In Brief: “Smoking is the number one recreational drug used worldwide. Tobacco smoking is practiced by more than one billion people and is one of the most popular forms of smoking. This article deals with the danger of smoking cigarettes and why it is so difficult to quit smoking.”


It is very difficult to control the psychological effects of smoking cigarettes. The nicotine withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking may go away after a short time but the psychological effects of smoking continues for extensive period of time. Psychological effects  are the number 1 smoking cigarettes danger and that is the reason why quitting smoking is so difficult.

What are the dangers of smoking cigarettes – Psychological effects

The addictive chemicals in the cigarettes are the most harmful dangers of smoking cigarettes. The following are 5 psychological effects due to the cigarette’s chemicals:

1.    Nicotine is a drug – Nicotine is the chemical substance in cigarettes that works as a stimulant and has the same characteristics as cocaine, heroin or other amphetamine. There is a physical dependence on Nicotine. That is the reason why smokers have the boost up feeling with just one smoke when they are frustrated, irritated or depressed.

2.    Instant body-systems boost – The nicotine also increases the heartbeat, pulse rate and the blood pressure so the smoker feels more active. It provides the smoker with instant boost and temporary recovery. But with the passage of time, he will find himself with worsened health.

3.    Psychological effects of the nicotineThe nicotine cause psychological effects on the smoker’s brain. Some people smoke for relaxation purposes while some smoke to keep alert. Some people smoke when they wish to relax their nerves at the time they are feeling bored, stressed or want to overcome their anger. These cigarettes become part of the smoker’s life.

4.    Acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide – Cigarette also contains a chemical product called acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide. This chemical is most harmful for human body and mind. This makes one feel as if he is locked in a tight room. These chemicals hold the feeling of irritation, anger and tension but do not eradicate them. Sometimes these suppressed feelings come out more strongly.

5.    Ammonia – Ammonia is added to cigarettes and increases the speed at which nicotine reaches the brain. The ammonia prevents the cigarette filter from removing the nicotine. That is the reason why the smoker feels a lot better at high stress with a quick cigarette puff. It also explains why the first puff of the day is “so enjoyable” for the smokers.


There is wide and detailed information available on this website relating to the health dangers of smoking cigarettes. This is vital information for a smoker as it can induce him to quit smoking.