12. Smokin'

Why do people smoke even though it has a side effect? Is it really addicting?
I have friends who are chain smokers, even though they smoke I still don't get influenced by them. I tried once, but for me its not really addicting.

There are Teenage and Adult smokers, they have same addiction but they have different reasons.

Three of the main reasons that young people smoke are to look mature, to be like their friends, and to experiment. Since teens see older people all around them smoking, especially their parents and relatives, they smoke to act older. If their friends or peers smoke, they may feel pressured into doing the same to be accepted. The last reason is the excitement of experimenting with something that is forbidden. In Massachusetts it is against the law for anyone under 18 years old to smoke. Usually parents do not allow their under age teens to smoke. Therefore, smoking becomes very attractive. It is exciting to get cigarettes and sneak away to smoke without being caught.

Adults smoke for other reasons. They may have a lot of stress and pressures because of economic and personal problems. They may be unemployed or working but not making enough money to take care of themselves and their families. They may be homeless, or they may be dealing with alcohol or cocaine/heroin addictions. Some may be in bad marriages or relationships in which there is physical and/or verbal abuse. All these people may smoke to feel relaxed or to give them energy while going through a hard time.

But did you know that smoking can reduce weight? because, Smokers, on the average, weigh seven pounds less than non-smokers. Smoking reduces a person's appetite. It lessens his/her sense of taste and smell. This could be why ex-smokers gain weight after quitting cigarettes. Food tastes and smells so much better.

I don't know why some people who saw someone who is smoking they think he/she has a bad personality, it is totally disagree with that. Its because they just love smoking and it gives them pleasure that makes them feel good.

reference: http://healthliteracy.worlded.org/docs/tobacco/Unit3/1why_people_smoke.html