Question: Why do people believe harmful substances like cigarettes or drugs help with depression and stress and besides E-Cigs what could help not only reduce stress but also reduce the amount of people who get cancer?

Nadine Mirza answered on 15 Nov 2018:

This is a really insightful question!
Basically, these harmful substances alter your brain chemistry so it very much feels like it IS reducing your depression or stress. Lots of harmful drugs cause your brain to produce more dopamine and/or serotonin which are the brain chemicals responsible for pleasure, happiness, relaxation and generally good things. The problem starts when your brain becomes dependent on these drugs to produce the chemicals and can no longer do this without them. And eventually you need more and more of the drug to achieve the same results.
Similarly, nicotine in cigarettes has been known to cause relaxation and recent research shows it reduces out anger response, resulting in a more mellow chill feeling: https://www.livescience.com/7726-nicotine-takes-edge-anger.html
It’s why people fall trap to these harmful substances because it can be a way to cope with depression and stress in a difficult world.
More healthier forms of stress relief are usually the things that require more effort.
Exercise is a big one as it can also trigger your brain to produce dopamine and it reduces stress hormones.
Reducing caffeine intake can also help considerably because caffeine, being a stimulant, while keeping you alert and active, can also cause your body and brain to work to fast and effectively stresses it.
Socialisation, particularly with people you are close to and keeping open communication is immensely beneficial in a stress free life.
And naturally, if stress or depressive signs are impairing your ability to function in a healthy way the best thing to do is to seek out help!
Hope this answers your question!