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Smokeless Tobacco Abuse Symptoms

Tobacco is an agricultural product derived from the leaves of several species of Nicotiana plants. When combined with nicotine tartrate, tobacco becomes one of the most commonly abused recreational drugs. Smokeless tobacco is tobacco used without burning or smoking. When used, smokeless tobacco becomes addicting and causes many health problems. Seek help immediately for a person displaying symptoms of smokeless tobacco abuse.

  1. Physical Symptoms

    • When a person begins to abuse smokeless tobacco, he typically displays several physical symptoms indicating the substance abuse. A person abusing smokeless tobacco may display a change in eating habits such as an increase or loss of appetite, an unexplained change in weight, cold, sweaty palms and shaking hands and feet. Other physical symptoms include unusual laziness, poor physical coordination, inability to sleep, red and watery eyes and the smell of smokeless tobacco on the clothes, breath and body.

    Behavioral Symptoms

    • When a person begins to abuse smokeless tobacco, she also displays several behavioral symptoms indicating the substance abuse. She may display an unexplained change in personality and attitude, a general lack of energy, self-esteem and motivation, forgetfulness, chronic dishonesty and an unexplained need for money. Other behavioral symptoms include a change in habits, hobbies and activities, an unexplained excessive need for privacy, moodiness, suspicious behavior, nervousness, a change in grooming habits, a change in performance at work or school and a sudden avoidance of family, friends and acquaintances.

    Health Risks

    • The health risks of using smokeless tobacco are numerous. Both chewing tobacco and snuff contain many cancer-causing carcinogens. Smokeless tobacco also increases the risk of developing cancer of the mouth including oral leukoplakia, or cancerous white mouth lesions, gum recession, gum disease and cancer of the tongue, lips, gums, cheeks and the roof and floor of the mouth. Other possible health risks of using smokeless tobacco include heart disease, reproductive problems and diabetes.

    Quitting

    • With the numerous health risks associated with smokeless tobacco use, it is advantageous to quit using immediately. Typically, users experience several withdrawal symptoms when quitting such as a depressed mood, intense cravings, irritability and increased appetite. There are several methods doctors and counselors use to assist a user with safely quitting smokeless tobacco. Contact a doctor or counselor for a personalized plan of action.

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