Why do people smoke?
What is it about sucking on a smouldering tube of tobacco that gets a third of people under 24 lighting up on a regular basis?
The fact is every smoker lights up for different reasons. Here are some of the burning factors:
Mood control
Tobacco smoke contains nicotine which has a stimulating effect on the body. Even so, many people believe that reaching for the cigarettes helps keep them calm, relieving stress and feelings of nervousness. So while the act of puffing on a smoke might distract them mentally, the physical changes actually work against them - ex-smokers and non-smokers feel less anxious and depressed than smokers.
The weight myth
Many people buy into the belief that smoking keeps their weight down, or even helps them to slim. This is a basically a myth, and a dangerous one at that.
Nicotine may well take the edge from your appetite, but smokers who quit don't automatically pack on the pounds. Any weight gain is down to the fact that they tend to eat more as a substitute for smoking. So when you're giving up, and looking for a way to avoid reaching for a cigarette, choose something other than the fridge! Ultimately, if you really have to snack to beat the craving, choose healthy, low-fat foods. That way, the only pounds you'll put on are those you stash in your pocket.
The smoking lifestyle
Some get into the smoking habit because they see it as an act of sophistication or rebellion. In fact recent surveys suggest that nearly 40% of young people believe smokers are less likely to conform than those who choose to stay smoke free. It's a tempting image. One which was long manipulated by the media to reinforce certain ideas, attitudes and beliefs. When it comes to the smoking lifestyle, media influence is very hard to prove. There may not be a direct link, but regular exposure over a long period of time is hard to ignore.
Joining the pack
Experts reckon the single most important factor that determines whether you'll ever spark up a ciggie is whether or not your friends smoke. Peer pressure can be a powerful force, and how strongly you can resist it depends on your self-esteem. If you feel confident in yourself, and the image you give out, then you're less likely to do things like try a cigarette simply because others say you should.
Your background
Growing up in a smoky environment is likely to influence your opinion on the habit. Some react against it, others fall into the same pattern.
The addiction factor
Nicotine is a hugely addictive chemical; that's why quitting can give withdrawal symptoms. The majority of smokers will tell you how easy is to get mentally hooked on the habit as well. Here's why:
- It's possible to become psychologically dependent on anything you do on a regular basis to change your mood. When it comes to cigarettes, this means you keep lighting up because you feel that you can't manage without a smoke.
- Nicotine is one of the only drugs you can consume at the same time as doing other activities. This makes it much easier to develop a smoking habit.
- Becoming dependent on cigarettes doesn't happen overnight. Often, it only turns into a problem when you realise you can't stop.
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