People choose to be smokers for a number of different reasons. There are loads of factors to consider such as the environment in which they grew up, whether their friends smoke, whether it's for image rather than to quench an addiction… the list goes on. However, despite the infinite warnings, health advice and national bans, over a third of people under the age of 24 still smoke those little white sticks on a regular basis.

Why do people start smoking?

Some of the most cited reasons people choose to pick the nasty habit include:                   

• The stress factor - The nicotine found in tobacco smoke affects the body in many ways, including relieving stress and anxiety. People who find their lives demanding or taxing use the stimulating drug to calm themselves down.
• The image - Since the days of Hollywood glamorising smoking in the 60s, puffing away has remained synonymous with a 'cool' image. However, in recent years, the image has been reversed and smokers are often seen as the outsiders.
• The peer pressure - Young people tend to be influenced by their social circle and it's hard to say 'no' when there are four other people pushing something on you. Even if your mates don't physically light your fag for you, the influence is still there.
• The parents - Coming from a smoky background is highly likely to influence whether the person smokes or not. Sometimes it can act as a deterrent or, for others, an encouragement. Your parent's behaviour has a huge impact on you, even when you've grown up.
• The weight - As well as relieving stress and anxiety, nicotine also helps to make an appetite disappear, which may influence  somebody desperate to lose weight to pick up the habit. Most people also use food as a substitute craving when quitting smoking.
• The beer - When drunk, people tend to do things that they wouldn't usually do sober, including smoking. At a party or on a night out, drinkers may want to smoke to make themselves feel more relaxed, especially if they're not usually an outgoing person.

There are tons of more factors leading to people smoking in the first place and every smoker has their own reason.

So why do so many people get addicted?

Tobacco smoke produces nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that enters the body with every inhale. This causes people to become psychologically dependent on the stuff, fooling them into thinking that they can't do without it. Despite all of the so-called positives of smoking, such as the stress-relief and feelings of relaxation, the addiction makes the smoker believe that they need more nicotine and, ultimately, need to smoke more. Going without nicotine for too long can cause the smoker to experience mood swings and become more anxious, desperate for the next fix.

What are the side-effects?

Everybody knows (even the smokers) that a ciggie addiction is extremely bad for you. The nicotine chemical increases heart rate and blood pressure which, especially if combined with alcohol abuse and too many fatty foods, can cause heart attacks, strokes and other nasty afflictions. Cigarettes are also packed with black and sticky tar, around 70% of which is left in the smoker's lungs after inhalation. Most of the substances found in the tar have been linked to cancer and can produce thick mucus in the throat and lungs. The tar also stains finger tips and cause teeth to turn yellow. The carbon monoxide (the same stuff that comes out of car exhaust pipes) found in the cigarette smoke deprives the body of oxygen and can cause fatty deposits to build up in artery walls. This can lead to heart disease, circulation problems and strokes. Smoking can also reduce the amount of pleasure senses picked up by the brain and bring on depression in some people. Some males also experience erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm counts because of smoking.

I smoke but I want to quit! How can I do this?

There are a number of different methods to stamping out your smoking, but these are the most promoted and popular amongst people wanting to quit:

• Go 'cold turkey' - Most people usually take the 'cold turkey' method, which is where you just stop suddenly. This way can be extremely difficult to some people, especially those who have smoked for years, as it's a huge challenge of a person's willpower and personal strength. If you fancy going this route, be prepared to set a 'quitting date' and stick to it. Get rid of any smoking paraphernalia you may have around you, such as lighters, ash trays and tobacco pouches, and mark off the days you don't smoke on a calendar. By seeing your progress displayed clearly, you may be encouraged to continue. However, stopping completely isn't always the best method for some people and can often lead to picking up the habit again.
• Replacement - Nicotine Replacement Therapy is usually the next step for quitters, which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, tabs and nasal spray can all be found in pharmacies and supermarkets which are designed to give you the nicotine you need without any of the other nasty stuff. Nicotine on its own is relatively harmless, so you still get the fix without any bodily harm. Although you can pick these up over the counter, they can be pricey. Speak to your GP or visit your local NHS Stop Smoking service for cheaper options.
• Medication - The medication given to stop smoking cannot be bought without prescription in most areas. The NHS mainly prescribe Zyban and Champix, which trick the brain into thinking it's receiving the same signals nicotine used to send it. The brain-meddling can reduce your cravings and ultimately turn you off smoking altogether.

Of course, the medication and replacement techniques are all well and good, but only if the want to quit is there alongside them. If you're only quitting because somebody else (your partner, parents, room-mate) wants you to, you're a lot more likely to fail than if you truly decide to quit.

But it's so hard! Is it impossible?

Absolutely not! Quitting such an addictive habit is extremely difficult and there may be times where it seems like too much effort, but remember the positive effects stopping smoking will have on your body and personality. Some famous ex-smokers include:

• Jennifer Aniston
• Matt Damon
• Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Elizabeth Hurley
• Vince Vaughn
• P!nk
• Brad Pitt
• Mel Gibson
• Drew Barrymore
• even U.S. President - Barack Obama