Quitting Tobacco Use: Why Do You Use Tobacco

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Why Do You Use Tobacco?

Most people don't think about when or why they use tobacco. They just do it. But knowing when and why you smoke or chew can help you choose the quitting strategy that is most likely to work. Perhaps you use tobacco:

• To relieve tension, especially after arguments or during stressful times, or when you feel angry or upset.
• To control your weight, either by keeping it down or because you're afraid of weight gain if you quit.
• For stimulation, to perk yourself up, improve your concentration, or boost your energy when you are feeling sluggish.
• To be part of the group, by joining your friends in having a cigarette or chew.

Use this form to find your reasons (What is a PDF document?) for using tobacco.

Reasons children and teens smoke

Many children and teens use cigarettes, cigars, and spit tobacco because their friends do. Movies and TV shows can make tobacco use seem glamorous and attractive. Teens, especially girls, often use smoking to try to control their weight.

Teens may think smoking is a way to look more mature, independent, and self-confident to their peers. They may smoke to rebel against their parents.

Children and teens are more likely to smoke if their parents smoke.

Last updated:	July 24, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen