The New Paper: Smoking Leaves Teen Huffing and Puffing(Article Only)

The New Paper (08/06/07)- Genevieve Jiang

JOHN (not his real name) and his brother picked up their first cigarette when they were only children.The boys, then aged 11 and 12, shared a stick they had stolen from their father.But that moment of childish curiosity eventually led to an addiction that became hard to kick.

It wasn't until John's fitness and stamina suffered that he decided it was time to quit. He is now 14, and has been smoke-free since last September.John's brother, now 15, quit the habit a few months later and has remained smoke-free since.

Said Madam Zarina Abdul Patah, a certified smoking cessation counsellor: "John's father smoked whenever he was stressed, so the boys grew up thinking that smoking could relieve stress."Smoking became the boys' secret solace.But it wasn't easy for the children to get hold of cigarettes because of their age. It is an offence to sell tobacco products to those below 18.Said Madam Zarina: "They resorted to stealing from their father, sometimes buying contraband cigarettes from illegal sources or getting their older friends to help them buy cigarettes.

"At first, the boys would share a pack over three to four days.They would hide at corners of void decks with their friends to smoke.But their addiction grew, and eventually, they each smoked up to 10sticks a day.They grew bolder too, and even smoked in school. Eventually, they were caught by their teachers.Said Madam Zarina: "That was when their parents found out about their smoking habit.

"Their father advised them to quit, but it was hard for him to scold or convince them because he was a smoker himself."John's father, a 42-year-old postal executive, had been smoking for more than 30 years. He smoked up to two packs a day. Last year, John noticed that his stamina was getting worse.The boy, who played soccer regularly, found that he was easily out of breath and couldn't perform well at soccer. Friends advised him to quit smoking.

Last September, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) organised a smoking cessation workshop targeting youths aged 13 to 17.The workshop challenged participants to remain smoke-free for a month. Successful participants could win up to $350 worth of prizes.John found out about the workshop through friends and signed up.Said Madam Zarina: "During our workshops, John realised that smoking was not solving any of his problems. Instead, it was becoming a problem. "He had to hide from the authorities, and buy cologne to smell good. It was not a cheap habit to maintain."

John went cold turkey for a month, and emerged winner of the challenge. He has remained smoke-free since.Said Madam Zarina: "It wasn't easy, considering that his father and brother were still smoking in front of him while he was trying to quit."But he would excuse himself whenever he saw them smoke to reduce the temptation."He also resorted to exercising to deal with cravings to smoke."John then helped his elder brother quit by hiding his cigarettes, throwing away ashtrays, and encouraging him to do more sports. He succeeded a few months later.In January this year, the boys encouraged their father to sign up for one of HPB's smoking cessation workshops.He managed to go cold turkey for a full month during the workshop, and has remained smoke-free since.

Said Madam Zarina: "The family learnt to spend more time together instead of hanging out with their friends who smoke, and support each other through the quitting process."I cannot stress enough how important family support is in helping a smoker quit."