Researchers at the University Of Montreal School Of Public Health revealed that the risk of becoming a smoker among young adults is high, and suggested that campaigns against smoking should also be targeted to these people. Their study, which was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, points out three major risk factors that make young adults (ages 18-24) more prone to smoking.
3 Risk Factors for Smoking among Young Adults
Even though they haven’t tried smoking in the past, young adults who are impulsive, have poor grades, and those who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to begin smoking.
Impulsivity – According to the study lead author Jennifer O’Loughlin, a professor at the University of Montreal, impulsivity is more freely expressed when one becomes an adult, because parents are no longer there to exert control. She also explained that children whose parents were too much controlling (as a way to protect their children from engaging in negative behaviors such as smoking), were more likely to be impulsive when they reach adulthood.
Low performance in school – another risk factor that the researchers found among young adult smokers is having poor grades in school. School difficulties increase the odds of smoking because many students who perform poorly tend to drop out of school and seek employment in workplaces where smoking rates are high. And since they get to earn money (and exercise full authority over their funds), they become more capable of buying cigarettes.
Alcohol abuse – most young adults find cigarettes the best partner of alcohol. Going to bars where there are many smokers often entice young adults to smoke as well. Another thing, alcohol has the ability to reduce inhibitions and self-control so giving in to smoking becomes easier. Also, studies have shown that alcohol boosts the pleasurable effects of nicotine, and vice versa that’s why people tend to smoke more whenever they drink alcohol.
Numerous quit smoking campaigns and intervention programs are directed to teenagers because studies show that people usually begin to smoke by the age 12 or 13. But the new study suggests that campaigns should also be targeted to young adults, especially because cigarette advertisements are mostly designed for this group.
Quitting Smoking Now
Smoking at a young age can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease and dementia. It is also tied to early death.
There are plenty of quit smoking methods available for young adults who are looking to quit the habit. Once smoking becomes an addiction, it can be hard to eradicate. Fortunately, quit smoking treatments such as medications, NRT and counseling have all been proven to help people deal with nicotine addiction and ditch this unhealthy habit. If you want to stop smoking now, talk to a health professional today to know your options, or take advantage of the free services offered by the government and other health organizations.
