The causes and effects of smoking - Research Paper Example

In addition, it is seen that smoking kills more people than HIV, alcohol, road accidents, suicides, and other murders do. Furthermore, about 90% of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking (Smoking & Tobacco Use). However, when the question as to why do people smoke is raised, the answer comes from Hughes (1) that they smoke because they are addicted to nicotine. Another better clarified answer comes from Cockerham (4) that people continue smoking even though it provides an unpleasant sensation in the beginning because people learn how to smoke by having other persons interpret the experience for them and teach them how to enjoy the desirable sensation forgetting the undesirable.

It seems that people learn smoking as a social activity, and it often originates in peer groups. It typically takes birth in adolescent groups who are highly likely to imitate adults to look mature. It is often used as a weapon to impress others. However, sooner or later, they start smoking even when they are alone, and develop their dependence on nicotine. In an interview with Gilchrist (How Best to Quit Smoking: Interview with Dr. Randy Gilchrist), he pointed out that people continue to smoke even when they know that their health is eroding because for the smokers, the smoking habit is connected with their many everyday activities and emotional states.

Many of these activities act as the triggers to smoke, and in his words, for them, cigarette is something like a ‘reliable old friend that offers relaxation, comfort and focus’ (How best to quit smoking, Interview with Dr. Randy Gilchrist). According to Butler and Hope (362), there are seven reasons that can be pointed out at this juncture. The first one is that some people feel good using cigarette. It might be the feeling of social acceptance. According to some others it is the best way for relaxation.

Yet another category is fond of the taste of cigarettes. Another vital revelation is that cigarette offers