Tobacco

Tobacco use is the leading cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. All forms of tobacco including cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco contain the addictive drug Nicotine. Nicotine is the most heavily used addictive drug in the U.S. It acts as both a stimulant and a sedative to the central nervous system. The ingestion of Nicotine results in almost an immediate “kick” because it causes a discharge of epinephrine which stimulates the central nervous system. Stimulation is then followed by depression and fatigue leading the user to seek more nicotine.

Street Names:

Butts, Cancer Sticks, Chew, Coffin Nails, Dip

Short Term Effects:

• Putrid Hair
• Yellow/brown finger nails and teeth
• Acidic taste in mouth that may lead to ulcers
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Higher likelihood of becoming ill
• Potential fertility problems

Long Term Effects:

• Dry skin, premature wrinkles
• Lung disease such as Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema
• Heart disease including Stroke, heart attack, vascular disease, and aneurysm
• Cancers including lung, mouth, throat, bladder, and kidneys
• Death