Common Signs and Symptoms of Smoking Addiction :
Craving and dependence
- Intense urge or persistent craving to smoke regularly throughout the day, often in secret or away from adults.
- Developing a dependence on smoking to feel normal or to cope with stress, emotions, or other mental health concerns.
Physical dependence
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, restlessness, increased appetite, and insomnia when attempting to quit or reduce nicotine use.
Tolerance
- Developing a need to smoke more over time to achieve the desired effect.
Behavioural symptoms
- Spending a significant amount of time smoking, thinking about it, or recovering from its effects.
- Continuing to smoke despite knowing the health risks and wanting to quit.
- Giving up on social or recreational activities to smoke.
- Prioritising smoking over other activities, such as schoolwork, work, hobbies, home responsibilities, or socialising.
- Feeling a strong need to smoke to feel calm or relieve stress.
Health effects
- Persistent cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Reduced stamina and overall physical fitness.
- Bad breath and yellowing of teeth and fingernails.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Social and peer influence
- Associating with peers who smoke or feeling pressure to smoke to fit in.
- Using smoking as a way to gain acceptance or cope with peer pressure.
Seeking Help
Recognising these signs and symptoms is crucial for understanding smoking addiction. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs and wants to quit smoking, get support early.
