What are the risks?
Addiction
Nicotine in tobacco, a strong poison, is the most addictive of all drugs. It stimulates the same areas of the brain as cocaine and amphetamines, and tolerance to nicotine develops faster than to cocaine or heroin.
Neurochemically, the body adapts to the toxins in tobacco a few hours after smoking. Soon smoking becomes necessary to feel "normal."
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Health Risks
- Cancer -- Cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, esophagus and more.
- Frequent colds.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema.
- Stroke.
- Heart disease.
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Other Negatives Your Date Won't Like
- Stained teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Clothes, hair, hands, room and car reek of smoke.
- Premature face wrinkles.
- Diminished sense of taste and smell.
- Smoking drains your wallet ($2.25 or more a pack).
- Chewing tobacco leaves gross stuff between your teeth -- no kissing for you.
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Secondhand Smoke
By smoking you hurt others. Tobacco smoke is a serious threat to the health of nonsmokers. Smoke in the air from others' cigarettes contains toxic chemicals including tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, arsenic and cyanide. Nonsmokers who breathe it absorb these substances and are at risk for the same serious health consequences as smokers.
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