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: 8/25/2007 Subject: started smoking
Question i actually am not a smoker. But lately I have been smoking about one cigarette a day. When I go out and drink i begin to smoke about 6 to 7 cigarettes in a 3 hour period. I think that it might become a problem because I seem to have cravings for cigarettes and I am beginning to like smoking cigarettes and I never liked smoking before. I do not want to become one a day pack smoker and I want to know how to completley stop smoking. Do you think that it is a problem or it couild lead to more serious smoking and become an addiction?
Answer Dear Mike,
If you are smoking several cigarettes at a time on a regular basis and have cravings I am afraid that you are a smoker and are showing the early signs of nicotine addiction. You should quit now before you become fully addicted. It will only get harder.
There are of course many methods to quit.
You can try cold turkey. 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.
There are a number of new drug therapies that are highly effective. Talk to your doctor about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban.
Nicotine replacement therapy is another option. But I would not recommend that as you have not been using that much and this might make you more addicted.
Can you stay out of situations where you might smoke, at least for a month or two? Are there non-smoking bars where you live?
