Today, even though there’s plenty of anti-smoking warnings, 18.7 percent of teens in the 12th grade smoke cigarettes.11.8 percent of 10th graders smoke and 6.1 percent of 8th graders smoke. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future study these numbers are historically low but getting hooked on nicotine is never a good idea.
Teens smoke cigarettes because of the “cool factor” and their peers probably smoke. Some might say it relaxes them but that’s not what research shows. The reality is tobacco is a stimulant. The nicotine in tobacco can stimulate feelings of pleasure within the brain thus making it even harder to quit. But quitting can be done and doing so before they carry the addiction into their adult life is preferred.
You ask “So what are the best ways to quit smoking?” The nicotine patch along with nicotine gum or lozenges or the drug Chantix are the best methods per the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention.
Smokers need to learn their triggers before they can be successful at quitting. There is a quit line that helps people learn how to quit because quitting is not easy.
1-800-QUIT-NOW
Smoking tobacco is an addiction so there are triggers when smoking is most likely to take place such as when waking up, after a meal, and before going to bed, which must be addressed. During the cessation period, try some things that make you happy which can be walking your dog or journalling to record your feelings about quitting. It’s great to look back later after you’ve quit to see how you were feeling at the time.
It’s not hopeless as many people do manage to quit.
For more information about teens and smoking (and other addictions) consult the following websites...
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_nicotine1.php#tobacco_kills
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