Do Cigars Really Help with Anxiety? Let’s

Explore with Cory Carnley of Gainesville

12-09-2024

Have you ever wondered if cigars might help calm your nerves when anxiety strikes? It’s a question that many people have, as cigars are often associated with relaxation and stress relief. But do they actually provide a solution for managing anxiety, or is the feeling of calm just temporary? Let’s dive into the science and effects behind cigar smoking and its potential impact on anxiety, as noted by Cory Carnley of Gainesville.

Cigars, like cigarettes, contain nicotine a powerful stimulant. When you smoke a cigar, nicotine enters your bloodstream and quickly reaches your brain, where it stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This process can create a fleeting sense of calm, making it seem like cigars are helping to relieve anxiety, at least in the moment.

But here’s the catch: this sense of relaxation is often short-lived. While nicotine can provide temporary relief, it is followed by what is known as a “crash.” After the initial calming effect wears off, many people experience heightened anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. This cycle of relief followed by discomfort may make you wonder are cigars really helping, or are they simply offering a brief escape that ultimately makes anxiety worse?

And the story doesn’t end there. In fact, regular cigar smoking can have a much more complex effect on anxiety over time. As your body becomes accustomed to nicotine, you may find yourself needing to smoke more to achieve the same calming effects. This can lead to a dependency on cigars, which in turn can contribute to a cycle of anxiety. Additionally, cigars come with long-term health risks such as heart disease, lung problems, and even cancer,

which can, ironically, fuel more anxiety as you worry about the harm smoking is causing to your body.

So, while cigars might seem to provide short-term relief from anxiety, they are far from a sustainable solution. In the long run, relying on cigars may only intensify the anxiety you’re trying to manage. If you ' re seeking lasting relief, healthier alternatives like physical activity, relaxation techniques, or professional support might be more effective and less risky ways to manage anxiety.