Bad Habits and Addictions: Smoking and Electronics Dependency

BAD HABITS Markella,eyad,zeina

SMOKING ADDICTION Smoking is a practice in which a substance is combusted and the resulting smoke is typically inhaled to be tasted and absorbed into the bloodstream of a person. Most commonly, the substance used is the dried leaves of the tobacco plant, which have been rolled with a small rectangle of paper into an elongated cylinder called a cigarette. Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug use. Tobacco smoking is the most popular form, being practiced by over one billion people globally, of whom the majority are in the developing countries. Nicotine dependence occurs when you need nicotine and can't stop using it. Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Nicotine produces pleasing effects in your brain, but these effects are temporary. So you reach for another cigarette. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good. When you try to stop, you experience unpleasant mental and physical changes. These are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Regardless of how long you've smoked, stopping can improve your health. It isn't easy but you can break your dependence on nicotine. Many effective treatments are available. Ask your doctor for help.

SYMPTOMS For some people, using any amount of tobacco can quickly lead to nicotine dependence. Signs that you may be addicted include: You can't stop smoking.You've made one or more serious, but unsuccessful, attempts to stop. You have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.Your attempts at stopping have caused physical and mood-related symptoms, such as strong cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, frustration, anger, increased hunger, insomnia, constipation or diarrhea. You keep smoking despite health problems. Even though you've developed health problems with your lungs or your heart, you haven't been able to stop. You give up social activities.You may stop going to smoke-free restaurants or stop socializing with family or friends because you can't smoke in these situations.

HOW TO PREVENT The best way to prevent nicotine dependence is to not use tobacco in the first place. The best way to keep children from smoking is to not smoke yourself. Research has shown that children whose parents do not smoke or who successfully quit smoking are much less likely to take up smoking.

ELECTRONICS ADDICTION What is cell phone "addiction"? For most of us, we like to have our cell phone or other device close to us, but if we forget it or leave it behind, it isn t too big of a deal, other than some mild anxiety. There is debate about whether or not you can have an addiction to a cell phone. But, it seems that there can be an addiction, as many compare devices to mini gambling devices.

What causes an individual to be addicted to social media and/or their phone (is it a compulsion, a fear of missing out, etc.)? There are many things. Behaviorally, this can include the reinforcement of staying connected at all times and being engaged on social media. Also, the reinforcement of likes and activity on one s account. This reinforcement is variable, which is the most reinforcing kind. You never know when you may or may not have your needs met by the phone. We get instant gratification. Data suggests that children and adolescents who spend more time on electronics do have increased rates of anxiety and depression; however, they can be protected against this with more time outside and activities that don t involve screens.

What are the signs someone is "addicted? Signs include loss of control over behavior related to the cell phone, changes in mood related to use, tolerance of the device, and inability to regulate the use of the cell phone/device. This can also result in symptoms of withdrawal when the cell phone isn t there, including anger or irritability, difficulty concentrating, repeated focus on not having the device, restlessness, sleep problems and craving of the device, such that it interferes with ability to complete things like schoolwork, job- related activities, and daily living activities such as showering. How do I break the cycle? Put limits on your use, and make sure you follow them. Make sure to put yourself on a digital diet and reduce the apps you use, remove them from your phone even! Cut back on time you spend on your phone, and put it away at certain times of the day so you aren t tempted to use it. Setting up a very clear schedule for yourself, and your child, can help too.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS ADDICTION It is often difficult for people to recognise that they have become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. They may see it as a temporary situation because they are in physical pain or because they are dealing with a difficult situation such as grief, loss,anxiety or trauma. Asking for help when you first suspect you have a problem is important so that you can get support to make changes. The earlier you reach out the better but it s never too late.

Signs of alcohol or other drug dependence Some signs that you may have an alcohol or other drug problem are: changed eating or sleeping habits caring less about your appearance spending more time with people who drink or use drugs to excess missing appointments, classes or work commitments losing interest in activities that you used to love getting in trouble in school, at work or with the law getting into more arguments with family and friends friends or family asking you if you use alcohol or other drugs relying on drugs or alcohol to have fun or relax having blackouts

Reducing or stopping use of alcohol or other drugs Cutting down on alcohol or other drugs is hard to do because repeated alcohol or drug use makes the body more dependent and changes the brain. Brain scans of people who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs often show changes in the areas of the brain that help you learn and remember and make decisions. The best thing you can do is to talk to someone you trust so you do not have to deal with this challenge alone.

CITATIONS Smoking= https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nicotine- dependence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351584 Electronics Addiction= https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and- diseases/behavior-disorders/addiction-to-electronic-devices Alcohol & Drugs Addiction= https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/alcohol-and-drugs-- dependence-and-addiction Videos= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQl_4kcE5nw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsTwkX1cdCY

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