Smoking is an insidious addiction that has physical and mental components. This makes it hard to stop because smokers have a physical need for nicotine and are habitually tied to cigarettes. There are many influences that make people start smoking and keep them from quitting. There are also influences that contribute to successful cessation.
Physical Influences
The biggest physical influence on smoking is nicotine addiction. Most smokers have a physical craving for nicotine because it stimulates production of pleasurable brain chemicals. They experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not have it regularly. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, depression, impaired concentration, jittery feelings, increased appetite and lowered heart rate, according to the American Heart Association. Some people also use cigarettes for weight loss. They are afraid to quit because of the potential for gaining pounds.
Emotional Influences
People often start and continue smoking for emotional reasons. Teenagers feel peer pressure when their friends light up, and Teens Health, a website sponsored by the Nemours hospital network, explains that some believe cigarettes make them look "cool." Adult smokers often use cigarettes to fight stress. The Help Guide mental health site explains that some people smoke to combat feelings like boredom and loneliness and to feel more relaxed and comfortable in social situations.
Habitual Influences
The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, explains that smoking becomes linked to various daily activities. Eventually it becomes a habit to light up a cigarette when answering the telephone, having coffee or an alcoholic beverage, visiting with a friend or waiting at a traffic light while driving a car. The person smokes at these times without even thinking about it.
Time Frame
A person's age influences the likelihood of starting to smoke. Teens Health explains that 90 percent of smokers start the habit before age 18. Adult smokers explain that they were influenced by seeing their friends or family members smoke or wanting to look cool. They do not intend to make it lifelong habit, but they get addicted to the nicotine.
Considerations
There are many factors that influence people to start and continue smoking, but certain positive influences can help them stop. The AAFP cites family members and friends as an important factor in any quitting plan. Smokers who ask from support from the people in their lives have a better chance of success. Physicians can offer referrals to other support resources, and there are online groups and the Nicotine Anonymous 12-step program to help people quit with help from peers.
