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Smoking – The background

Every day, hundreds of teenagers start smoking. Many don't even know why they've started, but once you are addicted, it's very hard to stop. Cigarettes contain a highly addictive drug called nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant - smoking speeds up the body system increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. It's amazing to think that every day just as many people are giving up smoking in a way that works for them. Some go for hypnosis, nicotine patches, and cessation (stopping) clinics.

Smoking related illnesses

There are over 4,000 chemical compounds and 400 toxic substances in tobacco, most of which are bad for your health. Here are some of the illnesses related to smoking.

• Cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease - blood clots can lead to heart attacks, strokes, paralysis, kidney failure and even gangrene. 
• Cancer - lung, mouth and throat cancers are not commonplace in non-smokers. Bladder, oesophagus, kidneys, pancreas and cervical cancers are more common in smokers than non-smokers.
• Chronic-breathing problems in the lungs - bronchitis and emphysema.

The facts

• The younger you start, the more likely you are to be killed by the addiction.
• A person who starts smoking at the age of 15 is three times as likely to die from cancer as someone who starts smoking in their mid 20s.
• For ex-smokers, it takes approximately 15 years before the risk of lung cancer drops to the same as that of a non-smoker.

Tips to help you quit

• Make a date to stop smoking and stick to it.
• Chew gum. This can help keep the craving at bay (anything that keeps your mouth or hands occupied).
• At moments of weakness focus on the reasons why you wanted to stop.
• If you turn to the fridge instead of cigarettes, make sure it's healthy food so you don't have to worry about your waistline.
• Drink plenty of water this will help to flush out all the toxins in your body.

Remember that every day you go without a cigarette you're beating the addiction.

Smoking and the law

• You have to be 18 to purchase any form of tobacco products as well as rolling papers. 
• Britainis smoke free. You can not smoke in any enclosed place that is open to the public such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and all places of work.

Help lines

• NHS Smoking Helpline - 0800 169 0 169
• QUIT (Independent charity) - 0800 00 22 00

Useful websites

QUIT Because
QUIT is the independent charity whose aim is to save lives by helping smokers to stop.

ASH - Action on Smoking and Health
ASH is a campaigning public health charity working to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.

Stop Smoking Tips
Provides information about the dangerous effects of smoking, benefits of quitting smoking and easy and effective tips to stop smoking.

Young Health
Health services for young people living in South West Essex.

NHS Choice: teens guide to quitting smoking
Information on ways to help you quit smoking.

Online tools

Stop smoking tracker
This tool gives you daily messages, and keeps track of how much you're saving and how many days it's been since your last cigarette. Great motivators for staying smoke free.

Smoking calculator
This smoking calculator will work out the financial and physical costs of smoking and show how giving up today improves your prospects.

Cost calculator
Calculate the cost of smoking.

Quit smoking widget
This tool gives you daily messages, and keeps track of how much you're saving and how many days it's been since your last cigarette.

Quit smoking iPhone app (free)
Receive daily support on your iPhone with this 30-day quit smoking app. Includes a motivational counter and calendar to keep you on track.

Teen Life Check
Teen health quiz for 12-15 year olds. Here you can check out your life and see how you’re getting on.

Last updated: 21/06/11

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