Does smoking affect a person's mood and behaviour?

Question

My BF was off cigarettes for over a year and has gone back on them since November. He smokes about 15 a day. He seems alot grumpier and more touchy since then, unlike the man I fell in love with . Could it be from the cigarettes again? I wasn't with him when he smoked before so I can only base it on now. He doesn't smoke drugs.All serious answers welcome.

Answer 1

ABSOLUTELY yes! Cigarettes are LOADED with nasty toxins that the human body does not need or want. Cigarettes are NOT a relaxant, they contain STIMULANTS that cause biological stress based on the way they activate and deactivate certain brain chemicals and lessen the amount of oxygen to the brain itself. The smoker may feel an initial loosening in their muscles that makes them think they are relaxed, but the increase in heart rate and blood pressure negates any relaxant effect.

Nicotine is poisonous and one of the most addictive substances on the face of the earth, similar to heroin and morphine. It activates the brain's opioid receptors which are responsible for short-term "feel good" sensations but suppresses brain activity in memory, emotion/mood, and pleasure. This is how the cycle of addiction starts and when it is broken, withdrawal begins.

The body also develops tolerance to nicotine, which means his current 15 a day will eventually increase. He is most likely suffering mild physical withdrawal from trying to keep himself limited to only 15 and it is causing the mood effects you have described.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

* The most severe withdrawal symptoms occur within the first week although the craving for cigarettes usually persists for months and even years. The desire to smoke tends to be especially strong when a person is under stress. The typical withdrawal symptoms are:
o Headaches;
o Anxiety and irritability;
o Difficulty concentrating and sleeping;
o Hunger;
o Decreased heart rate and blood pressure; and
o Craving for nicotine.
* Other side-effects, such as tiredness and coughing, are indications that the body is in a state of repair and is cleaning out the poisons associated with smoking.

Then, of course, there are these other negative health results:

All smokers are at extra risk for:

* Coronary heart disease (for example, heart attacks);
* Peripheral vascular disease (circulatory problems);
* Aortic aneurysm;
* High blood pressure ;
* High cholesterol (LDL);
* Lung cancer;
* Cancer of the mouth, throat and voice box;
* Cancer of the pancreas;
* Cancer of the kidney, and urinary bladder;
* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
* Chronic bronchitis;
* Emphysema;
* Pneumonia;
* Influenza (the "flu");
* The common cold;
* Peptic ulcers;
* Chronic bowel disease (Crohn's Disease);
* Tooth decay (cavities);
* Gum disease;
* Osteoporosis;
* Sleep problems (falling asleep inappropriately and/or frequent waking);
* Cataracts; and
* Thyroid disease (Grave's Disease).

And as if all that isn't enough, it's an extremely dirty and expensive habit. Your boyfriend needs to just quit once and for all, tough it out through the withdrawal, and never go back. Good luck to you both.

Answer 2

Anger can cause your blood pressure to rise. May even cause you to need a helper. Helper is something you need like to smoke, eat more or even drink. I know been there . Try taking some anger management classes. Or find something that relaxes you. Just because anger is an issue, does not mean it has to control you. If blowing off steam is the only way to relieve your anger then go for a walk or even exercise. Anger and stress go hand and hand usually. A bad combination to have at such a young age. You wont die from it , it can cause problems in relationships. Try to get control while there is time .

Answer 3

It's all cause and effect, maybe he's feeling down prompting the moodiness and this is the reason why he has started smoking again. Its unlikely its the cigarettes that are making him touchy, they're probably something to try to make him feel better.

Answer 4

If I'd managed to stop for a year, then started again I'd be a bit annoyed. He must've started again for a reason. He might be frustrated by something else.
Smokers moods are only really affected negatively by an absence of cig's. So I don't think it's just the smoking.

Answer 5

hi, my handsome husband smokes 2 packs a day when he tries to quit or has not had a cig for a while he gets jumpy and or nasty to at times violent so i would say smoking does affect moods and behavior and also judgements made with or without a smoke

Answer 6

I find when ive given up it makes me grumpier long term, maybe its just coz the sugar coating of the new relationship has worn off??

Answer 7

Yes, if he smokes cigarettes give him the ultimatum. You do not want to be around anyone that smokes cigarettes. It is a one way trip to hell.

Answer 8

smoking doesn't supposed to effect the mood and behavior.
i shouldn' t think so.
don't listen to people who tell u it does, it doesn't...
it only effects u if u lack in cigarettes after becoming addicted

Answer 9

any and all addictions affect mood and behavior. Someone who smokes can easily be compared to someone with mild manic depression. You might want to bring their mood swings to their attention. Hopefully your relationship will enough of a motivating factor to help them quit.

Answer 10

my dad smoked for all of my childhood years.he was happiest when he smoked. cigarettes are a kind of depressant they slow down your body.he shouldn't be mad from them unless as others have suggested he is mad at himself for starting to smoke again.try to find what he is really mad about the cigs may have nothing to do with it. good luck!