Teen Smoking
Despite the long list of health complications, an estimated one in four teens smokes cigarettes. What’s the appeal?
For many teens, a desire to fit in is at the root of their decision to take their first drag. Research shows that teens with friends that smoke are nine times more likely to smoke than those whose friends don’t smoke.
Addicted to Nicotine?
What may at first seem “cool” can quickly turn into an addiction to nicotine. Nicotine can be just as addictive as illicit drugs like cocaine and heroin, and is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome.
Your teen may be addicted to nicotine if they:
- Feel a strong desire to smoke
- Feel tense when not smoking or unable to smoke
- Are unable to stop smoking
The Risks of Smoking
When nicotine enters the bloodstream, it reaches the brain in less than 10 seconds, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure and giving the smoker the relaxed sensation they seek. But in less than 30 minutes, the effects begin to wear off and the smoker becomes irritable and anxious for another “fix.”
Some of the risks of smoking include:
- The tar in cigarettes attaches to the lungs, slowly destroying their ability to pump oxygen through the body.
- Smoking cigarettes releases carbon monoxide into the body, decreasing the ability of red blood cells to fill the body with oxygen.
- Stains develop on the smoker’s teeth and fingers, and their breath begins to smell.
- Skin becomes less elastic and looks wrinkled.
- Heart disease caused by the accumulation of plaque in the lining of blood vessels.
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema from damage to the lungs.
- Increased risk of cancer and other illnesses.
- Shortness of breath, which can interfere with activities and sports.
In addition, teens who smoke are more likely to get sick than non-smokers, and have a harder time recovering from illness.
Preventing Teen Smoking
Teens care a lot about what their friends think, but they also listen to the expectations and opinions of their parents. Here are a few things you can do to protect your child from developing a nicotine habit:
- Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking, and help them get involved in activities that create a positive peer environment. Don’t worry about talking to your child too soon – most kids who smoke try their first cigarette at 13 years of age or younger.
- Be a positive role model by quitting smoking. Children of parents who smoke are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes as those with non-smoking parents.
- Build your teen’s confidence by celebrating their accomplishments and working with them to set and achieve goals.
- Encourage your teen to be an independent thinker rather than following what the rest of the crowd is doing. Work through potential scenarios with them so they are prepared to say no to cigarettes and other drugs.
- Set clear rules and expectations for your child. This will help them resist peer pressure and hold true to the family’s value system.
If your teen makes it through high school without smoking cigarettes, they have a much better chance of avoiding the habit as an adult. That can translate into decades of better health.
