Not Worth It
Thanks to many recent movements to defeat the false stereotype that “smoking is cool,” people have become generally more aware that smoking cigarettes is very bad for you. From nicotine’s deadly-addictive quality to causing lung cancer and making it harder to find a romantic partner, below are just 10 of the many reasons to back up why smoking cigarettes is never worth it.
1. Smoking Kills
According to WebMD, “Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the U.S. and worldwide.” While this is the most obvious reason to quit smoking, it sometimes is still not enough, due to addiction’s dangerous ability to warp reality and inhibit logical decision-making.
Unfortunately, because some of the fatal effects of smoking take many years to become visible (e.g. lung cancer), this first reason is sadly, rather easy for young smokers to ignore.
2. You’re Risking Lung Cancer and Other Respiratory Diseases
An astonishing 90% of patients suffering from lung cancer have their illness attributed to smoking cigarettes. Smoking is also responsible for other respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, etc.
The general respiratory impairment associated with smoking can make it difficult to enjoy many activities. For example, smoking hurts your general ability to participate in the cardio necessary for your health.
3. You May Have Dangerous Circulation Issues
Smoking is responsible for severe damage to nerve cells and blood vessels, which can lead to countless fatal and life-altering circulatory and heart diseases (e.g. blood clots, Rheumatoid Arthritis, stroke, etc.). Furthermore, poor circulation impairs your body’s ability to heal wounds and other everyday functions.
4. Ingesting Deadly Carcinogens
Cigarettes contain hazardous chemicals—in addition to the already-harmful, addictive nicotine—that are too many to list (e.g.; ammonia, formaldehyde, lead, carbon monoxide, and 6,996 more).
5. Smoking Is Linked to Premature Aging
Smoking cigarettes can result in premature wrinkles and grayish skin, resulting in an appearance that can look much older than a person’s actual age. But even more concerning is that “smokers die at least 10 years earlier than non-smokers.” (The Real Cost)
6. You’re Exposing Loved Ones to Secondhand Smoke
While you might be willing to sacrifice your own health and beauty when forced by the merciless hand of addiction, are you willing to sacrifice the safety of your loved ones? Secondhand smoke is dangerous to those around you, with scientifically-proven harmful effects.
“For example, research has found that non-smoking women who share their house with a smoking partner are 25% more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smoking women who live with a non-smoking partner.” (NHS)
7. Smoking Carries a Heavy Social Stigma
People are more educated than ever before on the dangers of cigarettes. This change in social tides likely also has to do with many younger generations witnessing that their parents and grandparents are now bearing the consequences of smoking as a teenager.
Quitting smoking can help you shed the stigma which has literally isolated you to designated public smoking areas and metaphorically isolated you from non-smokers. When you’re no longer planning your day around finding an acceptable place to smoke, your social life will greatly improve.
8. You’re Throwing Your Money Away
Traditional and electronic cigarettes are very expensive. If you weren’t smoking, you could be saving up for a new car, the down payment on your first home, or your dream vacation.
If you’re searching for a motivational tool to help you quit, start a separate savings account for the money you’d otherwise be spending on tobacco. Seeing how fast that balance grows can inspire you to push forward.
9. You’ll Feel 100% Better
Nicotine, a main ingredient of tobacco, is extremely addictive. Even just a few occasional cigarettes can be enough to turn into a lifelong addiction, especially if you started as a teenager when your developing brain is more susceptible to nicotine’s vice-like grip.
Honestly ask yourself: How do you feel? Have you already checked in the mirror for premature wrinkles and stained teeth? Have loved ones who are being affected by your secondhand smoke—or who will be affected by your early death—crossed your mind? Does your emotional response to this list feel stronger than your craving to light up?
Quitting brings relief, both physically and emotionally.
10. If You’re Committed, You Can Do It
You should quit smoking because you can do it. It is not easy, but it is certainly not impossible.
If you’re seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction at Missouri’s The Aviary Recovery Center, you may decide that now is the perfect time to quit smoking as well. Our trained staff will help you develop a plan that best supports your desire to lead a wellness-focused lifestyle. We’re here to help, every step of the way.
