Health Information
Quitting Smoking
Why Do You Smoke?
Most people don't think about when or why they smoke. They just do it. But knowing when and why you smoke can help you choose the quitting strategy that is most likely to work. Perhaps you smoke:
- Reference To relieve tension, especially after arguments or during stressful times, or when you feel angry, depressed, or upset.
- Reference To control your weight, either by keeping it down or because you're afraid of weight gain if you quit.
- Reference For stimulation, to focus, improve your concentration, or boost your energy when you have low energy.
- Reference To be part of the group, by joining your friends in having a cigarette.
Use this
form to find your reasons 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) for smoking.
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One Woman's Story: "I went to nursing school, and it [smoking] was the thing to do." Smoking helped relieve the stress.-Nancy, 54 |
For parents: Why children and teens smoke
Many children and teens use cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco because their friends do. Movies and TV shows can make smoking seem attractive. Teens, especially girls, often use smoking to try to control their weight.
Teens may think that smoking is a way to look more mature, independent, and self-confident to their peers. They may smoke to rebel against their parents. But most teens do not know how addictive cigarettes are. If your child smokes, it might help to talk with him or her about some of the Reference reasons to stop smoking. If you smoke or have quit, talk with your teen about how hard it can be to quit after you've started smoking.
Children and teens are more likely to smoke if their parents smoke. And they are more likely to quit if their parents quit.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine | |
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
