In the United States, buying cigarettes is illegal for those younger than 18.
Every day, more than 3,400 children ages 12 to 17 start smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 850 people younger than 18 begin to smoke on a daily basis. Teens residing in families with a low socioeconomic status are more likely to smoke than those from middle- and upper-class homes. Additionally, teens whose parents and siblings smoke are more likely to pick up a cigarette.
Addiction and Withdrawal
Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that causes the body to release dopamine in much the same way as heroin or cocaine. Individuals addicted to cigarettes also suffer withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, insomnia and an intense craving for nicotine; these withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for teens to quit smoking. The addictive nature of cigarettes is evidenced by the fact that approximately 80 percent of adult smokers began smoking before the age of 18, according to the CDC.
Health Risks
In addition to nicotine, cigarettes contain substances dangerous to the growing teen body, including tar, carbon monoxide and arsenic. Smoking can lead to lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. Individuals who smoke also tend to get sick more often, suffering from colds, pneumonia and the flu more often than their peers who do not smoke, reports kidshealth.org.
Legal Issues
You must be 18 years old to buy cigarettes in the United States. Teens younger than 18 place both their health and criminal record in jeopardy by smoking cigarettes.
Risky Behavior
Teens who smoke are more likely to engage in other behaviors that put their health at risk, according to the CDC. Many teens who smoke also drink alcohol and use other illegal drugs. In addition, teenagers who smoke cigarettes are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior such as unprotected sex.
Lack of Decision-Making
Teenagers face a barrage of emotions as their bodies change and develop during puberty. These changes can lead to insecurity, thus making it harder for teens to ignore peer pressure and make wise decisions, including declining to smoke.
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