AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 1/16/2008 Subject: smoking and control
Question I'm a chronic nicotine smoker that use to be an occasion smoker but now things are out of hand. I can't go 1 hour without lighting up,especially when I have money; but when I'm broke and accept that I can't afford to smoke I go cold turkey until the withdraw symptoms are like a raging bear. At this point I can't sleep, can concentrate, my brain feels funny,and my body feels like its tingling all over. This feeling makes me like withdraw because it makes me feel like I'm normalizing my body. I never use to have nicotine withdraw but lately I feel like I'm an heroin on something. So here's the problem: I don't what to stop smoking but I do want to stop being a junky. How can I go back to being the occasional pack a week smoker. How long do I have to stop before my dopamine levels return to normal and I can smoke without being a junky. At one point I remember I couldn't even smoke in the mourning without dry heaving but now the smoke is breakfast. Whats the science on being master of my domain, is there any technique that can help me perfect the art of the pack a week warrior.
Answer Dear Jared,
I am sorry to hear about your torment. I am afraid that the only way to be the master of your body is to quit. I don't know how to explain the changing response you are having to nicotine. The physical addiction is probably the same, but your response is changing. Like when you have no money and deal with it better
You could see a doctor and try Chantix and Zyban. These 2 drugs together help a lot of people.
I'd suggest you read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful. You should also call 1-800-QUIT-Now and find out about resources in your state. Some states provide free therapy and telephone quitlines, and these are useful.
If you can't quit, perhaps you can ration out the cigarettes by giving them to someone else, or keeping them in your car, and only getting one every hour. Or maybe use nicotine gum or lozenges in between smokes. A low dose patch might also take the edge off and at least allow you to cut back.
What state are you in? If your state allows the sale of low nicotine cigarettes, these have helped some people.
Let me know if this helps, if not I'll try to come up with something else.
Take care,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
