Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked does not reduce health risks. learn.
Two groups of smokers participated in the study. The first is those who reduced smoking: 51-year-olds (39% women), before the study smoked 26 cigarettes a day, after - 5. The second is initially light smokers: 48 years old (53% women), they smoked 5-6 cigarettes a day.
A key indicator of damage is the level of NNAL, a metabolite of the nitrosamine NNK, which causes lung cancer. Paradoxically, the first group had twice the level of NNAL than the second group, despite the same number of cigarettes.
The analysis showed that a 73% reduction in the number of cigarettes gives only a 30% reduction in NNAL. With a 62% decrease in smoking intensity, the risk of lung cancer decreased by only 27%.
The reason is compensatory smoking: trying to get the usual dose of nicotine, smokers increase the number of puffs and hold the smoke. The fewer cigarettes, the stronger the physiological compensation.
Psychological dependence remains high even with a reduction in smoking. The habits remained: holding a cigarette, going for a smoke break. The brain continues to receive reinforcing signals, which increases desire.
A more effective combined approach: smoking reduction with nicotine replacement therapy.
Pharmacological support reduces the potential for addiction and increases confidence in quitting smoking.
For severe addiction, an alternative may be to switch to heated tobacco systems - they emit less toxic substances than regular cigarettes. However, quitting smoking completely is the only way to minimize the toxic load on the body.