Many who wish to quit smoking feel they are unable to due to the length of time the habit has been with them. However, many techniques to improve the chances of quitting are available, often focusing on this particular group. A primary reason for this is that the longer smoking goes on, the greater an impact it will have on the body. Unlike some other drugs, recreational or medicinal, the human body does not usually ‘get used’ or ‘become immune’ to smoking. Each cigarette puffed adds to the changes taking place within.

Long Term effects on the Circulatory System include:

• A very large increase in the chances of heart disease. Studies show that even those under 40 are 5 times more likely to have a heart attack if they are a smoker.

• One reason for this increase in heart disease is that if the deposits of fat and cholesterol cigarettes make on the blood vessels goes unchecked, these vessels become hardened and thin, particularly in the heart and the brain, which leads to the always negative consequence of lowering the blood flow to these vital areas.

• This decrease in blood flow leads to a greater chance of peripheral vascular disease.

Long Term effects on the Respiratory System are particularly notable with smoking, and include:

• A large increase in the chances of developing lung cancer, which has a 40-60% survival rate if caught at the first stage, depending on the cancer type.

• A large increase in the chances of developing emphysema.

• A large increase in the chances of developing chronic bronchitis.

• A smoker may find themselves more and more often short of breath.

• There is an increase in the incidences of coughs and respiratory infections in a smoker.

• There is also an increase in the chances of developing cancer of the larynx.

Long Term effects on the Digestive System include:

• A higher chance of getting stomach ulsers.

• Bad breath continuing indefinitely.

• Increases in the chances of cancer of the mouth, oesophagus and pancreas.

Long Term Cosmetic effects include:

• Stained teeth.

• Stained fingers and nails.

• Wrinkling of the skin, so it appears aged prematurely.

• Unhealthy in appearance, sallow complexion.

Long Term effects on the Reproductive System include:

• A decrease in fertility.

• A decrease in the likely birth weight of a baby born to a smoker.

• An increase in the chances of miscarriages, complications at birth and complications in the baby’s development in the womb.

• A large increase in the chances of developing cervical cancer.