TeenHealthFX - Answers

Smoking & Nicotine / Question
Published: November 16, 1999

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I started to smoke about three days ago and now I can't stop? What should I do?

Signed: New Smoker

Dear New Smoker,

You need to stop ASAP before your body becomes addicted to the nicotine in the cigarettes. Smoking is not good for you and the more addicted your body and mind becomes, the harder it will be to quit.

Here is some smoke stopper ideas:

Get support from a non-smoking friend or family member
Do an activity to take your mind off smoking
Try chewing gum or sucking on hard candy to help control the oral urges
Avoid social situation or routines where there will be smokers

Here are some reasons to quit:

You may in time develop lung disease, lung cancer or emphysema
You can live a longer, healthier life
You may get a smokers cough
It will make your teeth yellow
You will smell like an ashtray
Your face will wrinkle earlier
You will tire and get out of breath more quickly
It gives you bad breath - Who wants to kiss or talk to a smoker?
You will waste a lot of money on cigarettes when you could be buying fun stuff like CD's or a new game
It looks bad

It's important that you quit! If you can't stop, get help from a medical professional or join a smoke stoppers group.

Signed: TeenHealthFX