Why do people smoke?

People might start smoking for a number of different reasons. They might be influenced by seeing family members or friends smoke. People in different films, video games and television programmes smoke and this might also influence people. Some people are curious and just want to try it.

Reasons why people smoke

Below are some of the reasons why a person might start smoking or become addicted to smoking.

Becoming addicted to smoking

Anyone who starts smoking or vaping can become addicted to nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco and in the vapour used when vaping. Studies show that smoking is most likely to become a habit during the teenage years, but you can become addicted to nicotine at any age.

Nicotine is said to be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Some people can become addicted to things quite quickly, while others can take longer to develop an addiction. This means that even if you don’t develop an addition to smoking or vaping straight away, you may become addicted at a later time. If you smoke or vape, then it’s likely that you will become to nicotine addicted at some stage. For that reason, it’s best to avoid smoking or vaping altogether.

It is possible to be both physically and psychologically addicted to smoking. This means your body and their brain both think they need nicotine. This addiction can be difficult to overcome and people can get withdrawal symptoms after about 2 hours of not consuming nicotine.

Read about how to deal with withdrawal symptoms here.

Growing up with smoking in the home

People whose parent’s smoke are more likely to smoke themselves. When people smoke, they inhale 15% of the smoke produced from the cigarette. The other 85% is absorbed by the atmosphere, and by other people around them inhaling second-hand smoke. This means that children who grow up in a house where people smoke inside are exposed to a lot of the dangers of smoking from an early age. Children who grow up with parents who smoke are also more at risk of developing asthma.

If people see their parents or other family members smoke they might see it as normal. They might want to do what their older family members do. Children learn by imitating their parents’ or family members’ behaviour.

Read more about how to talk to your parents about their smoking here.

Cigarette breaks

People often take cigarette breaks at work. In some places of work, this might be the only way people can get a break. Taking cigarette breaks can be a social thing as well. This culture is essentially rewarding smokers by giving them more breaks. People often take cigarette breaks between lectures in college too.

You don’t have to smoke to take a few minutes to yourself outside. You can go for a walk or step outside without having a cigarette too. Similarly, if it’s the social element of smoking that you like, you can still go outside and chat to your friends. If this is too difficult because you’re trying to quit, you can always ask to have a chat over a coffee inside instead, or to go for a quick walk for some fresh air. If you have recently given up smoking or are trying to give up smoking avoid spending time with people who smoke. This can make quitting very difficult. Taking a quick walk might be a better alternative. Find out more about what to do if people around you smoke.

Smoking on nights out

A lot of people start smoking because they tried it on a night out and then formed a habit, either straight away or over time. Smoking in social situations is sometimes called ‘social smoking’.

Alcohol increases cravings for tobacco and tobacco enhances the effects of alcohol. Drinking alcohol while using tobacco increases the risk of the following cancers even more than drinking alcohol or using tobacco by itself:

• Mouth
• Throat
• Larynx
• Oesophagus
• Liver

Remember that you don’t have to smoke, even if you are in an outdoor or smoking area. If you are trying to quit or have recently quit ask your friends can they take it in turns going outside so you don’t have to. Putting yourself in an environment where people are smoking might make it very difficult to avoid smoking. Some bars and restaurants have outdoor areas where smoking isn’t actually allowed.

The link between smoking and mental health

People experiencing mental health issues are more likely to smoke than those who aren’t. Those with anxiety or depression are twice as likely to smoke and those with bipolar or schizophrenia are three times as likely to smoke than someone who is not experiencing any mental health illness.

Some people experiencing mental illness might use nicotine to manage their symptoms. However, there is evidence to say that smoking can actually cause or worsen anxiety and depression.

Read more about smoking and mental health here.

Smoking culture

In the past, smoking was a very normal thing. It was even seen as fashionable. Advertising campaigns featured doctors and celebrities promoting smoking. It was only in the second half of the 20th century that the public learned just how bad smoking is for our health. Despite this, many people still smoke because they are addicted, and find it hard to quit. However, it’s important to know that quitting is possible.

Giving up smoking

Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult. It can be hard on your physical and mental health in the short run but in the long run it’s one of the best things you can do for your health.

People might experience withdrawal symptoms when giving up smoking such as:

• A change in energy levels
• A cough
• Cigarette cravings
• Flu like symptoms

People often have to work hard to quit smoking and really want to do it. But they will experience several benefits like:

• Improved physical health and less chance of disease
• More money
• Feeling more fit

These are just some of the many benefits of quitting smoking. Find out more about how to quit smoking.

Get help and support to QUIT smoking

• Talk to your GP or pharmacist about Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
• Visit Quit.ie for tips on how to stop smoking.
• Call the Quitline on Freephone 1800 201 203 to talk to someone who understands and can help you quit.
• Head to the Quit.ie Facebook page to read stories from others who have quit smoking and to share your own.
• Find more information on quitting smoking at spunout.ie/quit

Disclaimer: There is more than one way to quit smoking. You may need to try a few different things to find what is right for you. For advice and support on quitting, visit spunout.ie/QUIT.