Why Do People Start Smoking?

‘Smoking is injurious to health’. We always read this tagline in every kind of tobacco add, before the beginning of every film, and even on the pack of cigarettes. Even after knowing all kind of hazards smoking does to our body people smoke. But have we ever thought why people take up smoking, what could be the reason that people do this even after knowing it’s a road to death. Here is an article discussing about why people take up smoking.

There are not many smokers who start smoking after the age of 20. Most people start smoking when they are in their teens and are addicted by the time they reach adulthood. Those with friends and/or parents who smoke are more likely to start smoking than those who don’t.

None of the much flaunted appeals of cigarette advertisers, such as superior taste and mildness, influence people to become smokers. This was one of the facts discovered when asked to several hundred people, from all walks of life.

Three of the main reasons that young people smoke are

To look mature, to be like their friends, and to experiment.

When teens see elder people all around them smoking, especially their parents and relatives, they also start smoking to look matured and grown up. If their friends or peers smoke, they feel pressure into doing the same to be accepted by friends.

The last reason is as an act of rebellion or defiance against parents or people of authority by experimenting with something that is forbidden. Usually parents do not allow their underage teens to smoke. Therefore, smoking becomes very attractive. It is exciting to get cigarettes and sneak away to smoke without being caught.

A number of children are only experimenting with smoking and just want to try it to see what all the fuss is about.

Some teenagers may take up smoking because their favorite film star or pop star smokes. They think that if they smoke they will appear more glamorous, attractive or cool, like them.

Adults smoke for other reasons.

They may have a lot of stress and pressures because of economic and personal problems. They may be unemployed or working but not making enough money to take care of themselves and their families.

They may be homeless, or they may be dealing with alcohol or cocaine/heroin addictions. Some may be in bad marriages or relationships in which there is physical and/or verbal abuse. All these people may smoke to feel relaxed or to give them energy while going through a hard time.

Some people smoke to control their weight. Smokers, on average, weigh seven pounds less than non-smokers. Smoking reduces a person’s appetite. It lessens his/her sense of taste and smell.

Finally, there are people who say they love to smoke. Smoking gives them pleasure. It just makes them feel good.

At such a young age, you don’t really think about the health risks of smoking and you certainly do not realize how addictive smoking can be. As a teenager you probably think that you can try smoking a few times and then take it or leave it. However, the reality is that it doesn’t take long to become addicted to nicotine and smoking.

Within a short period of time, children can experience the same cravings and withdrawal symptoms as an adult and there the journey towards slow and paiful death begins.

So where are we heading.