Most people know the dangers of smoking. It's a fact that people who smoke generally die younger than nonsmokers. The health risks associated with smoking are even touched upon in schoolchildren's health classes. But even with the power of all the negative information about smoking at their fingertips, many people still choose to smoke cigarettes.
Teens
Nine in 10 smokers pick up the habit before the age of 18, according to the website TeensHealth. The most common reasons are that it makes them feel more independent, look older or more interesting, and can serve as a means for rebelling against authority figures. Peer pressure and having friends who smoke are also strong influences on young people. The American Cancer Society points out that kids whose parents smoke are much more likely to pick up the habit than those with non-smoking parents.
Adults
It's rare for people to start smoking for the first time after the age of 18--but it happens. One of the main reasons people start smoking as adults is stress. There is a misconception that smoking relieves stress, so some people pick up the habit during difficult periods or life transitions.
Psychology
The main reasons people start--and continue--smoking are almost purely psychological, according to the American Cancer Society. Most of the reasons center on how people perceive themselves in the company of others, and many people start smoking in an attempt to change their images. They may wish to appear more attractive, independent or sophisticated.
Tobacco Companies
The companies that make and sell cigarettes have a hand in getting people to start smoking. These companies know that 90 percent of smokers start when they are younger than 18. But their ability to reach children has been hampered in recent years, through laws that limit their advertising. These companies continue to do research on youths, however, using hidden cameras, interviews and psychological tests to find new ways to appeal to them, according to the website Children Opposed to Smoking Tobacco.
Warnings
It's a well known fact that smoking cigarettes will--not could, but will--negatively impact a person's health. Yet people continue to smoke, despite the many warnings. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, over 60 of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, even in the small amounts found in cigarettes, is highly addictive, and it's very difficult to quit smoking once you're addicted. Smoking is linked to at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States, and over 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that smoking shortens a person's life by over 13 years. But there are options to help people quit, including nicotine gum, patches and cessation groups/programs, among others.
