Smoking’s a difficult habit to break because tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Like heroin or other addictive drugs, the body and mind quickly become used to the nicotine in cigarettes that a person needs it just to feel normal.

Almost no smoker begins as an adult. Statistics show that about nine out of 10 tobacco users start before they’re 18 years old. Some teens who smoke say they start because they think it helps them to look older. Others smoke because they think it helps them relax. Some smoke as a way to feel rebellious or to set themselves apart. Some start because their friends smoke — or just because it gives them something to do. Some people, especially girls, start smoking because they think it may help keep their weight down. The illnesses that smoking can cause, like lung diseases or cancer, do cause weight loss, but that’s not a very good way for people to fit into their clothes.

Another reason people start smoking is because their family members do it. Most adults who started smoking in their teens never expect to become addicted. So, let’s say no to smoking from today itself.