Risks of Tobacco Use
Tobacco is both highly addictive and a huge threat to your health. Learn the inherent risks of using tobacco.
Addiction
Nicotine — a strong poison in tobacco — is the most addictive of all drugs. Nicotine stimulates the same areas of the brain as cocaine and amphetamines, and tolerance to nicotine develops faster than to cocaine or heroin.
The body’s brain chemistry adapts to the toxins in tobacco a few hours after smoking — which quickly makes smoking necessary in order for you to feel “normal.”
Health Risks
- Cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus and more.
- Frequent colds.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema.
- Stroke.
- Heart disease.
Other Negatives
- Stained teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Clothes, hair, hands, room and car that reek of smoke.
- Premature face wrinkles.
- Diminished sense of taste and smell.
- Drains your wallet.
- Chewing tobacco leaves gross stuff between your teeth.
Secondhand Smoke
By smoking, you hurt others, too. Tobacco smoke is a serious threat to nonsmokers’ health. Smoke in the air from cigarettes contains toxic chemicals including tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, arsenic and cyanide.
Nonsmokers who breathe secondhand smoke absorb these substances and are at risk for the same serious health consequences as smokers.
Last Reviewed: November 2018