This thread can focus on all types of smoking (illegal drugs and nicotine) but I want to focus on just cigarette smoking.
Cigarette Smoking Statistics (based on the United States)
In the United States, an estimated 25.1 million men (23.4 percent) and 20.9 million women (18.5 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show...*
Among non-Hispanic whites, 24.1 percent of men and 20.4 percent of women smoke (2004).
Among non-Hispanic blacks, 23.9 percent of men and 17.2 percent of women smoke.
Among Hispanics, 18.9 percent of men and 10.9 percent of women smoke.
Among Asians (only), 17.8 percent of men and 4.8 percent of women smoke.
Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, 37.3 percent of men and 28.5 percent of women smoke.
Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those who had earned a GED diploma (39.6 percent) and among those with 9-11 years of education (34.0 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (8.0 percent). It's highest among persons living below the poverty level (29.1 percent).
* National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 2004, National Center for Health Statistics and NHLBI
Cigarette smoking is a addictive, and also very hard to quit.
Almost 15 million smokers try to quit each year, yet less than 5% reach their one-year anniversary. For these smokers the key to stopping may seem elusive. But the facts of nicotine addiction are no mystery.
Nicotine from smoking changes the structure and function of your brain. When the brain stops getting the nicotine it's used to, you begin feeling strong withdrawal cravings. These cravings for cigarettes are actually your brain craving nicotine.
Fact: Cigarettes are highly efficient nicotine delivery devices and can be as addictive as drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
That's the forgotten side of "kicking the habit." Nicotine addiction drives your smoking habit. And unless you can beat the cravings that come from nicotine addiction, you can't beat the habit.
I grew up around smokers and it didn't bother me until I got into sports. I was lucky enough to escape anything harmful like second-hand smoke or breathing problems. But it did affect small things along the way. Some kids aren't as fortunate, and have even developed lung cancer just from second hand smoke.
How do you all feel about smoking?
Cigarette Smoking Statistics (based on the United States)
In the United States, an estimated 25.1 million men (23.4 percent) and 20.9 million women (18.5 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show...*
Among non-Hispanic whites, 24.1 percent of men and 20.4 percent of women smoke (2004).
Among non-Hispanic blacks, 23.9 percent of men and 17.2 percent of women smoke.
Among Hispanics, 18.9 percent of men and 10.9 percent of women smoke.
Among Asians (only), 17.8 percent of men and 4.8 percent of women smoke.
Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, 37.3 percent of men and 28.5 percent of women smoke.
Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those who had earned a GED diploma (39.6 percent) and among those with 9-11 years of education (34.0 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (8.0 percent). It's highest among persons living below the poverty level (29.1 percent).
* National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 2004, National Center for Health Statistics and NHLBI
Cigarette smoking is a addictive, and also very hard to quit.
Almost 15 million smokers try to quit each year, yet less than 5% reach their one-year anniversary. For these smokers the key to stopping may seem elusive. But the facts of nicotine addiction are no mystery.
Nicotine from smoking changes the structure and function of your brain. When the brain stops getting the nicotine it's used to, you begin feeling strong withdrawal cravings. These cravings for cigarettes are actually your brain craving nicotine.
Fact: Cigarettes are highly efficient nicotine delivery devices and can be as addictive as drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
That's the forgotten side of "kicking the habit." Nicotine addiction drives your smoking habit. And unless you can beat the cravings that come from nicotine addiction, you can't beat the habit.
I grew up around smokers and it didn't bother me until I got into sports. I was lucky enough to escape anything harmful like second-hand smoke or breathing problems. But it did affect small things along the way. Some kids aren't as fortunate, and have even developed lung cancer just from second hand smoke.
How do you all feel about smoking?
July 13th, 2007 at 11:35pm