What frequent misconception exists about smoking and health?

The idea that smoking is a stress-reliever represents a common misconception about the effects of tobacco use. Many individuals believe that smoking can help alleviate stress or anxiety, which is one reason some people continue to smoke despite being aware of its harmful effects. In reality, while smoking may provide a temporary feeling of relaxation, it does not actually relieve stress in the long term. In fact, nicotine addiction can contribute to increased anxiety and stress levels. This dependency creates a cycle where individuals feel they need to smoke to manage their stress, even though the overall impact of smoking on health, including mental health, is negative. Additionally, the immediate relief that some smokers feel may be more about the withdrawal relief rather than a genuine reduction in stress, highlighting the complexity of how smoking impacts both physical and mental health.

The other options reflect different misconceptions about smoking and its health effects, ranging from the belief that smoking does not affect health at all, to the assumption that it only impacts the lungs or inevitably leads to cancer for all smokers. These misconceptions overlook the broader range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems, that smoking can cause.