SMOKING: A Choice or an Addiction
Let’s talk health-wise a bit! Is smoking a choice or an addiction? Yeah, most people will find my blog site offensive while others will find it appealing. Truth be told, smoking has hazardous issues, which results in consequential damage to human health.
Brief:
Now, let’s delve in. What is Smoking? Smoking is inhaling and exhaling the flames of burnt tobacco or plant material. it can also be related to the inhalation of incense. Now smoking cigarettes can be in different forms which are: Cigars, Cigarettes, Hookah, Tobacco pipes Connecticut’s Shade Tobacco, and all these are regarded as harmful to human health. Among the different types of herbs being inhaled are weeds also known as cannabis, hemp, calendula, Angelica, hawthorn, blue lotus, calamus, catnip, chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Licorice Root, lemongrass and so on. Coincidentally, some of these herbs or weeds are medicinal and aids in stimulating the human body by medical prescription, but excessive dosage, inhalation, and abuse of these herbs can cause havoc to the organs of the body system for those indulging in it.
Weeds/ Cannabis smoking is common among young fellows and adults. They indulge in these acts and cravings to the point of addiction. With the period of time, quitting becomes a very difficult task with many trials accompanied by errors and failures.
Methods or forms of intake:
These herbs are not only smoked or inhaled but are taken in different forms like:
* Injecting- These harsh plant materials are being injected into the body for pleasure and hotness. This is the most common form of intake of them all, which is mostly hard to overcome. These plant materials are processed to liquid form for easy digestion.
* Chewing/Eating- This process is the most used and popular; it is nicknamed “ Edibles/ Cannabis Edible ”. Edible cannabis products are Gummies, tinctures, brownies, foods, cookies/biscuits, drinks, and so on. This makes it easier for people who don’t find pleasure in smoking or inhaling weeds. Cannabis edibles take hours to digest unlike being inhaled or smoked.
* Transdermal patches- This is another form of taking plant materials; it makes the cannabinoids easily penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. These patches are placed on the skin directly on the area of good circulation, which are the inner arm and the top of the foot. It is released faster to the body, accompanied by quick action.
* Tinctures- Cannabis tinctures are educe of plants or animal materials soaked into ethanol or solvents. They are processed to oils. Cannabis tinctures are taken sublingually by laying few drops under the tongue.
* Cannabis topical- Weeds are processed and made as balm or cream, which can be applied directly on the skin. It penetrates directly into the bloodstream in the body.
*Pills and tablets- Weed pills are filled with cannabis/ weeds, they are nicknamed “Molly”. They are taken as drugs.
Impact –both immediate and Long term:
These various types of weeds, when inhaled, leaves diverse level of toxicity in the body, which do no good but an ephemeral/temporary altered sensory perception which includes: untriggered rapid laughter, unnecessary happiness, altered time, injected feeling of mixed emotions, and so on. With all these, the brain and human body get impaired in judgment at its peak. After some hours when the ephemeral feelings have subsided, the individual, mostly likely, will be left with a critical state of headache, increase in pleasure( sex), increased appetite, distorted memory, light pains, etc.
People who take these drugs continually are hooked on them. it becomes a life-threatening addiction that is difficult to control. There are basically signs that come with the daily addiction to these plant materials, and these addictive signs are Lack of commitment in daily activities, there’s lack of commitment or focus on his/her scheduled work or activities. They lose focus on things that bring them satisfaction and joy. Desired Cravings, the urge to take more plant materials is increased as anything can be done just for them to take these weeds.
This sometimes leads to impaired human features, in both physical, mental, and emotional situations. Their human potentials begin to derail in these aspects. Overthinking: They always overthink things that are not necessary, stressing their brain negatively which can cause severe cognitive impairment mentally. Mood Disorders, they are often angry, stressed, anxious, depression, frustrated, and irritated by every little thing. Their emotions are distorted with complex moody thoughts and feelings. With all these one finds it very difficult to let go of plant materials. Smoking is being claimed to be a choice, whereas it is an addiction that has underlying consequences for health. People smoke for the sake of fun, relaxation, social enhancement, keeping the body warm, boredom, getting high, and so on. These plant materials are being taken often which turns out to be an addiction unknowingly to them. Smokers/addicts wouldn’t want to admit that taking these illicit plant materials is an addiction instead they call it a choice based on how they feel or whatever situation they are passing through.
Smoking, as an addiction, can be prevented in different forms, which include the following:
1. The mindset of the individual: First of all, this individual has to make up their mind to quit taking drugs, it has to be finalized accompanied with actions to follow up quitting. There must be an obliged reasons of why you want to quit. If the individual isn’t ready enough to quit then the addiction can not be overcome.
2. Medical treatments: Smoking is an addiction and can be very difficult to resist out of the blues, the human body is very sensitive with hormonal changes, your system is already used to these drugs, which can be a health problem when quitting. It is recommended that you fix appointments with your doctor, so as to follow up the right medication while on quitting process.
3. Therapy processes: A drug addict can’t go through the quitting alone. It has to be accomplished with helping hands of a therapist who gives guidelines that will aid successful quitting the addiction. The therapist gives allows the addict to have an open mind and space in order for them to let out their feelings and emotions, and various challenges alongside quitting. Most of them happen to feel safe with their therapist, which help with the healing process
4. Steer clear of weeds: It’s necessary and needed that addicts stay clear snd resist whatever that will trigger them to relapsing or smoking. Keep all plant materials out of sight, do away with all herbs and so on.
5. Have a rescheduled life plan: Get yourself busy with procreative activities. Take a walk, learn some skills. Engage in co-circular activities that’s good for the brain. Get engaged in what you love doing the most ( eg your hobbies)
6. Balanced meal plans: Eating healthy food and more veggies and fruits helps to regulate the system and ease the process of quitting. Veggies and protein are good for the body and health.
7. Keep on trying: It’s very difficult fighting addiction, it’s something your whole body is used to and can’t do without. There’s every possibility of quitting while in the process. It’s necessary you keep on pushing and trying without failing.
8. Involve your loved ones during quitting process: Let them know your quitting process and they will definitely offer their support in every possible way. You can also get involved in support group or organizations.
9. Rehabilitation programs and centers: This process is mainly for traumatized addicts who are mentally deranged severely. They are referred to rehabilitation centers for proper care and treatment.
Smoking is an addiction not a choice, and these precautions are guidelines needed to quitting smoking.
