The number of adult smokers in the United States declined rapidly from its peak as the potential health risks of the habit became apparent. Currently, however, 30 million Americans still smoke cigarettes daily. In addition, about 16 million people in the U.S. have smoking-related diseases. About 70 percent of many smokers reportedly desire to quit but cannot manage to do so on their own. Experts state that cigarettes are as difficult to give up as heroin and cocaine and can require professional help for success. Smoking cessation methods have helped many people, but acupuncture may offer a more practical solution with fewer risks.
Risks Associated with Smoking
Medical experts frequently stress the many health risks connected to cigarette use. Smokers have a higher-than-average chance of developing lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. The dangers of smoking do not only affect the individual using the cigarette. Secondhand smoke also causes damage to anyone consistently in contact with it.
Potential Risks of Traditional Smoking Cessation Methods
Some methods used for quitting smoking have potential risks. As a result, many people turned to vape as a healthier alternative. Non-nicotine vaping does not cause the same extensive health problems associated with smoking, but it is not risk-free. The CDC has released warnings about potential lung diseases experienced by vaping. The ailments arose because of the chemicals used in vape products.
Vaping may also encourage former smokers to return to their habit. It is easy to acquire nicotine-containing vape products, and this can prove too tempting to new non-smokers. Vaping also does not help people end the tactile need associated with smoking. The swap from cigarette to vape pen transfers this habit to a new product.
Nicotine replacement therapy helps people put down their cigarettes and slowly lower the amount of nicotine they put into their bodies. It is generally safer to use this option than to continue smoking, but risks exist. The risks can vary depending on if people use nicotine gum or a patch. Some of the problems people can experience often include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep disruptions
- Strange dreams
- Skin irritations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Mouth sores
- Throat irritation
- Nausea
- Jaw discomfort