Many smokers start smoking because they believe in the benefits and pleasurable effects it brings to them physically. “Nicotine has been called the drug of choice for mood elevation, relaxation, and stimulation” (Boncella C, 1996, para. 3). Besides the fact, nicotine is a convenient to use and easy to obtain. Especially, in social settings of food, parties, sex, and drugs. While some smoking to maintain or lose weight, “some choose smoking as a way to relax and put their mind at ease” (Nasrabadi, Parsayekta, & Emami, 2004, para. 12). Most smokers find it is a way to relieve stress and inhibition, reporting a reduction in anger, tension and depression (Nasrabadi, Parsayekta, & Emami). Smokers have also commented, “They have an increased vigilance in the performance of repetitive tasks, with improved concentration, reaction time, and problem solving” (Boncella, 1996, para. 9).

With so many beneficial therapeutic effects, smokers often forget about the adverse effects of smoking. Short-term consequences of smoking are included in Krainuwat’s 2005 study: The short-term consequences include immediate bad breath, shortness of breath, coughing spells, nausea, dizziness, irritated eyes and throat, and increased heartbeat and blood pressure. The long-term consequences include reduced rate of lung growth, reduced maximum lung function capacity, reduced immune function, tooth decay, and gum diseases. Because of these health consequences, youth smokers are less physically fit and more easily fall ill than their nonsmoking peers. If they continue their smoking behavior, they increase the risk of developing many diseases and disorders when they are older (para. 3).

References

Boncella, C. (1996). The powerful punch of nicotine: a smoking cessation facilitator's account. Kansas Nurse, 71(10), 1-3. Retrieved Tuesday, March 13, 2007 from the CINAHL with Full Text database.

Krainuwat, K. (2005). Smoking initiation prevention among youths: implications for community health nursing practice.
Journal of Community Health Nursing, 22(4), 195-204. Retrieved Tuesday, March 13, 2007 from the CINAHL with Full Text database.

Nasrabadi, A., Parsayekta, Z., & Emami, A. (2004). Smoking as a symbol of friendship: qualitative study of smoking
behavior and initiation of a group of male nurse students in Iran. Nursing & Health Sciences, 6(3), 209-215. Retrieved
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 from the CINAHL with Full Text database.