News

Freshmen pick up addictive habits

By Mike Gibson

Posted on Oct. 15, 2001, at 12:00 a.m.

By Mike Gibson

For The Maine Campus

The surgeon general warns smoking causes heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer and causes complications in pregnancies. However, according to the American Lung Association, more and more college freshmen are picking up the habit.

Ken Nadeau, a doctor at Cutler Health Center, says peer pressure is often to blame.

“One of the primary reasons for freshmen to start smoking is peer pressure. Being away from home for the first time and without adult supervision also attributes to this,” Nadeau said.

Many students agree.

“I had friends that started to smoke when they got into high school to try to fit in. In college people are trying to meet other new people and if they smoke they have at least one thing in common,” Bob Dugan, a first-year student, said.

Although peer pressure and being away from home for the first time are reasons why many college freshmen smoke their first cigarette, many students simply feel that it relieves stress. Freshmen students are adjusting to a completely different lifestyle and more difficult classes. Smoking often provides an outlet.

Others contend that smoking is a sign of freedom.

“Many kids who start smoking cigarettes as college freshmen are trying to prove that they have all the freedom in the world. Now that they don’t live with their mother and father they can make their own rules,” Jeffery Dome, a first-year student, said.

Smoking and drinking often go hand in hand. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, and many students under the influence are more likely to smoke a cigarette if offered.

Although there are many reasons for college freshmen to start smoking, there are more reasons to quit or not even start at all. The dangers of smoking are well documented, but many students are willing to take the risk.

Smoking is viewed as one of the most difficult habits to break. Nadeau said that there is a trend in those who attempt to quit.

“The students who come to Cutler and seek some sort of help or guidance in smoking cessation are often upperclassmen.”

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