Why so so many teens smoke?

[Leprous]

So this is a question I've had for a very long time, and something that I'm confronted with every day. I honestly don't understand why people ever wanna smoke, it can ruin lives, and not only the smoker's.
To all the people who wanna reply stuff like "it helps to get rid of my anxiety" I have a little something to say.
Getting rid of anxiety won't do you any good if you end up in a hospital.
I just can't understand why anyone would want to start smoking, especially as a teen.

Is there actually anyone else here with the same question? I certainly hope so.

[Plane And Simple]

I wonder as well. It's an "act of coolness" here. It's an act of coolness the first time anyways, then they get addicted.

[Uranus]

It's strange. Alot of teens do. So do some of my friends. I don't want them to, but they continue. I wish I knew why teens smoke and what is causing them to do so.

[Karkat]

It's a fix. Some people, like me, start because they don't give a shit. They're depressed, or they don't care if they don't live long. Some do it because everyone else around them does, and it's just all they know. Sometimes parents even pass on the bad habit to kids. Some start as a way to be cool or fit in with a certain crowd, and they become addicted.

Whatever the reason, it's not really your place to judge anyways.

I don't encourage smoking, but it is what it is. No point in guilt-tripping people over something that isn't your business. I mean, if someone smokes around you, you can move, or politely ask them to stop, but a lot of people seem to think being pretentious is being helpful, and it's really not. If anything, it makes people LESS likely to stop. Just a thought.

[Renata_cmp]

because they look "cool" while doing it. Same teens saying to fat people they should be ashamed cause it's "unhealthy"... lol :x

[MrIncredible]

Maybe it's because they think they feel more mature even though it makes NO sense at all its just hurting them in more way than one

[Babs]

I'm sure many people have different reasons.
My personal reason was a coping method. And I also was curious about what it was like.
Other's, they just were curious and tried it and ended up liking it.
Some people it was peer pressure.
Other's it was to look cool, I guess.
There are a million reasons.
Like Ren said, there's no point in guilt tripping or shaming them. They just feel like shit and then they can't stop because they're addicted.
I personally think being smoke-free is a whole lot more fun when it's not done while on a high horse.

[James Dean]

They are addicted and hooked. Believe me, nobody wants to smoke cigarettes. They are not cool, especially nowadays it's kinda a deal breaker between friendships that if someone smokes that is so many points taken off of them. They just unfortunately didn't quit while they were ahead and got addicted to them. I think most of it happened by just smoking a few with friends just to try them out then it got worse over time. Usually siblings, family members who chain smoke don't help. For them psychologically, they seem it can help people who are going through anxiety issues and calms them down a bit.

But it's a dirty disgusting habit and there really isn't any excuse to support or defend it. Hopefully that answers your question. :P

[Leprous]

Well, I'm glad to see others also share my opinion on this one. Thanks for the replies.

[leahmae]

a lot of people start out of being curious to see why everyone finds it so appealing. others start as a way to cope with stress, and still others start as a way to make others think they are cool. the end result is that it just ruins your body, how cool is that really?

[Paladino]

I started smoking because I enjoyed it and my plan was to only be a social smoker for a few weeks because I thought I would be able to quit, 5 years on & i still chuff away like a chimney.

[CosmicNoodle]

First time I smoked was because I was very, very drunk and smoked a hole 5 pack. Now every time I really want to I use a vape, but that's very rare.

I don't know why people start, its stupid

[MrIncredible]

The best way to stop is to go 21 days without it because after you go 21 days without something you don't crave for it it really works!!

[Karkat]

The best way to stop is to go 21 days without it because after you go 21 days without something you don't crave for it it really works!!

That's not entirely true, the psychological craving may still be there. Sure, chemicals may have made their way out of your body by then (I don't know how long it takes nicotine to sort itself out, but eh), but if you're psychologically addicted to something, it can be a constant battle.

[Babs]

The best way to stop is to go 21 days without it because after you go 21 days without something you don't crave for it it really works!!

My dad hadn't smoked for 25 years and he stilled craved cigarettes every single day. Recently, he started dipping. Not smoking but still getting nicotine in your system nonetheless.
I'm guessing you've never smoked, since you don't quite understand how addiction to nicotine works.

[MrIncredible]

My dad hadn't smoked for 25 years and he stilled craved cigarettes every single day. Recently, he started dipping. Not smoking but still getting nicotine in your system nonetheless.
I'm guessing you've never smoked, since you don't quite understand how addiction to nicotine works.

No I haven't actually but I read that on a website and I figured that it worked for everything but if you really have the will to stop and you want to you can it's just that part of you that's doing what you don't want to keep doin makes you do it because doing wrong can be fun and who doesn't like fun

[SethfromMI]

they either want to try it to try it or to be cool

then it becomes addictive and they cant stop

[Babs]

No I haven't actually but I read that on a website and I figured that it worked for everything but if you really have the will to stop and you want to you can it's just that part of you that's doing what you don't want to keep doin makes you do it because doing wrong can be fun and who doesn't like fun

No, that's not my point though.
You said it you won't have any cravings, but that's untrue. Once you're addicted, it's quite likely that even after you quit for years, that once you start thinking about a cigarette, the craving will gnaw at you.
It's not easy to quit. It can be done, but it's not easy and it's certainly not as easy as going without it for 21 days.

[Leprous]

No, that's not my point though.
You said it you won't have any cravings, but that's untrue. Once you're addicted, it's quite likely that even after you quit for years, that once you start thinking about a cigarette, the craving will gnaw at you.
It's not easy to quit. It can be done, but it's not easy and it's certainly not as easy as going without it for 21 days.

Pretty sure this could be related to a self harm addiction, the craving that is.

[sweetcake]

A cousin of mine started to smoke because his dad smoked too. He was in a really depressing state where he couldn't open up to anyone, hence, running to cigarettes.
A bunch of my schoolmates smoke too, most were curious and after a few tries, they got addicted. But I know a lot of people who quit smoking, they fought the crave and won, I highly respect them:')

[Paladino]

The best way to stop is to go 21 days without it because after you go 21 days without something you don't crave for it it really works!!

Well, if you go to the doctors, they give you 3 months worth of nicotine patches/gum or whatever, so I'm pretty sure it's after 3 months the cravings go away.

[Babs]

Pretty sure this could be related to a self harm addiction, the craving that is.

Not necessarily, nicotine is just very addictive.

[Paladino]

Nicotine takes over your life, I know this from first hand experience, I regret starting to smoke like fuck.

[Voodoo]

The reason why I smoke is to help with stress and I also find it soothing and calming, I understand what it can cause but I choose to do it anyways.

Most teenagers do it these days out of peer pressure and to act "cool".


"For the record I'm talking about cigarettes".

[Leprous]

The reason why I smoke is to help with stress and I also find it soothing and calming, I understand what it can cause but I choose to do it anyways.

Most teenagers do it these days out of peer pressure and to act "cool".


"For the record I'm talking about cigarettes".

Well, not saying I really approve of smoking, but I don't have anything against you, just smoking in general. You're older, which is different, the teens of my age are smoking all the time, even in school and it's driving me crazy.

[Batman42]

They want to tey it and get addicted but what the point its only hurting you

[Meh Guy]

Well, the perception of what is considered to be cool. It all starts with the high schools. The perceived popular crowd, by popular I mean people who have usually lost their virginity by age 13 and play some sport well, usually do it as a way to rebel. Either from the main establishment or their authorities. This starts the cycle of others trying to fit in and by doing so usually come across smoking eventually. Wether curiosity or a desire of acceptance, it usually ends up in addiction. I smoke. A lot. But I've never been addicted. I can go months on end without smoking. Because I inhale and exhale, instead of holding it in and absorbing it through my body. Most of the nicotine stays out. Still bad? Yep. But in my opinion if you think smoking looks cool then why not just do it this way than the way that will ultimately give you cancer?

[RJx_Writer]

I don't smoke myself, never would, but I understand why teenagers do. When you become a teenager, you start to feel rebelious and defy authority and social norms. Many teenagers feel that smoking is a way to make them feel like they're doing something that defies authority, advocating their freedom. I think this is a terrible way to do this, but this is how many teenagers think. Really if you want to rebel do it in healthy, more constructive ways.

[eli_w]

Gotta be cool and edgy.

[Stronk Serb]

That's not entirely true, the psychological craving may still be there. Sure, chemicals may have made their way out of your body by then (I don't know how long it takes nicotine to sort itself out, but eh), but if you're psychologically addicted to something, it can be a constant battle.

In my case it's only when I think of a cigarette, it varies from person to person.

Well, if you go to the doctors, they give you 3 months worth of nicotine patches/gum or whatever, so I'm pretty sure it's after 3 months the cravings go away.

The gums and patches are crap. They just prolong the addiction. It doesn't matfer from what source you get it.

[Wyatt 13]

Trying to be cool I guess, smoking is really bad

[Magus]

Because smoking is cool.

Also it helps you socialize with the "cool kids", you know.

[Babs]

I'm a little disappointed in the lack of empathy for addiction. Yes, starting smoking is stupid but people make mistakes, and sometimes the stupid shit we do is a physically addictive substance.

[Owen727]

one of my friends who is 6 months older than me told me two weeks ago that he smokes ocassionally. He said it helps him relax and that he is not addicted but every time I see him now I think he sort of smells like smoke. I hope is mom and dad find out cuz they'd go crazy.

[Leprous]

Well, obviously all the replies have answered my question, just a note, the title had the word 'so' twice. It was supposed to be "why do so many teens smoke", but nevermind, thanks for all the replies!

[jssixna]

I go to public school and there are plenty of teens who smoke. After school they go to bus stop and smoke pot or cigs. It smells like shit and I feel sorry for them mostly. They think they are cool for smoking but they look troubled. It's a shame

[Pulp501]

I started smoking to see what it was like, and I liked it so I kept doing it. I don't do it often , I go through maybe a pack a month, but do that by smoking a pack in a week and waiting 3 weeks or so before buying more. I'm aware of the health risks, but I don't really care. Part of the reason I like smoking is because it helps my depression and anxiety, which is definitely does do, so I don't care if it kills me because without cigarettes (and weed) I'd probably kill myself. Sorry I didn't mean to get dark, just for me, that's how I justify it I guess.

Also, it's not to be cool. I don't know anyone who smokes to be cool. That's stupid logic, because smoking doesn't make you cool. Statically speaking, not very many people smoke, and there's a very negative attitudes towards smoking, so it makes no sense that you people are saying smokers do it to look cool. Cigarettes are very relaxing and calming and it's mostly over stressed people doing it because it's all that helps. Don't be so judgemental.

[sheep_shagger_55]

bcoz #yolo...

[matt_tgr]

Yeah, i don't get it either. It's just the most moronic way to spend loads of money

[Abhorrence]

Peer pressure, "looking cool", role models do it, parents do it, easy access... addiction?
It's an easy thing to get hooked on, an easy thing to make things go away. Burn away the pain.

[marrisa]

Why would anyone try Heroin?Everybody knows what that does.There are millions of addicts out there.Same with cocaine,alcohol etc..we are humans and we are not perfect and sometimes we make bad decisions.

[ChaosEarthquake]

Well, it does help me with my severe anxiety disorder, and sometimes my schizophrenia. :)

[ValentinClarke]

I honestly am so close to trying a cig. Honestly. My family has a pattern of smoking, it's like it is genetic. Somedays, when I am overly stressed, I will really crave a cig, and I will love the smell of whenever someone smokes. I'm not proud of this, it's weakness, and I'm fighting it. Teens think it's cool, or got pressured into it. Some do it of their own accord because they WANT to.
VC

[Abhorrence]

Sorry I realise I already commented on this...

[Legs]

I wonder this as well. It just doesn't make sense to me why a teen would want to harm there body by smoking. I mean there is a ton of information out there that confirms that it is extremely harmful to your health. I am only in Middle School, but there are two girls on my bus stop this past year that were in the 8th grade last year that smoked a cigarette every morning before the bus came. I never said anything to them because I guess people can smoke if they want even if it is illegal for these teen girls to be doing it. The girls say they get there cigarettes for taking them out of there parents packs. I guess if they don't have good role models they can follow in there parents foot steps.

[Stronk Serb]

-peer pressure
-boredom
-wanting to look mature
-not giving a fuck
-they see nothing wrong with it

I don't really see why is it such a big problem for teens smoking, in some cases, yeah it's illegal but in others not. It's the person's choice and if he acts maturely about it, not smoking in indoor areas etc. I can't say it's a big deal. You demonized us smokers as if we had been smoking crack all the time.

[fairmaiden]

Curiosity, ''aestheticness'', rebellion, etc.

If a 7 year old sees someone smoking a cigarette, they'll either be curious or confused. When that curiosity festers for the next, say 5 years, the child will be interested in ''trying out'' a cigarette, just to see what it feels like. At that point, they're probably unaware of the serious repercussions smoking can have on their body, and they probably don't understand that smoking is highly addictive.

The ''Grunge'' side of tumblr really doesn't help because everywhere you look, you'll see a girl in an American Apparel gridded dress with a cigarette in her hand. This is what I call ''aestheticness'', wherein people are desperate to take the ''grungiest'' pictures they can.

Rebellion can cause someone to smoke too. Some people who get into bad arguments with their parents try and rebel by smoking.

Peer pressure is also crappy.

Loads and loads of reasons, but thankfully I received a lesson in class all about how horrible drugs&smoking are in Year 6 (5th grade). Plus, pretty sure my parents wouldn't want me to smoke lmao

[Babs]

Please don't bump threads that have been inactive for over two months. :locked: