Some Popular Smoking Myths
The people, who smoke, often associate some or the
other reasons to their habit. There are certain deadly myths regarding
smoking prevalent among the advocates of smoking. As said they are myths
and they surely need to be busted. Some of them are as follows:
1) Not to slow down: A myth among smokers is that smoking keeps
them from slowing down. In fact, they claim that they get a lift from
smoking. This is due to nicotine. When taken in small amount nicotine
gives one, a feel of pleasure. However, in the long run the smoker
will develop a lifelong dependence on nicotine.
2) It would not happen to me: Another myth among smokers is that
the diseases associated with smoking could happen to anyone who may
not even be a smoker. In other words, they take their chances. Anybody
who thinks that he would be able to smoke without developing any
deadly diseases, is living in illusions.
3) I am not hooked: Another myth regarding
smoking is that most of the smokers start to smoke believing that they
will be able to quit smoking whenever they want. But the fact is that
it is actually the opposite that happens. Nicotine is one of the most
addictive drugs known to man and one of the most destructive
substances in our society.
4) Quitting will lead to fatness: It is a proven
fact that you will get fat after you quit. Generally females are more
concerned about this factor than the males. But you must compare the
costs with the benefits. Bad breath, smelly clothes, dry skin is much
worst than a few extra pounds. Regarding the extra fat, you can shed
it anytime you want, by doing exercises.
5) Light cigarettes would not hurt much: Another
misconception regarding smoking is that light cigarettes would not
hurt much. The smokers who use these light ones are under the
impression that they are safe. But there is no such thing as a safe
cigarette. The poisonous elements of a cigarette such as nicotine and
tar are there in the light cigarette as well.
6) At least, I do not take drugs or get drunk: Another argument
that the smokers give in their favor is that they do smoke but they do
not take drugs or get drunk. But the fact is that a smoker is three
times more likely to get drunk and a whooping twenty two times more
likely to involve in cocaine abuse.
7) I have tried to quit, but I failed: Another serious myth
regarding smoking is that a smoker who knows about the dangers of
smoking if tries to quit, can not actually do so. The emphasis should
be on that it is never too late too quit. And it is not a sign of
weakness to take the help of patch to quit smoking. It only means that
you are determined to quit smoking.
Myths blur the clarity and vision, weaken the determination and hence
stall action. You need to come out of them to take a correct decision.
If any of the above has been a part of your thought process, I would
suggest you to review and rethink.