Sian Welby talks to Dr Chris Steele about the addictive and harmful effects of nicotine.
Dr Chris explains that nicotine is, milligram for milligram, more addictive than heroin and cocaine. Within 7 seconds of drawing on a cigarette the nicotine will be acting on the brain. This is why it can be so hard to quit.
One in two of all smokers will be killed by it. It is the most dangerous consumer product available on the market.
Nicotine itself is not dangerous, but when you smoke you breath in more than 4,000 other chemicals - this is what makes it lethal.
With smoking still growing among your girls, there is a big health issue here. Although the smoking ban is helping, the enduring appeal of the “cool” look associated with cigarettes makes them attractive to young people.
But there is help. Nicotine replacement treatments can remove the craving for cigarettes, without damaging your health.
Also available on prescription are treatments such as Zyban and Champix.