Pleasure, Stress Relief Among Top Reasons Smokers Light Up

A British poll finds that half of smokers say they enjoy the experience, while 47 percent cite the need for stress relief as their reason for lighting up.

The Independent reported July 29 that the study by Cancer Research UK found that other reasons for smoking included weight loss, socializing, and even pain relief.

“This study has shown there are key differences in motives for continued smoking,” said author Jenny Fidler. “We need to look at these motives more closely to see how relevant they are when it comes to giving up smoking successfully.”