Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Tobacco & Anxiety Neurosis

Feelings of anxiety can result from nicotine withdrawal.


Tobacco use is often linked to adverse health effects and shortened life spans, though its effects on a person's psychological state may also warrant concern. The addictive nature of tobacco use makes for considerable physical discomfort when the body goes without for long periods of time. Anxiety neurosis is one of the many withdrawal symptoms experienced.


Identification


As of 2008, 20.6 percent of American adults were affected by tobacco addiction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The active ingredient in tobacco is nicotine, which accounts for the tobacco's addictive qualities. According to Health Synergy Essentials, it's effects on the body can vary depending on time of day, the degree of stress a person is under and length of use. In spite of its adverse effects on the body, the body quickly adjusts to its continued use. As a result, those who attempt to stop using it can experience episodes of depression and anxiety.


Function


Tobacco can elicit calming feelings or provide an energy lift depending on a person's physiological state. These effects can contribute to its addictive qualities. At the cellular level, the nicotine contained in tobacco interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), according to Ion Channels. These receptors play a vital role within nerve cell transmissions and help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain and the body. Nicotine's interactions with these key receptor sites can have varying effects on a person's emotional state. As a result, the calming effects of tobacco can reduce feelings of anxiety when frequent doses are had throughout the day.


Effects


According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals affected by psychiatric conditions, such as mood, anxiety and personality disorders, account for 46.3 percent of cigarette consumption within the United States as of 2004. These numbers were based on the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. According to National Institutes of Health Director Ting-Kai Li, M.D., results from this survey may point to a link between anxiety-related neurosis and the potential for tobacco addiction.


Potential


It takes about seven seconds for the effects of nicotine to reach the brain once the first drag on a cigarette is taken, according to Health Synergy Essentials. Individuals who feel stressed, anxious or tired can experience a near immediate relief, which is what makes tobacco so addictive. Over time the smell, taste, feel and habits associated with smoking all combine to form a dependency that can help alleviate even everyday feelings of anxiety and pressure. Individuals affected by anxiety neurosis may become even more susceptible to the physical effects of nicotine on the body and mind.


Prevention/Solution


Stress and anxiety often appear as physical states within the body. According to Health Synergy Essentials, boredom, restlessness, depression and lack of sleep can all contribute to the body's condition. When left unattended, tobacco addiction can continue indefinitely as the body becomes reliant on the physical relief it provides. Physical activities like walking or regular exercise can help relieve overall tension in the body, and reduce physical cravings for tobacco. Individuals affected by depression can also experience improved energy levels from an increase in exercise, which helps decrease feelings of boredom and promotes restful sleep.









Related posts



    Tobacco addiction is perhaps one of the most underrated addictions. It introduces nicotine and other carcinogens into the body without the person realizing. Over a period of time, as the person co...
    Tobacco addiction is deadly.The use of tobacco is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States every year. Cigarette smoking is very habit-forming, in large part because ci...
    Nicotine in tobacco stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.For smokers, part of the pleasure obtained from cigarette-smoking comes from the physical effects of nicotine....
    Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco.Tobacco comes from the plant called Nicotinia tabacum and nicotine, which is in tobacco and is highly addictive. In fact, it's the nicotine that is found...
    A common misconception is that users of smokeless tobacco products have a lesser risk of cancer than smokers. For this reason, many smokers trade cigarettes for chewing tobacco as a "healthie...