Self Help

Many people who smoke cigars are surprised to find out that they are addictive. But when you consider the fact that a typical cigar contains as much nicotine as at least three or four cigarettes, it’s not a surprise any longer. This nicotine is exactly the same type of nicotine found in cigarettes. It’s absorbed into your body in the same way - through the inhalation of smoke. There is also a lot of nicotine absorbed through the lining of your mouth because of the way cigars are smoked. Many people who smoke cigars like to leave them in their mouths, resting on the lips. This constant contact between the cigar and the mouth allows a lot of nicotine (and other chemicals) to be absorbed.

Depending upon the number of cigars smoked, nicotine addiction is very possible. In fact, smoking two to three cigars a day provides your body with enough nicotine to keep you addicted. At this level, if you were suddenly to stop smoking cigars, your body would experience the same symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that occur when you suddenly stop smoking cigarettes.

One big difference between cigars and cigarettes is that the government doesn’t require manufacturers to place health warnings on cigar packages or wrappings. Also, whereas cigarette makers have to report the amount of tar and nicotine in their products, the makers of cigars do not. Another big difference has to do with advertising restrictions. While there is a ban on promoting cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products on TV or the radio, no such ban exists for cigars.

So, while there are some differences in the ways cigars and cigarettes are made, they both contain essentially the same toxins and chemicals, including tar and nicotine. By now, you can see why cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes. They can be just as harmful and just as addicting. So, if you smoke cigars or if you are addicted to cigars, what should you do? In a word, quit!

What about pipes?

Just like cigars, pipes have gone in and out of style over the centuries. Some of the earliest records of people smoking tobacco include the use of pipes. Pipes have been smoked for religious reasons and as signs of friendship. More recently, pipe smoking has become a symbol for sophistication and relaxation. Just as is the case for cigars, the notion of what it means to be a pipe smoker is a byproduct of advertising.

As you might imagine, pipe smoking simply can’t be without health risks because it involves smoking tobacco. It’s basically the same tobacco that’s put in your cigarettes, so it carries the same risks to your health. The differences between cigarette and pipe tobacco are few and far between. Just like cigarettes, pipes have loads of chemicals added to them. These chemicals do everything from improve the taste to ensure that the tobacco stays well lit.

As you can see, pipe smoking by itself is not safe, and it’s definitely not a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Quitting will involve hard work, and the roles of nicotine addiction, habit, and psychological addiction need to be addressed.