Tobacco: the 9 most widespread prejudices...

FALSE!

There is no such thing as a "little" smoker. As far as cancer is concerned, the duration of smoking is far more important than the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
The risk of death from myocardial infarction is 2 to 3 times greater for smokers of one to four cigarettes than for non-smokers.

FALSE!

Even though diet and ultra-light cigarettes have not been authorized for several years now, don't be fooled by the tobacco industry's marketing gimmicks.
When you smoke these so-called light cigarettes, you have to pull harder to get your nicotine fix.
As a result, you inhale the artificially sweetened smoke more deeply. Light cigarettes carry particular risks, with an increased risk of adenocarcinoma, a previously rare form of lung cancer.

FALSE!

Smoke from roll-your-own tobacco is on average four times more harmful than that from manufactured cigarettes. For the same weight, its theoretical tar yield is three to six times higher than that of manufactured cigarettes.

FALSE!

It's never too late to quit smoking.
Quitting, even late in life, even at an old age, even when ill, immediately reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke, and in the long term reduces the risk of cancer.

FALSE!

Nicotine is a low-toxicity, non-carcinogenic substance for smokers. On the other hand, it induces dependency by multiplying nicotine receptors and releasing more dopamine (the pleasure hormone) in the region of the brain involved in the reward circuit. Other pollutants among the fifty substances in tobacco smoke are responsible for lung cancer.

FALSE!

It's cigarette smoke that's dangerous to your health and that of your child during pregnancy.
Ideally, if you're pregnant, you should stop smoking altogether, without using nicotine replacement products.
If you can't stop on your own, ask your doctor for advice on the dosage and use of nicotine substitutes during pregnancy.

FALSE!

Nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant and, when you stop smoking, you naturally catch up on the underweight caused by smoking.
Weight gain (2 to 3 kg on average) may occur. It is only in extreme cases of quitting, usually without help, that significant weight gain can occur.
This can be controlled by an appropriate eating pattern.
Ask your tobaccologist for advice. Note, however, that 30% of smokers do not gain weight when they stop smoking. Some even lose weight!

FALSE!

If you think smoking relieves your stress, each cigarette reactivates and multiplies your nicotine receptors, setting the stage for a new craving in the next half-hour or hour, which in turn creates new stress.

FALSE!

There are no contraindications to using nicotine replacement products, even if you have cardiovascular disease (heart attack, arteritis, hypertension).
The few inconveniences associated with patches are far outweighed by the dangers of smoking. Nicotine substitutes will help you increase your chances of success.
Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and practical application of the treatment.