History of tobacco smoking

Tobacco smoking is the act of burning the dried or cured leaves of the tobacco plant and inhaling the smoke for pleasure, for ritualistic or social purposes, self-medication, or simply to satisfy physical dependence. Tobacco use by Native Americans throughout North and South America dates back to 2000BC and there are depictions of ancient Mayans smoking a crude cigar. The practice was brought back to Europe by the crew of Christopher Columbus. Tobacco Smoking took hold in Spain and was introduced to the rest of the world, via trade.

Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, an addictive stimulant and Euphoriant. The effect of nicotine in first time or irregular users is an increase in alertness and memory, and mild euphoria. In chronic users, nicotine simply relieves the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal: confusion, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and dysphoria. Withdrawal symptoms in chronic users begin to appear approximately 30 minutes after every dose. Nicotine also disturbs metabolism and suppresses appetite. This is because nicotine, like many stimulants, increases blood sugar.

It has been determined that all forms of tobacco use are addictive.

Medical research has determined that chronic tobacco smoking can lead to many health problems, particularly lung cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease.