Six Reasons Why People Smoke

People who smoke tend to begin at an early age. Some inherit the habit from their parents. Others learn it from friends. Regardless of how the habit began, there are many reasons why they continue to smoke. Even while knowing the damage they’re doing to their bodies, smokers gravitate toward cigarettes. Here are 6 of the main reasons people smoke.

Reason #1: They’re Addicted

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on earth. Some doctors claim it’s more addictive than heroin and cocaine. Not only does it stimulate the brain, but it enters the bloodstream and calms the nerves. It’s known as a biphasic effect. It keeps smokers coming back for more.

Reason #2: They’re Psychologically Dependent

Many people who smoke have become accustomed to the dual effects of being more alert and simultaneously calm. That’s why people often say “they need a smoke” when they’re anxious. They develop a mental dependency on cigarettes to help them cope with problematic situations.

Reason #3: Social Integration

Smoking is a social habit. When others around you are smoking, you practically feel like you should be doing the same. In a way, it’s a bonding activity that makes it easier to talk with others who are smoking. Many people consider themselves “social smokers,” but over time they will begin to smoke cigarettes outside of social events.

Reason #4: They’re Mirroring Others

As a young adult, it’s natural to look up to others. It’s also natural to mirror their actions. Sometimes, that means wearing the same style of clothing. Other times, it means smoking cigarettes. This is one of the main reasons young people start smoking. They see adults doing it. Plus, they see the celebrities they adore doing it. Mirroring these people is often the catalyst to the habit.

Reason #5: Peer Pressure

When a person’s peers smoke cigarettes, he is more likely to begin smoking. Though peer pressure is most common amongst young people, it also affects adults. Most people have a natural tendency to conform. If their friends smoke, they often smoke (or they find new friends). Oddly, this happens despite the knowledge of the damage that results from smoking. The fear of being labeled the “black sheep” of a group often proves strong enough to move us to sacrifice our long-term health.

Reason #6: They Enjoy Smoking

Every smoker knows what smoking does to their body. When you ask one of them why they smoke cigarettes, they’ll usually respond that they like smoking. That’s both true and false. In reality, it’s like someone saying they enjoy using heroin. The fact is, because of it’s addictive nature, they can’t stand not using heroin. The same is true for smokers. They don’t actually enjoy smoking. They simply don’t like how they feel (less alert, more anxious) when they’re not smoking.

Why Cutting The Habit Is So Hard

Quitting smoking is one of the most challenging goals a person can attempt. The addiction to nicotine is potent. It can deliver many of the same withdrawal symptoms as heroin. Aside from the addiction, each of the reasons described above can play an important role in a smoker’s willingness to continue smoking. For some, the decision to quit comes too late. Too much damage has already occurred within their bodies. For others, there is still time. Whether they make that fateful decision is a matter of discipline and foresight.