Obviously, if our skin was transparent, we would probably take better care of all those delicate, high-functioning organs like our brains, livers, and internal reproductive organs, but imagine how effective this feature could be for people who are taking drugs. Consider the looks of horror on the faces of smokers when they realize their lungs are turning black before their eyes, or the terror of watching that tar dripping down your throat. Unfortunately, our insides are hidden behind our thick layers of skin, meaning we have to use our brains to make logical decisions about a landscape we can’t even see (not without the help of a doctor). For today, let’s take a closer look at how smoking cigarettes damages the alveoli, small growths in your lungs that help you take your breaths of life.
The Quantity of Alveoli
Depending on the overall size of the lungs, humans can have a minimum of 274 million alveoli to a staggering 790 million on the high end. On average, though, most people tend to have an average of 480 million of these tiny, cilia-like growths. Each might be 200 microns in diameter, but these little guys are responsible for making sure you breathe clean, pure air. Thanks to a little bit of elastin, these tiny organs can snap back after a hard day of filtering particles.
Cigarettes Are a No-No
Due to prolonged smoking, the toxins that have been inhaled over the course of several weeks, months, or years will begin to coat the alveoli. Ultimately, these little air sacs will weigh down and begin to lose elastin, resulting in a lack of efficiency. As a result, both oxygen and carbon monoxide can get stuck in the lungs, resulting in debilitating breathing problems like emphysema, a variety of COPD. If you stop smoking early enough, though, you can quickly reverse these effects and heal your alveoli.
If anything, this problem should be enough to convince you to stop smoking.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.