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How Long Does it Take to Develop an Addiction

Home » Smoking Cessation » Science of Addiction » How Long Does it Take to Develop an Addiction

As most smokers probably know, smoking is not necessarily an immediate addiction. Speaking from experience, the body tends to reject smoking on the first few attempts. It's generally not a pleasant experience. However, it doesn't take long to develop the addiction, and the bigger problem is that addiction not only develops quicker but is harder to break the younger you start. In fact, one study showed that 12-13 year olds, who only smoked a few cigarettes a week, began exhibiting the same symptoms that adult heavy smokers experience. In other words, it is as difficult for an 11 year old to break a cigarette habit of only a three or four cigarettes a week as it is for a pack-a-day adult to quit! Moreover, for children, it takes about 20 years to break the addiction.

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