First Puff Can Turn Kids Into Smokers: Study

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"There is also this ongoing conundrum concerning nicotine addiction that people have talked about for a long time," Killen said. "That is that a lot of smokers report that they smoke for this relaxing effect -- an easing of their anxiety -- despite the fact that nicotine is actually a stimulant."

However, recent animal studies have suggested that the first few puffs of cigarette smoke do provoke a physiological reaction akin to relaxation, but it is a transient feeling that occurs before stimulation kicks in, Killen said.

Does this mean that teens might, in fact, be attracted to cigarettes for that relaxation-stimulation effect?

"To my knowledge, this question has yet to be studied in humans," Killen responded. "So, it remains a paradox."

More information

For more on teen smoking, visit the American Lung Association.