Is cigarette smoking an addiction or habit?
We all assume that smoking is an addiction – one that it is too hard to beat. Because if you weren’t addicted, you could quit smoking any time you like. But is it an addiction, or is it a very strong habit? The main reason we all believe that smoking is addictive because the tobacco companies tell is that it is. And it is very beneficial for them, if we believe them. Do you know how much it costs to put an average packet of 20 cigarettes on the shelf? I find the answer shocking, it’s 60 cents! So, the tobacco companies make a massive profit and so does the government, in taxes. However, giving up cigarettes does not have the physical impacts (the withdrawal symptoms) as giving up an addicting chemical like cocaine or heroin. Your body simply does not start to malfunction when you go without a cigarette – say overnight while you sleep, during a good movie, or an airplane ride. This is not so for heroin addicts, or alcoholics. People who have given up smoking refer to headaches, irritati
