By Lauren Heskin
10th Jul 2015
10th Jul 2015
Smoking
Statistics already show?that at least 1/2 of all smokers worldwide die from illnesses related to smoking, such as?lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema and that number is set to jump after a new study has linked psychotic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia with the expensive habit.
While it’s difficult to separate smoking from genetic and environmental factors on’the illness, new research from King’s College London?has found that 57% of those who have’suffered their first psychotic episode?were smokers and psychotic?patients were three times more likely to smoke than those?without a mental illness. Scientists believe that, similar to results found in cannabis users, the nicotine in cigarettes?causes a release of dopamine which in excess can result in a psychotic episode. So this includes all those electronic smokers out there too.
While causality has yet to be proven and may take many years for scientists to comprehensively demonstrate?that smoking increases chances of schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis, the mounting health risks from smoking, including alzheimers and blindness, prove that quitting is the right choices. And that’s before you factor in the financial costs of being a smoker in Ireland.
If you wish you quit smoking you can freephone Quit on?1800 201 203?or quit.ie for helpful tips and advice.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially you can call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.