Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

The path to addiction

Read the following tweets carefully and then complete the tasks.

Q: Describe the progression of Alex's vaping habit based on the provided posts.
A: Alex's vaping habit began with curiosity, as noted in the first post where they tried vaping for the first time and found it enjoyable. This curiosity quickly turned into a social activity with friends, which Alex found fun. The habit then escalated to a form of stress relief, as indicated by the feeling of relaxation after vaping. However, Alex's posts also reveal a dependency forming, as they felt jittery without vaping and eventually admitted to feeling hooked on nicotine.

Q: Explain the potential health implications of Alex's increasing dependence on vaping.
A: Alex's increasing dependence on vaping can lead to several health implications. Nicotine addiction is a significant concern, as indicated by Alex's need for a 'nic fix' and the inability to go a day without vaping. This dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and cravings. Long-term use of vaping products can also expose Alex to harmful chemicals and increase the risk of respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications. Additionally, the psychological impact of addiction can affect Alex's mental well-being and daily life.

The Dangers of Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine addiction is a dependency on a substance found in tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes. When people smoke or use these products, nicotine enters their bloodstream and reaches the brain quickly. This creates a short-lived feeling of pleasure and relaxation, making it easy for users to want more. Over time, the brain gets used to nicotine and needs more to feel the same effects, leading to addiction.

Nicotine addiction can have serious physical and mental effects. Physically, it can harm almost every organ in the body. It can lead to an increased heart rate and high blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Long-term use can damage the lungs and lead to diseases like chronic bronchitis or emphysema. It also increases the risk of various cancers, including lung cancer.

Psychologically, nicotine addiction can influence a person's mood and behavior. When someone tries to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and intense cravings. These symptoms can make it very hard to stop using nicotine, even when someone wants to quit.

Nicotine addiction often starts in adolescence, as teens can be more susceptible to peer pressure and the desire to fit in. The earlier someone starts using nicotine, the harder it can be to quit later in life. It's important to be aware of the risks associated with nicotine and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Understanding these dangers can help make healthier choices and avoid the harmful effects of nicotine.

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Q: What physiological effect does nicotine have on the heart when consumed?
- It has no significant effect on the heart
- It increases the heart rate and blood pressure (correct)
- It decreases the heart rate
- It causes the heart to slow down and relax

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Q: Why can quitting nicotine be particularly challenging for long-term users?
- Because nicotine withdrawal symptoms are mild and easy to manage
- Because nicotine withdrawal only affects physical health
- Because nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, and intense cravings (correct)
- Because nicotine withdrawal symptoms are only psychological

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Q: Which age group is more susceptible to starting nicotine use due to peer pressure?
- Children
- Adults
- Elderly
- Teens (correct)

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Q: What long-term lung diseases can nicotine use lead to?
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema (correct)
- Tuberculosis and lung fibrosis
- Lung cancer and pleurisy
- Asthma and pneumonia

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Q: What is a critical step to take if someone is struggling with nicotine addiction?
- Ignore the addiction and hope it goes away
- Switch to a different addictive substance
- Continue using nicotine to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Seek help and be aware of the risks associated with nicotine (correct)

Causes, factors, and consequences of addiction

Match the words to the blanks.

Q: [...] can start in many different ways, but certain factors can increase the risk. These include low [...], poor stress management, difficulty handling conflicts, pressure to succeed, long-term stress, negative future outlook, and the influence of the wrong friends. The availability and social acceptance of [...] substances also play a role.

When someone becomes addicted, it can affect every part of their life. Physical [...] often suffers because addictive substances can damage organs. Social problems are common, leading to conflicts with family and friends. Losing a job can cause financial trouble. People who are severely addicted may [...] themselves, suffer from serious emotional problems, and become socially isolated.

It's important to remember that addiction doesn't just affect the person who is addicted. Their family and [...] can also suffer greatly. Recognizing the risk factors and understanding the impact of addiction can help in finding ways to prevent it and support those who may be struggling.
A: Addiction; self-esteem; addictive; health; neglect; friends

Q: Describe the various factors that increase the risk of addiction and explain how addiction can impact different aspects of a person's life.
A: Addiction can start in many different ways, but certain factors can increase the risk. These include low self-esteem, poor stress management, difficulty handling conflicts, pressure to succeed, long-term stress, negative future outlook, and the influence of the wrong friends. The availability and social acceptance of addictive substances also play a role. When someone becomes addicted, it can affect every part of their life. Physical health often suffers because addictive substances can damage organs. Social problems are common, leading to conflicts with family and friends. Losing a job can cause financial trouble. People who are severely addicted may neglect themselves, suffer from serious emotional problems, and become socially isolated. It's important to remember that addiction doesn't just affect the person who is addicted. Their family and friends can also suffer greatly.