Smoking & Nicotine / Question
Published: September 24, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Well I always thought smoking cigarettes was disgusting and stupid because it gets you really sick. But lately, I've been getting the urge to smoke. I don't know why, but it's strange! I haven't tried smoking cigarettes yet and I don't want to. But I still get that urge to smoke cigarettes. What should I do? Should I tell my parents? Will I eventually start to smoke cigarettes?
Signed: Cigarette Problem
Dear Cigarette Problem,
TeenHealthFX is happy that you recognize smoking to be a harmful habit. Since you have yet to try it, you are ahead of the game; because each time you smoke (even the first time) you increase your risks for smoking-related diseases (such as cancer, emphysema, asthma, etc.) and addiction.
The "urge" you mentioned may stem from many things; peer pressure, the lure of a taboo activity or just plain old curiosity. Do not worry though, your urges do not brand you a future smoker. Your urges, like your thoughts, are not really what matters - it is your actions that count. Since we can not control what we want or think, only what we do, our actions are most important!
TeenHealthFX strongly recommends not starting to smoke, despite your urges. Nicotine is an addictive drug that can be very hard to give up. Definitely talk to about it with your parents or other trusted adult. And following your initial feelings about smoking.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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