If you’re a smoker, there’s a strong chance you puffed on your first stick at the age of 18 or even younger. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, nearly 9 out of 10 smokers start before the age of 18, and every adult who dies early because of smoking is replaced by two new young smokers. This is why Malaysia’s “Generational Endgame”, which aims to ban the sale of cigarettes for a new generation, could finally see a significant reversal of the smoking trend in the country. We speak to consultant psychiatrist Assoc Prof Dr Amer Siddiq bin Amer Nordin, and two ex-smokers, on what gets young people hooked on smoking, and what it really takes for smokers to overcome the addiction.

Image credit: Shutterstock

<p>If you’re a smoker, there’s a strong chance you puffed on your first stick at the age of 18 or even younger. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, nearly 9 out of 10 smokers start before the age of 18, and every adult who dies early because of smoking is replaced by two new young smokers. This is why Malaysia’s “Generational Endgame”, which aims to ban the sale of cigarettes for a new generation, could finally see a significant reversal of the smoking trend in the country. We speak to consultant psychiatrist Assoc Prof Dr Amer Siddiq bin Amer Nordin, and two ex-smokers, on what gets young people hooked on smoking, and what it really takes for smokers to overcome the addiction.<br><br>Image credit: Shutterstock</p>

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