New research on quitting smoking

New research on quitting smoking

With all the discussion about illegal drugs in our community, it is important to remember that smoking continues to be the number one killer of gay men and lesbians. This should really come as no major surprise as it is well documented that smoking is responsible for one in five deaths in the world, or three million per year. Research has also shown that over 50 percent of smokers will die prematurely as a direct result of tobacco-induced illnesses.

One question that often arises is why some people can find it comparatively easy to quit smoking while others find it almost impossible. New research released last week may have the answer. According to a report published in Science, a man who abruptly quit his 40-a-day smoking habit after suffering a stroke has helped neuroscientists pinpoint a coin-sized craving centre in the brain. The man, a long-term smoker, suffered stroke damage to a part of the brain called the insular, and quit, telling researchers his body forgot the urge to smoke. Researchers at the University of Southern California have since identified other patients who quit smoking suddenly after experiencing similar brain damage.

This discovery adds an extra piece to the jigsaw puzzle around the brain and addiction. While there is no suggestion that doctors should start giving people who have addiction issues a lobotomy, this research may give scientists clues for developing drugs to combat addicts’ urges. The scientists trawled a database of patient records to investigate the effects of brain damage on behaviour. Of 69 smokers who had experienced brain injury, 19 had damage to the insular. All had been smoking at least five cigarettes a day for more than two years. Thirteen with insular damage had quit smoking, 12 suddenly, and had no urge to smoke since. Of 50 patients with damage to other parts of the brain, only four had quit, often after considerable effort.

Smoking cigarettes often tends to get lost in the drug debate, particularly in the gay and lesbian community. There are courses available to quit smoking but they are not often tailored to gays and lesbians. Those that are offer skills and support and offer community members as trainers because it is believed that it might make it easier to talk about some of the situations where the temptation to smoke is greatest. Gays and lesbians often meet each other and socialise in environments where smoking is the norm -“ bars and clubs -“ and as a result smoking rates can be higher. The good news is that ACON has developed programs for our community. The Stop Kissing Butts program for gay men has been successful in the past and there is also a course for women that runs based on demand. If you are interested in seeking help make sure you contact ACON for more information.

Remember: if you do not want any negative consequences, do not use the drug and, no matter how many times you have used a substance, never be blas?/p>

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