Smoking may be in the genes

Smokers may not deserve all the blame for their habit. Recent research at the University finds some people may be "born to smoke."

Ovide Pomerleau, a researcher at the Nicotine Research Laboratory at the University Medical School, found heavy smokers were much more likely than non-smokers to say they experienced pleasurable effects the first time they smoked, leading them to believe that some people are predisposed to be smokers.

"Practically everyone experiments with smoking at some point, but only some become smokers," Pomerleau said.

The study found 78 percent of heavy smokers reported pleasurable effects, defined as a buzz or relaxation, while only 27 percent of non-smokers experienced such reactions.

STEVE GERTZ/Daily LSA first-year student Thuy Nai enjoys a puff of her favorite cigarettes at an Ann Arbor cafe yesterday. A University study suggests smokers like Nai may be predisposed to smoke.

Cara Monroe, an LSA Senior and smoker, remembered the first time she lit up. "I was with a group of friends at the time," Monroe said. "I felt a little buzzed, but it helped to calm me down."

Monroe said that although it would be difficult for her to quit smoking today, it would have been easy a few months ago. "Now I feel cranky and nervous when I need a cigarette," Monroe said.

The research also found both smokers and non-smokers experienced unpleasant effects their first time trying cigarettes, in the form of either coughing or nausea.

Adam Bradley, a Business junior and non-smoker, recalled feeling "a little nauseous after the first cigarette." He said although his initial response to smoking did not stop him from lighting up again, he now doesn't smoke if he is sober.

Participants in the University study filled out a questionnaire to indicate their smoking history. Some of the questions included, "How long can you delay your first cigarette of the day?" and "Do you smoke when you are sick?" Answers from these questions showed dramatic differences in behavior between smokers and non-smokers.

The study also reports 84 percent of smokers were in a social setting when they first experimented with cigarettes, while only 64 percent of non-smokers were socializing during their first puff.

One possible cause for this finding, Pomerleau explained, is that smokers are more responsive to peer pressure. The social context of smoking is the most complicated aspect of the research, he said.

The presence of other drugs also plays an important role in smoking behavior.

"Eighty percent of alcoholics are smokers," Pomerleau said. Numerous variables affect smoking behavior, making it a challenge to understand the nicotine addiction, Pomerleau said.

Pomerleau said finding out why some are predisposed to smoke is the key to developing prevention campaigns. "In the future we hope it is possible to identify people at risk of nicotine addiction," he said.

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