Ellen Campbell -Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAY CIGARETTE SMOKERS are four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that results in severe irreversible loss of vision. Three large studies in Great Britain and one in Australia confirm the link between AMD and blindness. Experts in Australia conclude that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in that country and that smoking is the major cause of this condition.
While many persons attending eye clinics are aware of the many adverse effects linked to the tobacco use, they remain largely unaware of its link to blindness. Cigarettes are made from tobacco and contain nicotine, tars, ammonia, carbon monoxide and several other toxic ingredients. Nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in Jamaica.
The 2001 National Household Survey found that 22 per cent of the population, 12 to 55 years old, have used cigarettes during their lifetime and about one-half of them are current users. Males are four times as likely to smoke tobacco as females. Children are experimenting with cigarettes at very young ages. Despite efforts to convince people about the serious, long-term consequences and disabilities such as blindness, associated with cigarette smoking, tobacco continues to be abused.
We know that persons who have stopped smoking are able to breathe better, taste, smell and enjoy their meals better. They have reduced risk of lung cancer, heart attack, impotence, stroke and chronic lung diseases. Pregnant women who smoke are at greater risk of
having babies with lower birth weights. These facts are often pitted against advertisements that imply that tobacco is a rite of passage into adulthood and that successful, independent and attractive people smoke tobacco.
Promotions tout the tobacco 'kick' as a safe and healthy way to relax during stressful situations. It does not matter whether the tobacco smoke is from cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Nicotine is also absorbed readily when tobacco is chewed. With regular use of tobacco, levels of nicotine accumulate in the body during the day and persist overnight. Thus, daily smokers or chewers are exposed to the effects of nicotine for 24 hours each day. When nicotine levels fall, the smoker seeks another high to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. We know that persons in withdrawal can be cranky, hostile and aggressive.
If you are smoking, it is important that you set a date to quit. Research continues to confirm the various ways in which nicotine exerts control over key areas of your body's function including the brain pathways that determine feelings of reward and pleasure. There are dramatic changes in the brain's pleasure circuits during withdrawal from chronic nicotine use. These changes are comparable in size and duration to those observed during the withdrawal from substances such as cocaine, heroin, amphe-tamines and alcohol.
Quitting cigarette use is not easy. Success rates vary according to individuals, the method used and their support system. Whatever mix of treatment you use, you will need the support of your physician and a counsellor. Remember, if you have children, be a good role model for them. Do not sell or send them to buy cigarettes. Do not urge young boys to taste cigarette butts to prove that they are macho. Remember, nicotine is a gateway drug. Many patients in treatment for cocaine addiction in Jamaica identity the first cigarette 'draw' as the first step into the dark night of addiction.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, information and research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
