How to Quit Smoking, Drinking and Prevent Obesity (While Watching the Simpsons)

Krusty can help himself by cutting down. With this approach, he can gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked each day, until he completely stops. Another method, the postponing method, can also be used; it involves delaying the time of day which Krusty starts smoking by a certain number of hours each day. Furthermore, Krusty can easily attend courses that are quite helpful. These courses offer Krusty support in desperate times when trying to quit. Effective programs are usually run by a trained leader who provides information and skills training to cope with quitting and future situations where he might be tempted to have a cigarette. Courses have a high success rate “Typical rates of successful quitting for group courses in the long-term are around 14%” (Issues in Society – Tobacco use)

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help Krusty’s addiction to smoking. This can only work if Krusty is motivated to quit smoking. It is designed to reduce nicotine symptoms whilst the person concentrates on quitting smoking. NRT products include patches, gum, inhalers, lozenges and tablets, all of which Krusty can use.

Krusty found it difficult to quit smoking because cigarettes are created with a drug called nicotine. This drug causes chemical changes in the brain, producing a mood altering effect. It is reinforcing which means Krusty will want to have a cigarette, so that he can have the effect that nicotine produces. Over time, his body becomes physically dependant on cigarettes which creates the addiction. If nicotine is not taken over a period of time, the body begins to develop cravings. This is why it is extremely difficult for Krusty to stop smoking because of the addiction. Cravings if not satisfied, will cause Krusty to have headaches, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throats and lack of concentration.

If Kursty does quit smoking, it will benefit him greatly. Benefits are:

Within Hours

• The amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide will decrease, whilst the oxygen in his blood increases

Within Days

• Krusty’s sense of smell and taste will improve
• Breathing and exercising will become a lot easier
• Chances of having a heart attack will be reduced

Within Months

• His circulatory system and blood pressure will improve, whilst his pulse rate decreases
• Cilia in his lungs will begin to regrow. This will increase the lung’s function by thirty percent

Within years

• The risk of Krusty of having a heart attack, lung cancer will be reduced to half