Cigarettes and Their Destruction of the Brain Smokers generally feel more comfortable after that especially important first cigarette of the day. Within just a few seconds of "lighting up," smoking activates mind-altering changes. Smokers are well aware of the long-term risks of their habit: such as lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other deadly illnesses. However, smokers are attracted by the immediate effects of smoking: "a stimulant that makes them seem to feel more alert, clearheaded and able to focus on work." Smoking however, does not really have these effects; what the smoker perceives is an illusion. Nicot