Why Do We Start Smoking?

Nobody becomes a smoker as a result of will power. In fact it is the other way round. Can you imagine somebody as a child making up his (or her) mind that when he grows up he will become a chain smoker - determined to smoke at least 30 cigarettes a day? Nobody in his right mind would do that. So why do so many people become smokers?

Peer Pressure

One bad apple is enough to make a whole barrel of apples bad. And during the age of thoughtless youth (most people develop the habit before the age of 25) everyone is ready to take up a challenge. So when your peers dare you to take a puff, you feel you just have to - or face being branded as "chicken" or "goody-two-shoes".

Availability

Cigarettes are available everywhere, and almost anybody can get them.

Aping

Movie stars and other celebrities who smoke look so cool. This is more than enough reason for youngsters to start smoking - just to copy their idols.

The "Feel Good" Syndrome

Cigarettes are often seen as "cool", so delicately balancing a cigarette between two fingers and blowing up a puff of smoke seems a great way of impressing other people.

Stress Busters

Cigarettes are often wrongly identified as stress busters, and as one of the best ways of fighting off sleep.

Family Influence

If one parent smokes, there is a 25% chance that the child too will grow up to be a smoker. If both parents smoke, there is a 75% chance that the child will become a smoker.

Attitude

This is a good one, often overlooked. There is a rebellious streak in most of us - something that creates an urge to protest. During our teenage years, smoking seems a good way to express our defiance.

The next section is: Addiction