Smoking in Public -This is an opinon essay that is against smoking in general, with supporing arguments.

Essay by msn22University, Bachelor'sA+, July 2006

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There are many controversial topics on the minds of Americans today. Some of these topics include abortion and the use of handguns, but perhaps one of the most controversial topics debated is smoking in public. There are many serious negative consequences of smoking which is one reason why this topic is controversial, but the main reason is not because of the danger to the actual smoker, but to those around them. The obvious results of smoking include for example, bad breath, yellow teeth, a chronic cough, and of course harming others with second hand smoke. These being only a few of the disgusting results of smoking cigarettes, it is the case that many smokers are aware of their unattractive habit and would like nothing more than to quit but unfortunately, can not. More than 30 million people in the U.S. say that they would like to quit smoking but are psychological and physical unable to do so.

The reason for this is that as most people are aware of, cigarettes contain a highly addictive drug called nicotine, which is the reason many smokers inevitably get hooked.

In a 1988 report, the surgeon general declared nicotine to be an addictive drug comparable to other addictive substances in its ability to induce dependence. This report also stated that the monetary and human cost of cigarette usage is far greater than that of cocaine, alcohol or heroin. Even though this is the case, there are still many ways to help people quit smoking. Through counseling, support groups and substitution methods like chewing gum or wearing a patch containing small amounts of nicotine to lesson the cravings, smokers can finally quit if they truly have the desire to.

Although it is obvious smoking harms the actual user greatly, it is their choice to jeopardize...