Edgar L Anderson, BSN, MSHSA, Ph.D.
Director of Tobacco Cessation & Research for the Vince Carter Sanctuary
The Vince Carter Sanctuary has implemented a multi-disciplined tobacco cessation program as part of the standard treatment for illicit drug and alcohol recovery. Nicotine is one of more than 4,000 components found in tobacco smoke. It is the component in tobacco that affects nerve transmission of dopamine in the brain to bring about pleasurable and rewarding events to its users. Nicotine is recognized as the most frequently used addictive drug in the United States.
In 2010 the American Lung Association (ALA) assigned a grade of “F” to Florida when compared to other states who addressed support of tobacco cessation services. In our state the annual cost of smoking was nearly 13 million dollars. The rate of use for adults was 18% which equaled the combined use by high school and middle school students. Therefore, 29,000 cancer deaths last year can be attributed to Florida’s smoking population (36%).
It is well advertised that smoking risks like hypertension, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary emboli and peripheral vasoconstriction (Burger’s Disease) are a result of tobacco smoke inhalation. Recently, genetic investigators reported harmful substances in tobacco smoke (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) cause lung cancer by altering DNA.
One might imagine it might take some time for this to occur. No such luck. Scientist proved in human subjects that high levels of this mutation causing drug occur within 15 minutes after smoking. Researchers were astounded because this was faster than intravenous injection of altering DNA substance (Hect, S. Chemical Research in Toxicology 2010).
The US Surgeon General recently stated that “smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and reducing the health of smokers in general.” It is the #1 preventable cause of death in the United States and for this reason alone every smoker should seriously consider entering a tobacco cessation program.
Individuals exposed to “second-hand” smoke encounter the same risk factors as smokers. Second-hand tobacco smoke can exacerbate asthma symptoms in adults and children and severely damage the fetus during pregnancy.
Unfortunately many smokers do not appreciate that cigarette production and its use is a highly efficient engineered drug delivery system. For instance, routine administration by inhalation is the fastest route for the drugs effect. Inhalation of nicotine enters the lungs and is quickly absorbed into arterial circulation and to the brain within 6-12 seconds. A pack a day smoker (30 cigarettes) can receive 300 “hits” of nicotine in one day. No wonder nicotine addiction is so pronounced and difficult to manage.”
We are aware that quitting tobacco presents a challenge greater than most addicting drugs. Also, we understand that co-occurring mental disorders and emotional issues like depression and anxiety often accompany tobacco smoking.
It has been estimated that the average smoker spends $250-$300 a month or $2,000 to $3,000 a year. So save the money.
We will listen, hear and work with your need to quit smoking using motivational enhancement interviewing techniques to construct personal tobacco cessation strategies.
Virtual reality plays an important role by providing an opportunity for residents to be emerged in a scenario to illicit tobacco smoking cravings and urges. Testing the ability of the participant to call upon self-hypnosis “stop signals” and biofeedback stress-controlling abilities will enable the smoker to quit sooner and remain sober longer.
One of our major goals is to work with residents and our Physicians and ARNPs to reach a state of abstinence and prolonged sobriety. We will always be available to offer advice and support.
Residents who have reduced their number of smoked cigarettes will receive continued support and enhancement to quit. It is often said that the “road to sobriety is a journey and not an event.”
Get on board our train and switch from the addiction track to the better living track.