Tobacco

Dried leaves of the plant that grow in many parts of the world.

Tobacco smoking involves the inhalation of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other gases. Nicotine is a stimulant drug, which increases pulse rate and blood pressure. Regular smokers often say it helps them to concentrate, relax, combat boredom and reduce anxiety. Some also find it suppresses appetite. Effects start very quickly and can continue for up to 30 minutes from one cigarette.

Tobacco is physically addictive. Feelings of restlessness, irritable and depressed if regular smokers do not have a cigarette for some time. Coughs, chest and breathing problems, and bad breath are very common amongst smokers. Regular long-term users have much greater risk of developing lung and some other cancers, heart disease, circulatory problems, bronchitis and ulcers. Women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy tend to give birth to babies of smaller birth weight. Smoking whilst taking oral contraceptives ('the pill') increases the risk of heart and circulatory problems.
Passive smoking – breathing in other people’s smoke can be damaging to health. Babies and young children may be especially susceptible to asthma and chest problems.

Tolerance develops quickly to the effects of nicotine so more is needed to get an effect. Most people who smoke become dependent and feel restless and anxious if they try to stop.