Smoking has a far-reaching effect on your life and the lives of others and being able to quit the habit can allow you to live a more active life, without cravings. . Smoking cigarettes is an addictive habit caused by a chemical found in tobacco called nicotine. Addiction is the word used to describe someone who habitually smokes cigarettes, but the word addiction has not always been used to describe such a negative thing. Originally, dependency was used to describe an individual contracting with another to learn a trade, as is the case today for on-the-job training. In the 1800s, the word addict became more linked to negative actions such as alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs. Cigarettes are addictive and this comes from a chemical drug called nicotine found in tobacco leaves. Nicotine is a natural chemical that allows the tobacco plant to deter insects, but this chemical is a poison and is harmful to humans. One drop of this chemical in its pure form is enough to kill a human. There is also a psychological effect that makes it extremely difficult to give up the habit. This and many other reasons are why the tobacco industry sells these harmful products and hides the health problems that result from them. There are many health risks associated with smoking, many of which are fatal. Diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, leukemia, oral cancer also double the chances of developing bladder and stomach cancer as well as the possibility of causing cervical cancer. uterus, kidneys, pancreas or liver. Cancer can form in smokers due to the harmful chemicals associated with cigarettes, natural or otherwise, that they contain. Cigarettes are full of... middle of paper ... and break the rubber band when they feel the need and continue doing so until the need no longer exists. Willpower is a method used by many, but the failure rate is much higher than those who are helped by other means of managing smoking addiction. Smokers who do not have the ability to quit cost their lives over 4 years. million people per year and shortens the lifespan of men and women by more than 10 years. Smoking is an enjoyable habit that has a profound effect on your life and the lives of those around you. Quitting smoking now will help you and your loved ones live a longer, healthier life. Works Cited Robert West, Saul Shiffman. “Smoking cessation”. (2nd edition)Health Press ltd, 2007, Web.William McCay, Mark Kittleson., Mark Kittleson. “The Truth About Smoking.” » Health Press ltd, 2005, Web.