I started smoking when I was 16, I had tried many times before but I was addicted to it by I was 16. I had a hardcore habit up until 7 weeks ago. I am 35 now, so I smoked for 19 years. I was finally able to stop, but it took me a while to get here.
Tobacco is evil. It is more addictive than cocaine, weed, alcohol or anything else other than opiates. Once you get used to smoking, it is not only a psychological addiction but a physical one. Your body will ask for the fucking cigarette and it will put you through shit if you don't get one.
For anyone trying to stop, you have to want to stop. It is very hard to do, but 100% possible. For me personally, I did it with snus + nicotine lozenges. I still take 2 - 3 lozenges everyday. I am not completely nicotine free but I am not going to smoke another cigarette in this lifetime. I also quit drinking, all of this crap is just terrible because it snowballs. Alcohol is also a trigger for smoking, it makes cigarettes 10x better.
Tobacco is normalized, it isn't considered a drug, it is legal everywhere. However, it is as much of a drug as anything else. The addictive properties of nicotine will make you a slave. You will fuck up your lungs and at the very least have lower quality of life. Don't do it, and if you are hooked, prepare yourself mentally and stop smoking as soon as you can! Good luck.