Tobacco cessation remains a significant health problem. Tobacco use is the number 1 preventable cause of death worldwide. It affects all life spans and body systems. Tobacco use accounts for more than 480,000 deaths annually from tobacco related illness. It takes only 8 seconds for nicotine to reach the brain and is one of the most addictive drugs in the United States. Several pharmacological drugs have been approved to help the client deal with the withdrawal effects. This paper addresses the harmful effects of tobacco use and effective treatment options to aid in the discontinuation of tobacco products. .
No Butts About It.
Tobacco is the number 1 preventable cause of death in the United States. It accounts for more deaths than motor vehicle accidents, AIDS, firearm incidents, suicide, homicide, and illegal drug use combined. It is estimated that more than 480,000 individuals die annually from tobacco related illness. That is 1 in every 5 Americans die each year from smoking or tobacco related illness. The health problems that result from the use of tobacco cost the healthcare industry and lost wages over 193 billion dollars annually. What is more alarming is the amount of money spent on advertisement for tobacco products. CDC estimates that in 2012, 9.71 billion dollars were spent on advertisement and promotional expenses on tobacco products. (CDC, 2015) On average the tobacco user suffers from more life threatening illnesses and die a decade earlier than a non-user. People who want a healthier life should not use tobacco and the healthcare provider should take every opportunity to educate and offer a tobacco cessation program to the tobacco user. .
Tobacco harms nearly all organs to include disease affecting the heart, lungs and is a major contributor in 8 known cancers including the mouth, lung, and larynx. Other health problems include stroke, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, premature births, low birth weight, impotency and impaired wound healing.
