Why do people use any Tobacco products?

[Nellerin]

Honestly, I have the hardest time understanding why people smoke cigarettes.

1. They provide almost no "high" in the usual sense.
2. They make you smell like shit.
3. They can ruin your life with multiple medical issues, as well as shorten your life by more than a decade+.
4. They waste money like crazy now due to all of the taxes.

So why in the world do people smoke cigarettes, especially teens?

I cannot think of one good reason, and yet more than 30% of the kids in my grade do.

[Southside]

Thank God SOMEONE in the world thinks the same as me. I've always wondered, cigarettes dont provide much of a high so why smoke them? I'd smoke a joint before my hands ever touch a cigarette.

[Danny Phantom]

Honestly, I have the hardest time understanding why people smoke cigarettes.

1. They provide almost no "high" in the usual sense.
2. They make you smell like shit.
3. They can ruin your life with multiple medical issues, as well as shorten your life by more than a decade+.
4. They waste money like crazy now due to all of the taxes.

So why in the world do people smoke cigarettes, especially teens?

I cannot think of one good reason, and yet more than 30% of the kids in my grade do.


Nicotine, which is in the cigarette makes you addicted, that is the type of drug that it is. So after having it a few times, one will end up craving the nicotine in the cigarettes and that's why the continue smoking it. Addictive drugs are VERY HARD to quit doing, thats why people have such a difficult time stopping regardless of other factors (cost, health, etc.)

In terms of starting the use of cigarettes, some do it to fit in, some do it out of curiosity, some just do it.

[Nellerin]

Nicotine, which is in the cigarette makes you addicted, that is the type of drug that it is. So after having it a few times, one will end up craving the nicotine in the cigarettes and that's why the continue smoking it. Addictive drugs are VERY HARD to quit doing, thats why people have such a difficult time stopping regardless of other factors (cost, health, etc.)

In terms of starting the use of cigarettes, some do it to fit in, some do it out of curiosity, some just do it.

Fitting in I somewhat understand, but other than that, there isn't anything to actually be curious about. They do practically nothing to you unlike drugs which may make people curious.

[Ryhanna]

I believe that teens gravitate towards cigarettes due to the dangerous and mysterious aura they give. They're curious about it simply because it's 'off-limits.' Not to mention it's always been 'cool' to smoke. Rock stars do it, and they look badass for it, so a lot of teens want to emulate that.

Once they've started, the nicotine becomes addictive, so I guess it's hard to stop. I have a friend who tried several times to quit, but never could. She couldn't manage the money, but somehow always found a way to get smokes. She quit after she fell pregnant, though. Her baby meant too much to her.

[LouBerry]

Well, like Ryan said, a lot of people start smoking because it's cool and rebellious, and then they can't quit. Nicotine is a bitch, man.

[Nellerin]

Once they've started, the nicotine becomes addictive, so I guess it's hard to stop. I have a friend who tried several times to quit, but never could. She couldn't manage the money, but somehow always found a way to get smokes. She quit after she fell pregnant, though. Her baby meant too much to her.

Good to hear that she quit for the Baby though. At least she didn't hurt somebody else because of her smoking.

But ya, I think peer pressure from friends may play a role in it, but I do not even see how you can "try" cigarettes. If you smoke 1 cig, virtually nothing is going to happen.

It is not like trying weed and having 1 joint then experiencing it. Nicotine is not really a drug.

Not to mention that there are hundreds of other chemicals you are smoking so Nicotine is only a small part of the cigarette.

[workingatperfect]

peer pressure for some people, for others it's relaxing. For me I think it was a bit of an oral fixation thing. I've always been one to bite pens and pencils, my nails, constantly chew gum, etc. Cigarettes were just another thing to occupy me, plus they tasted better than a pencil (the menthols anyway)

[XxReaper454xX]

Honestly, I have the hardest time understanding why people smoke cigarettes.

1. They provide almost no "high" in the usual sense.
2. They make you smell like shit.
3. They can ruin your life with multiple medical issues, as well as shorten your life by more than a decade+.
4. They waste money like crazy now due to all of the taxes.

So why in the world do people smoke cigarettes, especially teens?

I cannot think of one good reason, and yet more than 30% of the kids in my grade do.

I do it for the taste man. That's why i smoke cigars now.

[SAR151]

You're somewhat right. I don't know what weed is like but smoking creates a sense of relaxation in my mind, I do it because of work and school, I deal with a lot of Shit at work and just going outside and smoking one helps me stay calm. I'm not a pack a day guy, I can actually control my cravings very well, I do it more when I'm having a bad day at work or overwhelmed with school otherwise it isn't on my mind like an addict. I carry gum and deodorant with me when I do and yes I know that doesn't cover 100% of the smell but it helps.

I do it for the taste man. That's why i smoke cigars now.

I may have to try cigars, recommend any good kind(s)?

[Malcolm Tucker]

1. They provide almost no "high" in the usual sense.

That's down the the individual, and how the chemicals themselves react inside the person's nervous system.

And while they are all valid points otherwise, it is simply down to the individual and their own decision. Some people simply have a lower tolerance to it, from exposure as a child or genetic inheritance. Some adolescents do it because, as mentioned above, it's perceived dangerous or non-normal behaviour for people their age, and they do it maybe to raise themselves on the social pyramid or make themselves seem "cooler" or "trendier". Other people might have been in a stressful situation, and someone offered them one to calm them down, and that was the spark that lit the fire. There are so many reasons, and while they may be varied, at the core of it all it's because smoking cigarettes releases endorphins in your head - chemicals that produces the "high" feeling.

I'm not defending it, by any means, and as a smoker I agree it does harm you in the long term, but it's just down to the own person's reasons and circumstances that make them smoke. Though, for young people around your own age, I'd be thinking the majority of them smoke cigarettes because they perceive it to be "cool", or to "fit-in", or for some other social reason.

[VictoriaGotaSecret]

Thank God SOMEONE in the world thinks the same as me. I've always wondered, cigarettes dont provide much of a high so why smoke them? I'd smoke a joint before my hands ever touch a cigarette.

I'm the exact same way. I don't ever want to smoke a cigarette. Some of my friends know how against them I am and when someone asks me if I want one my friend will say, before I can respond, "don't bother, she won't even touch it" but they know I'll take a joint instead any day. Honestly the only reason they are still legal is because of the tax and the fact that tobacco was one of the first products grown in the USA when the country got its start

[Sordid Saint]

Cigarettes feel amazing I don't know what you guys are talking about. If they didn't make you feel a high why would people keep smoking them? Lol

The smell thing is an opinion. Some people like the taste/smell

Also, EVERYONE that smokes cigarettes is aware of the toll it takes on their body. You could say the same about people who eat fast food.

They're worth the price btw ;)

[Southside]

I'm the exact same way. I don't ever want to smoke a cigarette. Some of my friends know how against them I am and when someone asks me if I want one my friend will say, before I can respond, "don't bother, she won't even touch it" but they know I'll take a joint instead any day. Honestly the only reason they are still legal is because of the tax and the fact that tobacco was one of the first products grown in the USA when the country got its start

Tobbaco is a big part of American history..It'd probably be illegal if it wasnt.

[ECSTASY]

ive tried smoking once just cause i was curious . well i didnt like it at all . ot tastes like shit...smells bad ... and it has no highs... but some of the people says that it helps you to focus better. anyways... im not gonna try that shit anymore....

[NickTheBest]

My Mom and dad do it because there stressed alot. I personally will never smoke and ruin my health

[KushKing]

Its either smoke a cigarette when im stressed or completely rage. I wuld much rather harm myself then others.

[gipsy danger]

when I was younger like 12 I told myself that I wouldn't smoke. then as I got older I would get stressed over school and work. my co worker offered me a cigarette I felt relaxed and in focus. I hated the smell at first but now I like it. you can control the urges. the person is the reason why they get addicted. I know the consequences of smoking. if you have hate thoughts on it. know that other smokers know what they are getting themselves into.

[Haydenn3]

People smoke to get rid of stress and anxiety also it gives some a buzz however i dont smoke tobacco but i dont mind those who do its there choice and body and you should except them for them

[Cicero]

They relieve stress

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Nicotine (found in tobacco products) is a very good stress reliever. In fact, if you look at the active ingredients in many anti-anxiety and mood stabilizers you will find nicotine in them.

Nicotine pills can be taken to help relieve tension as well.

Hope this helps!

SOURCE: Florida Certified Emergency Medical Tech. ,Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Addictions Cons. , Certified Crisis Stress Mgnt. Cons.

[johnsmith1]

It's often a young "peer pressure" thing. Only 1 in 100 smokers start for the first time at the age of over 26. If you ever actually see what's in cigarettes in terms of the number of chemicals, particularly addicvtive ones (of which nicotine is the most well known). I know there's a "hard core" of people that smoke that are happy to, but once started, it's a very difficult thing to give up. I hvae known people that have gone "cold turkey" and given up, but ave known far more people that have tried and failed to give up. Though yes it does seem too easy to start.

[SAR151]

Has anyone tried Marlboro's southern cut?
Amazing...

[Charlie48]

because people get bored, think it's cool, makes them stand out or just because they have too much free time.

[peaceloveanarchy]

Has anyone tried Marlboro's southern cut?
Amazing...

NO. My friend smokes those and they suck. But i'm a menthol person myself ;) As for the OP, i smoke them to relieve stress and because i'm addicted as fuck at this point, but keep that attitude ;) it really is a bad habit

[SAR151]

NO. My friend smokes those and they suck. But i'm a menthol person myself ;) As for the OP, i smoke them to relieve stress and because i'm addicted as fuck at this point, but keep that attitude ;) it really is a bad habit

To everyone is there own, I enjoy the Shit out of them but its all preferential.

[Andy daMuzak mAn]

To be "cool" I guess...peer pressure? I hate them, personally though.

[Simonn]

Has anyone tried Marlboro's southern cut?
Amazing...

They are amazing!:yes:

[darkdude41]

well, to answer everything...

for habitual cigarette smokers, they do get a small buzz, albeit almost unnoticeable.
habitual cigarette smokers stop noticing the smell... they get so used to it
Some cigarette smokers experience no adverse health effects.... its a small percentage but its true. Most think they will fall in that category, until they find out they have lung cancer.

[Kirino Kousaka]

at least for me, stress, the nicotine, although it creates a dependency, is a great stress reliever.

[SAR151]

at least for me, stress, the nicotine, although it creates a dependency, is a great stress reliever.

Thank you, finally someone who understands it always isn't about social matters. For me though I've found it that when I'm happy and having good days I don't need one...at all lol but when I have some of the worst of the worst days I have to smoke a few.

[RiverM]

My Guess, Is they are probably Trying to be cool, or Impress someone. Although, most of the time, they are not, and it does more negative than positive.