Smoking is addictive: Despite what tobacco companies claim, nicotine is highly addictive. Like other addictive drugs, it changes the way your brain works over time.
Nicotine controls your brain: When you smoke, nicotine affects parts of the brain that control how good you feel (rewards) and your ability to make decisions. This makes quitting extremely difficult, even if you want to.
Smoking harms your body and brain: Quitting smoking can be hard, but it’s incredibly worth it. Smoking damages your body, making it difficult to heal and increasing the risk of serious diseases. It also negatively affects your brain over time, making it harder to think clearly and control your actions.
It’s not about weakness: Tobacco companies say quitting is just about willpower. This is false! Smoking changes your brain, making it a battle against addiction, not a lack of determination.
Key Points to Remember
Scientific Evidence: A well-respected study by Nutt. et al. (2007) ranked tobacco as one of the most addictive substances, surpassing alcohol and even some illegal drugs in terms of dependence and difficulty quitting. [Reference: Scientific Evidence for the Addictiveness of Tobacco and Smoking Cessation in Tobacco Litigation]
If you want to quit, there’s help! Talk to your doctor, and remember that many people need multiple attempts before succeeding. Don’t give up on yourself!
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