What is it? Tobacco is a leafy plant containing the poisonous chemical nicotine. Nicotine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, and is physically and psychologically addictive. Street Names: Cigarettes,  dip, chew, smoke, cigars, pipes, snuff, drags How is it taken? Smoked (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) Chewed (chew, dip, snuff [smokeless tobacco products]) Short Term Effects:

• Feeling of calm followed by sudden depression and fatigue
• Craving for more nicotine

Long Term Effects:

• Loss of taste and smell
• Chronic respiratory problems (colds, bronchitis)
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Emphysema
• Stroke
• Cancer (lung, mouth , throat, esophagus, and other internal organs)
• Wrinkling (numerous and premature)

Tolerance: Tolerance to nicotine and tobacco develops very rapidly, in fact, it is more addictive than cocaine, heroin, or any other drug. Nicotine produces pleasurable feelings all over the body, which make the smoker want more and more of the drug. It is at this point that tolerance is developed, where an increased amount of nicotine is required to produce the sensation of pleasure. Withdrawal: Withdrawal from tobacco/nicotine is very difficult, and one might experience the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Appetite change
• Change in heart rate
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Cravings for tobacco
• Depression/moodiness
• Change in body temperature

The American Cancer Society's definition of smoking tobacco products: Smoking tobacco is drawing smoke, fire, and toxic substances into your lungs, for the purpose of giving the body a dose of nicotine, a highly toxic and addictive drug. How are smokeless tobacco products dangerous? Smokeless tobacco products are dangerous in the same way that smoked tobacco products are, they give your body a dose of nicotine.  Chewing tobacco and snuff involve placing finely processed tobacco in the mouth near the gums for absorption. While chewed, the  nicotine mixes with the saliva, and this 'juice' is absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption of Nicotine into the Bloodstream Nicotine, the chemical found in tobacco, is absorbed into the bloodstream through various means. The nicotine of smoked tobacco products enters the bloodstream in the lungs, and within a span of thirty seconds, reaches the brain. Though slower than smoked, smokeless tobacco products also reach the brain. They enter the bloodstream through the capillaries in the gums, and reach the brain within five minutes. Kicking the addiction in the butt: Did you know that about 90% of smokers wish they could quit smoking? If you're one of the 90%, here are a few steps that can help you kick the addiction in the butt: (American Cancer Society) DECIDING TO QUIT 1. Decide what your reasons are for quitting. 2. Choose the date. 3. Say it like you mean it. Repeat your reasons for quitting ten times each night before going to better. PREPARING TO QUIT 1. Choose a smoking cessation method. Discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist. 2. Sign on the dotted line. Put your intention to quit in writing and sign it. 3. Don't go it alone. Reach out to family members and try to recruit other smokers you know to join you in quitting. 4. Remove triggers. Get rid of cigarettes, smoking paraphernalia and that stale, smoky smell from your home, car, office, and clothes. 5. Plan alternative activities. Avoid placers were smokers congregate in favor of places where smoking isn't allowed. Find a hobby that keeps your mind occupied and your hands busy. Second-hand Smoke: A second-hand smoker (or a passive smoker) is someone who breathes the smoke (either exhaled or from the tobacco product itself). The smoke contains numerous toxins including carbon monoxide, ammonia, , tar, formaldehyde, aldehydes, and hydrogen cyanide. All smoked tobacco products also contain carcinogens, which are agents known to directly cause cancer, and some of the carcinogens found in tobacco products are benzene, arsenic, chromium, ethylene oxide, cadmium, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Second-hand smoke also affects the unborn baby, it does not matter whether the mother is a first or second-hand smoker. Second-hand smoke often results in low birth weight, increased risk of respiratory diseases (such as asthma or allergies), smaller lung capacity, and an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), miscarriage, or other complications during labor and delivery. READ THIS! Massachusetts Department of Public Health Nicotine Yield Ratings: (Nicotine Yield Rating = the amount of nicotine inhaled by smoking) High Nicotine Yield Ratings: (>1.2 mg per cigarette) Doral  (Full Flavor and Menthol) GPC  (Full Flavor, Lights) Marlboro (King Size, Lights, Medium, and Menthol) Newport (Full, Menthol, Slim) Winston (100's, 85's, Lights, Ultra, Select) Moderate Nicotine Yield Ratings: (>.2-1.2 mg per cigarette) Doral  (Lights) GPC  (Ultra Lights, Light Kings) Winston (Ultra 85's) Low Nicotine Yield Ratings: (>.01-.2 mg per cigarette) NONE Nicotine Free: (<.01 mg per cigarette) NONE Did you know...? The two brands smoked by over 85% of youth smokers deliver high nicotine yield, even though they are labeled as 'regular', 'light', and 'ultra-light' cigarettes?

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Sources: 1.  American Cancer Society.  "1997 Nicotine Disclosure Report". 2.  Drug Free Resource Net. "Tobacco" 3.  http://www.drugfreeamerica.org 4.  "Tips for Teens About Smoking".  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration