6 -Chapter_15_Toward_a_Tobacco_Free_Self_and_Society

Overview of Tobacco Use and Control

  • Course Title: HSS 1101 - Determinants of Health

  • Institution: University of Ottawa

  • Focus of Chapter: Toward a Tobacco-Free Self and Society

Epidemiology of Tobacco Use

  • Youth Consumption:

    • 800 million cigarettes consumed annually by minors in Canada despite bans.

    • Sources include family, friends, supermarkets, and social settings.

  • Drug Abuse Correlation:

    • Tobacco usage is prevalent among individuals with drug abuse problems.

    • Particularly notable in those with mental health disorders (4x prevalence).

    • 70% of individuals with alcohol use disorders and 97% of heroin users smoke.

Nicotine Addiction

  • Addictive Nature:

    • Nicotine is highly addictive, comparable to cocaine and heroin.

    • Causes release of brain chemicals (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine).

    • Users often experience loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Initiation of Tobacco Use

  • Age of Onset:

    • Many students begin experimenting with smoking by grade 6; 80% began before turning 18.

  • Factors Influencing Initiation:

    • Parental or sibling tobacco use, peers who smoke.

    • Family background (blue-collar, low-income, single parent).

    • Poor academic performance and school dropout rates.

    • Positive attitudes towards smoking.

Rationalization and Media Influence

  • Cognitive Dissonance:

    • Youth rationalize smoking by believing they are intelligent enough to avoid addiction or can quit at will.

  • Media Representation:

    • Smokers often depicted positively (successful, attractive) in films, despite reality of lower socio-economic status and education levels.

Immediate Effects of Smoking

  • Nicotine Poisoning Symptoms:

    • Beginners may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

  • Physiological Effects:

    • Nicotine stimulates the cerebral cortex, leading to adrenaline release, creating an immediate stimulating effect.

  • Toxic Components:

    • Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens and high levels of carbon monoxide and tar, which accumulate in the lungs.

Long-Term Health Consequences

  • Chronic Diseases:

    • Major risks include cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    • Other effects: ulcers, reproductive health issues, dental problems, diminished senses, and reduced quality of life.

Tobacco Legislative Environment

  • Bans in Canada:

    • Various provinces have implemented smoking bans in public spaces since 2002, with specific timelines and locations.

  • Table of Taxes on Cigarettes:

    • Discussion of provincial, federal, and harmonized sales taxes across jurisdictions.

Social and Environmental Impact

  • Secondhand Smoke:

    • Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) poses risks to non-smokers, particularly infants and children, increasing respiratory issues and long-term risks of lung cancer and COPD.

  • Effects of Maternal Smoking:

    • Significant risks include premature delivery, lower birth weight, and developmental challenges for infants.

Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

  • Immediate and Long-Term Benefits:

    • Dropping heart rate and blood pressure shortly after quitting.

    • Long-term benefits include reduced risks of heart disease, cancer, and improved lung function over time.

Resources and Strategies for Quitting

  • Support for Smokers:

    • Health Canada offers various resources, including a help-line and support groups.

    • Importance of nicotine replacement therapy and personalized quitting plans.

  • Dealing with High-Risk Situations:

    • Strategies for avoiding triggers include dental hygiene immediately after meals, maintaining distance from smoking friends, and using relaxation techniques during stress.