Interpersonal

FAMILY: Parents who smoke around their children at home or in the car may leave them with symptoms of nicotine addiction.  This is one reason why if a child's parent smokes then the children are much more likely to start smoking, compared to those children who do not have parents that smoke.  When a parent decides to be a parent they need to realize that they are a role model to this new life they brought into the world, and if they are constantly lighting up then their child will think this is a normal activity to engage in and that it is 'ok.'  When in reality the parent is extremely hurting their health, along with their child's health.  Breathing in second-hand smoke can cause very serious health problems.

FRIENDS/ PEER PRESSURE: Many young people have to learn to resist peer pressure in order to stay tobacco-free.  This involves having good decision making and communication skills.  Another factor that can help youth in dealing with peer pressure they face is identifying the social factors that may influence them to use tobacco and decide how they will personally deal with these influences.  Peer pressure for various reasons is a problems that every kid faces, if they are not taught at home how to deal with this unwanted pressure then schools should definitely step in and teach kids how to stay strong.  I know especially when I was younger peer pressure was not always the easiest to resist, but you just have to stay strong because as you age it gets easier.  Looking back at my early years in high school I know people used to look at me funny when I would decline a cigarette, but now being in college my friends commend me for it.  The most important thing kids need to realize is that it does get better.

SOCIAL SUPPORT/RELATIONSHIPS:  Social support can come in a variety of forms, but the support of a spouse or partner may be the most important for preventing or helping a person quit smoking.  Research has indicated that living with a smoker makes it harder for a person to successfully quit or resist from smoking, especially for women.  Tobacco users can also use a 'buddy system' that supports the cessation of tobacco.  In order to help the spouse successfully quit they can implement the rule of no smoking within the household.  A relationship that focuses on teamwork is ideal when working on the prevention of smoking.