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How to Reduce the Danger of Smoking

The most effective way to reduce the dangers of smoking is by quitting and avoiding second-hand smoke. Because the nicotine contained in cigarettes is highly addictive, smokers often must make multiple attempts to quit before they are successful. After quitting, lung function can increase up to 30 percent in just two weeks. After 10 years, infected cells are replaced with new cells, (ref. 1) reducing one's chances of developing certain cancers or heart disease. (ref. 2) There are several approaches to reducing the dangers of cigarette smoke to your body.

Things You'll Need

  • Support group (optional)
  • Nicotine patch or gum (optional)
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Instructions

  1. How to reduce the dangers of smoking

    • 1

      Don't smoke. If you don't already smoke, do not start. Given cigarette smoking's social stance among teenagers and young adults today, it can take willpower to say no to that first puff. Be firm and explain to others that you do not care to smoke and never will.

    • 2

      Cut down on the amount you smoke before quitting. While quitting "cold turkey" works well for some smokers, for most people, it only sets them up for failure. A nicotine habit is highly addictive, and most people can't expect to quit overnight. Some people believe that cutting down will reduce their chances of developing smoking-related illnesses, but if you already smoke, it is inevitable you have done damage to your body. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that people who smoke as little as one to four cigarettes a day still face an increased risk of developing heart disease and dying at a younger age. (ref. 3)

    • 3

      Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Being around those who do smoke can still put you at risk for smoking-related diseases. The ACS claims that those who inhale second-hand smoke will still breathe in nicotine and other toxic chemicals contained in cigarettes. There are an estimated 46,000 deaths a year from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers, (ref. 5) compared to the 443,600 deaths of regular smokers in the United States each year. (ref. 3) To avoid second-hand smoke, ask those around you to smoke outside.

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