Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

I Asked My Smoker Friends About Why They Started It—The Reasons Will Surprise You

I went back to my friends, colleagues, and relatives to understand the reasons, and what I found was astonishing.

<span>Smoking</span> kills nearly 8 million people every year, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). That is roughly 0.1% of the global population. And despite these well-known statistics, people continue to smoke. While interacting with those who smoke <span>cigarettes</span>, there was one question that made me really curious—what prompted them to smoke at first?

I went back to my friends, colleagues, and relatives to understand the reasons, and what I found was astonishing. 

<h2>1. "Smoking is cool"</h2>There's a whole cohort of people who categorise this life-threatening activity as cool. Many believe smoking helps them fit in the society and makes it more acceptable in their friend circles. Many admitted they picked it up casually, as a "timepass," without thinking much of it.

<h2>2. Smoking Relieves Stress</h2>A friend of mine shared that the stress of working alone on a research project and documentary pushed her toward smoking. "The faculty was expecting a masterpiece," she said — and she had no support. However, scientists have a contrasting opinion.  While smokers often believe smoking relieves stress, research indicates that it increases anxiety and tension, and that smoking cessation can lead to reduced stress and improved mood. 

<h2>3. 'I Liked Someone Who Smoked'</h2>Another friend said he fell for a girl who smoked — and started smoking himself. Psychology says we often mirror the behavior of those we like or admire.  There is a common observation that indicates many people start smoking because of people around them. 

<h2>4. 'Heartbreak'</h2>A friend who recently went through a rough breakup said she started smoking to cope. "I was feeling sad and just wanted to wallow in self-pity," she admitted. Another added that it became a way to self-sabotage. Interestingly, research shows that smoking can actually increase depression. UK NHS also concluded that adults with depression are much more likely to smoke than adults without depression.

<h2>Here's What Smoking Does To Your Body</h2>Smoking has a profound negative impact on the body, affecting nearly every organ. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Moreover, smoking harms the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes also impair the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to infections. Additionally, research indicates that smoking can accelerate ageing, resulting in skin damage and premature wrinkles.

Whether you smoke cigarettes, vapes or any other form of tobacco it is not impossible to quit. Here is what you can do:

1. Set a quit date and mentally prepare by removing cigarettes and triggers from your environment. 

2. Use nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gums, or lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms. 

3. Identify and avoid triggers by replacing the smoking habit with healthier alternatives like walking or chewing gum. 

4. Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor to stay motivated and accountable. 

5. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise to cope without cigarettes.

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Smoking kills nearly 8 million people every year, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). That is roughly 0.1% of the global population. And despite these well-known statistics, people continue to smoke. While interacting with those who smoke cigarettes, there was one question that made me really curious—what prompted them to smoke at first? I went back to my friends, colleagues, and relatives to understand the reasons, and what I found was astonishing. Here's Is What They Said1. "Smoking is cool"There's a whole cohort of people who categorise this life-threatening activity as cool. Many believe smoking helps them fit in the society and makes it more acceptable in their friend circles. Many admitted they picked it up casually, as a "timepass," without thinking much of it.2. Smoking Relieves StressA friend of mine shared that the stress of working alone on a research project and documentary pushed her toward smoking. "The faculty was expecting a masterpiece," she said — and she had no support. However, scientists have a contrasting opinion.  While smokers often believe smoking relieves stress, research indicates that it increases anxiety and tension, and that smoking cessation can lead to reduced stress and improved mood.  3. 'I Liked Someone Who Smoked'Another friend said he fell for a girl who smoked — and started smoking himself. Psychology says we often mirror the behavior of those we like or admire.  There is a common observation that indicates many people start smoking because of people around them. 4. 'Heartbreak'A friend who recently went through a rough breakup said she started smoking to cope. "I was feeling sad and just wanted to wallow in self-pity," she admitted. Another added that it became a way to self-sabotage. Interestingly, research shows that smoking can actually increase depression. UK NHS also concluded that adults with depression are much more likely to smoke than adults without depression.Here's What Smoking Does To Your BodySmoking has a profound negative impact on the body, affecting nearly every organ. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.Moreover, smoking harms the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes also impair the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to infections. Additionally, research indicates that smoking can accelerate ageing, resulting in skin damage and premature wrinkles.How To Quit Smoking?Whether you smoke cigarettes, vapes or any other form of tobacco it is not impossible to quit. Here is what you can do:1. Set a quit date and mentally prepare by removing cigarettes and triggers from your environment. 2. Use nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gums, or lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms. 3. Identify and avoid triggers by replacing the smoking habit with healthier alternatives like walking or chewing gum. 4. Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor to stay motivated and accountable. 5. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise to cope without cigarettes.