Understanding ADHD and Smoking: A Personal Journey

I have smoked now for nearly twenty years. I’m certainly not proud of it, but it seems near impossible to give up the habit. Is there a link between smoking and people with ADHD? I’m not trying to insinuate that all or most people with ADHD smoke. Personally, I feel it eases a lot of the symptoms. So I’m here to try and break down my experience with it.

Some people seem to always quit with ease. The decision to do so is often rooted in health concerns, family influences, or sheer willpower. But for others, like me, smoking is deeply tied to the fabric of daily life. It’s a habitual vice that feels difficult to break away from.

For years, smoking has helped me cope. It has been a way to navigate the ups and downs of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. It even plays a role in managing my autism spectrum disorder (ASD). From what I’ve gathered through others sharing stories, people with ADHD are more susceptible to unhealthy habits. I want to find out if there is a deeper reason behind my struggle to quit. I still face this struggle despite knowing the harm it causes.

I’ve been smoking since I was 16. Initially, I started smoking to fit in with the crowd. I wanted to manage the stresses of adolescence. Over time, I noticed it became something deeper. The cessation of smoking has become such a part of my daily routine. It is like a ritual of sorts, to help me manage my emotions. I mostly find a sense of euphoria from smoking when I’m in social situations.

There is nothing like taking a puff, as a mental break from that given situation. It helps me calm my nerves, eases anxiety, and brings a temporary sense of relief to control my chaotic mind. But as much as I’ve tried to quit over the years, it’s always felt like an uphill battle. Family and friends have managed over the years to quit, some cold turkey. For me, the desire just isn’t there. It has become so ingrained in my life that it’s hard to envision life without it. 

One of the most striking examples of willpower comes from my grandfather. He smoked three packs a day for most of his life. Up until the moment he learned it was deemed unhealthy by medical professionals. After that, he quit cold turkey, but the damage had already been done. He wound up with severely damaged vocal cords and was left with a stoma. Even though smoking had a major effect on his health, I find it admirable that he quit with no hesitation. For me, that’s not my reality. For someone with ADHD, quitting is not just about willpower. It involves managing an addiction that is deeply tied to our neurological makeup.

When I think about my relationship with smoking, I wonder if it’s more than just a personal choice. My mom smoked during her pregnancy with me, not knowing she was pregnant until four months in. Once she found out, she quit instantly, fearing for my health. Fortunately, I was born healthy, although premature. Growing up, I hated smoking, especially when my mom smoked. I knew it was harmful and often told her, “I want pink lungs, not black.” 

This raises the question of whether environmental factors played a role. Did being exposed to nicotine before birth affect my relationship with smoking? It’s hard to know for certain, but research suggests otherwise. Early exposure to substances, such as nicotine, can impact our brain chemistry. Especially for someone with ADHD. 

I believe that ADHD runs in families, which indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a key role. I have learned a great deal through research. Speaking with like-minded individuals has shown me that there is a deep connection between the two. It can often generate feelings of needing to break away from our daily struggles. People then often struggle with substance abuse issues. The impulsivity and emotional behavioral issues lead to seeking external sources to cope, such as smoking. It is a way for us to achieve comfortability and stability.

Using mechanisms to cope such as smoking, drinking, and other vices, this can stem from lacking dopamine. A chemical that is crucial to helping our mood and focus. Everyday activities become less satisfying. These particular abuses quickly release the chemical. They create quick ways to feel better and boost that necessary dopamine level. 

I feel a quick sense of happiness when I smoke a cigarette. It relieves my ADHD anxiety and stress. The nicotine and the calming act of smoking help with this relief. It’s like a way for me to soothe myself. It helps me relax in tough situations and creates a moment for me to enjoy the rush of dopamine.

I’ve noticed that smoking can help in social situations. When I smoke with others, I feel happier, especially in places where I might be anxious. Social situations can be hard for those with ADHD. They feel pressure to talk, fear making mistakes, and experience too much sensory overload. Smoking provides a moment of calm in the chaos. It gives me something to do with my hands. It offers a chance to take a break. This helps me feel more in control of my feelings.

For people with ADHD, quitting isn’t just about wanting to stop; it’s also about understanding the brain factors involved. ADHD leads to impulsiveness and difficulties in managing emotions. These challenges make it hard to stick to long-term goals like quitting smoking. The quick rewards of smoking can seem much more appealing than the slow and difficult process of quitting. Because smoking is linked to my ways of coping, it’s not just a physical habit, it’s also emotional.

Has anyone had similar experiences with using unhealthy habits to cope with daily life? I’m intrigued to know!