TeenHealthFX - Answers - Pained And Worried About Friend's Smoking

Smoking & Nicotine / Question
Published: March 10, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 15, and my 16 year old best friend started smoking about a month ago, and I am really worried about her. She says she knows it's bad for her, but it's the only way to deal with her stress, and she doesn't want to quit, is there anyway I can talk her into at least TRYING to quit.

Signed: Pained And Worried About Friend's Smoking

Dear Pained And Worried About Friend's Smoking,

FX is glad to hear you know the danger of smoking and are trying to help your friend. You are right to be concerned for her. Here are some reasons you can tell your friend why smoking is terrible:

1. Smoking causes lung cancer as well as increases your chance for other types of cancer
2. Emphysema, which is a problem with exhalation, try forcing yourself to exhale with every breathe.
3. Yellow teeth, bad breath, your skin actually smells like smoke as well as your hair and clothes
4. Your face and skin wrinkle much faster than a non-smoker
5. Cost: smoking is a very expensive habit

These are reasons to stop smoking!! Here are some suggestions for you to do:

Advise her to talk to the school counselor or psychiatrist for her stress problems
Avoid going to activities where there are smokers
Go with her to the gym to blow off stress, it will be good for both of you
The longer she waits to quit the harder it will be. Your body becomes more addicted with time.

Make sure you do not start smoking, if she wants to start hanging around people who smoke, maybe you should find a new group of friends as well. Remember second hand smoke is just as bad, take care of yourself also. Good luck with your efforts!

Signed: TeenHealthFX