by Suzanne Rose

Created on: June 25, 2010   Last Updated: April 14, 2011

Many people who smoke want to quit, but there are those who don’t.  Because of the dangers of smoking, it is important to understand their reasoning. A variety of factors may be involved in their decision.

They may think that they won’t be able to follow through with it

Some people don’t want to stop smoking simply because they don’t think that they can.  Perhaps they tried before and were not successful.  Perhaps they just do not believe that they have the strength, the willpower or the discipline.  In truth, there is no one that literally “can’t,” and even though it may be very difficult, it is possible.

They like to smoke

Some people don’t want to quit because they like it too much.  They may enjoy it and just feel that it is worth the disadvantages.  Many of them have not yet seen the effects of lung cancer firsthand.

They do not think it is that bad for them

Some people do not want to stop smoking because they may not think it is that bad for them.  They may mistakenly believe that they are immune to the ill effects of smoking, which of course is not true.  They may think that lung cancer and the other problems of smoking could not occur to them.  They may point to the person who lived until an old age while still smoking.  Of course, they may not think of all of those who died earlier because they refused to give up smoking.  Studies have shown numerous ill effects of smoking, from strokes to blood pressure problems to cancer and more.

They think that the smoking is tied into their weight

Some people fear that they will gain weight if they stop smoking.  If instead of smoking you exercise and eat healthy then you are likely to be at a healthy weight.  Not everyone automatically gains weight when they stop smoking. 

They do it to fit in

Some people may smoke to fit in or to “look cool.”  They may feel embarrassed to stop. They may feel that it fits in with their lifestyle or their friends. Obviously many will disagree that smoking looks cool, and true friends will accept you whether you smoke or not. 

They think it is too late

Unless you already have a serious form of cancer or another disease, stopping smoking can make an amazing difference.  The body’s ability to heal itself is astounding, and when one stops smoking, their chances of cancer and the other ill effects of smoking can go down dramatically.  Many people feel much better for giving up the habit, no matter when it occurs.

Many studies have shown the ill effects of smoking, but some people do not want to quit.  The reasons above are some of those cited.

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