Cigarettes and cigars are a multi-million dollar industry around the world. Cigarette smokers around the world cannot pass a single day without puffing on these tobacco products. Many smokers dont realize that they have become addicted to a very dangerous substance until it is too late. All cigarettes contain nicotine, an organic compound found in the tobacco plant. In small doses, nicotine has a stimulating effect, increasing activity, alertness and memory. However, in large doses, such as smoking, nicotine can have a harmful effect.

Nicotine addiction is a hard habit to fight. The chemical, coupled along with carbon monoxide has a detrimental effect on ones health. Constant smoking coats the inner lining of the lungs with a layer of tar. This case further complicates itself and leads to breathing disorders, reduction in blood flow, lack of oxygen supply to the body and in severe cases, lung cancer. Whether one admits it or not, smoking kills, slowly but surely.

Apart from these well-known ailments, smokers suffer from several other diseases. They tend to suffer from constant exhaustion, as the body does not get enough oxygen. The skin becomes wrinkled and the lips and teeth get stained from the smoke. Moreover, men may suffer from infertility and expectant mothers who smoke may run the risk of delivering premature or stillborn babies. Even casual smokers suffer from several ailments such as asthma and bronchitis.

It may be difficult to stop smoking, but it is not impossible. Once a person sets his mind to it, there are various aids to help him in the process. Rehabilitation centers offer several therapies, programs and lectures on how to quit smoking. In fact, a person can quit even without visiting such centers if one has a firm resolve.

Those who decide to quit should receive full support from their family and friends. The path to recovery is a difficult one but can be overcome if the right environment is created.