The Draw to Smoke

As many as 30 to 50% of adolescents who smoke attribute their habit to seeing someone smoke on TV. When I read that statistic I took sometime to reflect back and think what was it that drew me to smoke my very first cigarette. Was it the common elements spoke of such as rebellion, curiosity, peer pressure, or TV? After doing some soul searching, it was none of the pre-mentioned elements at all, but rather watching my father smoke.

In a recent study done by Dartmouth University, after tracking 6,500 students from 5th grade through high school and beyond, reported that those who watched movies that featured actors that lit up on screen are three times more likely to start smoking. What was even more surprising was that group of kids were not your typical vulnerable population, thrill seekers, or even kids that come from households where the parents smoked, just your typical everyday student.

Children between the age of 10 to 14 are subjected to more than 600 scenes (T.V. and Film) a year of individuals smoking. That is twice as much as the exposure to smoking 20 years ago. I can’t recall scenes off T.V. or Films that made any impact on my choice to start smoking at a young age (12 to be exact) but that was over 34 years ago and now I guess I really don’t notice smoking in film or on T.V. because I already smoke. On occasion when I see someone smoking on T.V I will get an urge to smoke however. What I would really be curious to see though is some statistics on how many kids started smoking due to their parent(s) habit. Do you smoke? Can you recall what it was that drew you to smoking? What do you feel plays a larger role in youth starting smoking?


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
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Hooked on Tobacco ~ Our Youth

Did you know an adolescent could become hooked on cigarettes after only smoking one? According to the University Of Massachusetts Medical School, kids are more vulnerable because their brain is still developing thus making it easier to rewire itself quickly to crave nicotine. In their study, they found that half of teens are hooked on tobacco after only smoking 10 cigarettes without even realizing it. They do not have the same cravings as an avid smoker; rather they may not even crave a cigarette for days or even weeks after their last smoke. An avid smoker will begin to have a craving on general 45 minutes after their last smoke and heavy smokers even sooner.

Experts also state that 40% of our youth who try to quit smoking will relapse in a week or less and only 3% will stay abstinent. The average age adolescents begin smoking is 13. They experience all the same side effects as their adult counterparts with the shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, poor over all health, and frequently getting sick. Cigarettes have been found to be a common denominator as a stepping-stone to riskier behaviors. Kids who smoke are 5 times more likely to drink alcohol and 13 times more likely to use marijuana.

Tobacco is addictive so it is no surprise that it would be considered a stepping stone for more addictive habits. It would be interesting to see some statistics on how many of our youth that smoke exhibited an addictive personality/traits prior to smoking and the percentage that did not present with such traits and became addicted to smoking. What are your thoughts?


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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