Nicotine is a stimulant that is found in tobacco products. It can cause the body to become dependent. When quitting nicotine individuals can go through severe withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine can be found in cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and vapes. Most people know smoking can cause lung damage but what they may not be aware of are the long-term effects of nicotine. Nicotine can cause damage to several organs and systems of the body. It can increase your risk of cancer to the lungs, stomach, pancreas, and breast. It can cause significant damage to your heart. The cardiovascular effects include heart attack, stroke, and aortic aneurism. In addition, nicotine use increases the risk of cataract eye disease and gum disease. The effects of nicotine use are significant and life changing. The longer you use nicotine products the less likely that symptoms will be reversable and the harder it is to quit.
There are several resources available to help with nicotine cessation. There is the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) that is dedicated to helping individuals quit nicotine use. This line offers coaching over the phone, email, text, and chat. They have educational materials, quit planning materials, and quit progress tracking. They offer medication assistance including the patches, gums, and lozenges. They are available 24/7 to assist with your needs. This service is available for free to help you take your life back regardless of health insurance. The coaches are trained in health-related areas to best assist you. Talk to your primary care provider today to start your tobacco-free journey. Your local health department can also assist you with signing up for the quit line today.
Many people make the annual Great American Smokeout (Nov. 16) as their designated day to officially quit tobacco. However, as a medical provider for the Knox County Community Health Center, there's never a better time to quit tobacco than right now. I urge you to start your journey today.
Brandi Pennington, Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
Knox County Community Health Center
740-398-8008
