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smoking 101 | |
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get motivated to quit | |
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helping someone quit | |
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smoking & your health | |
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glossary | |
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smoking Q & A | |
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addiction An habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one's volulntary control. adrenal glands Glands located above each kidney that secrete hormones, e.g., adrenaline. cancer Any disease characterized by potentially unlimited tumor growth that expands through the body. carbon monoxide A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas, CO, found in tobacco smoke. chronic bronchitis Long-standing inflammation of the lungs is characterized by excess production of sputum leading to a chronic cough and obstruction of air flow. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) A progressive disease process that most commonly results from smoking. COPD is characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing and a chronic cough. COPD includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema (see definitions for chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Treatment includes absolute avoidance from smoking, bronchodilators and oxygen for those with advanced disease. Complications include bronchitis and pneumonia. craving An eager or intense desire. dopamine A neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate mood, attention, pleasure, reward, motivation, and movement. emphysema A lung disease in which tissue deterioration results in increased air retention and reduced exchange of gases. The result is difficult breathing and shortness of breath. It is often caused by smoking. nicotine An alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant that is responsible for smoking's psychoactive and addictive effects. pharmacokinetics The pattern of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a drug over time. physical dependence An adaptive physiological state that occurs with regular drug use and results in a withdrawal syndrome when drug use is stopped; usually occurs with tolerance. rush A surge of pleasure that rapidly follows administration of some drugs. secondhand smoke Breathing in the smoke created by someone who is smoking. tar A solid residue of tobacco smoke. tobacco A plant widely cultivated for its leaves, which are used primarily for smoking; the tabacum species is the major source of tobacco products. tolerance A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same effect as during initial use; often leads to physical dependence. withdrawal A variety of symptoms that occur after use of an addictive drug is reduced or stopped. |
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