Not Help Relax, Smoking Can Make The Body More Vulnerable To Mental Disorders

JAKARTA - So far, many people think that cigarettes can help relieve stress. However, this turned out to be wrong, because a number of studies stated otherwise.

People who smoke are found to be easier to experience mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and even sleep disorders than those who do not smoke.

"Although the physical dangers of smoking are well known, this study shows the mental health risk of tobacco use," said an expert in addiction and mental health at York University, Dr. Ian Hamilton, quoted from The Guardian, on Monday, November 3, 2025.

The nicotine content in cigarettes has a temporary 'calm' effect. Behind this sensation, there is a chemical reaction that actually makes the brain feel more dependent.

When nicotine levels decrease, feelings of anxiety and anxiety can reappear. Decreased nicotine levels will increase dopamine levels (hormon happiness), which make the mood bad and a urge to smoke again appears.

In the end, the brain will stop producing dopamine naturally without the help of nicotine. This causes smokers to find it difficult to feel happy or calm, so they tend to be more vulnerable to stress if they don't smoke.

Thus, it can be concluded that smoking does not contain stress, only delays it. When the nicotine effect disappears the stress that was suppressed would reappear, it even has a stronger effect than the previous one.

For those who have experienced mental health problems before, such as depression orsettle, smoking can worsen conditions. Several studies have shown that smokers with mental disorders are more difficult to recover and have shorter life expectancy than those who don't smoke.

Therefore, according to Doctor Ian, education to the public regarding the impact of smoking is not only for the physical, but also mentally, this must be expanded. Especially among children who are the next generation in the future.

"This risk must be communicated widely, but especially to school-age children who may be tempted to try smoking," concluded Doctor Ian.