There is an alarming estimate looming: about 80% of adult smokers started smoking when they were teenagers. The issue at hand is not why teens smoke, but why is it that despite all the warnings posted against smoking and promotions on healthy living, smoking seems to be an appealing practice for teenagers.
Teens are at an age wherein they want to stand out, feel special, and ultimately belong. They see smoking as a means to look “dangerous” because they know they are not allowed to smoke in the first place. Most may see this as “cool”.
Smoking enables the smoker to suppress feelings and achieve relaxation for those who feel disturbed, or to suppress appetite for those who are trying to manage their weight. Smokers also tend to huddle together in groups, which makes for conversation and companionship. Sometimes, complete strangers can start to engage in friendly conversation, after sharing a light.
Teenagers are the most affected, since they are at an age when they need to belong. In a social aspect, they seem to think that smoking helps them fill this particular void. The problem is, most teenagers, after taking their first puff, end up getting addicted.
Smoking is addictive because of nicotine. When the body starts to tolerate it, a smoker needs larger doses of nicotine to achieve the same effect. This vicious cycle eventually leads to a dependence of the body on the presence of nicotine to function normally.
Teenage smoking should not be simply taken as a bad lifestyle practice. Smoking should be viewed as a dangerous habit that can only lead to serious illnesses, such as lung cancer, heart diseases and pregnancy complications among others. Teens should keep themselves in an environment free of addiction, and should immerse themselves in sports and better education.
Tags: amoking addiction, cigarette abuse, Cigarette addiction, cigarette smoking, smoking abuse, smoking risks, teen smoking
