Dying to Quit: Why We Smoke and How We Stop (Hardcover)

~ (Author), A Joseph Henry Press Book (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although seemingly writing for clinicians, Brigham, a research psychologist with a California think tank, has much to tell general readers about smoking. Is it an addiction or a habit? Studies are inconclusive, we learn here. But much is known, such as the connection between mood and tobacco use: nicotine, a mild euphoriant, provides "quick relief" to anxiety. With some 16 million smokers trying to quit every year, just 1.2 million succeed, according to studies quoted in this well-documented book. Brigham notes factors involved in avoiding relapse, such as a support network, low stress and a stable life. She explains that although the experience of withdrawal differs from individual to individual, among the constants is weight gain, an average 8-10 pounds but up to 30 pounds for some. The book also reviews the medical hazards of smoking, among them circulatory, coronary and lung diseases, and cancer of the esophagus. Brigham's material is all the more terrifying for its calm delivery. And only after motivating readers with so much alarming information does she discuss quitting techniques, noting that cessation usually requires many attempts and is more successfully accomplished with aids like nicotine replacements (patch or gum) or counseling lasting eight or more weeks. 20,000 first printing.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Tobacco researcher and psychologist Brigham examines the complex effects of addiction and usage in this fascinating account of tobacco history and research. Interviews regarding one young woman's personal smoking experience lead each chapter into the scientific story of nicotine's effects on the mind and body as an addictive agent, appetite suppressant, emotional stabilizer, and toxic polluter. Tobacco usage and research, company sales strategies, social and peer pressures, and smoking-cessation products are all investigated, and Bingham presents staggering statistics on the number of people worldwide addicted to tobacco. Her impressive, fascinating volume, similar in scope to Simon Bryant's Know Smoking (Middle Way, 1997) but more scholarly and in-depth, will prove valuable to any person researching this subject. Highly recommended.AJanet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 289 pages
• Publisher: Joseph Henry Press; 1 edition (May 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0309064090
• ISBN-13: 978-0309064095
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,751,144 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy-to-read information on why it's so hard to stop smoking, July 23, 1998

By A Customer

Dr. Brigham has done an excellent job of explaining the grip which tobacco has on persons who use it. Her information is very matter-of-fact, when suddenly she drops in a dose of humor which makes the book very enjoyable. The many charts are also very informative -- when shown to my friends, they encouraged them to read the book.

Anybody who knows and cares about the health of a user of tobacco should read this book. Also, tobacco users themselves should read it to learn more about why they smoke or chew.

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I understand why it was so hard for me to quit smoking!, May 23, 1998

By A Customer

"Dying to Quit" really helped me understand why quitting smoking is so difficult--and why I gained 40 pounds in the process. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to quit smoking and to anyone who has ever smoked. It is easy to understand and relate to. After reading "Dying to Quit", I'm sure glad that I was finally able to kick the habit before it "kicked" me!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating commentary on what nicotine can do., May 13, 1998

By A Customer

Dr. Brigham's coverage of the impact of nicotine on the human body is thorough and interesting. She is an engaging writer and has interweaved a captivating account of a typical smoker. This book very much like Carson's "Silent Spring" for the smoking world.