Why Smoke when Lung Cancer is a leading cause of death?

[InfiniteNow]

To the thread title:

Because it's addicting.



Everyone quits each time they extinguish a cigarette. It's just that some of us decide to stay quit.

[freeztar]

Originally Posted by InfiniteNow

Because it's addicting.

Si.

Nicotine withdrawal can be severe, but it doesn't have to be.

Knowing is half the battle

[Michaelangelica]

Has anyone said because it is more addictive than heroin?

[Star30]

Ok, consider that you are able to limit what you are exposed to. My Micro Professor preached that it is "All About the Numbers" i.e. how much you are exposed. Well, take a man/woman that smokes for 1 year and quits smoking vs a man/woman that smokes for many more years. Who is at a higher risk for Cancer? The man/woman who smokes for many years is and the longer that person smokes the higher the risk. Sure it's not an guarantee you will have cancer from smoking, but you don't know if you might win the Lucky Life Lottery.

!!!!!!! The main thing to know/understand is that smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages at the same time about doubles your risk. The alcohol acts as an adhesive. So, the same applies to Occupational exposures right? If you smoke and are exposed to noxious fumes, dust, metals etc. you are at increased risk. I do not know all of OSHA guidelines however I do know there are mandates for companies/workers to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as masks, eye protection/goggles, special suits and/or a respirator where occupational hazzards apply.

I am not in your shoes, I know, but when I go to work in the Hospital I am going to wear gloves when coming in contact with blood, medications and bodily fluids. I have an obligation to myself first, my family, the patient and the public. So, if they aren't providing PPE, go buy some. You might be setting an example and you may save someone elses life while saving yours. It's a small investment.
Be True to Yourself By Being True To Your Mind and Body.

[Cedars]

From the movie Diabolique:

[Nicole lights her cigarette]
Leo: Second-hand smoke kills, you know.
Nicole: [blowing smoke in Leo's face] Not reliably.

[sanctus]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

Has anyone said because it is more addictive than heroin?

Is it really? In the sense if most of the ex heroin-addicts smoke (and I know many and it is the case) this doesn't imply the nicotin is more addictive. The reasoning I do is that since they suffered already heaps for quitting heroin so that they they want at least to keep the last thing. And I think in their case it is better because you have to fight all your life against heroin anyway (even if it is years you are clean) so if in addition you have to fight smoking it will be easier to fall back....

[Star30]

Originally Posted by sanctus

ex heroin-addicts smoke ... And I think in their case it is better because you have to fight all your life against heroin anyway (even if it is years you are clean) so if in addition you have to fight smoking it will be easier to fall back....

The lesser of two evils right? Sure, I agree it is 'better' that ex heroin addicts smoke cigarettes verses smoking or shooting heroin. No arguement there. I hate it that people are driven to heroin and addicted.

Other than substance abusers/addicts... What do you think?

[sanctus]

There is nothing else once you smoke you keep going because you are addicted...there are plenty of reasons on why to start, but only one to keep going. Things like saying it helps me relax, can be true but still is only a good excuse. It relaxes me that is true, all the things that go with too: I roll them so smoking means for me go on the balcony, sit down and take some time to roll them and then smoke in peace; I think it fits very well that it helps relaxing, but if I weren't addicted I would just find other as effective ways to relax. In conclusion to say it in clear words: in my view it is lie if someone says that he smokes for any other reason than because he is addicted.
Being true to oneself means also to accept addiction...

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Originally Posted by sanctus

There is nothing else once you smoke you keep going because you are addicted...there are plenty of reasons on why to start, but only one to keep going. Things like saying it helps me relax, can be true but still is only a good excuse. It relaxes me that is true, all the things that go with too: I roll them so smoking means for me go on the balcony, sit down and take some time to roll them and then smoke in peace; I think it fits very well that it helps relaxing, but if I weren't addicted I would just find other as effective ways to relax. In conclusion to say it in clear words: in my view it is lie if someone says that he smokes for any other reason than because he is addicted.
Being true to oneself means also to accept addiction...

I load my own gun too. (roll my smokes)

As for your last comment I don't agree entirely. I smoke yes because I'm addicted...BUT that isn't the only reason...I also smoke because I enjoy it...I like the smell of zippo fluid and smoke, I like the taste of the smoke, I like the sensation of inhaling the smoke, I like watching it, and except for the toll it's taking on my health I like how it makes me feel. There are those that smoke pipes and cigars for the enjoyment of it...I like my ciggies. I'll likely quit someday...not ready just yet...I tried before and lasted a whole 10 months...then another time two weeks...I'm just not that able to committ to quitting just yet.

[REASON]

Originally Posted by DFINITLYDISTRUBD

I load my own gun too. (roll my smokes)

As for your last comment I don't agree entirely. I smoke yes because I'm addicted...BUT that isn't the only reason...I also smoke because I enjoy it...I like the smell of zippo fluid and smoke, I like the taste of the smoke, I like the sensation of inhaling the smoke, I like watching it, and except for the toll it's taking on my health I like how it makes me feel. There are those that smoke pipes and cigars for the enjoyment of it...I like my ciggies. I'll likely quit someday...not ready just yet...I tried before and lasted a whole 10 months...then another time two weeks...I'm just not that able to committ to quitting just yet.

I like that you're completely honest with yourself about it.

I'm 41. Started when I was 14 for a stupid effing reason. All of the joys you describe above I experience as well.

My current fear is the visualization I have that when I'm about 55, I'm sitting in a doctor's office when he begins to say, "I'm going to be completely straight with you, the results of your tests are not good.....maybe had you quit 15 or so years ago, you wouldn't be faced with this." Of course, I don't know that it will happen, but the thought of it is becoming quite a motivator to quit.

I would never sit in judgement of those who choose to smoke because I understand. For me, I feel as though I'm ready to set it aside as something I used to do.

I want to live as long as possible. Killing myself with cigarettes isn't consistant with that desire.