Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., and a listed risk factor for numerous diseases.
"I think the reasons for quitting are primarily to avoid the adverse health effects, live longer and live better," says Dr. J. Taylor Hays, director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center.
The addictive nature of smoking can be traced to nicotine, a chemical that alternates between stimulant and depressant. Dr. Hays says reducing cravings requires a combined approach of behavioral and medication therapy.
