SMOKING in Britain is a renowned piece of our culture. Although some may disagree with the habit, the majority accepts this whether they smoke or not. We are all aware of the consequences smoking can have on our health and sometimes even on our social lives now the public smoking ban has come into place. So what is it that makes youths start to spark up? Some would put it down to pressure, an increase of exams and deadlines on top of responsibilities at home or in jobs. Personally, I think the biggest reason is image. Smoking can be an instant acceptance into a majority crowd which is tempting in a place where there can be a struggle to be acknowledged.
I can speak from some experience. Around the beginning of the year, I started to experiment with smoking, along with a few friends. Image was a big factor into it, I never wanted to look tougher or more intimidating; I just wanted to be different. People were often shocked when I told them I smoked, and I enjoyed the attention that came with it. It was a stress relief too. I had a recent bereavement of a close family member that I was finding hard to cope with. GCSE's around the corner didn't help either so smoking seemed like an acceptable habit if it helped me.
After six months of smoking, I've managed to stop. Yes, I'm aware it's not the longest time to smoke but I'm proud of myself for it. I was in denial to how addicted I actually was. You always think 'No, I'm not addicted; I could stop tomorrow if I wanted to but why should I? I enjoy it.' Eventually, I came to accept I wasn't even enjoying it anymore as the relief that came with the rush of nicotine had stopped. It was causing my anxiety to worsen too and after a rather severe panic attack triggered by cigarettes, I accepted now was the time to stub them out for good. So I've been smoke-free for a month now, but without a real motivational reason to quit, will other youths break the habit?
Josh, who has been smoking for two and half years, says he's trying to quit, 'I hate the way it's affecting my life. It's expensive, it affects my taste and sense of smell and makes me self conscious that I stink of it. My health has gone down so I can't cycle with my friends anymore. I started off socially but peer pressure keeps you smoking, I'm finding it hard to stop.'
Jake has been smoking for just as long, 'Smoking has really affected my fitness during exercise. It hit me one day and I realised how much it had declined. I will try to quit but I notice I eat less when I smoke, and I like the rush in the morning; it relaxes me. It's a good opportunity to socialise too.'
So with this in mind, perhaps all we need is little more awareness and some extra support for those who want to stop smoking and get it socially acceptable to say 'no' to tobacco.
Keep up to date with TS12 Saltburn & East Cleveland subscribe to our RSS feed
Shopping in Teesside
Coupons
I know where your coming from, I most certainly started for image and stress. It's just too expensive! I'd love to follow your example, but i depends how much you want it aye. Great article though :D keep em coming.
nice article lou ... Again :P
yerr I have to agree ive tried smoking a few times and it is really relaxing. but it doesnt agree with me at times especialy when drinking (N) wouldnt ever start though!
keep up the articles and the not smoking!
x