Teens Have Special Risk of Nicotine Addiction
Reported July 31, 2006
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A new study reveals when teens take their first puff of a cigarette, they are likely to develop symptoms of nicotine addiction soon after.
Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, studied a group of teens over five years to gain insight into how and why young people begin smoking. Data on mental and physical addiction were collected for this study by participants self-reporting feelings of cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
Generally it was believed that smoking behavior, from the first puff of a cigarette to smoking a pack a day, progressed gradually over two to three years. However, this new research suggests symptoms of nicotine addiction can occur much faster.
Study authors conclude programs to help teens with nicotine addiction may be needed soon after they take their first puff.
This news is troubling to many smoking prevention advocates who say they are concerned early symptoms of nicotine dependence in teens may contribute to a large population of life-long smokers.
Source: CMAJ, 2006;175(3):255-263