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: 6/20/2008 Subject: chewing tobacco
Question Hi, I recently found out that my boyfriend does chewing tobacco. He had been hiding it from me for months and I recently had enough and did some of my own investigating to find out the truth. He used to smoke cigarettes in high school and now only limits those to when hes out drinking on occasion. He's a police officer and he says that he uses chewing tobacco less than once a week to keep himself awake during the overnight shifts. I have 2 questions- Is he b.s.ing me about it "giving him energy"? And if he continues with this low usage will it have the negative affects found in users who do it more frequently? Because hes convinced that he's invincible. Any suggestions for convincing him to quit (the whole "you're going to lose half your jaw" tactic isn't working for some reason). Thanks so much for your time.
Answer Dear Ashley,
Tobacco, actually the nicotine in tobacco, is a mild stimulant. You could get him some nicotine gum or lozenges. If he is really only using a few times a week he should be able to make the switch.
There is no safe level of use of tobacco and any chewer is at risk for all forms of oral cancer, and maybe others:
Nicotine causes addiction, and addicts lie about their addiction. So as much as you can be supportive, the best. If he wants to quit and can't cold turkey or with gum, let me know and I can point to other resources, or you can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Good luck, and let me know how it goes,
Mike
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
