Most people who smoke started smoking when they were teenagers. Those who have friends and/or parents who smoke are more likely to start smoking than those who don’t. Some teenagers say that they “just wanted to try it,” or they thought it was “cool” to smoke. Nicotine works very much like other addicting drugs, by flooding the brain’s reward circuits with a chemical called dopamine. Nicotine also gives a little bit of an adrenaline rush – not enough to notice, but enough to speed up the heart and raise blood pressure.

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How to stop smoking:

1. Set a quit date: Choose a date to quit smoking. Mark it on your calendar and make a plan for how you will quit.

2. Get rid of cigarettes: Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and other smoking paraphernalia.

3. Talk to your doctor: Ask your doctor for help quitting. Your doctor can prescribe medications and offer advice to help you quit.

4. Find support: Talk to your friends and family about your decision to quit. Find a support group or counseling program to help you stay on track.

5. Make a list of reasons to quit: Make a list of reasons why you want to quit smoking. Consider the health benefits, the money you will save, and your overall quality of life.

6. Avoid triggers: Identify activities, places, and people that trigger your urge to smoke. Avoid these triggers as much as possible.

7. Exercise: Exercise can help reduce stress and cravings.

8. Use nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

9. Keep track of your progress: Track your progress on a regular basis to help you stay motivated.

10. Reward yourself by doing something that is good for your mental health.

In conclusion, try quitting as soon as possible, since smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis. The sooner you stop the better.

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