Approximately 33 million express a desire to quit annually and nearly 1.3 million are successful. Over their lifetime, only one quarter of those who want to quit do so successfully. The highest rates of people starting smoking are in teenagers, particularly among girls. In some cultures, such as European and Asian countries, tobacco use is much higher, particularly in males. Health Costs of Tobacco Recent legal and political battles between state governments attempting to recover tobacco related health care costs from the tobacco manufacturers has highlighted the tremendous cost to all Americans of tobacco use by some.
Tobacco is the leading risk factor in heart disease.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, leading prostate and breast cancer. Of the other major causes of death and disability, tobacco use increases the risk of strokes, heart failure, asthma and pulmonary disease, osteoporosis and pneumonia. Efforts by the US Surgeon Generals over the last 25 years have highlighted these risks. Tobacco Addiction Nicotine is a very additive drug that is quickly absorbed through the lungs and mucous membranes of the mouth. Even with the first exposure, users will feel it affects.