Quit Tobacco Program
"A supportive program designed to help individuals quit tobacco and lead a healthier life."
Tobacco addiction, known as nicotine dependence, is when person is dependent on the nicotine in tobacco products. Use of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and other nicotine-containing products is the cause. Some key points about tobacco addiction:
Causes and Mechanism:
Nicotine
The primary addictive substance in tobacco is nicotine, which stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain. This creates pleasurable sensations and creates the desire to use it.
Habit Formation
Tobacco is often a habit, linked to specific routines, emotions, or social situations, making it hard to quit.
Physical Dependence:
Over time, the body becomes accustomed to nicotine, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
Health Effects
Increased Risk of Stroke
Smoking is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. Nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke can damage the blood vessels and increase the likelihood of clot formation.
Atherosclerosis / Plaque Buildup
Smoking accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up on the inner walls of the arteries. This can narrow the arteries, reduce blood flow to the brain, and increase the risk of stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Tobacco use can also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding. This can result from weakened blood vessel walls due to high blood pressure, which is exacerbated by smoking.
Carotid Artery Stenosis
Smoking can lead to narrowing of the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels supplying the brain. This condition can significantly increase the risk of stroke.
Aneurysm Formation
Tobacco use is a risk factor for the development of aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in the walls of blood vessels. An intracranial aneurysm can rupture, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke.
Impact on Overall Cerebrovascular Health:
Tobacco users have a significantly higher risk of death and disability from cerebrovascular diseases compared to non-smokers.
Blood Pressure and Clotting
Smoking raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Tobacco use can increase the tendency of blood to clot, contributing to the risk of thrombotic events such as stroke.
Reduced Oxygen Supply
Carbon Monoxide: This component of tobacco smoke binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood. Reduced oxygen supply can harm brain tissue, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cerebrovascular conditions.
Chronic Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Smoking induces chronic inflammation, which can damage blood vessel walls and contribute to atherosclerosis.
Endothelial Dysfunction
The endothelium, a thin layer of cells lining blood vessels, is particularly susceptible to damage from tobacco smoke, leading to reduced elasticity and function of the blood vessels.
Quit Tobacco Program –
A spiritual retreat towards a healthy & happy life
Duration: 10-days residential
Day-1 to 3: Starts with assessing the tobacco use and initiation to tobacco cessation protocol, followed by counseling sessions
Days-4 to 6: Quit Tobacco Program
Based on Sudarshan Kriya© (link to the description), scientific breathing techniques, profound yogasana, group processes based on behavioral therapy and many interesting activities
Days-7 to 9: Wellness Program : Learn ‘wellness’ in a simple and doable way. Program module addresses the ‘Mind Body’ complex covers, diet & nutrition, immunity (link to Gurudev’s video on Wellness Program – https://youtu.be/M-QidPwq72Y?si=pVvGYXtJpxtpXKk_ )
Optional: Sahaj Samadhi Dhyan Yoga in parallel (Course donation as applicable)
Day-10: Home going sessions
Wholesome and healthy vegetarian food will be served on all days
Laundry facility on extra charge