Scientists Uncover How And Why You Become Addicted To Smokes

Listening to a social smoker talk about how they can puff a cigarette once in a while and not get hooked is probably one of the most frustrating experiences for someone trying to kick the habit, but new research out of an Ontario university may provide some hope for those trying to understand their nicotine addiction.

Scientists at the University of Western Ontario discovered why, when it comes to tobacco, some people can take it or leave it and others get hooked after their first cigarette.

The researchers investigated a specific pathway in the brain that provides that rewarding feeling from nicotine in some people.

That path uses dopamine to transmit messages and scientists managed to nail down which dopamine receptor is responsible for sensitivity to nicotine’s addictive qualities.

The researchers said they can even manipulate that receptor to control how it processes the addictive substance.

“Importantly, our findings may explain an individual’s vulnerability to nicotine addiction, and may point to new pharmacological treatments for the prevention of it, and the treatment of nicotine withdrawal,” study leader Steven Laviolette said.

The findings likely won’t be applied toward helping smokers quit right away, so in the meantime here are some resources to help you stop smoking:

To learn more about your options when it comes to quitting, click here.

Tips to Help you Quit Smoking (courtesy of the Ontario Lung Association):

First, the four “d’s”:

1. Drink water
With crushed ice if possible, to help flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your system faster. This also satisfies the oral craving for a while. Try using a straw with the same diameter as the cigarette.

2. Deep breathing
This is good for you, as most people do not utilize their full lung capacity. Take 10 deep breaths, and hold the last one while lighting a match. Exhale slowly, and blow out the match. Take a Deep Breath Break instead of a cigarette break.

3. Delay
Each day, delay lighting your first cigarette by one hour. After the first cigarette, when you have your next craving to smoke, delay for another 15 minutes or half an hour. Remember, as a smoker you were not in control of your habit; you smoked when your body needed nicotine. Now by delaying, you are calling the shots, you are in control of when you say NO.

4. Do something different
Don’t smoke when you first experience a craving. Wait several minutes, and during this time change your activity or talk to someone. Get out of the situation that makes you want to smoke.

For example, if you smoke after dinner, get up from the table and do the dishes, or go for a walk. Change the habit or activity that you normally do while smoking.

  • Physical activity is necessary, if not imperative. Physical activity reminds you with each deep breath you take, how much better your body will be working. Begin to condition yourself physically – start a modest exercise regimen, drink more fluids, get plenty of rest and avoid fatigue. 
  • Smoke only under circumstances which are not especially pleasurable for you. If you like to smoke with others, smoke alone. 
  • List all the reasons why you want to quit. Every night before you go to bed, repeat one of the reasons ten times. 
  • Change you eating habits to aid in cutting down, Foe example, drink milk, which is frequently considered incompatible with smoking. End meals or snacks with something that won’t lead to a cigarette. 
  • Don’t empty your ashtrays. This will not only remind you of how many cigarettes you have smoked each day, but the sight and smell of the stale butts will also be very unpleasant. 
  • Save all of your cigarette butts for one week in one large container as a visual reminder of the filth smoking represents. 
  • Throw away all cigarettes and matches. Hide lighters and ashtrays. 
  • Visit the dentist and have your teeth cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stains. Notice how nice they look, and resolve to keep them that way. 
  • Keep very busy on the big day. Go to the movies, exercise, take long walks, go bike riding. 
  • Buy yourself a treat, or do something special to celebrate. 
  • The first few days after you quit, spen as much free time as possible in place where smoking is prohibited, e.g., libraries, museums, theatres, department stores, churches smoke free restaurants, etc. 
  • Until your confident of your ability to stay off cigarettes, limit your socializing to healthful, outdoor activities or situations where smoking is prohibited. 
  • If you must be in a situation where you’ll be tempted to smoke (such as cocktail party or dinner party) try to associate with the non-smokers there. 
  • Look at cigarette ads more critically to better understand the attempts to make individual brands appealing. 
  • Change your habits to make smoking difficult, impossible, or unnecessary. Try activities such as swimming, jogging, tennis, or handball. Wash your hands or dishes when the desire for a cigarette is intense. 
  • Do things to maintain a clean mouth taste, such as brushingyour teeth frequently and using a mouthwash.

Here are some quitting smoking helplines:

Ontario Lung Association 1-888-566-5864
Canadian Cancer Society 1-877-513-5333

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today