Cigarette smoking is an addictive behavior usually established in adolescence, and is the primary preventable cause of death in the United States.

9 out of 10 tobacco users start before they are 18 years old.

Daily cigarette use in teens has been on the decline between 1996 and 2005.

Youth who smoke are more likely to drink, use other drugs and to engage in risky behaviors.

www.kidshealth.org/teen/drug_
alcohol/tobacco/smoking.html

If you're a smoker, maybe it's time to quit! If your teen asks, "Did you ever smoke?," here are some suggestions to help get you started: "I smoked because some of my friends smoked and I thought I needed to in order to fit in. In those days, people didn't know as much as they know now about all of the bad health consequences that come from smoking. Everyone makes mistakes, and when I smoked I made a big one. I'm telling you about this because I love you and I want to save you from making the same stupid decision I made when I was your age. You can learn from my mistakes without repeating them. I wish I had never had that first cigarette! If you know something is bad for you, don't even start. And never do something that is bad for you just to keep a friend. A true friend will never put you in that position. I love you and I want you to make good decisions."