Effects of Cigarette Smoking AudioHealth Library Topic 1841 Effects of Cigarette Smoking Smoking is a major killer in this country. It contributes to the premature deaths of up to 2 million americans each year, and chronic diseases in millions more.
Tobacco is both toxic and addictive.
The nicotine in tobacco is five to ten times more addictive than cocaine and a thousand times more powerful than alcohol in altering mood and behavior. It is classified as a euphoriant drug, because of its ability to alleviate anxiety and boredom. In addition to nicotine, tobacco contains other equally harmful substances, such as tar. The tar in cigarettes destroys the sacs in the lungs where air exchange takes place, and causes a build up of mucus. The carbon monoxide created when the tobacco is burned is just as harmful.