The numbers of smokers in the world are increasing day by day. People start smoking because of various reason: they may feel isolated, helpless, ashamed or may need to give in to peer pressure. Smoking cigarettes might make you feel better in the short-term but attempts to self-medicate ultimately backfire. The fact remains that these smokers know the harmful effects of smoking. Despite this knowledge, they continue chasing the dragon so to speak. While some may do it out of volition, some smokers want to quit but are unable to.
Many smokers have a hard time breaking the habit and may break in the face of the difficult process. What they need is a proper support system. The media too can play its part by spreading awareness and helping people quit by becoming a support system by extension.
AMNA ZAHID
Lahore
