Introduction

Knowledge is power. By possessing knowledge you have the ability to make decisions, ask follow-up questions, or know where to go to obtain more information. In the world of health that is power!

That is the purpose of this course - to provide you the power you need to obtain unbiased, accurate information for "Quite Smoking".

We follow a different methodology. We arranged topics in alphabetical order. Each of these entries defines its topic and explains in detail the particular issue. At the end of most entries are cross references to related topics.

Throughout the alphabetical entries, the reader will find sidebars that separate "Fact from Fiction".

There is "Question-and-Answer" that attempt to address the most common questions that youth ask about sensitive topics. In addition, we introduce a special feature called "Teens Speak"- case studies of teens with personal stories related to the topic in hand.

This may be one of the most important courses you will ever read.

Key facts about tobacco

The basics - Key facts about tobacco, including its history, uses, and effects

Addiction is a condition in which a person habitually gives into a psychological or physical need for a substance such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

 The substance becomes the focus of a person's life and begins to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially.

Addictive behavior includes psychological dependence on activities like overeating or gambling as well as physical addiction to chemicals like heroin or cocaine.

What is tobacco?

Tobacco is a plant that was domesticated, cultivated, and used by Native Americans for at least the past 5000 years, long before Columbus arrived in America.

 It is believed that the plant originated from South America and its cultivation spread northward during prehistoric times.

 Tobacco may even be the first domesticated plant in the Americas, as it was more widely cultivated by Native Americans than maize at the time the first Europeans arrived. Tobacco is the fastest spreading plant in human history. From the Americas, the Spanish conquistadors and early European explorers carried it to Europe where its cultivation rapidly spread to Asia.

Why do people use tobacco?

Tobacco is clearly valued for its psychoactive effects.

This means that it has several actions on the mind that depend upon the dose used. It can be used to stimulate the mind, relieve anxiety, or create visions or hallucinations. All of these properties can be pleasurable. In many Native American tribes, tobacco was traditionally used for religious or shamanistic purposes.