It is now a fact that teenage smoking and tobacco use is a regular habit among the 13-18 year age group. In America, 25% of 12th graders and 28% of high school kids are smoking daily.

Some Smoking And Tobacco Facts.

Almost 6,000 teens under 18 begin smoking daily and of these, about 2,000 will continue smoking into adulthood. About 80% of regular adult smokers began smoking before getting to age 18.

Teenagers who smoke and have smoked more than 100 cigarettes altogether are hooked on the habit and many say they wish they could quit cigarettes but cannot.

Why do teens smoke?

Teenagers in their search for adventure and behaving in ways they consider cool or even breaking the rules. Unless well educated on the dangers, smoking can look very attractive.

Tobacco advertising tends to link smoking with independence, attractiveness and vigor and to the fragile teenage mind this all seems very fitting.

The addiction.

Nicotine is a very addictive drug and is found in tobacco. The smoker becomes addicted not just in body, but also in mind. Like most other drugs, it is an expensive habit and may lead to other anti-social behaviors linked to low self-image.

Other anti-social behavior will also be exhibited by the teen, and it is more likely that he will abuse other drugs and substances than his non-smoking age-mates.

Intervention in teenage smoking and tobacco addiction is called for. The dangers are so many, but most of all the health and life of the smoking adolescent is at risk.