Why Do Young Adults Smoke Cigarettes

YOUNG adults are less likely to smoke cigarettes, but they may be getting their nicotine hit elsewhere.
The demographic, aged between 18 and 29, have been smoking less cigarettes across the United States over the past decade. However a new poll suggests that may be due to smokers switching to alternative products. The recently released Gallup poll indicates that young adults are more likely to use alternative tobacco products when compared to other age demographics. These alternative forms of tobacco include cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco - such as chewing tobacco and snuff.

Alternative tobacco products all contain nicotine, making them a great alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, some people have taken to using multiple varieties of tobacco. Young adults, for example, have even been found to use several alternatives simultaneously. The gallup study showed that almost 5 percent of 18 to 29 year olds used or use three or more forms of tobacco. This figure is roughly double that of the national average of 2.5 %.
One researcher feels that the stigmas instilled in our culture are, at least partly, responsible. Dr. Nicole Bourque, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Glasgow has followed this new poll and its accompanying research. She said: ‘This all points to society deeming smoking as inherently awful - from the stench to the health risks. As a result, we’re seeing people experimenting with alternatives more and