Simply put, smoking is tremendously hazardous to your health. Besides the effects of secondhand smoke on passerby, smokers themselves are inhaling hordes of chemicals (including the addictive substance called nicotine) and carcinogens that can induce a variety of chronic illnesses, cancers, and strokes. Obviously, the only way you can prevent these problems is to quit smoking altogether, but that activity isn’t so easy. People struggle to break away from cigarettes, especially those who are addicted to nicotine, but it is possible to win. According to statistics, Americans seem to be winning the battle, as smoking as started to decline in the United States (20.9% in 2005 to 15.5% in 2015). Today, let’s take a closer look at some reasons why quitting smoking can save your life.
Healing Is Definitely Possible
In a recent study, researchers analyzed data collected by the Framingham Heart Study and focused on a collective of 8,700 people who used to smoke. Over the course of 27 years, the scientists assessed the former smokers and recorded 2,386 incidences involving cardiovascular problems. Keep in mind, though, how a wide variety of factors can also determine an individual’s cardiovascular health, including: age, sex, birth decade (ex: 80s or 90s), diabetes, hypertension, alcohol use, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).
Give It Time…Literally
Overall, the analysis confirmed that 70% of cardiovascular incidences took place among individuals who have smoked 20 cigarettes per day (or a similar quantity) for about 20 years. Remarkably, in contrast with the individuals who still smoke, the recovering smokers had reduced their overall risk for heart disease by a staggering 30% in a window of 5 years. However, these patients had to wait 16 years before their systems returned to a normal state (to that of a non-smoker). So, what does this critical piece of research teach us and how can it motivate you to quit smoking?
Simply put, the sooner you drop the cigarettes, the sooner you can get healthier and stay healthy.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Abuse and Nicotine Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
