Unit 4 Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 300 For example, suppose that when you hang out with a certain group of friends, several of them offer you a vaping device. Your response may be “No thanks. I want to keep my lungs healthy for band.” Remember that practice makes perfect. Imagine situations in which someone offers you tobacco, and then practice your responses. Play out each situation in your mind so you are ready to respond firmly. With time, your refusal skills will become stronger. Eventually, you will feel confident when you tell people that you choose to stay tobacco-free. Treating Tobacco Use Because nicotine is addictive, tobacco use can often lead to a substance use disorder. When this occurs, even the threat of serious health conditions often is not enough to make someone stop using tobacco products. More than half of people who have had a heart attack or surgery resulting from lung cancer continue to smoke. Fortunately, it is never too late for someone to stop using tobacco. People who quit successfully experience a number of health benefits (Figure 9.23). Quitting tobacco use is a difficult task to undertake. If you or someone you know is trying to quit tobacco use, the following steps may help: • Attend individual or group counseling. • Talk to a school counselor, doctor, teacher, or other trusted adult. • Call a helpline that provides free counseling to people trying to quit using tobacco. • Research online resources that have information on quitting. Although quitting tobacco can be difficult, nicotine addiction is treatable. Treatment strategies include nicotine replacement, medication, and self- management techniques. Health Benefits from Quitting Tobacco Use Within a Few Days • Lower blood pressure • Slower heart rate • Less coughing Within a Year • Decreased risk of heart attack • Decreased risk of cancer After a Year • Health benefits continue to increase • Decreased risk of developing major health conditions Figure 9.23 The body experiences long-term health benefits when a person quits using tobacco, but it also shows benefits within a few days.