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What is the evidence as to why cigarette smoking produces such strong dependence?

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Final answer:

Cigarette smoking produces strong dependence due to the addictive nature of nicotine and the harmful effects of smoking on health. Withdrawal symptoms from smoking can include cravings for nicotine, headaches, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Smoking is linked to various diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic lung diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nicotine in cigarette smoke is highly addictive and produces strong dependence. The addictive power of nicotine, although less dramatic than drugs like heroin and cocaine, is just as great. Typical withdrawal symptoms from smoking include craving for nicotine, headaches, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hunger, difficulty concentrating, and lowered heart rate and blood pressure. It is difficult for smokers to quit because of the addictive nature of nicotine.

Cigarette smoking also produces strong dependence because of the harmful effects it has on health. Numerous studies have shown that smoking is linked to various diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, gum infection, and chronic lung diseases. The harmful effects of smoking on health have been documented by organizations like the Royal College of Physicians, the United States Surgeon-General, and the World Conferences on Smoking and Health.

Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of adverse health effects, including lung cancer and heart disease, for non-smokers. The addictive and harmful nature of nicotine, along with the evidence of smoking's detrimental effects on health, contribute to the strong dependence produced by cigarette smoking.

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