Drugs
Yaritza Medina
Eng 163
Prof. Jones
11/21/2008
Homework
Cause & Effect Essay
Outline
Drugs
I. Introduction
II. Thesis
III. First cause or effect- Chemical Dependance
IV. Second cause or effect-Very little support/Peer support
V. Third cause or effect- Pressure from friends and family
VI. Conclusion
My father has been a cigarette smoker since he was 12 years old. At times he wants to
stop, but seems to fail. Last week, he didn’t smoke for two days. By the end of the second
day, he couldn’t any more. He broke down and right away had a cigarette. I have learned
that there are three reasons why my father can’t stop smoking: his dependence on it, very
little support, and pressure from friends and family.
The chemical dependence is the main factor that keeps him from stopping. The
nicotine in all tobacco products is the drug that affects the central nervous system. It also
creates a psychological dependence on smoking. The withdrawal symptoms he
experienced during the two days without smoking were numerous. He felt dizzy, weak,
and nauseous. He had an increased appetite, and sleepless nights, and cigarette cravings.
Cigarettes are health risks. From every puff on a cigarette, he is damaging his lung. Let
alone, the risk of lung cancer.
Peer support in another factor in "kicking the habit. The support he received during
his two days without smoking was almost non-existent. During the day, I gave my dad a
lot of confidence and encouragement needed to get me through the crucial first day, and
some of the second day. However, I couldn't be with him 24/7. His brother Miguel is a
very heavy smoker and lacked the confidence in my father’s ability to stop. Instead of
saying something like, "I know you can do it because I have faith in you," he kept saying
things like, "Why even try? You know you can't do it!" At first it made my dad so angry
that he was determined to...
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