Michelle Martin Composition 11/16/01 It is Butt a Habit Teens take risk, independence is expressed, respect is desired, rebelliousness peaks, and trying to fit in is so important. This is why teen smoking, though illegal, remains at such a high rate. It fits perfectly into a teen's avenue of self-expression. Approximately 80% of adult smokers started the habit before the age of eighteen, and every day, nearly three thousand young people under eighteen become regular smokers. Phillip Morris, maker of Marlboro, said, "Today's teenager is tomorrow's potential customer." Interestingly enough, more than five million children will die prematurely because of a decision made to smoke during adolescence. Cigarettes' addictive effects come from the main ingredient, nicotine, which for some people can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. With time, smoking will cause permanent changes in the brain's chemistry, leaving a person hooked. A cigarette to a first timer is initially a symbolic act. That person is saying, "I'm not my mother's child any longer. I'm tough." As time goes on, the psychological symbolism becomes far less important than the pharmacological dependence that follows. The self-image that person intended to portray becomes a dependence. While teens think they are improving their image, they are slowly demolishing it. Who would want to kiss someone with smoker's breath? Who would want to be trapped in a car with a smoker? Imposing second hand smoke upon another individual is a major offense. In most places today, such as airplanes, restaurants, and shopping centers, society will not even allow it. Along with the stench of ash comes a yellowish tinge on the smoker's teeth, which slowly develops over time. Most smokers develop a hacking cough that usually starts every morning in order to get rid of all the toxins their lungs have filtered out. For teens this habit can get pretty expensive. It could be lunch money or Friday night spending money. The majority of teens don't have the finances to support a habit like this. For the most part, they live off the allowance their parents give them. Furthermore, if a minor gets caught smoking, there will be a fine of $250 dollars along with community service. The cost of cigarettes may lead to extended problems. Someone who needs money may try almost anything to get a pack of cigarettes. In some cases people have been known to steal, threaten others, or even inflict abuse upon those around them to satisfy their cravings for nicotine. Though tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the US, 400,000 die each year because they are snared in the trap. Smoking in fact kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides, and fires combined. Those who try to kick the habit usually attempt it two to three times before finally being able to quit. Teen smoking is the beginning of a fatal end. |