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Human beings from different age groups, smoke for
different reasons, at different times. These reasons for smoking include
social pressures and customs, habits, psychological aspects, and
physical dependence on nicotine amongst the various others. Though, they
are aware of the dangers of smoking, they are not able to get rid of it.
Most of the young people especially teenagers, smoke due to peer pressure and
the fear of not to be left out of the 'happening' group. Teenagers start
to smoke when they are out with friends at a party, bar, disco or such
other places.
Adult people have their own reasons for smoking. Heavy smokers are usually from this group. Adult
smokers when they are upset or uncomfortable are most likely to light up
a cigarette. When they are with friends, they smoke to have a good time.
Some others light up a cigarette when they are more relaxed and
comfortable. Some adult people think that smoking would not let them
slow down and they would necessarily get a lift from it.
The most unfortunate moment to happen in terms of smoking is when
a pregnant women smokes. It can lead to low birth weight of the baby or
even pre-mature death. Apart from the usual reasons, pregnant women
smoke due to nervousness and depression during pregnancies.
But is/ are there any scientific reason/ reasons behind smoking?
According to a report published in the magazine 'Nature', nicotine may
not be the only reason why a smoker can not kick the habit. As per the
report, a smoker has 40 % less of the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO B)
in his/her brain than a non-smoker or those who have kicked the habit.
Studies have shown that MAO B breaks down dopamine, a neurotransmitter
associated with motivation, movement and reward. Less of MAO B could
result in increased dopamine activity, reinforcing and rewarding the
smoking behavior that caused the enhancement of dopamine. Increased
dopamine and the feeling of pleasure would induce smokers to continue
their habit.
In order to help people in their fight against
tobacco use, it is important to know as to why do people smoke? For
smokers who want to quit, MAO B could be the target of specialized
treatments someday.
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