Question

using the book drugs and society by glen r.hanson,peter j. venturelli, and peter platteborze can you answer these questions. list and define the diseases that cigarette smokers are most likely to contract. why do people who smoke become dependent on tobacco? assess the major methods for quitting smoking. which methods are most likely to succeed?

Explanation:

The answer is grounded in the core content of Drugs and Society regarding tobacco's health impacts, addiction mechanisms, and cessation strategies. The diseases listed are the most evidence-based, tobacco-related conditions defined by standard medical and public health frameworks. Nicotine's interaction with the brain's reward system is the established biological basis for tobacco dependence. The assessment of cessation methods is based on clinical trial data and public health research cited in the textbook, with combination approaches identified as most effective due to addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Answer:

1. Diseases linked to cigarette smoking (definitions):

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that blocks airflow, causing breathing difficulty; includes emphysema (damage to lung air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (persistent inflamed bronchial tubes with mucus).
• Lung Cancer: Uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue, often caused by tobacco carcinogens, leading to tumor formation and impaired lung function.
• Coronary Heart Disease: Damage to the heart's coronary arteries from tobacco-related plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing risk of heart attack.
• Stroke: Reduced blood flow to the brain caused by tobacco-induced blood clots or damaged blood vessels, leading to brain cell death and neurological impairment.
• Oral Cancer: Cancerous growths in the mouth, throat, or lips, triggered by tobacco chemicals that damage oral tissue DNA.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing persistent cough, mucus production, and shortness of breath.

1. Reason for tobacco dependence:

Nicotine, the addictive chemical in tobacco, binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing these receptors, requiring higher nicotine intake to achieve the same reward (tolerance). When nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms (irritability, cravings, fatigue) occur, driving continued use to avoid discomfort, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

1. Major smoking cessation methods and success likelihood:

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Products like patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays that deliver controlled nicotine to reduce cravings. Success rate: ~15-25% long-term (6+ months) when used alone; higher with behavioral support.
• Prescription Medications: Drugs like varenicline (Chantix) which blocks nicotine receptors and reduces reward, or bupropion (Zyban) which modulates dopamine and norepinephrine. Success rate: ~20-30% long-term, higher than NRT alone for many users.
• Behavioral Therapy: Counseling (in-person, phone, or online), support groups, or cognitive-behavioral techniques to change smoking-related habits and cope with cravings. Success rate: ~10-20% alone; significantly boosts success when combined with medication/NRT.
• Cold Turkey: Abruptly stopping smoking without aids. Success rate: ~3-5% long-term, as it relies solely on willpower to manage severe withdrawal.
• Combination Approaches: Pairing NRT or prescription medication with behavioral therapy has the highest long-term success rate, ranging from 25-40%, as it addresses both physical dependence and behavioral habits.