THE WINNING WAY TO QUIT SMOKING PROTOCOL REVIEW

A big thank you to the fabulous Canadian "Herbal Collective" Magazine for reviewing my latest book: 

"The Winning Way to Quit Smoking"
SEE PAGE 13!

You can also subscribe FREE to this fantastic publication which is full of incredible health tips and advice!

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QUITTING SMOKING IS A CHANGE IN HABITS, AND A CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE!

"After years in the same old routine we can almost run on autopilot.  We do the same things as yesterday, the day before, and most days before that.  Habits and routines are good for us because they reduce stress - accomplishing tasks from memory rather than active though.  Habits, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, make up most of our day. If you know how to control your habits, then even a small effort can create big changes in your daily life and health.  The same is true for changing your smoking habit" [1].

"Multiply over ten drags on a cigarette from a pack a day, and you get roughly 250 hand to mouth motions.  Smoking is a ritualized behavior that must be replaced by something productive and healthy.  The trick is using your triggers.  A trigger is an event that causes you to perform some action.  Usually for smokers it is something like morning coffee, traffic, or lunch break that causes them to reach for a pack of cigarettes and light up.  If you want to stop smoking, that means every time you feel the urge for a cigarette, you have to do something else besides smoke, until you create a new habit" [1].

"When smokers generally try to quit - and then fail, it is because they try to give up cigarettes without making changes to their lifestyle and routines.  You can’t just pull out old habits without finding another way to replace the needs that those habits fulfill.  Smoking fulfills needs such as having a few moments alone when you take a smoke break.  But that smoke break can be taken without cigarettes.  You don't need a cigarette to stop what you are doing and sit quietly for a few moments and reflect.  You could just as easily make a cup of herbal tea, and sip on that quietly away from your place of work" [1].

"This method of habit replacement is often called the Substitution Strategy for Quitting Smoking.  First you have to become aware of when you smoke.  Then you will be able to find something different to do in that time.  It is best to pick something healthy like breathing exercises, stretching, eating raw vegetables, drinking herbal tea - like QUIT TEA, or playing brain games.  There are endless possibilities that are healthier than smoking!  If you can stick with doing that for a few weeks or months, you will have created a new habit, and instead of being triggered to smoke, you will be triggered to do something healthy and beneficial. This Substitution Strategy for Quitting Smoking definitely works to recondition the automatic response - and after a period of time, your new response to the same old triggers will feel natural.  Stick with it - it works!" [1].

Matt Bucklin, the author of this article, is the creator of "Quit Tea," which forms part of the protocol in"The Winning Way to Quit Smoking".

Ref: [1]. Bucklin. Matt (2013). The Quit Company.

https://www.amazon.com/quittea

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"CROWED UP" - HOW SMOKING AGES YOUR FACE!

Crow’s feet, premature wrinkles, dark circles, pucker lines, prune-like, leathery, dry, thin, dull, shallow, sallow, saggy, grey and yellow – this is the description of the face of a long-term heavy smoker. If your image is not like this yet, then a polluted transformation to fast-track aging could be facing you in the mirror anytime in the future. 

The skin quality of some smokers is a testament to what is happening to their bodies. And whilst cosmetic procedures are available for those who have the funds – just think of the irreparable damage that is done to the body’s cells and organs. Smokers age more rapidly on both the inside and outside; and scientific studies prove that smokers can have rapid aging of the body, particularly their facial skin, which results from poor oxygenation of the tissues and various other related effects. 

The toxins found in cigarette smoke have a devastating impact on the skin, and when skin is exposed to this smoke, free radicals can be generated in a millionth of a second. In large doses these free radicals can break through the membrane that protects the skin’s cells and cause inflammation, visible lines and wrinkles as well as other damage. What most smokers do not realize, is that just like sun damage, it can take many years to reflect on the skin.

Consistently smoking throughout your 20s or 30s can add 10 to 15 years to your looks, and the irony is it may only surface in your 40s. Nicotine and carbon monoxide decreases the circulation to the entire body, including the skin; this forces the blood vessels to narrow in the outer layers which reduces the amount of vital oxygen and nutrients required to keep it healthy and looking good. 

Further, this “looking good” is also dependant on the DNA – the cell’s genetic material which can become jumbled by excessive free radical damage, creating poor unhealthy cell duplication. And this is not the only problem - as people age, they are subject to cell degeneration. So logical thinking would be that if you care about your looks, you should not want to continue to smoke. 

Puffing away and pursing the lips year in and year out creates pucker lines and wrinkles on the upper lip and the surrounding area. Repeated sucking on cigarettes can develop hollow cheeks and squinting in smoke generates crow’s feet around the delicate eye area, where the skin is very thin. 

And because the blood vessels are constricted, the skin's cells do not receive an optimum supply of blood. This means that the skin can lose its robust texture and radiant colour, and that a blue tinge can develop under the eyes. 

Also there seems to be evidence that smoking may activate the genes responsible for a skin enzyme that breaks down collagen. The collagen (which can suffer a 40% drop in production), along with elastin, form the skin’s protein which both support and generate its elasticity. – These can become weakened and permanently damaged through free radical destruction. 

Once the collagen molecules are damaged in this way they become stiff and inflexible (cross-linked), and are unable to slide freely over one another, or spring back when stretched, as in healthy skin. And it is this process that leads to the “wrinkled–up” prematurely-aged look which affects the entire body. 

Smoking also diminishes the body’s supply of vitamin C, zinc, and bioflavonoids, all of which are fundamental to the formation of new collagen. - Taking a good quality collagen supplement is (subject to any contra-indications), highly recommended.

Proper nutrition and waste elimination within the skin’s cells become compromised, muscles weaken, and the firmness of a well-toned defined visage becomes something of the past, until people take positive action, and successfully quit smoking.

Smokers may also suffer with blackheads because the decreased collagen dilates the pores. In smokers and non-smokers alike, the skin’s ability to replace damaged collagen decreases with age; and a poor nutritional status including diets high in glycemic carbohydrates and sugar, UV and other environmental damage, certain age-related hormonal changes and stress, all take their toll. – Smoking heavily adds to the long list of negative factors. 

On a far more hazardous note, smokers are subject to much higher rates of skin cancer than non-smokers, and their skin also takes longer to heal. This is because when the skin is trying to repair itself from a cut, it requires more oxygen and nutrients than it would normally.

The skin’s prime source of nourishment is from the inside, so your nutritional status plays a major role in the condition of your skin. Youthful skin means a healthy well-balanced diet, good absorption capability, lack of toxicity, and maintaining an optimum intake of water, as explained in my book "The Winning Way to Quit Smoking". 

Most of the water that gives the skin a healthful look is deposited in the deep layers of the dermis (the skin or connective tissue just beneath the epidermis which is the skin’s surface); and the hypodermis (the layer of fatty tissue below the dermis). - And just as smokers can be easily recognized, so can insufficient water drinkers. 

MICRODERMABRASION 

This is a popular skin polishing technique which uses micro-particles to remove the top layer of dead skin to give it a smoother, brighter, more youthful appearance. It could even help to remove the yellow stain on smokers’ fingers. It is usually carried out by a dermatologist, registered beauty therapist or a medical beauty specialist. 

The technique is moderate compared with far deeper techniques using dermabrasion which should only be administered by a registered medical physician, with experience in this field. Winter is the best time of year to have a course of treatments, and a sun block must always be applied during that time. 

Antioxidant protection from both the inside and the outside is the way to go with optimum skincare. Nutrition plays a crucial role in minimizing free radical damage, and supplements form an important part of this. 

After the age of 30, there appears to be a sharp decrease in the quantity of ingested vitamins that actually reach the skin, so a healthful diet and supplementation will address this issue. 

A general profile of nutrients, and protein powder, along with an additional supplement of collagen and hyaluronic acid could be of benefit. Note: Always consult you medical physician prior to taking any supplements, as you may have contraindications including certain diseases, be on certain medication, or be pregnant or lactating. 

The topical application of vitamins to nourish the skin through oils, creams, lotions and serums can all be of great benefit in improving and maintaining a fantastic skin. 

It is not necessary to buy the designer labels, where the packaging is frequently more valuable than the product itself. Often, the people spending exorbitant amounts on tubs of designer cream could have had better results if they had applied inexpensive freshly produced organic oil, or used a plain cream and just added a drop of essential oil, such as lavender or patchouli. 

There is now increasing scientific evidence emerging that up to 60% of everything we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream, so try to go for organic products and ones without a plethora of chemical ingredients. 

Using a skin exfoliant at home once a week can help to speed cell turnover, which starts to decrease at a young age. This will assist in keeping the skin in good condition, and will also increase the absorption of moisturisers and oils. During the day a moisturiser with a UVA/UVB filter with the minimum of an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 must be worn all year round if you want to look after and protect your skin. 

The topical application of recommended products include various carrier oils which you can research, and change from time to time, so that your skin doesn’t just get accustomed to one product. 

Sweet Almond oil has a light texture and is easily absorbed – it is however, contraindicated if you suffer from a nut allergy. It is bursting with vitamins, minerals, proteins and glucosides, and is suitable for all skin types. 

Argan oil is also easily absorbed and it is perfect for very dry and damaged skin - it has a superb combination of vitamin E and pro-vitamin A. 

Jojoba oil is balancing, and very good for both dry and oily skin types, and has great anti-inflammatory properties. 

Peach kernel oil is for mature skins. It has a richer texture than sweet almond oil, and is particularly valuable for dry, sensitive skin. 

There are also some wonderful pre-blended oils which include various aromatherapy essences. These blends, which you can make yourself, hydrate and nourish the skin, and may, over time, even help to soften facial lines. 

These blended oils can also give you an emotional sense of sereneness, and help you sleep. When using any oil on the face, the best time to put it on is at night. Avoid applying close to the eye area, and leave it on for up to half an hour, and then blot off any residue with a tissue (this stops it blocking the pores which need to breathe). Oils can of course, be used successfully for whole body.

Heat improves absorption, so apply after a bath for the face, or the body as well if you have not used oil in the bath. Try to always purchase your oils in glass bottles, and store in a cool dry place, away from the sun, and in a safe area away from children. Note: if you suffer from a nut allergy only purchase oils which are not originated from nuts. 

And whilst we are on the subject of aesthetics, it brings us onto the “tobacco smile” – years of tobacco stain build-up which has often left behind the bright healthy smile that smokers have forgotten they had.

Fortunately, there is something that can be done about it – a “Hollywood Smile” can be yours, and it can transform the way you look, and really give you a positive self-image – a new you on your way forward! Many dentists offer this straightforward treatment to recharge your smile. 

This simply involves the application of hydrogen peroxide gel and usually takes about an hour – and after that you will be smiling at everyone! If you want to have further work done, you can go for veneers or crowns. So, you can see the beautiful benefits that quitting will give you on the outside as well as the inside!

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THE WINNING WAY TO QUIT SMOKING - FREE WITH AMAZON PRIME

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Over the years I have had in-depth conversations with countless smokers who would dearly like to kick the habit, but are terrified that if they do, they will not be or feel themselves, and that it would be a quantum leap into the dark unknown for them. -  This is particularly so for long-term smokers.  But what I try to get them to think about is not the unknown - but the known - the time when they once were non-smokers and felt their normal-selves.  There are so many things in life that seem insurmountable - yet often when we reach our goals, we look back and see that the fretting and worrying was worse than the getting on with it and going through it.  You are looking at this book because you want to stop - you have the will and by following my unique positive mindset strategy, along with using easy supports like e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Quit Tea, a hypnosis CD, and de-stressing inhalers, you have the way.  - With THE WINNING WAY Method you do not have to quit right away - it is about small steps that allow you to gradually cut down your cigarettes number. - This makes the transition phase as calm and un-stressing as possible, and allows your mind and body to acclimatise.  Step by step I will show you how to be in a much stronger and successful position to quit for good and never want to light up again. It is possible for everyone to achieve non-smoking status. - And with THE WINNING WAY Method, smoking will become a thing of the past - a foreign country!

Shirley Amy, BSc.

REDUCING YOUR LUNG CANCER RISK WITH RAW GARLIC

In the US, lung cancer is the largest form of cancer death. Jessica Patella ND, has written a summary from the journal: Cancer Prevention Research (2013), which states that research on animals has indicated that garlic offers a protective effect by reducing the contraction of lung cancer. - It is believed this may be because when we eat raw garlic, high levels of certain compounds (organosulfur) disperse in our lungs.  

A recent large human population-based case controlled study indicted that the more the participants had eaten fresh garlic, the lesser the lung cancer risk.  So whilst more studies are needed, the fact that raw garlic already has many well documented health benefits, makes it a winner. - It is cheap and accessible to everyone, and can easily be added freshly cut or pressed to all kinds of meals and snacks. - Nature has so much to offer us, so add some to your shopping cart!!

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RECOMMENDATION

QUIT TEA

This product is recommended as part of "The Winning Way to Quit Smoking" protocol.  It is a successful natural proven aid for smokers who are trying to quit. - It is a specially formulated herbal tea which is aimed to support your willpower, reduce cravings, de-stress and relax, increase energy, lessen hunger pangs, and improve lung function.  It can be taken for a limited period of weeks, or indefinitely.   Keeping some at work as well as home is a great strategy!

THE COMPLEXITY OF CHEMICAL ACTIONS AND REACTIONS GENERATED BY SMOKING

SMOKING AND THE IRRATIONAL SIDE OF THE BRAIN

The human brain has two hemispheres which are separated by a bundle of nerves that allows them to communicate. The right side of the brain is associated with our emotion and subconscious desires. It is totally irrational and sponsored you taking up smoking in the beginning. - It unreservedly accepts smoking as a necessity to your survival. The right side of the brain and the mid-brain are related to our unconscious mind. (Visualization techniques log into the right brain). The left side of the brain is associated with conscious wishes. - It is realistic and logical. When we make a conscious decision it is only the left side  of the brain that is drawn in. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord branches out into countless offshoots of nerves that cover the entire body).

The brain can be thought of as a computer - it processes and stores an immeasurable amount of data. The nerve cells – which are at their highest concentration in the brain (but found all over the body), do most of the work. This is via their trillions of branches which act as a brain-body communication and transport network (operated via electric signals). 

Nerve cells give us the ability to reason, learn and remember, and act a ‘mood control centers’ which affect the different ways we feel. When confronted by new experiences, nerve cells are able to change their firing pattern and response. – This means that the brain has ‘plasticity’ - one factor which is very relevant to successful cessation.

CHEMICAL MESSENGERS (NEUROTRANSMITTERS)

These are messengers in the form of natural body chemicals which carry information over a tiny space from one nerve cell to: another nerve, muscle or gland, cell. - If one or more of these chemicals are not readily available in the correct amount, then the body will crave a ‘substitute’ (such as nicotine), to satisfy its needs.

HORMONES

Hormones are also chemical messengers, but they are secreted by the glands and other sources of secretion into the bloodstream where they travel a much  longer distance to reach target cells.

Note: the same chemical substances can be transported by both neurotransmitters and hormones. (The endocrine system which is often mentioned in biology, refers to glands that secrete hormones).

Survival of the human species has always meant striving after ‘must-have’ natural rewards such as food drink and sex - But the brain also craves unnatural rewards such as chemicals from smoking. - This is because the body’s biological functions do not always differentiate between natural and unnatural substances.

CHEMICAL MESSENGER IMBALANCE

Nicotine changes the effect of chemical messengers. - This is a factor that should be very clearly understood as it will help you to appreciate why you have the compulsion to keep on smoking, and make it easier for you become a born-again non-smoker. - I have tried to explain it as clearly as possible in easy to understand terms.

MIMICKING THE CHEMICAL MESSENGERS

Stimulants perform by imitating the discharge of three key feel-good, energizing chemical messengers. When there is an addiction to a stimulant such as nicotine or caffeine, the high level of stimulation generates regulatory changes in the brain cell receptor sites for dopamine, epinephrine (adrenalin), and nor epinephrine (noradrenalin). - Effectively, they begin to close down - and as a result, the addictee’ (that is you), yearns for more of the nicotine or caffeine etc., just to feel normal.

NICOTINE RECEPTORS

"Following chronic nicotine exposure, nicotine receptors increase in number, an up regulation that contributes to nicotine’s addictive properties..."

Ref:  ScienceDailyR, (February 29th 2008), ‘Nicotine’s effects are receptor specific’ [online] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229120651.htm  (Accessed November 1st 2011)

Within a cell or on the cell surface, there are various types of receptors - tiny sites which have controlled pores that can recognize and bind with particular substances. - These receptors act as ‘connecting points’ which allow individual cells to communicate with other cells. Both substances which are natural and unnatural to the body can activate receptors – in the latter case it is chemicals from your cigarettes.

There is one common chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) in the body known as ‘acetylcholine’ (pronounced: a-cee-til-coline). - This connects with specific receptors in the cell membranes named ‘acetylcholine receptors.  These are commonly referred to as ‘cholinergic receptors’ - the name that I will use in the book. They are very widely spread throughout the body, and are of great importance as they are connected to numerous vital functions including: respiration, maintenance of heart rate, muscle movement, memory, learning, alertness and arousal. In a normal chain of events these cholinergic receptors are stimulated by the chemical messenger acetylcholine, which is active at the tiny gaps (synapses) between nerve cells, and in the stimulation of muscle cells and gland secretion.

NICOTINIC CHOLINERGIC RECEPTORS

Now, as the chemical make-up of the active form of nicotine is very close to the chemical messenger acetylcholine, the cholinergic receptors are stimulated when they pick up nicotine molecules - hence the name which is sometimes used: ‘nicotinic cholinergic receptors’. Effectively, nicotine mimics and hijacks the place of the chemical acetylcholine, by landing on its receptor sites and changing cell activity. - Because of all the vital functions that acetylcholine is connect to, you can imagine the dramatic effect. So, just as a wrong key can sometimes open a lock, nicotine copies the actions of the chemical messenger acetylcholine.

When nicotine enters the bloodstream it is dispersed throughout the brain and body where it activates some of the cholinergic receptors. This disruption to brain chemistry has a very negative effect on normal functioning including: increased heart rate and  blood pressure, increases in the concentrations of various  hormones, and an increase in the excitability of nerves cells - one outcome is that a smoker’s body and brain are given some za-za-zoom - a power thrust to begin or get through whatever they are doing.

With a constant influx of nicotine, the body reacts to what it senses as additional acetylcholine - and in an effort to re-establish normal functioning, one adjustment it makes is to grow more cholinergic receptors. - This is one reason which may explain the body’s acceptance of nicotine.

Cholinergic receptors are found in both nerve cells, and non-nerve cells (such as those in the lungs). Critically, if nicotine fuses with cholinergic receptors on the surfaces of lung cancer cells, they are nourished to go on to divide and spread. (There is a profound impact of this scenario on non-small cell lung cancer cells).

CHEMICAL ACTIONS AND REACTIONS

If we examine the chain of chemical actions and reactions that smoking creates, we can easily comprehend why smokers absolutely insist that cigarettes give them the stamina to work more intensely, have a better attention span, and improve reaction time. - They are completely right – trials have shown that individuals who have been given doses of nicotine perform better on intricate academic tasks when matched up to their performance without nicotine. (One reason is that smoking triggers extra cholinergic receptors in the region of the brain which is connected with short term memory).

When the body absorbs nicotine in small doses, the nicotine promotes the discharge of two chemical messengers: acetylcholine and norepinephrine (noradrenalin). - This brings on a state of arousal. Conversely, when the body receives nicotine in high doses, the nicotine begins to suppress acetylcholine while at the same time escalating endorphin concentrations. - As endorphins are chemical messengers which affect emotions and de-sensitize pain, this brings on tranquility. So in a nutshell, small doses of nicotine = arousal, and high doses of nicotine = tranquility.

Nicotine influences the rate at which the body burns calories (metabolism), the regulation of body temperature, muscle tension, and various hormone levels. It activates the reward centres within the brain - and the impact is almost immediate as the levels of the chemical messenger dopamine (which helps produce hormones involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response), rocket up the stress hormones. 

It seems probable that a number of chemical messengers and their networks affect the need to keep smoking and some people’s failure to permanently quit. – Dopamine ranks high on this list.

DOPAMINE AND THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR

Dopamine is a chemical messenger (a hormone and neurotransmitter) that is connected to the brain’s reward circuits. It is associated with feeling good, and is responsible for pleasure and sentiment. It controls body movement, stimulates metabolism, supports the circulatory system, and governs the information flow to the brain. It can either increase or decrease nerve cell activity, and has a long term influence on brain chemistry.  Smoking alters dopamine in various ways: Firstly, it decreases the levels of two forms of a principle enzyme (‘biological assistant’) which is responsible for breaking down dopamine. - This means that dopamine levels, and hence smokers’ feelings of pleasure and reward, are elevated.

Secondly, nicotine binds to numerous receptor sites on the dopamine nerve cells in the brain. -This is thought to activate the release of dopamine which brings on a ‘high’ due to feelings of pleasure and reward. And when there is too much dopamine the body ‘down regulates’ dopamine production - hence the need for more nicotine to attain the same level of satisfaction.

Note: An enzyme is an extremely important substance which can speed up the rate of reactions in the body. There are hundreds of different ones in each cell, each with their own specific functions.

On the subject of the long-lasting effects that nicotine has on the signaling of nerve cells in the dopamine system, in 2006, Marina Picciotto Ph.D. of Yale University, commented: "We believe that these changes in signaling may explain why people who quit smoking can continue to experience cravings for many years later or even start smoking again".

Ref: Physorg.com (December 5th 2005) ‘New research identifies gene important for nicotine’s effects on the brain’ [online] http://www.physorg.com/news84537917.html  (Accessed November 1st 2011).

SEROTONIN -THE STRESS-BUSTER

Serotonin is a chemical messenger (hormone and neurotransmitter) that acts as a natural stress-buster and affects how we act and feel. It influences hormonal, temperature, and appetite regulation; cardiovascular function, sleep, memory, and learning. Nicotine increases the amount of serotonin released by the brain and generates a serotonin deficiency. - This means that smokers have to bear high stress levels. (Note: there is a genetic variability in both serotonin and dopamine function which can account for individual differences).

GABA

GABA is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) which prevents the release of dopamine (the ‘feel good’ hormone), by acting as a regulator. However, after an initial exposure to nicotine, a further nicotine influx throws the regulation out of balance, and dopamine is released – so now smokers experience a ‘feel good’ sensation for up to an hour.

GLUTAMATE

Glutamate is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) involved in memory and learning. - It is capable of enhancing the links between groups of nerve cells. The use of nicotine can stimulate glutamate to produce a ‘memory’ of ecstatic feelings which can keep you firmly in a nicotine straight jacket.

Glutamate has been shown to aid smokers’ satisfaction. When nicotine molecules fuse with cell receptors on the top of the brain stem, the cells release glutamate. - This has a knock-on effect which generates the release of dopamine by other cells in the region - this produces ‘the feel good factor’.

Dr Athina Markou and colleagues at the Scripps Research Institute in California, reasoned that ‘just as glutamate surges caused by nicotine give rise to smoking pleasure, glutamate depletion related to nicotine abstinence might underlie the displeasure of withdrawal.’

Ref: Patrick Zickler ‘Nicotine Withdrawal Linked to Disrupted Glutamate Signalling’, as cited by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research Findings, Volume 19, Number 6, (May 2005) [online] http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/NNCollections/NNNicotine.pdf

(Accessed September 21st, 2011).

Researchers have demonstrated that the chemical acetaldehyde found in tobacco smoke, ‘dramatically increases the reinforcing properties of nicotine, and may also contribute to tobacco addiction’. 
Ref: ‘Is Nicotine Addictive?’ The National Institute of Drug Abuse [online] http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/nicotine/addictive.html  (Accessed November 24th 2011).

GETTING THE RIGHT BALANCE

People who are anxious, impulsive or frail are often overshadowed by their smoking addiction, and there is a strong link between the need to smoke and  sufferers of clinical depression. Clinical depression and negative personality traits are high risk factors for both smoking, and not being able to quit. To that end, it is absolutely crucial that sufferers opt for a holistic integrative approach. And if it is financially possible, I suggest having professional support in some of the modalities suggested in my book, as long as it is approved by and regularly monitored by a medical physician. A low budget is no barrier.

REINFORCED ADDICTION—THE NICOTINE-ALCOHOL BOND

‘Amongst smokers, drinking alcohol increases motivation to smoke, the craving for a cigarette, and the pleasure derived from smoking’  Ref: Field et al., (2005) ‘Alcohol increases cognitive biases for smoking cues in smokers’, Psychopharmacology, vol.180, pp.63-72.

The fatal link between nicotine and alcohol is unwavering. - Smoking and drinking tend to set off a pattern of activity in the dopamine (‘feel good’) nerve cells in the brain. In addition, alcohol has a sharp effect on cholinergic receptors - indicating that it could well account for smokers needing to smoke more. And of course, heavy drinking brings on biological imbalance and nutrient deficiencies, just adding to the general dilemma. And unfortunately, cessation is thwarted by the power boost of alcohol in the body, which makes cues such as the site of a packet of cigarettes, more irresistible. Anyone who has suffered themselves, or like myself, has had a close relationship with a double addict will understand this unyielding dual cycle very well.

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HOW BIG TOBACCO KEEPS YOU IN THE LOOP - ‘JOE CAMEL RECRUITS TO FILL THE PLACES OF THOSE WHO DIED OR QUIT’

‘I’D WALK A MILE FOR A CAMEL’!

Camel Cigarettes, 1921

‘JOE CAMEL RECRUITS TO FILL THE PLACES OF THOSE WHO DIED OR QUIT’

And so it was that in 1987, the desert camel was put out to pasture, and a hip jazzy cartoon character that went by the name of ‘Joe Camel’ was introduced to a naive audience. - This ‘youtherned’ the brand, and sales to adolescents rocketed sky high as the new recruits filled the places of those who died or quit. This cool, hump less creature sent out a powerful message, and was often depicted donning a black leather jacket and sunglasses, often holding a pool cue or sax. Naturally, he was always seen with a fag dangling out of his mouth. - And he even had his own line of ‘Camel Cash’, which could be collected and saved for an assortment of catalog goods.

JOE CHEMO

Psychology professor, Scott Plous Ph.D. gave JoeCamel the treatment he deserved, and parodied his cool image - demonstrating how he had moved on, as he slowly shuffled down a hospital corridor decked out in a blue dressing gown, wheeling a metal stand with its hooked-up intravenous drip. His  sunglasses and hair were now gone, and his surname was appropriately changed. Thanks to the US Federal Trade Commission Joe Camel is now banned - but Old Joe has returned to play his part in the upkeep of globalized disease.

For ‘More about Joe’, and other resources 

visit: http://www.joechemo.org/about.htm

‘THE INSIDER’ AL PACINO AND RUSSELL CROWE

Touchstone Pictures, 1999

This riveting film exposes the callous, inhuman tactics of ‘Big Tobacco’. It was nominated for seven OscarsR. Russell Crowe plays the part of a courageous scientist working for a major tobacco giant, and Al Pacino acts the roll of a ‘60 Minutes’ TV show producer. The degree of power of 'Big Tobacco' with its unethical business practices in a global market swimming with addicts is brought to the fore. Watching this film on DVD is highly recommended, and may well help you on a subconscious level. - Both the film’s producer, Michael Mann, and the screen writer, Eric Roth, quit smoking as they made the film.

‘NOW IT SEEMS IT’S LEGAL!’

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, 2010

This is the famous line in the ‘Greed is Good’ speech by the high rolling stock broker, Gordon Gekko, played by the superb actor Michael Douglas. Just before the film was released, Michael - who has in the past, been a long-term heavy smoker, tragically announced he had advanced throat cancer.  Like so many others, Michael started smoking at a time when no one was given the true facts.

Buried knowledge and hundreds of billions in profits have made smokers guaranteed blue chip livestock (the Phillip Morris International website has a ‘Stock Watch’ section on its home page - but where is the ‘Death Watch’

section?)

Ref: http://investors.pmi.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=146476&p=irol-irhome

Nicotine was understood to be addictive hundreds of years ago, and throughout history it has been periodically outlawed. In the 17th century, in Mongolia they faced the death penalty, in China they were decapitated, and in Russia they were flogged or had their noses slit, and were sent to Siberia - second time offenders faced the executioner. Ref:

Borio, G. (2001) Tobacco Timeline [online] 

http://grace4life.com/History_of_Tobacco-by_Gene_Borio.pdf 

From here we fast-forward to the present time to find smokers being treated like lepers, as growing legislation and public awareness puts them under the spotlight. 

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http://www.amazon.com/The-Winning-Way-Quit-Smoking/dp/1468038567/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379323337&sr=8-1&keywords=SHIRLEY+AMY