Tobacco
The effects, the risks, the law.
Slang:
Baccie, rollies, smokes, ciggies, tabs, fags, straights, snouts.
Background:
Cigarettes, roll-ups and cigars contain tobacco. It's basically leaf from the tobacco plant that has been dried, processed and shredded. When smoked, tobacco releases a substance called nicotine. This is a fast-acting stimulant and habit-forming drug, which is why smoking quickly becomes addictive and can be hard to quit.
The effects:
- When smoke is inhaled, the nicotine effects reach the brain in seconds;
Regular users claim it helps them to relax, combat stress and feel comfortable in social situations; - Despite the calming effects, nicotine actually stimulates the nervous system - raising the heart rate and blood pressure;
- Lighting up for the first time can be an unpleasant experience. Users often feel dizzy or sick - an effect that fades if the smoker continues to light up on a regular basis.
The risks:
- A smoking habit can be difficult to stop. It's an addiction with a big impact on your cash flow and your health;
- Smokers are at an increased risk from all kinds of condition, illness and disease - from coughs to cancer, heart and lung disease;
- Breathing in other people's smoke can also cause health problems;
- Limb amputation and premature death are often linked to long-term smoking habits.
The law:
- You must be 18 or over for a shop to sell you tobacco;
- It is illegal to puff away in public places that have been designated smoking-free, such as some town squares, restaurants and some bars/clubs;
- Many colleges, universities and workplaces are smoke-free zones (with designated smoking areas);
- Internationally, many places are introducing public smoking bans, including the UK.
Smoking and you:
- Nobody can force you to steer clear of smoking. It's down to you to be aware of the facts, and that includes the risks involved;
- Even if you do start smoking, it's never too late to stop. Quitting takes courage and willpower, but your body (and wallet) will thank you for it.
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