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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

08:47
Spectral Confocal Imaging of Fluorescently tagged Nicotinic Receptors in Knock-in Mice with Chronic Nicotine Administration
Published on: February 10, 2012
[Nicotine addiction]
1Klinika za plućne bolesti i TBC, Klinicki centar Univerziteta u Sarajevu.
Medicinski Arhiv
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Bosnia and Herzegovina has the highest smoking rates in Europe. Quitting smoking before age 50 significantly reduces mortality risk from smoking-related diseases by 50% within 15 years.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Context:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina exhibits the highest smoking prevalence in Europe, with 53% of individuals over 15 smoking.
- Male smoking rates are particularly high at 67%, and female rates at 22%, exceeding those in less developed nations.
- High male mortality rates (35-64 years) from tobacco use are observed in several Eastern European countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Purpose:
- To highlight the severe public health issue of high smoking prevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- To underscore that nicotine addiction and smoking cessation are recognized as treatable diseases.
- To emphasize the critical importance of professional assistance for smoking cessation.
Summary:
- Nicotine addiction is a neurobiological brain disease, with withdrawal symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and increased appetite.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-IV classifies nicotine addiction and withdrawal as diseases.
- Smokers who quit before 50 reduce their 15-year mortality risk by 50% compared to continuing smokers.
Impact:
- Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, COPD, and lung cancer.
- Early smoking cessation dramatically reduces overall mortality rates.
- Healthcare professionals have a duty to support individuals in overcoming nicotine addiction.
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