Many ADHD people self-medicate through alcohol, drugs and smoking. Yes, I put smoking in the same group as drugs because nicotine is an addictive substance. While it may calm you temporarily, it will kill you in the end. 50% of ADHD people smoke at some point, and it hurts them in more than the obvious medical ways. And once you start, it is hard to quit. So don’t start! Among the non-medical ways smoking hurts is that it often defines who becomes and stays your friends, whether you get a job (they can smell it on you) or get picked for an athletic team. It is simple: don’t start, even if some of your peers do.
If you do smoke, get help now. The sooner the better. The longer you smoke the harder it will be to quit. Here is something a lot of people don’t think about, not only can you die of smoking, but it can cause you to die of other much less life threatening illnesses. Smoking compromises your body so greatly that you can be sick from something else and because your body, especially your respiratory system, is so damaged by smoking, it can cause complications and lead to death. But there is some good news. Even if you have smoked for a awhile quitting can add years to your life.
I know I sound like I am on a mission and maybe in a way I am. ADHD people are susceptible to addictive substances and I have personally watched the harm smoking can do. If not for yourself, do it for your family. Get some help, fight the battle and quit. And if you don’t smoke, don’t start. And support someone who is trying to stop. It is really hard.