Tobacco is used all over the world for centuries. It can be ingested many different ways: chewing, sniffing, and smoking. Today, cigarette smokers consume the most tobacco, Cigarettes account for nearly 17 percent of all deaths in the United States annually (Balch,485). Cigarette smoking continues to be a major health problem in the United States. Recent studies indicate that smoking has cause many health problems such as lung cancer and coronary heart disease. Moreover, it has become a social problem.

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco. Nicotine acts as a stimulant in the central nervous system in our body. For example, when we consume it, the adrenaline production increases and elevates the blood pressure and heart rate (Balch,485).

Many smokers have great difficulty trying to quit smoking for a variety of reasons. They claim smoking produces a sense of relaxation. Also, others enjoy smoking because they believe it reduces their stress level. For example, many employees working in fast-paced corporations like to take cigarette breaks during their hectic work days. Some people believe smoking helps them maintain or lose weight.

Today, many teenagers are also smoking. They smoke on school campus and at bus stop. Most teenagers report that they started smoking since the age of 12-15. Some stared to smoking out of curiosity and due to peer pressure. They view smoking as cool and a way to fit in with their friends.

A study on 365 students in the New Haven area found that students who smoked from1-5 years begin feeling symptoms of extreme, persistent coughing and a shortness of breath (Krogh ,63). But these teenagers suffer from the same problems as the adults. . Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer in men. The statistics are lower for women with lung cancer. The risks of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes consume each day (Health Service: 59). Another major health hazard caused by smoking is coronary heart disease. In the United States, there are more causes of death from coronary heart disease than any other type of disease. The Cause of the coronary heart disease is related to smoking. ---[C] igarette smoking appears to create an imbalance between the increased needs of the myocardium and an insufficient increase in the coronary blood flow and oxygenation (Health Service 14).

Also smoking has become a social problem. More and more nonsmokers are becoming concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke. I have experienced the negative side effects of secondhand smoking. Both my father and brother are smokers. When I lived with them, I suffered from frequent asthma attacks because of smoke that filled the house. Research shows that secondhand smoke may be even more dangerous than the smoke that smokers breathe. As a result, smoking is now prohibited in many workplaces and public buildings (Balch ,500).

Although there are programs to help smokers quit the bad habit, they still suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include feelings of irritability, frustration, anger, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Other smokers refuse to give up smoking because they fear they will crave for more food as a substitute for their cigarettes, and therefore, gain weight.

Currently there are many different medications to help smokers end the bad habit For example, drug stores sell over-the-counter items such as nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Nicotine inhalers and nicotine nasal sprays are also available, and can be prescribed by doctors. They are all temporary aids that help smokers go through the difficult withdrawal symptoms. Also, the American Lung Association clinic has helped thousands of people quit smoking successfully. The program has many experienced counselors and support groups to give encouragement for smokers who want to quit (Fisher, 72).

Smoking has proven to be very damaging to one s health. In order to restore their health and reduce the chances of heart and lung diseases, smokers must give up the nicotine addiction. Many improvements will appear immediately when people give up tobacco: they will gain a better sense of taste and smell, and their breathing will improve (Fisher, 153). Thus, they will be able live longer and healthier lives.