The idea that smoking relieves stress is a myth, say psychologists. Rather than help smokers relax, nicotine actually increases anxiety and tension, they claim. The relaxing effect of smoking is a psychological addiction, warn researchers at the University of East London. When combined with a chemical addiction to nicotine, levels of stress are heightened, not lowered. Psychologist Andy Parrott, whose findings have been published in the medical journal American Psychologist, explained: 'Regular smokers need nicotine to maintain normal moods as they suffer tension between cigarettes.' Dr Parrott examined more than 30 international studies into smoking and stress. He said: 'Most smokers mistakenly claim cigarettes are helping to relieve stress.' The psychologist said regular smoking halts the onset of withdrawal symptoms, creating a psychological link between cigarettes and feeling good. He called on the Government's anti-smoking campaigns to shatter the myth that cigarettes relieve stress. Dr Parrott said: 'This could help many people kick the habit.' His comments were backed by anti-smoking pressure group ASH. Clive Bates, director of ASH, said: 'All that smokers experience is a relief from their addiction. This dependency gradually disappears when they quit.' Nearly 13 million Britons smoke, despite more than 100,000 deaths each year from lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses caused by cigarettes. Source
