The Effects of Smoking on Mental Health

Most people are aware of the negative effects that smoking has on physical health. It is associated with an increased risk for cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other serious health conditions. However, the chemicals such as nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products can also impact a person’s mood and mental health. While smoking rates have declined, they continue to be substantially higher among people who have a mental illness. There are plenty of effects of smoking on mental health.

Smoking and mental health have a complicated relationship. The chemicals in cigarettes can negatively impact a person’s mental health, but people who have mental illnesses may be more vulnerable to the addictive properties of cigarettes. Smoking is more commonplace among people with schizophrenia, attentiondeficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), general anxiety disorder, and other mental health conditions than in the general population.