Smoking | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Smoking | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"53954","drupal_node_title":"Smoking","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Cigarette smoking is highly addictive鈥攁nd it鈥檚 responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the United" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/smoking" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/smoking" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Smoking" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Cigarette smoking is highly addictive鈥攁nd it鈥檚 responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the United" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2009-03-17T15:36:36-0400", "dateModified": "2024-02-16T15:04:02-0500", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/smoking", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/smoking", "name": "Smoking", "alternateName": [ "Smoking", "Nicotine Addiction" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Smoking" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "Smoking", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/smoking" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": null, "text": "Cigarette smoking is highly addictive鈥攁nd it鈥檚 responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the United States each year, including 41,000 from second-hand smoke, according to the CDC. That makes tobacco the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Worldwide, about 7 million deaths each year are due to tobacco use.\r\n\r\nSmoking is associated with cancer, heart disease, stroke, gum disease, asthma and other chronic lung conditions, and Type-2 diabetes. About 14 percent of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes in 2017, according to the CDC, and it was recently estimated that nearly 7 in 10 wanted to stop smoking.\r\n\r\nPeople with depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness are much more likely to smoke than the general population. While smoking may be used, in part, as a coping behavior, it is not a valid treatment for any mental health condition.\r\n\r\nFor more on causes, symptoms, and treatments of nicotine addiction, see our Diagnosis Dictionary.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/addiction", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/compulsive-behaviors", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/vaping", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/habit-formation", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/nicotine", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/cannabismarijuana", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/tobacco-related-disorders" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/docs/editorial-process" } } ] 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data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--has-left-rail layout-container--has-right-rail retain-ltr-area-order"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="53954" role="article" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2020-08/shutterstock_339910700.jpg?itok=6L3L9-no" width="75" height="75" alt="rarrarorro/ Shutterstock" title="rarrarorro/ Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Smoking</h1> <p class="content-header--synonyms text-teaser-byline">Nicotine Addiction</p> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Cigarette smoking is highly addictive—and it’s responsible for more than </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/index.htm#:~:text=Cigarette%20smoking%20is%20responsible%20for,or%201%2C300%20deaths%20every%20day.&text=On%20average%2C%20smokers%20die%2010%20years%20earlier%20than%20nonsmokers."><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>480,000 deaths</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> in the United States each year, including 41,000 from second-hand smoke, according to the CDC. That makes tobacco the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Worldwide, about 7 million deaths each year are due to tobacco use.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Smoking is associated with cancer, heart disease, stroke, gum disease, asthma and other chronic lung conditions, and Type-2 diabetes. About 14 percent of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes in 2017, according to the CDC, and it was recently estimated that nearly 7 in 10 wanted to stop smoking.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>People with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">depression</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>, and other forms of mental illness are much more likely to smoke than the general population. While smoking may be used, in part, as a coping behavior, it is not a valid treatment for any mental health condition.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><em><span>For more on causes, symptoms, and treatments of nicotine <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/addiction" title="Psychology Today looks at addiction" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">addiction</a>, see our </span></em></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/nicotine"><span><span><span><span><em><span><span><span>Diagnosis Dictionary.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#the-causes-and-consequences-of-smoking"> The Causes and Consequences of Smoking </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-to-quit-smoking"> How to Quit Smoking </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-to-know-about-vaping"> What to Know about Vaping </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="the-causes-and-consequences-of-smoking" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> The Causes and Consequences of Smoking </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/shutterstock_232964731.jpg?itok=bQtkFpwF" width="180" height="180" alt="MeskPhotography/Shutterstock" title="MeskPhotography/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>An <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/addiction" title="Psychology Today looks at addiction" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">addiction</a> to nicotine, also known as nicotine dependence or tobacco dependence, often begins in the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adolescence" title="Psychology Today looks at teen" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">teen</a> years. Most people who smoke have friends or family members who also smoke. The younger a person is when he or she starts to smoke, the higher the risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, a drug found in tobacco.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>In the short term, nicotine may distract from unpleasant feelings. Once smokers become dependent on nicotine, however, they experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms that last for days or weeks, making it very difficult to quit. Many people who are addicted to nicotine continue to smoke even though they know it's bad for their health.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why do young adults start smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Although we are decades past the promotion of cigarettes as a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/personality" title="Psychology Today looks at personality" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">personality</a> enhancer or a weight loss aid, some <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202010/why-young-people-still-smoke-cigarettes">young people are still beginning to smoke cigarettes.</a> Research suggests that college students who smoke are more likely to believe the behavior provides emotional benefits and enhanced <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/body-image" title="Psychology Today looks at body image" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">body image</a> than non-smokers, perhaps driven by media portrayals of young, sexy women who smoke. They also tend to underestimate the harms of smoking. Both reasons may help fuel the decision to begin smoking or prevent them from trying to quit.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does someone鈥檚 <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/social-life" title="Psychology Today looks at social life" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">social life</a> contribute to smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Nicotine is so addictive due to its chemical effects on the brain, but it may also be hard to give up from a social perspective. Around one-third of all cigarettes are smoked in social situations, research suggests, and many smokers are more likely to smoke when they see others smoke; they report that socializing is a key reason for smoking.</p> <p>Perhaps most interestingly, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/media-spotlight/201807/the-social-side-nicotine">nicotine may also help boost someone’s social skills.</a> In a recent study, participants described themselves as being friendlier, more <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/extroversion" title="Psychology Today looks at extroverted" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">extroverted</a>, and less socially anxious after ingesting nicotine, and nicotine use improved awareness of social and facial cues compared to participants who had abstained from nicotine for the past day or longer. The social function of smoking may help explain why it’s so addicting, and why it’s so hard to quit.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What does nicotine do to the brain? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Nicotine is what makes cigarettes so addicting. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/your-brain-food/201101/nicotine-and-your-brain">Nicotine acts on acetylcholine receptors in the brain,</a> which help to control <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">attention</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/memory" title="Psychology Today looks at memory" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">memory</a>. Nicotine also boosts levels of the neurotransmitter <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/dopamine" title="Psychology Today looks at dopamine" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">dopamine</a> and the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/hormones" title="Psychology Today looks at hormone" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">hormone</a> adrenaline. Eventually the brain becomes accustomed to these changes, so when people attempt to stop smoking, they can experience symptoms of withdrawal such as cravings, headaches, dizziness, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>, and irritability.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does smoking affect mental health? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>People with mental health conditions have unusually high smoking rates. Smoking can seem to boost mental health in the short term, temporarily stabilizing mood, but it can be harmful in the long term by exacerbating <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stress</a>, anxiety, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">depression</a>. Research suggests that anxiety and depression improves among people who quit smoking, and people report greater life satisfaction and an increase in positive feelings. So, not only does quitting support physical health, but it can <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201406/smoking-and-mental-health">boost mental health as well</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-to-quit-smoking" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How to Quit Smoking </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2019-12/shutterstock_1061617838.jpg?itok=1pD2TDph" width="180" height="180" alt="vientocuatroestudio/Shutterstock" title="vientocuatroestudio/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Quitting smoking at any age can improve a person’s health, and the earlier a person quits, the better. A variety of methods can help a person break the habit, ranging from cigarette substitutes to supportive therapy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches are among the FDA-approved nicotine replacement products that people who cease smoking can use to manage withdrawal symptoms after they quit. Combining such methods with behavioral treatments, which help people prepare to quit and to cope effectively with cravings and withdrawal, can make long-term cessation even more likely. These may include the consultation of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-help" title="Psychology Today looks at self-help" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-help</a> materials, brief counseling with a healthcare professional, group sessions with others who are quitting, or forms of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at psychotherapy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">psychotherapy</a> such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/cognitive-behavioral-therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at cognitive behavioral" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">cognitive behavioral</a> therapy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Some medications, including bupropion and varenicline, can be prescribed to help increase the chances of continued abstinence, though the risk of side effects such as anxiety and depression should be taken into account.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> I want to stop smoking. Where do I start? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Developing a plan with treatment and support will be most important, and you can do that by consulting with a doctor, therapist, or resources such as the <a href="https://smokingcessationleadership.ucsf.edu/for-smokers/quitline#:~:text=1%2D800%2DQUIT%2DNOW,vary%20from%20state%20to%20state.">Quit Now helpline.</a> On your own, make <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/cycles-addiction/201901/do-you-want-quit-smoking-in-the-new-year">quitting smoking your number one priority.</a> Set a date to quit. Throw out all cigarettes and related items and avoid spending time with other smokers. Change your routine to minimize triggers for smoking. For example, create a new morning routine of drinking tea when you wake up. Remind yourself of all of the reasons you are quitting, and celebrate moments of victory along the way.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Can <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mindfulness" title="Psychology Today looks at mindfulness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">mindfulness</a> help me quit smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Mindfulness can be an effective approach to stop smoking. Mindfulness involves learning how to pay careful attention to thoughts and behaviors rather than trying to suppress them. In a smoking cessation context, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-craving-mind/201905/you-dismiss-mindfulness">mindfulness can help people interrupt the cycle</a> of craving nicotine and smoking as a result. Smokers become more aware of why they smoke, what behaviors can substitute for cigarettes, and how unpleasant they may find the taste or smell when they pay attention. In addition to mindfulness, some individuals have found success with natural remedies such as acupuncture and even <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/hypnosis" title="Psychology Today looks at hypnosis" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">hypnosis</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Can financial incentives help me quit smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Researchers and healthcare providers are constantly looking for innovative and effective ways to help people quit smoking. One of those ideas, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/evidence-based-living/201907/paying-smokers-quit-really-works">paying smokers to quit,</a> seems to be successful, according to a large review study. Financial incentives varied from cash, to vouchers for goods, to self-deposits, meaning the participants paid themselves to quit, and the dollar amount ranged from $45 to $700. No matter the amount, those who received rewards were significantly more likely to have stopped smoking than those who received no payment. Those people were also less likely to start smoking again after the incentive program was complete.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What policies can reduce smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Successful policies must target a difficult problem: The reward of smoking is immediate but the harm is delayed. Reminding people of disease or even death in the future aren’t always strong enough to overcome the instant gratification of satisfying a nicotine craving. Imposing taxes on cigarettes (an immediate <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/punishment" title="Psychology Today looks at punishment" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">punishment</a>) or printing graphic images of disease on the boxes (an immediate unpleasant feeling when looking at the box) may have a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-science-adversity/201607/the-logic-how-quit-smoking">better chance of helping people quit smoking.</a> On an individual level, people can put this principle into practice by devising consequences that their loved ones can help enforce. For example, if the person trying to quit smokes a cigarette, he or she must do the dishes that night.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--5 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can I support a loved one who is trying to stop smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Help and encouragement can go a long way. To provide support, begin by researching the process of quitting to understand it and assure the loved one that their pain is temporary. High stress can increase the chances of smoking again, especially at the beginning, so try to relieve that stress by cooking dinner or running a few errands, for instance. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201406/smoking-and-mental-health">Refrain from smoking or talking about smoking</a> around the person, and avoid guilting or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/shame" title="Psychology Today looks at shaming" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">shaming</a> them. Focus on the positive and celebrate small victories. Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/relapse" title="Psychology Today looks at relapses" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">relapses</a> are common; people often relapse a few times before quitting successfully.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-to-know-about-vaping" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> What to Know about Vaping </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2019-05/VapingGilmanshinShutterstock_1296079219.jpg?itok=7FEEKfks" width="180" height="180" alt="Gilmanshin/ Shutterstock" title="Gilmanshin/ Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Some smokers use <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/vaping" title="Psychology Today looks at e-cigarettes" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">e-cigarettes</a> or “vapes” as a substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products. E-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which can stunt the growth of a developing adolescent brain. E-cigarette aerosol contains fewer chemicals than the 7,000 found in regular cigarette smoke, but it is potentially harmful nonetheless.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Vaping devices contain chemicals such as diacetyl—a flavorant linked to lung disease—harmful organic compounds, fine particles that can be inhaled, and metals like nickel, tin, and lead. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, but all include a battery, a place to hold the liquid being vaped, and some kind of heating component. While typically used with nicotine, they can also deliver marijuana or other drugs.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Vaping devices are considered unsafe for teens and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/pregnancy" title="Psychology Today looks at pregnant" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">pregnant</a> women.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><em><span>For more, see </span></em></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/vaping"><span><span><span><span><em><span><span><span>Vaping.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></span></a></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Can vaping help me stop smoking? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>E-cigarettes are not approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation aid, unlike treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy or the medications Chantix or Zyban. However, research suggests that vaping may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy; a randomized controlled trial found that one year after treatment, almost <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/cycles-addiction/201902/are-e-cigarettes-helpful-smokers">twice as many individuals who received e-cigarettes and behavioral support were smoke-free,</a> as compared to individuals who received nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral support. Afterward, though, people continued to use e-cigarettes for much longer than they used nicotine replacement therapy.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2 faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Does vaping lead to lung disease? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Vaping has been linked to a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/denying-the-grave/201911/vaping-and-acute-lung-injury-are-all-e-cigarettes-blame">respiratory illness that scientists dubbed EVALI</a> or E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury. Instances of the disease began to emerge in 2019; around <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#key-facts-vit-e">2,800 have been hospitalized</a> and around 70 have passed away, according to the CDC. Scientists believe that EVALI is likely caused by people vaping THC (the compound in marijuana that produces the feeling of being high) in poor-quality products. </p> <p>Although EVALI should be taken very seriously, it’s important to state that it is extremely rare, because about 40 million people globally use e-cigarettes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-1cac77b48435aa9cc20611bef5b037668f1fde174f1f393dcc5407b177773736"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027578"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/a-change-in-mentality/202411/vaping-vs-smoking-what-are-the-actual-health-differences"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Dad%20vaping.jpg?itok=5BfhftB5" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="AI-Generated - Meta" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/a-change-in-mentality/202411/vaping-vs-smoking-what-are-the-actual-health-differences" title="Vaping vs Smoking: What are the Actual Health Differences?"> Vaping vs Smoking: What are the Actual Health Differences? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Think vaping is safe? Think again: let's get real about the hidden risks of vaping, both direct and second-hand, and why we need to change our mentality about vaping. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5026829"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/evidence-based-living/202411/the-best-way-to-stall-dementia-quit-smoking"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/AdobeStock_570496351.jpg?itok=uffKnYtF" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Delcio/peopleimages/Adobe Stock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/evidence-based-living/202411/the-best-way-to-stall-dementia-quit-smoking" title="The Best Way to Stall Dementia: Quit Smoking"> The Best Way to Stall Dementia: Quit Smoking </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> A growing body of research demonstrates that smoking affects neurological health, specifically cognitive decline. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5023983"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/use-your-brain/202408/are-you-still-smoking"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/SMphoto-1440504738219-a74a11143d50.jpeg.jpg?itok=IifAL0Fj" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Stas Svechnikov/Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/use-your-brain/202408/are-you-still-smoking" title="Are You Still Smoking?"> Are You Still Smoking? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Though smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable deaths, quitting remains a difficult challenge. What does new research tell us? </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5023869"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/smoking-hard-drugs-is-now-killing-many-users"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/istockphoto-494765737-1024x1024.jpg?itok=-DUjHs9m" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Monkeybusinessimages iStock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/smoking-hard-drugs-is-now-killing-many-users" title="Smoking Hard Drugs Is Now Killing Many Users"> Smoking Hard Drugs Is Now Killing Many Users </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Shockingly, increasing numbers of people are dying from smoking drugs than injecting them. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-fda1c2b712b9386db0429699b48304d3f39e539115e6a8957339d1c99cfff51c layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026911"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202411/can-strategies-that-cut-smoking-reduce-opioid-addiction"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Opioid%20deaths%20CDC%20.png.jpg?itok=B_y1Uej_" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Opioid Deaths/CDC" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202411/can-strategies-that-cut-smoking-reduce-opioid-addiction" rel="bookmark">Can Strategies that Cut Smoking Reduce Opioid Addiction?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Far too many people continue to die from opioid abuse, often orphaning children. Could old anti-smoking programs be adapted to turn the opioid crisis around? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Far too many people continue to die from opioid abuse, often orphaning children. Could old anti-smoking programs be adapted to turn the opioid crisis around? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025746"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/an-ounce-of-prevention-md/202410/unlocking-the-secrets-to-a-stronger-immune-system"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-jennifer-murray-402778-1089077.jpg?h=2c3b8b5a&itok=QWrVr78U" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Jennifer Murray/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/an-ounce-of-prevention-md/202410/unlocking-the-secrets-to-a-stronger-immune-system" rel="bookmark">Unlocking the Secrets to a Stronger Immune System</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Curious how some people seem to never get sick? Discover simple, research-backed habits that can help you boost your immune system and lead a healthier, more resilient life. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Curious how some people seem to never get sick? Discover simple, research-backed habits that can help you boost your immune system and lead a healthier, more resilient life. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023666"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/demystifying-psychiatry/202408/psychiatric-disorders-and-cigarette-use"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/P2152657.JPG.jpg?itok=d8Ex-5c9" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Dottie Kinscherf with permission" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/demystifying-psychiatry/202408/psychiatric-disorders-and-cigarette-use" rel="bookmark">Psychiatric Disorders and Cigarette Use </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Cigarette use is common among persons with certain psychiatric disorders and should be addressed by mental health professionals. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Cigarette use is common among persons with certain psychiatric disorders and should be addressed by mental health professionals. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023620"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-speed-of-life/202408/the-swinging-pendulum-of-public-health-advice"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-08/pexels-ella-olsson-572949-1640777.jpg?itok=VZcrOpgK" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Ella Olsson/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-speed-of-life/202408/the-swinging-pendulum-of-public-health-advice" rel="bookmark">The Swinging Pendulum of Public Health Advice </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Why today's health news may be hogwash by tomorrow. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Why today's health news may be hogwash by tomorrow. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023425"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/ending-smoking-or-vaping"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-08/Dr.%20Lisa%20Fucito%20Yale%20University%20School%20of%20Medicine.jpg?itok=T2u6ubEo" width="288" height="288" alt="Lisa Fucito, PhD" title="Yale University" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/ending-smoking-or-vaping" rel="bookmark">Ending Smoking or Vaping</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Vaping and smoking cause nicotine addiction, which is easier to prevent than to treat. In addition to nicotine replacement, new treatments are available and on the horizon. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Vaping and smoking cause nicotine addiction, which is easier to prevent than to treat. In addition to nicotine replacement, new treatments are available and on the horizon. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5023354"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/targeting-teens-to-vape"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-08/vaping%20kids%20istockphoto-1177926514-1024x1024.jpg?itok=mMFzJrka" width="288" height="288" alt="Teens Think Vaping is Glamorous" title="iStock/Aleksandryu" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/targeting-teens-to-vape" rel="bookmark">Targeting Teens to Vape</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Teenage nicotine and cannabis vaping is much more common and risky than adolescents (and maybe their parents) realize.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Teenage nicotine and cannabis vaping is much more common and risky than adolescents (and maybe their parents) realize.<br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5022045"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/of-leaders-and-traits/202407/how-personality-influences-smoking-choices"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-07/cigar-vs-cigarette.jpg?itok=ZFQEA7JW" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Jon Gruda/DALL-E3" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/of-leaders-and-traits/202407/how-personality-influences-smoking-choices" rel="bookmark">How Personality Influences Smoking Choices</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Ever wonder why some prefer cigarettes while others choose cigars? <br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Ever wonder why some prefer cigarettes while others choose cigars? <br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5020881"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202406/the-new-fentanyl-and-speedballing-crisis-of-2024"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-06/shutterstock_2366502485.jpg?itok=ifiHUtY-" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Phil Pasquini/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202406/the-new-fentanyl-and-speedballing-crisis-of-2024" rel="bookmark">The New Fentanyl and Speedballing Crisis of 2024</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Smoking fentanyl and speedballing is a new dangerous trend. Newer overdose reversal protocols and recovery medications are needed while we try to improve access and initiation. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Smoking fentanyl and speedballing is a new dangerous trend. Newer overdose reversal protocols and recovery medications are needed while we try to improve access and initiation. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5019387"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202404/americas-favorite-weed-comes-with-big-health-risks"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/Yale%20University%20School%20of%20Medicine.jpg?itok=SZBxXA1V" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Yale University" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/addiction-outlook/202404/americas-favorite-weed-comes-with-big-health-risks" rel="bookmark">America鈥檚 Favorite, Weed, Comes with Big Health Risks</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Most people believe that marijuana use should be legalized, but many do not realize there are major health risks with regular use. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Most people believe that marijuana use should be legalized, but many do not realize there are major health risks with regular use. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5015436"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-main-ingredient/202401/how-cognitive-dissonance-almost-kept-me-from-smoking"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-01/Frank_Sinatra_smoking_cigarette_at_the_piano_%281946%29.jpg?itok=ka8Pprvf" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-main-ingredient/202401/how-cognitive-dissonance-almost-kept-me-from-smoking" rel="bookmark">How Cognitive Dissonance Almost Kept Me From Smoking</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> My desire to smoke was powerful, but at the same time I was afraid of trying it. I was suffering from cognitive dissonance. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> My desire to smoke was powerful, but at the same time I was afraid of trying it. 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