Why People Smoke Despite Knowing the Risks: The Psychology Behind the Habit

With 10.38% of the adult population in India with a smoking habit, it goes to show that millions of people smoke daily despite knowing the consequences. But why is it so?

If you assess the packaging of a cigarette or any tobacco product, it comes with graphic images of cancer patients and a warning label on the negative impacts of smoking on health. Despite all this, the biggest mystery remains: "Why do people smoke?”

For the ones with similar curiosity in their minds, this comprehensive guide will take a closer look into the psychology behind one’s smoking habit.

What are the Psychological Roots of Smoking?

Many of us have this misconception that people pick up on the habit of smoking due to a single factor, which isn’t the case. In fact, many factors are at play, especially psychological triggers that can vary from one person to the other.

Among them, nicotine dependence and the cycle of addiction happen to be the most common influencing factors.

Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, creates an immediate feeling of pleasure and calm by releasing dopamine in the brain. When you start smoking and continue the habit over some time, the brain associates smoking with stress relief or pleasure, making it hard to break free from the addiction. This is where Ryze’s Nicotine Gums come into the picture, allowing for a gradual reduction of one’s nicotine dependence.

What are the Social and Environmental Influences?

Beyond developing a nicotine addiction, numerous social aspects of smoking make it hard for people to let go of the habit. The social aspects of smoking, including peer pressure and the idea of wanting to fit in and not be a “prude”, are one of the most common reasons why people continue smoking despite being aware of the impacts.

In certain social circles, smoking may even be perceived as a social norm or a form of bonding. This is particularly true for young people who may start smoking to feel accepted by their peers. It is also considered an “ice breaker” in certain group events, further normalising the addiction.

Beyond this, smoking has also been normalised to an extent via media, especially in movies and pop culture. In some cultures, smoking is still associated with independence, rebellion, or sophistication, further curtailing the concept behind this ongoing habit.

Is Smoking Used as a Coping Strategy for Emotional Relief?

A 100% yes.

If you ask most smokers, they will tell you that they picked up a cigarette because they were stressed. As previously mentioned, nicotine, which is the main chemical in cigarettes, triggers the brain’s reward centre by stimulating the release of dopamine. This, in turn, creates a cycle of dependence.

For individuals with underlying mental health issues, smoking can become a form of self-medication. Studies have shown that individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are more likely to smoke and less likely to quit, mainly because the habit brings a temporary sense of relief from negative emotions.

How Lack of Self-Control Worsens Smoking Habits?

You come across details on “5 years of smoking how much damage” and decide that enough is enough and quit this habit. Be it cold turkey or gradual reduction, quitting smoking becomes impossible when there’s no self-control involved.

When you have no self-control or impulse control issues, smoking becomes an automatic habit, one that you indulge in without thinking again. When people smoke repeatedly in response to specific triggers, such as boredom, stress, or social situations, it reinforces the habit loop, hardwiring it into the brain.

Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity and sensation-seeking, can make people more susceptible to smoking as well and develop a sense of lacking control when you try to ditch the habit to switch to a healthier life.

How do Biological Predispositions Contribute to Smoking Habit?

One of the biggest reasons why people continue smoking even after being aware of the repercussions is biology. It is pretty mind-blowing that our genetics can determine how a person’s body metabolises nicotine and how quickly they become dependent on it.

There are certain cases and ongoing studies that link genetic predisposition with smoking habits. There are a few gene variations that reportedly make smoking a pleasurable habit, leading to a stronger dependency on the chemicals in a shorter time frame.

Another reason why quitting nicotine is an issue for many is due to their brain chemistry. The nicotine in cigarettes often binds to the specific receptors, further triggering the release of pleasure-related neurotransmitters. Over time, the brain increases the number of nicotine receptors, making the body more dependent on the substance to feel pleasure or relief, making quitting the habit quite challenging.

How do Barriers to Quitting and Relapse Affect Quitting the Habit?

Quitting smoking is a difficult journey, and the relapse rates are high. People often underestimate the challenges of quitting the habit, making the process quite frustrating.

So, when you are trying to quit the habit and switch to a much healthier lifestyle, there are a lot of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, which can be intense. This is where the importance of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like Ryze, supports the quitting journey.

Furthermore, many smokers lack access to the resources and support that are needed to streamline the quitting habit instead of relapsing. This is where therapy, medication and support groups come into the picture.

Lack of access to the right resources thus makes it difficult for individuals to quit their smoking habit and continue the habit despite knowing how damaging the habit is for one’s health.

Make Your Quitting Journey Easier!

Despite the widespread knowledge of smoking’s risks, the combination of psychological, social, and biological factors makes quitting an incredibly complex and challenging task. In most cases, smoking is often a coping mechanism, making it difficult to stop the habit.

Ryze’s flavoured nicotine gums support you through your quitting journey with a more gradual approach to breaking the addiction cycle and making healthier choices.