Bad habits and health: 50% self -destruction

Bad habits and health: 50% self -destruction

Chapter 1: The essence of bad habits and their effect on the body

Bad habits, as inconspicuous shadows, accompany a person throughout life, gradually undermining his health and well -being. They are automated actions, which, despite the awareness of their negative consequences, are firmly rooted in behavior and become an integral part of everyday routine. Often, the beginning of a bad habit lies in the desire for short -term pleasure, relieving stress or trying to comply with social norms, but over time, this develops dependence that controls the consciousness and behavior of a person.

The influence of bad habits on the body is multifaceted and covers almost all life systems. From the destructive effect on the cardiovascular system to the inhibition of immunity and increasing the risk of developing oncological diseases, bad habits have a significant impact on the duration and quality of life. Understanding the mechanism for the formation of bad habits and awareness of their harmful consequences is the first step towards overcoming and maintaining health.

1.1. Definition and classification of bad habits

A bad habit is a repeated action that a person performs regularly, while realizing his negative impact on physical, mental and social well -being. These actions, as a rule, bring short -term satisfaction or relief, but in the long term lead to serious health problems, social maladaptation and a decrease in the quality of life.

You can classify bad habits according to various criteria, depending on their nature and effects on the body:

• By type of substance consumed:

  • Smoking: It includes the use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, tubes and electronic cigarettes. Nicotine contained in tobacco causes a strong dependence and has a destructive effect on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems.
  • Alcoholism: A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled use of alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological dependence, as well as to the defeat of internal organs.
  • Addiction: Dependence on psychoactive substances that cause euphoria, a change in consciousness and behavior. Narcotic substances have a destructive effect on all body systems and lead to serious consequences, including death.
  • Drug abuse: The uncontrolled use of drugs, including sleeping pills, sedatives, painkillers and other drugs, leading to the development of dependence and side effects.
  • Coffee abuse: Excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks and other products containing caffeines causing nervousness, insomnia, an increase in blood pressure and other negative effects.

• By type of behavior:

  • Overeating: Uncontrolled food consumption in large quantities, leading to obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.
  • Game (Ludomania): Dependence on gambling, characterized by an uncontrolled desire for the game, despite financial and social consequences.
  • Internet addiction: Excessive enthusiasm for the Internet, social networks and online games, leading to social isolation, impaired sleep, reducing productivity and other negative consequences.
  • Workaholism: Excessive enthusiasm for work, leading to overwork, stress, burnout and health problems.
  • Shopogolism: An uncontrolled desire for purchases, leading to financial problems and emotional discomfort.

• By physiological effects:

  • Food habits: Improper nutrition, consuming of harmful food (fast food, sweets, carbonated drinks), irregular nutrition.
  • Habits associated with physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercises.
  • Snow habits: Lack of sleep, irregular sleep, violation of sleep and wakefulness.
  • Habber -related habits: Non -compliance with personal hygiene rules.

• Other bad habits:

  • Nail biting: A nervous habit that can lead to damage to the nail bed and infection.
  • Puffing in the nose: A non -hygienic habit that can lead to damage to the nasal mucosa and infection.
  • Squeezing acne: A habit that can lead to inflammation and formation of scars.
  • Growing tooths (Broxsism): A habit that can lead to damage to the teeth and the temporomandibular joint.
  • The habit of stooping up: A habit that can lead to back in the back and neck.

1.2. Physiological mechanisms for the formation of bad habits

The formation of bad habits is a complex process in which various physiological and psychological mechanisms participate. The key role in this process is played by dopamine – a neurotransmitter, responsible for a sense of pleasure and reward.

When a person performs an action that brings him pleasure (for example, smokes a cigarette, drinks alcohol or plays a gambling game), dopamine is released in the brain. This causes a feeling of euphoria and satisfaction, which encourages a person to repeat this action again and again.

Over time, the brain adapts to the constant influx of dopamine, and to achieve the same level of pleasure, more and more stimulation is required. This leads to the development of tolerance and dependence.

In addition, bad habits can be formed according to the principle of conditional reflex. For example, if a person is used to smoking after eating, then the type of food can become an incentive that causes a desire to smoke.

An important role in the formation of bad habits is also played by a genetic predisposition, social environment and individual characteristics of the personality.

1.3. The influence of bad habits on various body systems

Bad habits have a destructive effect on all body systems, leading to the development of various diseases and reducing life expectancy.

• Cardiovascular system: Smoking, alcoholism and abuse of caffeine increase blood pressure, increase the risk of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Respiratory system: Smoking is the main cause of the development of chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysemes and lung cancer.
• Digestive system: Alcoholism, overeating and consumption of harmful food leads to the development of gastritis, stomach ulcers and duodenum, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and stomach cancer.
• Nervous system: Addiction, alcoholism, Internet addiction and workaholism lead to impaired cognitive functions, worsening memory, reducing concentration of attention, the development of depression, anxiety disorders and psychoses.
• Endocrine system: Overflow, sedentary lifestyle and the use of harmful foods lead to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
• Immune system: Smoking, alcoholism and drug addiction weaken the immunity, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases and increasing the risk of developing cancer.
• Reproductive system: Smoking, alcoholism and drug addiction reduce fertility in men and women, increase the risk of infertility and complications during pregnancy.
• Corruption system: A sedentary lifestyle and improper nutrition lead to the development of osteoporosis, arthritis and other joint diseases.

Chapter 2: Smoking: Slow suicide

Smoking is one of the most common and dangerous bad habits in the world. Despite numerous warnings about the dangers of smoking, millions of people continue to smoke, exposing themselves and surrounding serious risk to health.

Smoking has a destructive effect on all body systems, leading to the development of various diseases, disability and premature death.

2.1. The composition of tobacco smoke and its toxic effect

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic. The main harmful components of tobacco smoke are:

• Nicotine: It causes strong physical and psychological dependence. Nicotine stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure and heart rate.
• Resins: Contain carcinogenic substances that cause lung cancer, larynx, oral cavities and other organs. Resins also settle in the lungs, causing chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.
• Ugal gas (carbon monoxide): It is associated with hemoglobin in the blood, blocking the delivery of oxygen to organs and tissues. This leads to hypoxia (oxygen starvation) and impaired work of the cardiovascular system.
• Irritating substances (ammonia, formaldehyde, acrolein): Cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eye and skin.
• Heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic): They accumulate in the body, causing various diseases.
• Radioactive substances (Polonium-210): They irradiate the body, increasing the risk of cancer.

The toxic effects of tobacco smoke are manifested in the lesion of almost all organs and systems of the body.

2.2. The effect of smoking on the cardiovascular system

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke have the following negative effect on the cardiovascular system:

• Improving blood pressure: Nicotine stimulates the nervous system, which leads to a narrowing of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure.
• City of heart rhythm: Nicotine increases the heart rate, which leads to increased heart load.
• Vascular endothelium damage: Tobacco smoke damages the inner shell of blood vessels (endothelium), which contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Increased blood coagulation: Smoking increases blood coagulation, which increases the risk of blood clots and the development of myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Reducing the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL): Smoking reduces the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL), which protect vessels from atherosclerosis.
• Improving the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL): Smoking increases the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), which contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

As a result of smoking, the risk of developing the following cardiovascular diseases increases:

• Atherosclerosis: The narrowing and hardening of arteries caused by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Corny heart (coronary heart disease): A disease in which the heart does not receive enough oxygen due to narrowing of the coronary arteries.
• Myocardial infarction: Curliness of the heart muscle due to a lack of blood supply.
• Stroke: Damage to the brain due to impaired blood supply.
• Peripheral atherosclerosis: The narrowing of the arteries that feed the limbs, which leads to pain in the legs when walking (interspersing lameness) and even amputation.
• Aortic aneurysm: The expansion of the wall of the aorta, which can lead to breakdown and deadly bleeding.

2.3. The effect of smoking on the respiratory system

Smoking has a destructive effect on the respiratory system, leading to the development of chronic lung diseases and lung cancer. Tobacco smoke causes the following changes in the respiratory system:

• Irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract: Tobacco smoke contains irritating substances that cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea, which leads to chronic bronchitis.
• Damage to the eyelash of the epithelium of the respiratory tract: Epithelial eyelash of the respiratory tract cleanse the lungs of mucus and pollution. Tobacco smoke damages the cilia, violating their function and leading to the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.
• Destruction of the alveoli: Alveoli are small air bags in the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. Tobacco smoke destroys the alveoli, which leads to pulmonary emphysema.
• Increased mucus secretion: Tobacco smoke stimulates the production of mucus in the bronchi, which leads to cough and difficulty breathing.
• Increasing the risk of developing infectious diseases: Smoking weakens the immune system of the lungs, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Lung cancer development: Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic substances that damage DNA of lung cells, which can lead to the development of lung cancer.

As a result of smoking, the risk of developing the following diseases of the respiratory system increases:

• Chronic bronchitis: Chronic inflammation of the bronchi, accompanied by a cough with sputum.
• Emphysema of the lungs: The destruction of alveoli, leading to difficulty breathing and chronic respiratory failure.
• Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): The combination of chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by infection.
• Lung cancer: A malignant tumor developing from lung cells.

2.4. Influence of smoking on other organs and systems

In addition to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, smoking has a negative effect on other organs and systems of the body:

• Digestive system: Smoking increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers and duodenum, stomach cancer and pancreas.
• Urivatory system: Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer and bladder cancer.
• Reproductive system: Smoking reduces the fertility in men and women, increases the risk of infertility and complications during pregnancy. In men, smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Endocrine system: Smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Immune system: Smoking weakens immunity, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases and increasing the risk of cancer.
• Leather: Smoking leads to premature skin aging, wrinkle formation and face complexion.
• Teeth and gums: Smoking leads to yellowing of the teeth, the development of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (destruction of bone tissue, surrounding teeth).
• Vision: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and age -related macular degeneration (retinal damage).

2.5. Passive smoking: danger to others

Passive smoking is inhalation of tobacco smoke non -smokers who are in the same room with smokers. Passive smoking is as dangerous for health as active smoking.

Passive smoking increases the risk of developing the following diseases:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Myocardial infarction, stroke.
• Respiratory diseases: Chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia.
• Lung cancer.
• Sudden child death syndrome (SVDS) in infants.
• Middle ear infections in children.

Particularly dangerous smoking for children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases is especially dangerous.

Chapter 3: Alcohol: The illusion of relaxation and the reality of destruction

Alcohol, despite its wide prevalence and social acceptability, is a psychoactive substance that has a serious negative effect on health. Regular drinking of alcohol, especially in large quantities, leads to the development of alcohol dependence (alcoholism) and the defeat of internal organs.

3.1. The effect of alcohol on the body: from euphoria to poisoning

Alcohol has a multilateral effect on the body, which depends on the amount of drunk, the frequency of use and individual characteristics of a person.

• Central nervous system: Alcohol depresses the activity of the central nervous system, causing a violation of coordination of movements, a slowdown in the reaction, memory deterioration and a decrease in concentration of attention. In large doses, alcohol can lead to loss of consciousness, coma and death.
• Cardiovascular system: In small doses, alcohol can have a short -term expanding effect on blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. However, regular drinking in large quantities increases blood pressure, increases the risk of cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle), arrhythmia and stroke.
• Liver: The liver is the main organ responsible for alcohol metabolism. With regular use of alcohol, the liver is subjected to toxic effects, which leads to the development of fatty liver dystrophy (hepatosis), alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
• Pancreas: Alcohol can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which leads to severe abdominal pain, digestive disorders and diabetes.
• Gastrointestinal tract: Alcohol irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, increasing the risk of gastritis, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, as well as cancer of the stomach and intestines.
• Endocrine system: Alcohol disrupts the endocrine system, which can lead to hormonal disorders, a decrease in fertility and the development of diabetes.
• Immune system: Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases and increasing the risk of cancer.

3.2. Alcoholism: Dependence disease and its consequences

Alcoholism is a chronic progressive disease characterized by uncontrolled use of alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological dependence, as well as the defeat of internal organs and social maladaptation.

Diagnostic criteria of alcoholism are:

• A strong desire or need to drink alcohol.
• Loss of control over the amount of alcohol drunk.
• The development of cancellation (withdrawal) syndrome with the cessation of alcohol use.
• An increase in alcohol tolerance (the need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect).
• Continuation of alcohol consumption, despite the awareness of its negative consequences.
• Neglect other interests and responsibilities in favor of alcohol consumption.

Alcoholism has a destructive effect on all spheres of human life:

• Health: Alcoholism leads to the development of numerous diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, cancer and mental disorders.
• Social sphere: Alcoholism leads to the destruction of family relations, loss of work, social isolation and offenses.
• Economic sphere: Alcoholism leads to financial problems associated with alcohol costs, treatment and disability.

3.3. The effect of alcohol on the liver: from hepatosis to cirrhosis

The liver is the most vulnerable body for alcoholism. Regular drinking of alcohol leads to the development of alcoholic liver disease, which includes the following stages:

• Fatty liver dystrophy (hepatosis): Accumulation of fat in liver cells. Hepatosis often occurs asymptomatic, but can lead to an increase in the liver and impaired its function. We turn hepatosis when the use of alcohol is stopped.
• Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by the toxic effects of alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis can occur in a mild form, causing only a slight increase in the level of hepatic enzymes in the blood. In severe cases, alcoholic hepatitis can lead to jaundice, ascite (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), liver encephalopathy (brain damage) and liver failure.
• Cirrhosis: Irreversible liver damage, characterized by the replacement of the normal tissue of the liver with scar tissue. The liver cirrhosis leads to a violation of all liver functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis and energy storage. Liver cirrhosis can lead to the development of portal hypertension (increased pressure in portal vein), varicose expansion of the veins of the esophagus and stomach, ascite, liver encephalopathy and liver cancer.

3.4. The effect of alcohol on the brain: from short -term disorders to dementia

Alcohol has a toxic effect on the brain, leading to various neurological and mental disorders.

• Short -term violations: The use of alcohol leads to a violation of coordination of movements, a slowdown in the reaction, a deterioration in memory and a decrease in concentration of attention. In large doses, alcohol can lead to loss of consciousness, coma and death.
• Alcohol encephalopathy (Vernik-Korsakov Syndrome): A severe neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in people who abuse alcohol. Alcoholic encephalopathy is characterized by impaired memory, confusion, impaired coordination of movements and paralysis of the eye muscles.
• Alcohol dementia: A persistent violation of cognitive functions (memory, thinking, speech) caused by prolonged alcohol abuse. Alcohol dementia is manifested in the deterioration of memory, a decrease in intelligence, speech impairment and orientation in space.
• Depression and anxiety disorders: Alcoholism is often accompanied by depression and anxious disorders.
• Psychoses: In some cases, alcoholism can lead to the development of alcoholic psychoses, such as alcohol delirium (white fever) and alcoholic hallucinosis.

3.5. There is no safe dose of alcohol

Despite the widespread opinion that alcohol in moderate quantities can be healthy, modern studies show that there is no safe dose of alcohol. Any amount of alcohol has a toxic effect on the body and increases the risk of various diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend drinking alcohol in any quantities.

Chapter 4: Addiction: the way to the abyss

Addiction is a severe chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled use of psychoactive substances (drugs), leading to physical and psychological dependence, as well as the defeat of internal organs, mental disorders and social maladaptation.

Addiction is one of the most serious problems of modern society, leading to the destruction of personality, the growth of crime and the spread of infectious diseases.

4.1. Brain drug

Drugs have a strong effect on the brain, changing its structure and function. Most drugs affect the brain reward system, which is responsible for a sense of pleasure and motivation.

Drugs increase the level of dopamine in the brain, causing a sense of euphoria and satisfaction. With regular use of drugs, the brain adapts to an increased level of dopamine, and to achieve the same effect, more and more drugs are required. This leads to the development of tolerance and dependence.

In addition, drugs damage brain neurons, disrupting their function and causing various neurological and mental disorders.

4.2. Types of drugs and their consequences

There are many different types of drugs that differ in their chemical composition, mechanism of action and consequences.

• Ahioin (heroin, Morphine, Codein): They have an analgesic and soothing effect. They cause strong physical and psychological dependence. An overdose of opiates can lead to oppression of breathing and death.
• Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine): They have an exciting effect, increase energy and improve mood. They cause psychological dependence. Stimulants can lead to the development of psychoses, cardiovascular diseases and death.
• Cannabinooids (Marijuana, Gashish): They have a relaxing and euphoric effect. They cause psychological dependence. Cannabinoids can lead to memory impairment, a decrease in concentration of attention and the development of mental disorders.
• Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline): They cause hallucinations and change the perception of reality. They can lead to the development of psychoses and panic attacks.
• Club drugs (ecstasy, MDMA): They have a stimulating and hallucinogenic effect. They can lead to dehydration, overheating, cardiovascular diseases and death.
• Designer drugs (spice, salt): Synthetic analogues of famous drugs. They have an unpredictable action and can lead to severe poisoning, mental disorders and death.

4.3. Physical and mental consequences of drug addiction

Addiction has a destructive effect on the physical and mental health of a person.

• Physical consequences:

  • Damage to internal organs: Drugs damage the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and other internal organs.
  • Infectious diseases: Addicts are often infected with HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
  • Overdose: An overdose of drugs can lead to oppression of breathing, cardiac arrest and death.
  • Abstinence (Lomka): The cessation of drug use causes cancellation syndrome (breaking), which is accompanied by strong physical and mental suffering.

• Mental consequences:

  • Mental disorders: Addiction can lead to the development of depression, anxiety disorders, psychoses and schizophrenia.
  • Violation of cognitive functions: Drugs worsen memory, reduce concentration and violate thinking.
  • Change of personality: Addiction leads to a change in personality, loss of interest in life and social maladaptation.

4.4. The social consequences of drug addiction

Addiction has a negative impact on society:

• Crime growth: Addicts often commit crimes to get money for drugs.
• Distribution of infectious diseases: Addicts are the main distributors of HIV, hepatitis B and C.
• Destruction of families: Addiction leads to the destruction of family relationships and raising children in dysfunctional conditions.
• Economic losses: Addiction leads to economic losses associated with the cost of treatment, rehabilitation and the fight against crime.

4.5. Prevention and treatment of drug addiction

Prevention and treatment of drug addiction is a complex and multifaceted task that requires an integrated approach.

• Prevention:

  • Information of the population about the dangers of drugs.
  • Propaganda of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Strengthening family relationships.
  • The development of alternative forms of leisure.

• Treatment:

  • Detoxification: Cleaning the body of drugs.
  • Medication: The use of drugs to relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug drive.
  • Psychotherapy: Individual and group psychotherapy is aimed at changing the behavior and image of the thinking of a drug addict.
  • Rehabilitation: Social and psychological rehabilitation is aimed at the return of the drug addict to a normal life in society.

Chapter 5: overeating: comfort in food and reckoning for weakness

Overflow is a disorder of food behavior, characterized by uncontrolled food consumption in large quantities, even in the absence of a sense of hunger. Overflow is often associated with emotional problems, stress, depression and anxiety.

Overflow leads to obesity, the development of various diseases and a deterioration in the quality of life.

5.1. Causes and mechanisms of overeating

Overflow can be caused by various factors:

• Psychological factors:

  • Emotional overeating: Eating food to relieve stress, anxiety, depression or other negative emotions.
  • Boredom: Eating food from boredom or lack of other classes.
  • Low self-esteem: Eating food to raise self -esteem or filling the inner void.
  • Traumatic events: Eating food for drowning pain associated with traumatic events.

• Biological factors:

  • Genetic predisposition: Some people are more likely to overeat due to genetic characteristics.
  • Hormonal balance violation: Violation of hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, can lead to an increase in appetite and overeating.
  • Disruption of the brain: Disruption of the system of remuneration of the brain can lead to increased attraction to food.

• Social factors:

  • Cultural traditions: In some cultures, it is customary to eat in large quantities.
  • The influence of advertising: Advertising often promotes the use of harmful food.
  • Availability of food: Easy access to food, especially to harmful, increases the risk of overeating.

5.2. Health consequences

Overeating has a negative effect on health:

• Obesity: Overflow leads to excessive accumulation of fat in the body, which leads to obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is the main risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.
• Increased blood pressure: Obesity increases blood pressure, which increases the risk of hypertension.
  5.3. Irregular sleep

The modern pace of life often makes people sacrifice a dream in order to have time to do more things. However, lack of sleep or irregular sleep mode negatively affect health.

• The consequences of lack of sleep: Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, irritability, a decrease in concentration, problems with memory and weakening of immunity.
• Consequences of sleeping violations: Violation of the sleep regime can lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression and increased risk of developing various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
• ** Recommendations for improvement