for those trying to break free from tobacco addiction. This type of therapy helps individuals address the habits and triggers that lead to tobacco use.
Why Is Smoking Hard to Quit
Many people who quit smoking or using tobacco describe it as one of the toughest challenges they’ve ever faced. This difficulty arises because tobacco affects physical health, mental well-being, and even social habits.
Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. When used, nicotine triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a sense of pleasure. As the dopamine levels drop, cravings for more tobacco arise. Over time, users build a tolerance and physical dependence, requiring more nicotine to achieve the same effects.
Tobacco use also becomes ingrained in daily routines. Smokers or users of chewing tobacco may rely on it as part of their morning routine or on their way to work, making it second nature. Additionally, tobacco often serves as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
Social interactions can also play a significant role in tobacco use. Smokers often bond with others during smoke breaks, use it as a way to connect with colleagues or friends, and sometimes as a tool to ease social anxiety. In these situations, tobacco use becomes more than just a habit—it becomes part of a social experience.
All these factors—the physical dependence, the mental associations with stress relief, and the social dynamics—contribute to the challenge of quitting tobacco. Addiction is difficult to overcome, especially when it influences so many aspects of life, but the rewards of breaking free from tobacco addiction are well worth the effort.
Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco
While smokeless tobacco may be less lethal than cigarettes, it still poses significant health risks and should be regarded as a serious threat.
Cancer
Users of chewing tobacco or dip consume the same amount of nicotine as cigarette smokers, along with at least 30 harmful chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer. Among the most dangerous are tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). The higher the TSNA levels in a product, the greater the risk of developing cancer. Smokeless tobacco has been linked to various cancers, including oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Oral Health Issues
Since smokeless tobacco is used in the mouth, it’s no surprise that many of its harmful effects are oral. Numerous studies have found high rates of leukoplakia, a condition where white patches form in the mouth where the tobacco is placed. These patches, which cannot be scraped off and are typically painless, can lead to cancer. While quitting tobacco can clear up leukoplakia, medical treatment may still be necessary. In addition to this, smokeless tobacco can cause tooth stains, gum tissue damage, receding gums, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Heart Disease
Smokeless tobacco can elevate both heart rate and blood pressure, and research indicates that long-term use increases the risk of death from heart disease and stroke. Although the effects of different smokeless tobacco products may vary, there is a clear link between smokeless tobacco and coronary heart disease.
Addiction
Addiction is a common consequence of using any form of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco. As previously mentioned, the nicotine levels in the bloodstream of those who use chewing tobacco are similar to those of cigarette smokers. However, unlike cigarettes, which are used intermittently, chewing tobacco can be used continuously throughout the day, leading to prolonged nicotine exposure. This increases the risk of developing a strong dependence and, eventually, addiction. Once dependence sets in, withdrawal symptoms such as increased appetite, irritability, and depressed mood often follow.
Additional Health Risks
While there are many health risks associated with chewing tobacco and tobacco use in general, the issues mentioned above are among the most serious. Quitting can lead to improved blood circulation, better breathing, and a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions.
Next Steps
Tobacco addiction is a serious issue, and in some cases, it may point to broader addiction problems related to alcohol or other substances. Seeking help from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Indiana can be an important step in recovery. Sunrise Recovery is one such facility, committed to helping individuals overcome addiction.
Quitting chewing tobacco or smoking offers numerous health benefits. However, if there are other substance abuse concerns, addressing them through comprehensive treatment may be essential. To learn more about the services offered by Sunrise Recovery, including treatment options, please visit our website or contact our admissions team today.
