Veterans and Tobacco Addiction: Where to Seek Support
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking-related diseases have killed 10 times more Americans than the combined toll in all the wars the country has fought. And yet smoking continues to be an important part of the military culture. According to the CDC, smoking is more common among military personnel than civilians. Cigarettes are often handed out as awards. They are discounted at military stores. Seeing their superiors smoke is perceived as validation by many young recruits who then pick up the habit. Smoking cigarettes also provides an enjoyable way to while away time between duty hours. Despite knowing about the health risks smoking poses, military personnel continue to smoke, hoping that they will shrug off the habit when they return to civilian life. But nicotine is…