Experts agree that nicotine is a powerful addiction. Some addiction professionals theorize that nicotine addiction is more powerful than opiate, alcohol, and stimulant addictions. Nicotine, in itself, is not dangerous for your health. The routes of administration to get nicotine can cause severe health consequences, including death.

A route of administration is the way that you consume a drug. Nicotine can be chewed or smoked by using snuff, chewing tobacco, pipes, cigars, cigarettes, and vape electronic cigarettes. When ingesting nicotine in these ways, nicotine breaks the blood brain barrier and nicotine surges through your bloodstream. Unfortunately, when you consume nicotine by chewing or smoking, you also ingest thousands of harmful chemicals.

There are a variety of health problems that can occur from smoking or chewing tobacco. Health complications include:

• Respiratory problems
• Emphysema
• Increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure
• Lung cancer
• Throat and mouth cancers
• Blood circulation complications
• Dental problems including tooth loss
• Stroke
• Increased risk of death

Don’t be fooled, vaping is not a healthy alternative. In recent years, the use of electronic cigarettes has been marketed as a healthy replacement for cigarettes. Even though vaping may reduce some of the risks associated with cigarettes and chewing tobacco, there have not been any long term studies to verify safety. Electronic cigarettes are also not regulated by the FDA. Electronic cigarettes are still filled with chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

Nicotine addiction is difficult to beat, especially for those in recovery from other substances. Please seek professional help when considering discontinuing cigarette and chewing tobacco. Trying to stop using nicotine while also stopping the use of alcohol and drugs can be challenging.

The good thing is that in today’s age of technology there is more than one way to stop your nicotine addiction. You can talk to a medical professional about nicotine patches, gums, and lozenges. There are also apps that help you work through nicotine cravings. Therapy and counseling can be helpful understanding why you smoke and the triggers that cause you to light up.

At The Kimberly Center, we understand how difficult smoking addiction can be. We want to help you take your recovery from all substances one step at a time. We encourage you to take on only what you can handle. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, you can be assured that you are a priority.