One of the most common excuses given by smokers to continue smoking is that it reduces stress. Experts suggest that smoking and fundamentally connected. They further assert that nicotine targets the neurochemical systems of the brain in such a way that it reflects the analysis for depression.
Smoking Increases Depression
Though most smokers claim that smoking reduces stress and anxiety, studies prove that smoking enhances depression. Experts also suggest special behavioral, medical and psychological treatment for smokers who are vulnerable to depression after smoking too much.
Smoking — A Relief from Depression
Scientists from U.S. Centers for Disease Control claim that nicotine has some short-term benefit on the neurotransmitter systems of the brain which is involved in depression. Smoking is therefore said to provide some relief to depressed adolescents and adults thereby concluding that smoking follows from depression.
Smoking and Depression Perpetuate Each Other
Research has also managed to unravel a disturbing feature in adolescents with regard to the connection between smoking and depression. The study highlighted the fact that increased depression can lead to smoking and vice versa. This assertion was published in the April Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Vol. 69, No. 2) (Source).
Smoking Increases Depression in Ex-Smokers
Another study revealed that smoking enhanced the risks of depression. Worse still one of the most severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms is depression. Having developed an emotional and psychological attachment with smoking, ex-smokers feel they have lost out on their best friend — cigarettes. Depression and loneliness arises from this sense of losing a friend.
Smoking and depression therefore have a distinct connection where either one can result in the other. Studies suggest that depression as a disorder can occur right from birth or can develop over the years and co-exist with anxiety disorders and/or alcohol or smoking abuse.
