Many people believe smoking helps them manage stress. Nicotine provides a temporary relaxation hit, but this is fleeting and followed by cravings that cause tension. Smoking becomes a cycle to relieve these self-induced cravings.
Nicotine encourages the brain to release dopamine, creating positive feelings. People with depression may have lower dopamine levels, leading them to rely on cigarettes for a boost. However, smoking can reduce the brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine, leading to increased reliance on cigarettes.
Smoking can become ingrained in daily routines, making it difficult to break.
Smoking often starts in teenage years due to wanting to look cool, peer pressure, or family members smoking. These reasons may no longer be relevant but still drive the habit.
Some smokers believe it helps with stress relief, distracts from unhealthy eating, or aids social interaction. However, these benefits are temporary and outweighed by the health risks.
Recognising why you smoke helps you identify situations and emotions that trigger cravings.
Knowing your triggers allows you to develop alternative coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to friends.
Examining the perceived benefits of smoking can help you realise they are often temporary and not worth the long-term health consequences.
Reminding yourself of the original reasons you started smoking (which may no longer be valid) can strengthen your resolve to quit.
