Teen Smoking Cessation
Teens start smoking in an effort to look cool, be accepted or just because they want to. They are more likely to become long term smokers the younger they start. Fortunately, the trend for teen cigarette use has been declining with the most current data indicating that twelfth grade use has decreased from 25% in 1997 to 12% in 2006. Teens who smoke partake of the most preventable cause of death in the U.S.
We know that teens who smoke are more likely to drink and use other drugs as well as engage in a host of other high-risk behaviors. This can complicate the risk-taking tendency that teens already have. Essentially, cigarette smoking is another red flag that something may be going on with your teen. Sure, it isn’t hard drug use, but when we think about early signs of anything going on with your teen, this should be considered one of them.
Other trends we see with teens that begin to smoke are a decrease in higher education aspirations. Their parents are less likely to have completed higher education themselves. This is certainly not etched in stone, but these are the trends that are documented. This is yet another reason to intervene early. Entry level jobs do not always offer healthcare benefits. Starting a habit that causes numerous health complications means these teens are less likely to seek care for the health issues that develop, late diagnosis of diseases like cancer contribute to higher death rates.
Finally, parental use can be a contributing factor in teens who start and stay smoking. Cigarettes are readily assessable if their parents smoke. This makes it easy to avoid the barrier of presenting identification to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Once a teen decides to quit smoking they will have a tougher time if one or both parents smoke. Although it may seem hypocritical, as a parent who smokes, you still have a right to make your teen quit smoking.
If you or your teen smokes, there are helpful resources out there to help you both quit. This is something you can do together and use it as an opportunity to connect. You can always start with your pediatrician for more information. There are support groups online and in person, medications and alternative therapies to help people quit like hypnosis, but first you have to make the decision to quit. This is done by setting a day on the calendar that you will endeavor to kick the habit. A quit date.
Remember, it takes an average of eight attempts to quit before you actually do. The earlier you start the sooner you will get to the eighth try.
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