I don't know where you live or what the legal age for smoking is there...but here it is 18 years old...and they have to show ID. Smoking is HORRIBLE for your health, and you don't even realize the effects it's had on your health until years later when there is nothing you can do about it. (I'm sure you are aware of this, I am just trying to stress that you should do whatever you can to keep him from smoking). He is 14...that in itself is tough! Kids...especially boys...are going though that tough time when in between childhood and manhood, and us moms never went through what they are going though so it's hard to understand. A good book is "Bringing up Boys" ...I forget the author but google it. :-) If he's 14, I'm assuming he can't drive, so the places he can walk to from home or school I'm guessing are limited. I would go to those stores and tell them that your 14 year old son has been buying cigarettes and if he comes there NOT to sell them to him. Tell them it is against the law and if they do it again you will notify the police...seems drastic, but it's what's best for your son. I have also learned that our own children think we are "uncool" and don't really want to listen to us because of that. If he has a dad that's involved talk to the dad about the importance of quality time with him so he can see a good example...if the dad isn't involved, go to big brothers, your church, another local church, maybe the YMCA??? and try to make a connection with someone that could hang out with your son/take him places that would be a good example. Those teenage years are hard...but you'll make it though..and bottom line is you can NOT control everything he does, so just do what you can, and leave the rest to prayer, becuase your stressing out won't save him from anything. Best wishes...

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Some stimulant medications "enhance" the cigarette high. (it's a short 6 second high a smoker gets with each drag). I am a smoker and take Adderall. It has made it harder to cut back. I crave them more now. BUT, I wouldn't quit my Adderall. Just an idea as to the 'why'.

Also, Nicotine has a 'positive' effect on the neurotransmitters in the brain of (inattentive) type ADD. It helps them (including me) to focus.

Not really helpful, but at least might give you reasons this particular issue has become such a problem with your son.

Wish you the best!

Abod

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Just wanted you to know that I appreciate your reply. It's good to get a reply from another perspective. He does smoke to feel better. The more I have read, this is not unusual. I am totally against it, but we are working toward getting him to quit. He just started Focalin, so I don't really know how it will affect his smoking. I think once he is on the proper medication, he will be more able to concentrate on his health.

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