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Smoking and Suicide

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Brad Lamm, CIPcig-buttpexels-photo-247040 | Smoking cigarettes is often referred to as slow suicide. With the damage and health detriments that come with inhaling repeatedly, it can take years off a life. A new study shows that there is a correlation between smoking and suicide. Smoking cigarettes isn’t just a form of suicide, it can amplify a person’s desire to commit suicide.

CBS News recently reported on a newly published paper in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco that claims “smokers have a 2 to 4 times higher risk for suicide than non-smokers.” Shocking. That’s not all. The study goes on to say “that people who smoke are more likely to have psychiatric disorders or abuse other substances such as drugs or alcohol.” While marijuana is often referred to as the gateway drug, this research makes a strong case for tobacco to claim that title.

The leading author of the paper, Richard Gruzca, PHD, claims “Nicotine is a plausible candidate for explaining the link between smoking and suicide risk.” He believes that people first use nicotine to feel good like any other drug, only then the drug stops working in the same way and the user needs more of it just to feel normal. The link between the two is still being studied. Posing the question is a starting point to understand how the things we put in our bodies affect our bodies, and our lives, and the lives of our loved ones.

As a recovering addict 11 years removed from alcohol and crystal meth dependence I know first hand the feeling of needing a drug just to feel normal. I also know how crippling and powerful tobacco can be; I am many years clean from cigarettes. As someone who’s experienced the blessing of overcoming addiction, I now devote my life and career to helping others who struggle with that same burden.

If you or someone you love is suffering from this disease, call our Breathe Life Healing Center’s helpline today, and get the guidance and answers you are looking for.

It is easy to see how ingesting harmful things can make us feel negative and depressed. It may not drive everyone to suicide but that doesn’t mean people aren’t suffering. Understand that exercise, eating clean, and making healthy choices makes us feel good. When we seek help, hope is right around the corner. Put down the tobacco, be smart, be safe, and be healthy.

 

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