Canada Pharmacy Exposes Genes May Cause Quitting Difficult for Smokers

Jan 3
09:12

2012

Remcel Mae P. Canete

Remcel Mae P. Canete

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Even with years of public health endeavors centered at eliminating cigarette smoking, 20 percent of Americans still puff (thinking Canada prescription drugs can easily solve lung problems).

mediaimage

Even with years of public health endeavors centered at eliminating cigarette smoking,Canada Pharmacy Exposes Genes May Cause Quitting Difficult for Smokers Articles 20 percent of Americans still puff (thinking Canada prescription drugs can easily solve lung problems). 

"Federal and social policies may be somewhat less effective now because maybe the composition of those at risk those who smoke has changed," said study co-author Fred Pampel, a professor of sociology at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a research associate at the Institute of Behavioral Science there. "Those who can quit easily have probably done so," the authors said. 

Study lead author Jason Boardman, an associate professor of sociology said, "anti-smoking messages, higher taxes and restrictions on smoking have made a difference; but for hard-core smokers, there may be something else going on." Reason may include that some do prefer to use smoking as an antidepressant rather than to buy Effexor

"The logic here is that the identical twins share genes, so if they act alike it probably reflects a genetic component," said Pampel. 

"The new research adds to a growing body of literature suggesting there is probably a substantial genetic influence when it comes to nicotine addiction," said Dr. Aditi Satti, an assistant professor of medicine and director of the smoking cessation program at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. "But scientists are still trying to pinpoint the gene or genes involved," she said. 

"There has not been one specific gene linked to nicotine addiction," said Satti. 

"I think the combo of finding better medications and educating people, even if doctors just spend five minutes talking with your patient about smoking, will lead to higher quit rates," Satti said. 

"I'd argue that nicotine replacement therapies may be far more effective with existing smokers still trying to quit than the posters showing images of smokers that are not cool. Behavior-changing efforts -- I don't think that's going to help the two-pack a day smokers," said Boardman, who is also a research associate at the Institute of Behavioral Science. 

"Maybe we don't see smoking as being as important as alcohol and drug addiction, but I'm a pulmonologist and I see chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and lung cancer every day," she said. "And we know tobacco smoke is linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke. It's one of the most preventable things you can do. If you quit smoking, you'll see a huge impact on health."  Not just that, you’ll also witness a great significance on savings – lesser drug purchases from Canada drugstore pharmacies .