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.