Will the long-term smoking of lung cancer generate dependency?

Long-term smoking by lung cancer patients may indeed create dependency, as nicotine in tobacco is addictive.Relationship between smoking and lung cancerSmoking is one of the major risk factors for lung cancer, and many harmful substances such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide in tobacco cause significant damage to the human respiratory system. Long-term smoking causes lung cancer by damaging lung cells and increasing the risk of genetic mutation. For patients already suffering from lung cancer, continued smoking can accelerate the deterioration of the condition and affect the effectiveness of treatment.nicotine dependencyAddiction mechanisms: nicotine is a major addictive ingredient in tobacco, which can rapidly enter the brain through blood, stimulate the brain to release dopamine and create pleasure. Long-term smoking makes the brain adaptable to nicotine, leading to a decrease in dopamine receptors, and in order to achieve the same level of pleasure, smokers need to increase their smoking.Discontinuation symptoms: When a smoker tries to quit smoking, the decline in nicotine levels leads to disruption symptoms such as anxiety, irritation, lack of focus, insomnia, increased appetite, which can encourage smokers to continue smoking to alleviate their discomfort.Effects of smoking dependence on lung cancerTreatment impact: Persons with lung cancer may be less effective if they continue to smoke. Smoking affects the metabolic and therapeutic effects of drugs while increasing the risk of surgical complications.Reduced survival rate: Smoking accelerates the progress of lung cancer and reduces the survival rate of patients. Studies have shown that even the cessation of smoking after the diagnosis of lung cancer can increase survival to some extent.Quality of life is declining: smoking increases respiratory difficulties, cough and other symptoms of lung cancer and reduces quality of life.The challenge for lung cancer patients to quit smokingPsychological dependence: When patients with lung cancer become aware of their condition, they may increase smoking behaviour due to psychological stress and fear as a coping mechanism.Physical dependence: Physical dependence due to long-term smoking makes it difficult for patients with lung cancer to quit even if they know that smoking is harmful to their health.A cessation strategy.Psychological support: Psychological counselling and support for patients with lung cancer to help them cope with the psychological challenges of quitting smoking.Drug treatment: Use of drugs such as nicotine substitution therapy (e.g. nicotine stickers, gum), antidepressants (e.g. amphetamine) to help quit smoking.Behavioural intervention: use of behavioural therapy, such as a cessation plan, recording of smoking behaviour, search for alternative activities, etc.Social support: Encourage family and friends to participate in the cessation process and provide incentives and support to patients.ConclusionsLong-term smoking by lung cancer patients may indeed generate dependence, both biologically and psychologically. For patients with lung cancer, cessation of smoking is an important measure to improve the prognosis and survival rate. Although smoking cessation is a major challenge for patients with lung cancer, many are still able to quit successfully through a comprehensive cessation strategy and professional support. Medical professionals should provide individualized smoking cessation programmes for patients with lung cancer to help them overcome dependency and improve their quality of life and preparation.