Tobacco is the plant material in cigarettes, cigars and smokeless products like chew and snuff. It contains nicotine--a highly addictive drug produced by the plant to repel insects. Despite the well-known health dangers of smoking, many adolescents and teenagers try cigarettes for the first time every day. Understanding the risks of teenage smoking allows parents and teens to make educated decisions about the use of tobacco products.
Numbers and Statistics
Despite a general decrease in tobacco use, smoking is still a significant health threat to U.S. teenagers as of 2010. According to Medline Plus, almost 1/4 of American high school students smoke, 30 percent of whom will become addicted and die prematurely from smoking-related conditions. In addition, teenage smokers are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders and to use illegal drugs and alcohol.
One in every five high school students currently smokes, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Overall, nearly 90 percent of long-term smokers first try tobacco before age 18.
Causes
Every person has unique motivations for smoking. Teenagers--who are often concerned with fitting in, looking mature or rebelling against authority--may begin smoking for the image associated with tobacco use. The desire to emulate role models in movies, TV programs and video games who smoke also plays a role for some teens, many of whom are not aware of the true health risks of tobacco use. Other reasons for smoking include curiosity about the effects of tobacco, peer pressure and misconceptions about tobacco as a weight-loss aid.
Addiction and Withdrawal
One of the reasons that smoking is so deadly is because of its addictive nature. Many teens who intend only to experiment with smoking become addicted and continue smoking for years or a lifetime. According to the New York Times, nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine or amphetamines and is often more difficult to quit.
Nicotine increases production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for producing feelings of motivation and euphoria. Withdrawal causes highly unpleasant symptoms like irritability, anxiety and strong cravings for the drug, making it very hard for smokers to quit.
Health Effects
Teenagers who smoke put themselves at risk for many serious health conditions. The American Cancer Society states that cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 dangerous chemicals--60 of which are known to cause cancer.
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease and cancer of the lungs, esophagus, pancreas and cervix are among the many diseases caused by smoking. Pregnant women who smoke put their babies at risk for complications such as stillbirth, SIDS and low birth weight, according to the American Cancer Society.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to prevent smoking in teenagers is by providing accurate information about the dangers of smoking. Awareness programs that incorporate teachers, parents, community leaders and the media are very effective in educating kids and teens about smoking risks. Highlighting the aesthetic effects of tobacco use--such as premature aging, bad breath and smoker's cough--can act as an additional deterrent for image-conscious teenagers.
