MEXICO.- Being addicted to cigarettes is an affliction that over 10.9 million Mexicans suffer. They are addicted to them without any regards to the warnings in its packaging, such as dead rats, cancer or fetus illustrating their covers. Furthermore, they enjoy it without guilt, saying that "they have to die of something" as well as pointing out that they benefit from it, given that it reduces stress and anxiety.

Mexico is the most stressed country in the world adding up to a 75% of surveyed people who admitted to have suffer from it. On the other hand, anxiety is highlighted as a common disorder, with 14,000 people who have experienced. So, which is the most short term and economical solution? A simple outlet to avoid the "hassle" of having to visit a specialist? In a culture where self medication is not at all rare, cigarettes seem to be a valve for an ideal escape.

But far beyond being a stress reliever, cigarettes don't get rid of it and don't suppress anxiety neither. They actually induce it. Those who have tried to quit, will agree that these symptoms are linked to abstinence.

The British Heart Foundation alongside the University of London, made a study to analyze the tendencies of 6,500 smokers over 40 years of age, and confirmed

[p]that 70% of the respondents are more prone to feel depression or anxiety in comparison to those who don't share the habit of smoking.

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A 36% of the respondents admitted to smoke because they believe the habit was good for fighting said ailments, without knowing that it is actually them who are causing it: "Instead of helping, smoking increases anxiety and tension, and when a smoker lights up a cigarette, the sensation of stress relief becomes temporary and is quickly substituted by a munchies and abstinence syndrome" explain doctor Mike Knapton.

"If you think smoking helps you deal with stress, it's actually making it worse. This article proves that myth".

With information from Sin Embargo and La Jornada

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