In my last blog, I analyzed the effects of nicotine on the brain ad body, and the addictiveness of cigarettes. I felt the need to further explore information on the social aspects of smoking and its evolution into a norm. When I stumbled upon my first source in the Health Magazine, an article titled "Social smokers aren't hooked on nicotine just smoking, I was somewhat intrigued by the information. This article basically informed me that even if you’re not addicted to nicotine you can still be addicted to smoking in itself. These so called "Social" Smokers are typically people who only smoke on the weekends, around a crowd, or only when they drink. This is a great thing, however I can guarantee most people you ask will tell you they are social smokers rather than being addicted. This makes me wonder why people feel the need to smoke to be cool, I mean after all, besides the obvious health problems, there's the smell, the taste, and they separate themselves from the nonsmoking friends. After rewarding this I question whether or not a social smoker reaps the downfalls of smoking as fast as a frequent smoker; after all it’s the same process just maybe not as fast
After reading the Health Magazine article I dug deeper into my research only to find an article published at WebMD. This article holds the similar topic of “Social Smoking” but with a different outlook on the topic. Their research says that it is a method often tried by many drug addicts, but doesn't work because it eventually leads to becoming a full time smoker. Doctors have said that there is no “safe” amount to be smoking, because after all any smoking is still smoking. I do question the amount that is acceptable before any true damage or signs of harm start showing. I think that the resource has a very valid point when it says that “soon they find themselves out on the street at 20 degrees below freezing with the other social smokers.” To be honest that is one of the most truthful pieces of information I have heard in a long time. I always see these smokers freezing out in the snow just for the casual cigarette, why one would suffer while causing harm to themselves? The social smokers will be the most often to deny the fact that they have an addiction, but the truth is this aspect of smoking is just as harmful as smoking regularly.
When I Compare these two sources to my previous articles I found that these two have more tension and how it depends entirely on people's research on how they perceive things. Both of these articles have different opinions and they both have very valid points. Among both of these articles I would say I have to agree that social smoking can't be any healthier for one than regular smoking. I believe this because either way the smoker is still smoking and it will have the same effects, also it will most likely escalate into full time smoking. Although i still do question the fact at what point do cigarettes start making "damage" on both your brain and body.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteHello.
Obviously smoking kills many man americans per year, and I do see that number going down without government intervention. I respect peoples desire to smoke, but they should also respect none smokers desire to stay away from it. It's always frusterating when you're sitting somewhere outside and here comes a cloud of some 'jerks' smoke. Personally I just can't stand being in an area where people are smoking for too long, and I'd rather not basically share their cigarette with them.