Why do people smoke?

Question

When teenager that are my age (14) talk about smoking over the weekend it really confuses me because smoking is the reason my mother almost died of a heart attack, it was the cause of death for my grandfather who was a father to me, and because my mother smoked when she was pregnant with me i have asthma from it. I really don't understand why people find it cool because you look like an idiot with a stick hanging out of your mouth and and just wanted to know why people do it?

Answer 1

I totally agree.
It makes me really mad when i am at the movies, or at the mall, or anywhere and i see people smoking. It makes me want to go up to them and tell them that they have a very high risk of dying, and they shouldn't be doing that. People do it for various reasons:
some people think it's cool. some people do it cause they hate their life or are smoking because they are stressed, or in deep depression. A lot of people do it because they get pressured in it by, boyfriends, girlfriends, FRIENDS. And a lot of people you get close to. But, yes i agree, people are stupid, and it really does take a lot of people's lifes. So, i personally think this is a good question! It lets people know how bad it is, if they do not understand, or just don't care.
*good luck*

Answer 2

Well i guess people who smoke haven't quite been in the position you've been faced with. There's a lot of reasons that people smoke. Both my parents and step-parent's smoke, and i really didn't understand why because personally i know the consequences of doing dope, and i don't want to end up with any nasty disease.

Some reasons could be, especially if you're a parent that you're really stressed out and just need something to calm you down. Unfortunately sometimes sitting on the couch for a few minutes or taking a hot bath just doesn't cut it. So that's one reason.

Most of the time, in teenagers cases they just do it to impress people. You know the saying "everyone's doing it though" so kids who are totally obsessed with their social status tend to do whatever they have to get to the top of that pyramid. And by anything, i mean anything. They'll give up their virginity, they'll do drugs, they'll change their hair color and the way they dress. I have heard too, that girls who consistantely struggle with their weight might also take the drug to loose weight. I know besides getting stress off her shoulders, my mom did it for that purpose.

Then you have the teenagers who's parents also do the drugs and have set that example that doing drugs isn't a big deal. So with all these cigarettes laying around of course you're bound someday, as we all are curious, try it out. And depending on how much your parents care, and unfortunately since there are parents out there who don't very much they let their children continue to smoke along with them until it becomes an addiction, and at that point it's almost impossible to stop.

Sometimes we just do it because we feel like trying something new out, and we end up liking it and continue. Most people who do drugs that i've met understand the cancer risk of smoking, but there are SO many possibilties with doing drugs that kids and adults aren't aware of. Set an example for kids and adults who are into that crap, maybe let them know that cancer isn't the only outcome of smoking, and it not only effects you but also the people around you.

Answer 3

Nicotine is an addiction like any other drug and that's why smokers smoke. However when you get these teenagers that do it, all that is, is pure stupidity and peer pressure. You can't tell me that a 14 yr old kid can REALLY enjoy a drag off a Camel cigarette or any other one for that matter. It's stupid. It's a dumb habit they pick up to look cool and it's just not. Remind them next time you see them spark one up, that they'll be looking real cool with their yellow stained teeth, stinky breath, and stinky hair. Oh yeah, and let's not forget that sexy, hacking smokers cough. What about the girls with their wrinkled top lips? Yeahhhh that's hot! Make sure to tell the girls (assuming there are some you know that smoke) to pile up on the wrinkle cream cuz smoking causes PREMATURE AGING! And tell the guys to start saving their nickels and dimes for that Viagara they're gonna need, because smoking is known to cause IMPOTENCE..LOL Yup,,,they're all cool!

Answer 4

As a smoker I can tell you that for me at least my friends got me into it in high school. I am 26 now and trying to quit. The nicotine not only affects you physically but mentally as well. Your brain thinks you need it. A doctor told me if I could just convince my brain that I don't need it the rest would be easy as eating a whole chocolate cake. And yes those were his words. Most people chew gum but because of my jaw problems I cannot. Which is another reason I have to quit because if I don't quit first they may have to go back and fix my jaw again and again until I finally do quit which would suck because that means wiring my jaw shut for six weeks several times.

Answer 5

Im 18 turning 19 soon i started smoking when i was 12 years old because i wanted to i got my sisters packet went outside and had a cigarette i didnt cough and i didnt smoke infront of anyone because i hated people who smoked to fit in, i still smoke and when people say its all in your head its not an addiction thats not true in my case when i dont have a cigarette for a couple of hours i get pains and get really ill, sorry to hear bout your grandfather!

Answer 6

People smoke because they are either stressed out, find it appealing or just simply think it makes them appear one and fitted with others, their are many different reasons that people choose to do this and they all end up getting an addiction anyway. People just have to realize that smoking only elevates problems and that they should really value their lives better than to commit to this.

Answer 7

Young people often begin smoking not because its cool, but because its rebelious. Teenagers and young adults are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves and establish their own persona. Unfortunately smoking, drinking, and drug use are very powerful and destructive ways to go about doing this.

Speaking as a 37 year old who engaged in his share of destructive behavior as a youngster, this is very unfortunate. If young people want to be rebelious, get a mowhawk, color your hair green, get a tattoo, listen to death metal, but don't do something that will harm you in the long run.

Answer 8

People smoke for many different reasons. Firstly, smoking is very addictive. Secondly, smokers have been influenced by the clever marketing tactics of tobacco companies for many years. There are also many other personal reasons why people smoke.

Answer 9

some people smoke to help them deal with stressful things. they do not know how to deal with them any other way. smoking can led to health problems but not all the time. my grandfather smoked til he died and only died because he stoped taking his pills.

Answer 10

well im 17 close to your age and i smoke and honestly there are many reasons im not justifying it but most people this age only consider the short term many girls do it to lose weight, when we have people we admire that smoke that influences us, and honestly it does feel good but you are very smart to stay away from it