Causes and Effects of Smoking

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF SMOKING

p.1 Scientists and health officials have been arguing the detrimental effects smoking has on our health for many years. Smoking can lead to serious complications including asthma, pancreas, lung and stomach cancer due to the large number of carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals) and other various substances added to it. It is a health hazard for both smokers and non-smokers and it is especially harmful to unborn babies. Although smokers claim that it helps them to relax and release stress, the negative aspects of the habit take over the positive. As it has been stressed by the scientists and experts, there are some very severe reasons of smoking but its crucial consequences should also be taken into consideration.

p.2 There are many causes which make people smoke, however it can be divided into two main causes: physical and psychological. First cause which is physical concerns the human body's needs. Nicotine contained in cigarette is an addictive substance. It is the chemical which causes addiction. Nicotine reduces tension in the muscles and allows smokers to relax so they feel that they can relieve stress by smoking. Nicotine can also have a calming effect on people who are anxious and worried. This is why it can bring a feeling of tranquility and help smokers to cope with stress. Thus, people smoke when they are depressed, lonely or bored. Nicotine is absorbed by the smoker's lung and intestines. Very quickly, nicotine can stimulate brain and certain types of nerves so heart rate and blood pressure go up; respiration increases. A little nicotine makes smokers feel more energy and improve concentration. As a consequence, these physical effects created by smoking play an important role in making people feel the need to smoke.

p.3 Second main cause of smoking is psychological which seems to be a very important factor for people to get the habit. One of the psychological situations which drive people to smoke is low self esteem. Low self esteem is linked not only to smoking but also other behavioral problems such as drinking. It leads to feeling like a dependent individual who can not make decisions for himself or herself and just follow the crowd. So one conclusion to be drawn from this aspect is that people with low self esteem tend to smoke by imitating the people that they see around themselves especially in public places.

p.4 People often use smoking as means of identity, to try and make up something that they feel they lack. Many people know that smoking is not good for them but they look to identify themselves with something that makes them feel more masculine, feminine or more mature. Another factor is peer pressure which is a powerful influence. Friend are the usual source of the first cigarette and smoking is usually done with friends at parties, or in public places. Young people think that they look like a wimp if they don't smoke when their peers smoke around them.

p.5 One last severe cause resulting in smoking addiction psychologically is advertisements. Tobacco companies use images for smoking that are very attractive, adventurous and exciting. The reason why companies use such images is that young people can find their heroes' image from smoking advertisements so they want to look as impressive as the heroes. The fact is that the companies also play the role of sponsorship in the world of sport, fashion, and art. As a consequence, dangerous products such as cigarettes may seem healthy and trendy.

p.6 As it is clearly seen smoking cigarettes have several crucial reasons but it shouldn't be forgotten that smoking has got certain vital results as well. Because tobacco contains many harmful chemicals cigarette smoking