It’s like that aunt we dislike at family gatherings: we know it’s bad, we know it hurts us, but somehow, we keep inviting her. That’s what smoking is like. Despite the abundance of information available about the harm that tobacco causes to health, it remains a common practice.
So, Why the hell do people still light up cigarettes? Here I leave you 10 reasons.
Reasons and reasons why people continue smoking tobacco
This is a brief summary of why there are many people who smoke tobacco despite its harmful effects.
1. It’s addictive
It may sound obvious, but it’s the truth. Nicotine, one of the many chemicals in cigarettes, is highly addictive. When you smoke, nicotine reaches your brain in about 10 seconds and releases chemicals that make you feel relaxed and content. That “high” can be very addictive.
You don’t continue smoking because of a lack of “willpower”, it’s simply that nicotine causes addiction, and that is a complex problem.
2. Social pressure
Just like that time you joined the school choir just because your friends did, social pressure can be a big reason to start smoking. Do you remember that scene in the movies where the bad boy smokes a cigarette and suddenly looks more attractive?
Well, That romantic image of the smoker has been a strong driver in the decision of some people to start smoking
We are all social by nature. We seek to belong to a group, to be accepted and valued. And if that acceptance is reinforced by having a cigarette in their hand, many fall into the trap.
It’s like when your friends decide to climb Everest and, despite your fear of heights, you follow them just so you don’t feel left out. And of course, there’s the famous “bad boy” factor. Who can resist the charm of that rebellious air that seems to accompany cigarette smoke? But remember, it’s just an illusion.
3. Stress and anxiety
Smoking has often been promoted as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, and to be fair, in the short term, it can work. But in the long run, like that toxic relationship you stayed in too long, it can cause more problems than it solves. It’s a bit like that old threadbare blanket that reminds you of home. In the midst of an anxiety attack, having something familiar in your hand can be comforting. The cigarette, with its routine of lighting up, taking a drag, and blowing out the smoke, can provide a momentary distraction. But make no mistake, the relief is temporary, and the blanket becomes more and more frayed as time goes by.
4. Habit and routine
Sometimes smoking becomes part of a daily routine, like drinking coffee in the morning or watching the news in the evening. A cigarette after dinner, or during a break at work, can become a kind of daily “ritual”
Routines provide us with a sense of normality and control in our lives. So, when smoking becomes part of those routines, it is difficult to get it out. It’s like that cup of coffee you drink every morning: you begin to associate its absence with something strange and unknown. But remember, routines can change, just as you adapt to the schedules of a new job.
5. To control weight
The idea that smoking can help with weight control is another myth that circulates. Some people smoke in an attempt to reduce their appetite and prevent weight gain. But if you want advice, it’s better to opt for a walk in the park or a block.
The fear of gaining weight can be a determining factor for many people who smoke But the truth is that smoking is like that personal trainer that promises miraculous results with just one hour of training a week: it’s too good to be true. If you really want to maintain a healthy weight, there are much safer and more effective ways to do it, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. Don’t use tobacco as an excuse not to change other bad habits in your life!
6. To confront emotions
Smoking can be a form of emotional self-management When emotions are difficult to manage, some people may turn to tobacco as a way to distract themselves or calm their feelings.
Do you remember how you used to eat ice cream after a breakup? Smoking can be that spoon you dig into the ice cream, a distraction from sadness, anger or fear. But instead of solving the problem, you are just hiding it under a layer of smoke.
7. As an act of rebellion
For some, smoking is a form of rebellion, a way of telling the world “look how much I care about your opinion.” Rebellion can be (and is) a powerful catalyst to start smoking, especially in adolescents.
8. Genetic factors
Studies have shown that there is a genetic predisposition to nicotine addiction If your parents or siblings are smokers, you may be more likely to be one too.
There are people who can stop smoking “overnight” without too many problems and without feeling hardly any nicotine withdrawal syndrome or “mono”. And other people have real anxiety attacks after a few hours without smoking a cigarette. Each person metabolizes nicotine in a different way, which is why there are people who find it much more difficult to quit smoking (and that is why the same method does not work for everyone).
In a perfect world, we would all know the risks of tobacco before lighting our first cigarette. But, unfortunately, we don’t live in that world. Often, it is a lack of information that leads people to make unhealthy choices. Lack of information about the harms caused by tobacco can be a big contributing factor in people starting to smoke. Without proper knowledge, it is easy to underestimate the risk.
10. Because it is “in fashion”
In some social circles, smoking is seen as something “cool” or “trendy.” Although this trend has decreased in recent years, it can still be a factor in some communities. Adolescents start smoking to try to impress others or feel “more adult,” and this social factor is what initiates and maintains consumption long enough for them to develop a physical addiction to nicotine.
Frequent questions
These are some of the most common questions raised by those thinking about quitting smoking:
Is it possible to quit smoking overnight?
Yes, it is possible, but it can be very difficult due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It is best to seek professional help to quit smoking.
Is the electronic cigarette a safe alternative?
Although electronic cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, still contain nicotine and can be addictive Additionally, there is increasing scientific evidence that vapes DO NOT help you quit smoking, nor are they safe. Don’t complicate your life.
What can I do if I want to stop smoking?
Seeking professional help is always the best option
I have helped thousands of people quit smoking (I am an addiction specialist). Contact me and I will tell you what are the first steps you should take.
