Wanna Drag?

Tobacco and Cigarettes 

Does smoking a cigarette still have that cool, sultry look to it? Today, there are a lot of mixed feelings about smoking and cigarettes. In America, a lot of businesses and restaurants (public places) have banned smoking but there are still tons of Americas who smoke (especially in college towns and campuses). So, what should you think? Here are simple pros and cons. 


((There are many different kinds of cigarettes, depending on brand and such. Pictured on the left are Marlboro Menthol Lights, an Alpha preference))

PROS

Tobacco Leaves

1. Makes You More Alert

Cigarette and tobacco contain nicotine (I know everyone knows that). Well, each cigarette contains around 10 mg of nicotine, but only 1 to 2 mg is actually inhaled and absorbed by the body and then delivered to the brain. Nicotine then locks into the brain fairly quickly, causing your body to start pumping more blood and producing more glucose. That glucose, or sugar, is then rapidly released throughout the body, making the smoker feel more alert and focused. There you go.

2. It Curbs Appetite

Nicotine also triggers the release of dopamine in your brain. stimulating your pleasure neuron receptors. In effect, the brain believes that smoking is highly pleasurable, and this then offsets other comfort-seeking activities, the most popular one? Eating. This oral fixation is also a replacement for eating and constant snacking, which is why smokers tend to be thinner. Ever see models or celebrities smoking? Get it? 

3. It Speeds Metabolism

Nicotine also speeds up your body's metabolism, aiding you in burning more calories quicker. This is why habitual smokers are able to maintain a slim figure. Back to the whole model and celebrity thing. 

4.Social Bonding

Smoking has been a part of the social scene - remember its what the cool kids and bad asses do. Smokers usually tend to smoke together, thus the social aspect to this vice. A lot of people tend to bond over cigarettes. It's also a good ice breaker when wanting to meet someone, "Do you have a light?"

5.Relaxes and Calms You

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, swishers, hookah (almost anything you smoke) will often times get you lightheaded or buzzed when smoked correctly. The light headed qualities happens for numerous reasons. Firstly, the chemicals you inhale into your body. The reaction of the chemicals affect the brain and neurological system which creates the light headed-ness. The second reason, you're breathing in smoke and not real oxygen. Your brain functions better when it receives oxygen, but since it isn't really getting that it the result is the light headed-ness (or that's what I'm assuming).  Being light headed gives you that "dopey" or "buzzed" feeling  which for the most part is relaxing and soothing. 

CONS

1. It Causes a lot of Health Risks

It's well known that smoking can result to lung cancer (as well as other health risks). Besides nicotine, cigarettes contain tar and carbon monoxide. This chemicals damage your tissues and organs, which can eventually lead to different cancers. Smokers are twice as likely to have heart attacks and strokes (which are the leading killers of women in the US). For women, smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer. Smoking cause 90% of lung diseases, including emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis. Women who smoke also may have more trouble becoming pregnant, start menstruating earlier, have more period problems, and go into menopause earlier. Smoking increase the risk of ulcers, cataracts, and osteoporosis. More and more studies are linking smoking with breast cancer, but further research is needed in this area. 

2.Effects the Cardiovascular System

Like I said, smoking affects you heart. Your blood pressure shoots up, you increase the chances for developing blood clots and the nicotine also causes your blood vessels to constrict. These increase your chances of getting a stroke or heart attack. 

3.Bad Skin

Being constantly exposed to cigarette smoke has harsh effects on you skin. Because nicotine has constrained your blood vessels, nutrients do not get distributed properly. Your skin loses much-needed oxygen and minerals, thus causing premature aging. Nicotine also causes your skin, teeth and fingernails to turn yellow - gross. 

4.Reduces Stamina

Aside from the health risks that come with smoking, you overall stamina is also affected. Your lung capacity is weakened, making exercise difficult if not impossible. Smoker's cough is also a common occurrence (I sure know it too! Thanks to Grandma Alpha), this is also an impediment to any physical activity. 

5.Depression

Studies have shown that teenagers who smoke are more likely to get panic attacks and a fear of going outside (weird, I know). This is because nicotine primarily constricts blood vessels and prevents proper breathing, anxiety attacks and depression are more likely to occur among smokers and tobacco users. 

6.The Fear of Secondhand Smoke

Exposure to secondhand smoke is a health hazard - so not only do you have to worry about yourself, you have to worry about all those around you. Although there is a growing movement to pass laws that eliminate smoking in all public places, many of us are still exposed to secondhand smoke in our homes, our work sites, and in certain restaurants and cafes. Regular exposure to secondhand smoke causes lung and heart disease, including lung cancer. 

**Quitting smoking at any age can slow or reverse the harmful effects of smoking. The earlier one stops, the greater the benefit**

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Alpha doesn't judge. In fact, Alpha is split on the topic at hand. If anything, I think Alpha agrees that you should do what feels the most comfortable to you and perhaps always keep yourself open to new things (we're not saying you should smoke though - I mean if you want to, you should do what you want). You should just be aware of the consequences and always know a way out. A couple of Alphas do smoke cigarettes, however, neither are addicted. We socially or occasionally smoke, all of course depending on the evening and mood. Live you life, do what you want to do. Don't let people pressure you to do things either!! Be strong and smart - common sense can get you a long way.

Love,
ALPHA