About 9 out of 10 smokers light up before they're 18, according to KidsHealth.org. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive, as well as more than 4,000 toxic chemicals. According to the American Cancer Society, 60 of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Once you develop a smoking habit, you have a higher risk of developing health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and emphysema. It's very difficult to quit smoking, so use these strategies to make sure you don't get hooked.
Step 1
Don't start smoking in the first place. As Kidshealth.org points out, most people who began smoking in their teens never expected they would become addicted.
Step 2
Think about switching your social network or shaking it up a bit. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons people start smoking; for teens, it's the No. 1 reason.
Step 3
Manage stress in healthy ways. Even if you're a casual or social smoker, you'll find it harder to quit if you're stressed. Healthy ways to de-stress include tackling problems head-on, exercise, meditation and speaking to a friend,relative or counselor about your problems.
Step 4
Cut back on alcoholic beverages. According to Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, alcohol is a gateway drug to other stronger drugs, including cigarette smoking. It is also the second-leading cause of relapse for ex-smokers.
Step 5
Consult your doctor to treat depression if you're depressed. People suffering from depression are twice as likely to smoke, says the University of South Carolina.
Step 6
Become more active. In a 2003 study published in the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention," the more physical activity adolescents did, the less likely it was that their smoking habits escalated.
Tips and Warnings
- Even if you've smoked for years, you can still reduce your risk of smoking-related illnesses by quitting. Knowing your risk of becoming a smoker can help you to be more proactive about prevention. For instance, having a lower income and being African-American make you more likely to smoke, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
- Tobacco smoking is a gateway drug to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Smoking increases your risk of developing dementia, diabetes and erectile dysfunction.
