Smoking.

[Mikeus Caesar]

So, i've taken up smoking at the ripe old age and have become another statistic of the teenagers in Britain who smoke. So, it set me wondering, what is the opinion on smoking here at the .Org?

EDIT: *insert expletive here*! I accidentally hit enter and posted my poll without finishing it.

The last 4 options were meant to be:

I don't smoke and think it's okay
I don't smoke and think it's disgusting
I couldn't care less
GAH!

Could a mod kindly add them in?

[Lemur]

I used to smoke, but I don't think it's disgusting. People should have the right to pollute their bodies however they like. It's just that I heard a rumor that you're not supposed to smoke around children, so I don't.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I couldn't care less, as long as you don't do it around me.

People who force their children to breath in their smoke until they leave home disgust me.

[Dutch_guy]

I have no problem with smokers, couple of my friends smoke and I really don't mind. Haven't ever thought of smoking myself, just don't see the point of it..

The only problem I have with smokers is when they smoke while you're eating, think restaurant's.As Lemur said, if one wants to pollute his or her own body be my guest, just don't pollute mine.

PS : how much does a regular pack of smokes cost you in Britain ?

:balloon2:

[ShadesWolf]

I don't smoke and think it's okay


Its down to the individual.

Its like any other habit. For some people once they start they find it hard to give up.

[English assassin]

I'm very happy I never started smoking myself, and I hope that anyone who I care about who does smokes stops.

Other than that I don't have much of an opinion.

[Reverend Joe]

Smoke what? There's a lot out there to smoke.

Voted "yes", because I smoke cigars. I don't mind cigarette smokers, but I also don't understand why they do it. Cigar smoking is relaxing, and it tastes good. Cigarette smoking... not so much. It is really a socially learned habit. :shrug:

(Also, I will assume that this is restricted to Tobacco.)

[English assassin]

Oh, do cigars count? I've been known to have the odd cigar. Very civilised.

I thought it was just about cancer sticks for some reason

[GiantMonkeyMan]

i don't smoke and don't particually like it... but i don't see why they should ban smoking in public places (in england) on the pretence that the people around you die from passive smoking when 7 hours in a smoke filled room does technically what 2 (or three) cigarettes would do... a statistic our government kindly left out for us

[Dutch_guy]

I thought it was just about cancer sticks for some reason

Well I think that was the initial poster's intention to discuss the cancer sticks.

:balloon2:

[Mikeus Caesar]

Well I think that was the initial poster's intention to discuss the cancer sticks.

:balloon2:

Well, it's mostly 'cancer sticks', but you can discuss any smokable tobacco product. I personally don't like cigars as much, although i do have one just everynow and then.

[Ser Clegane]

Could a mod kindly add them in?

Done

On topic:
I don't smoke but don't have a major problem with others smoking as long as they show a basic level of respect to non-smokers (i.e. not smoking while others on the table are still eating).

[yesdachi]

I smoke sometimes (less lately, maybe one or two cigarettes a week) but I think there is a time and place for smoking, like at parties and drinking with the “boys”, you know times when you are doing so many other bad things to your body that a smoke wouldn’t matter (one of those nights I could burn thru a pak). Smoking is kind of a social thing, who likes to smoke alone, not to say that I haven’t before but it is always more fun to have a smoke and catch up on some gossip with a buddy than to smoke alone.

I think smoking while eating is disgusting and smoking around kids is shameful (thanks mom and dad).

[master of the puppets]

i think its disgusting but as long as you don't bother me with it i don't give a damn (same thing with homosexuals and the chinese:2thumbsup: ).

[Tachikaze]

Smoking not only affects the health of people in the immediate vicinity, it is a health drain on society as a whole. Ill health is damaging to a society.

Overeating also fits this category.

About my personal beliefs about smoking? The only way I can think of to say this politely is: it is terribly unwise.

[Mikeus Caesar]

Smoking not only affects the health of people in the immediate vicinity, it is a health drain on society as a whole. Ill health is damaging to a society.

Overeating also fits this category.

About my personal beliefs about smoking? The only way I can think of to say this politely is: it is terribly unwise.

Don't worry, if my bad habit ever results in me needing medical attention, i'll refuse that medical attention, as i brought the problem on myself, and there are more needy people out there.

[Kagemusha]

Im a smoker.Ive been smoking for over 15 years.A nasty habit but hard to end. I think that before my time is up smoking will be banned.And thinking on health issues i guess it will be good for the people,but personally i dont like how in many places the legistlation is turning into discrimination of smokers.If i cant poison myself with tobacco,why shouldnt booze also then be banned. Why cant people themselves decide what they want to do to their health.

[Craterus]

Smoking cigarettes is kinda pointless in my eyes. If you have to smoke something, smoke weed.

A dirty habit and I don't like it. It should be banned.

currywurry: What were your motives for starting?

[Kralizec]

I smoke. More of a social habit then an addiction, really. When I smoke I make sure it's not bothersome to people around me (particulary in restaurants that can be very annoying, wich is why I don't smoke in them)

[A.Saturnus]

I don't smoke and I find it disgusting. Especially attractive girls that smoke. Brrr :no:

[Avicenna]

MoP you don't have anything against the Chinese have you?

Anyway, smoking. I think it's

Putrid
Incredibly expensive
Very unhealthy, potentially lethal
I've also heard that it doesn't even taste good.

So what exactly makes someone want to smoke?

[Kralizec]

True on all 4 points.

More social behaviour then anything else if you ask me.

[Byzantine Prince]

I smoke on occasion. I find it attractive and cool.

[BHCWarman88]

I used to smoke, but I don't think it's disgusting. People should have the right to pollute their bodies however they like. It's just that I heard a rumor that you're not supposed to smoke around children, so I don't.

you should not Smoke around Non-Smokers At All,Period! Second Hand SMoke is just as Serious then smoking that Trash.


"I smoke on occasion. I find it attractive and cool."


it surely not cool, and it Surely Hell not Attractive. oh the hell wants to smell like Smoke and have Yellow Teeth and get Lung Cancer,eh?? is that cool and attractive when you get Lung Cancer or something and Die??

[Kanamori]

Occasionally, I smoke cigars or from a pipe. More than anything, it is a mixer, like pot. A day after I do some really intense baking, it can be nice to bring it back w/ a big cigar and mix the two.:book:

Cigarettes, I think are generally a bad habbit. (Cigarettes taste like awful sawdust, IMO) All that they do is feed addiction. I surely understand how some can be repulsed by pugnent smoke, so I tend to only smoke by myself on walks through the forest on our property. I don't really care what you think of me after that.~:)

[Strike For The South]

gah smokeless tobacco is the only way. A yankee perversion cancer sticks. No lung cancer and no 2nd hand smoke.:2thumbsup:

[yesdachi]

it surely not cool, and it Surely Hell not Attractive.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would have to slightly agree with BP, there is something cool and sexy about a hot babe smoking, Plus, I think chicks that smoke put-out more often than non-smokers. ~D

[LeftEyeNine]

I don't smoke and avoid like the plague. Because I know that if I somehow start I'll be consuming at least one pack a day.

On the other hand, that stuff rips the hell out of your lungs -pics of smokers' lungs are disgusting, while I also know that a smoker can/does not give a darn about how healthy that is: "Nicotine relieves, right ? No probs, then.."

And I think it's nonsense trying to persuade someone to quit smoking, because they can't ~:)

[BHCWarman88]

gah smokeless tobacco is the only way. A yankee perversion cancer sticks. No lung cancer and no 2nd hand smoke.:2thumbsup:


you still Get Cancer.. My Uncle did chewing tobacco ad got Mouth Cancer. a Friend of my Dad did Smokeless and got Cancer aslo..

[Csargo]

I smoke every once in a while and I'm a teenager I dont think its that bad I just do it cause I want to.

[Byzantine Prince]

If you haven't smoked you can't know how addictive it is. It's different for everyone, I've never felt addicted to it.

[Tachikaze]

I smoke on occasion. I find it attractive and cool.
People do ridiculous things in the name of being "cool". Since I'll bet few people can define what "cool" is, it looks very foolish indeed.

To me, being cool is a form of self-imposed peer pressure and fashion adherence. I decided a long time ago that I don't give a damn about being cool.*

I have also found that smoking accelerates the aging of the face. Women who are 30 years old look 40. I can't agree that that's more attractive.

* except, I have to admit, when I perform onstage.

[Tachikaze]

If you haven't smoked you can't know how addictive it is. It's different for everyone, I've never felt addicted to it.
You can if you've watched thousands of people desperately trying to quit for years until they die at 50. Profiteers makes millions selling products that promise to help people stop.

[Goalie]

Anybody who thinks smoking is cool must be retarded. How is something will most likely kill you and harm many others innocent people a year. 3,000 people in america die from lung cancer that is caused by second hand smoke. 400,000 smokers die in america a year. That is stupid. It costs over 100 billion dollars in health care. The only reason that smoking is still around is that tobacco companies pay a crap load in taxes. I say we keep jacking the taxes up untill there are no more smokers.

[Kanamori]

Controlling nicotine addiction is easy.:book: If you know what it feels like, addiction in general, it's incredibly easy to avoid.

Oh wait, I'm someone who's never smoked and I'm going to lecture someone on what it feels like.:dizzy2:

And there is such a thing as not smoking five packs of cigaretes, or any cigarettes at all, in a day. Although, on my list of biggest bodily harming drugs, it is right up there w/ alcohol and some of the dissociatives.

I say we crank gas prices, and let those of us who are physically fit to ride pedal bikes around.

[BHCWarman88]

400,000 people a year die from it,3,000 from lung cancer,as bett Said


and you Think Smoking is cool,Byzantine Prince??

[LeftEyeNine]

I know so many friends telling that "Oh well I seldom smoke..I can control it, give it up any moment".

Guess what, in the middle of a Baldur's Gate session, around 4 am, I am asked if there may be any open shop around..:laugh4:

You can't know about "addiction", that's why it is addiction.

[Kanamori]

I can feel it coming on, and I know that's when it's time to stop for a while. Addiction is only made a monster that people succomb to. It's totally avoidable and there are no chemicals in your head that make you search out your drug, and program the path to the smoke shop.

[Byzantine Prince]

Nobody is making people smoke a pack a day. Smoking too much is personal responsibility. Even if you are addicted you can control it and keep on a low of a cig a day (no real damage). If you abuse any substance you are screwed, this is not an exception.

[LeftEyeNine]

I can feel it coming on, and I know that's when it's time to stop for a while. Addiction is only made a monster that people succomb to. It's totally avoidable and there are no chemicals in your head that make you search out your drug, and program the path to the smoke shop.

I'd love to hear the same words next year, Kanamori. You have a promise ~;)

[Divinus Arma]

How should I reply? I rarely rarely rarely smoke: Cigarrettes if I am totally bombed and even then maybe only once a month max, Cigars if I am gambling that night, and a tobacco pipe on the occasional warm summer night.

But yet: I find addicted smoking to be repulsive and destructive.

[Justiciar]

I smoked around 40 cigarettes a day only a year ago, before that I just had the occasional one whenever my mates were feeling generous. Now I'll only buy a pack of 10 a week, if that. I tend not to smoke in public places anymore either. I just do it when I'm alone or need to calm down/concentrate. Substitute nipples and all that tosh. Still, it keeps me from biting my nails.. usually.

Could murder a pipe though. And a descent moustache for that matter. And a fez..

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

I find it disgusting, and it gets on clothes and everything. I find that too many smokers just can't seem to keep the smell out of their clothes and stuff, bringing it with them.

[Kanamori]

I'd love to hear the same words next year, Kanamori. You have a promise

You, my friend, have a deal.
:pimp2:

[Ice]

I smoke the occasional cigar, but thats about it. I'm pretty picky about what I smoke though, can't be a cheap one.

[Kanamori]

I'll also post that getting the good effects from nicotine is a very fine line to walk. Once you start to feel them, it's time to slow down on the cigar a lot, or you will end up feeling very sick and the very nasty effects of nicotine.

[Reverend Joe]

I'll also post that getting the good effects from nicotine is a very fine line to walk. Once you start to feel them, it's time to slow down on the cigar a lot, or you will end up feeling very sick and the very nasty effects of nicotine.
:sick: Ooooooh yeah. I learned that the hard way very early on.

[Avicenna]

Once the nicotine gets into your system, you'll find it very difficult to resist having more, as drug addiction is not just a state of mind but also your body wanting more.

Nicotine gets your heart rate up, enhances adrenaline flow, increases blood pressure and reduces your appetite. You'll almost definitely get thinner, as you eat less and your body burns more energy. There are also the obvious downsides: Nicotine causes nausea and vomiting, and there are withdrawal symptoms within 24-48 hours after your last smoke, causing headaches, anxiety, irritablility and a strong desire to smoke more. Tar in a cigarette (something that's used to fill the ground) also clogs up your cilia, which leads to bronchitis, making it difficult to breathe. In addition, the alveoli lose surface area, which makes oxygen transfer difficult, when it's already difficult to breathe due to the excess mucus clogging up your throat. These are just a few symptoms, if you want more information on the symptoms caused or why it's so difficult to quit just look it up.

Unhealthy Effects
About 442,000 people in the United States die each year from illnesses caused by cigarette smoking. Smoking accounts for nearly 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Additionally, smokers are at increased risk for cancer of the larynx, oral cavity, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas.

One-third of smoking-related deaths are caused by coronary heart disease or chronic airway obstruction. Smoking also increases the risk of stroke by 50 percent—40 percent among men and 60 percent among women. Other research has shown that mothers who smoke give birth more frequently to premature or underweight babies, probably because of a decrease in blood flow to the placenta. Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are also at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

Cigar and pipe smoke contains the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarette smoke. A report by the National Cancer Institute concluded that the mortality rates from cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus are approximately equal in users of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Rates of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are elevated for cigar and pipe smokers and are correlated to the amount of smoking and the degree of inhalation.

Studies have found that cigarettes are addictive because an unknown component of tobacco smoke appears to destroy an important brain enzyme known as monoamine oxidase B (MAO B). The enzyme is vital for breaking down excess amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure-seeking behavior. Smokers have decreased levels of MAO B and abnormally high levels of dopamine, which may encourage the smoker to seek the pleasure of more tobacco smoke.

Even nonsmokers are at risk from smoking. Recent research has focused on the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)—that is, the effect of tobacco smoke on nonsmokers who must share the same environment with a smoker. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that exposure to ETS, which contains all the toxic agents inhaled by a smoker, causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths and an estimated 35,000 deaths from heart disease per year among nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke can aggravate asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis, and impair blood circulation.

The smoking habit and addiction to nicotine usually begin at an early age. In the United States, more than 90 percent of adults who smoke started by age 21, and nearly half of them were regular smokers by the age of 18. Despite increasing warnings about the health hazards of smoking and widespread bans on smoking in public places, smoking remains common among teenagers and young adults. In 2001 surveys of students in grades 9 through 12 found that more than 38 percent of male students and nearly 30 percent of female students smoke. Although black teenagers have the lowest smoking rates of any racial group, cigarette smoking among black teens increased 80 percent in the late 1990s. Advertisements aimed at a young audience are largely blamed for this new generation of smokers.

Quitting Smoking

Studies of former smokers show that their risk of dying from smoking-related disease decreases with each year of abstinence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smokers who quit smoking before the age of 50 reduce their risk of life-threatening disease by half after just one year, compared with those who continue smoking.

Other benefits of quitting smoking include more disposable income, admission to social activities and institutions that ban smoking, and often, lower health insurance premiums. Nonetheless, to quit smoking is difficult, most likely because smokers crave the effect of the nicotine in the smoke. The U.S. surgeon general declared nicotine an addictive drug comparable to other addictive substances, including cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, in its ability to induce dependence. Overall, tobacco smoking causes about 20 times the number of deaths in the United States than all other addictive drugs combined.

Smoking cessation methods are plentiful, and many books and products are available to help an individual stop smoking. Many smokers turn to group help because of the support and understanding provided by other former smokers or people trying to quit. Most successful group-help techniques involve a challenge and reward system that also bolsters the self-discipline of the former smoker.

A number of nicotine replacement products are available to help a person quit smoking. Nicotine patches are small, nicotine-containing adhesive disks that must be applied to the skin. The nicotine is slowly absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Over time, a smoker uses nicotine patches containing smaller and smaller doses of nicotine until eventually the craving for nicotine ends. Nicotine gum works in a similar manner, providing small doses of nicotine when chewed. A nicotine nasal spray is a physician-prescribed spray that relieves cravings for a cigarette by delivering nicotine to the nasal membranes. Also available by prescription, the nicotine inhaler looks like a cigarette; when puffed, the inhaler releases nicotine into the mouth.

An approach combining three different smoking cessation therapies has found remarkable success. This approach combines an antidepressant drug called bupropin, marketed under the brand name Zyban, with a nicotine replacement product and counseling. While less than 25 percent of smokers who use nicotine replacement products alone remain smoke-free for more than a year, 40 to 60 percent of smokers using this combination approach achieved this milestone.

Microsoft ® Encarta ® Reference Library 2005. © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

[KafirChobee]

First off, it is easier to give up heroin than nicotine - it is a fact, ask any former addict (that probably still smokes).

Nicotine, is an increadible substance - it is both a motivator for the brain (instisting it needs it) and an innovator for other stimulations of the body that tells them it's a needful thing (especially the lungs).

One hears people talk about dropping their cigarette habit in a heart-beat ...
well, sure ... but it hurt. An Uncle tossed his last pack out his car window on his way home from one of his bars (owned 3 - 2 in "old Shawnee Towne") when he found it hard to breath - was coughing to hard. He was 63 (had been smoking since he was 11), and lived 'til he was 92 (never did stop drinking, however) - he also began waliking about 5 miles a day. So, changing habits is Ok. But, he proves the point that fear can allow one to go cold turkey. The will power theorists ... believe me - it was fear that motivated them. And, in some cases the realization that it was better for their health - and that they wanted to see a grand-kid grow-up.

Me, I experimented when I was 14 ... but, sports was my bag ... so. So, I smoked - but, hid it from the coaches. But, we maybe talking five cigs a day. I didn't really smoke 'til the Army ... and even then it was moderate, until I found out how calming it could be. Let me tell you right now, aside from a mariquana roll - nothing is more stabilizing than a cigarette (not even a shot of tequilla).

As to outlawing tobacco? Well, it worked really goods doing it to booze in the 20's - and has worked just fabulously in our drug wars ... for the criminal elements. So, if the intent is to further crime in America - then by all means criminalize smoking ... of tobacco ... that is. [a pack costs $30 in prison today]

Over all, it is a bad thing. Only my eldest son smokes (of my off spring - must scare some of you to know my genes survive me), and I have attempted to persuade him from it. Of course what son listens to his father committing that same sin?

The arguement of cost - medical ... cost to society (only time one ever hears a GOP'er use the term cost to society is when it may cost one of their supporters money). 9 red states supply tobacco, that ain't going to change. And neither will the support of the GOP for them, they will of course use the proper verbage to appease their christianist masses (the 19% that respond to a key word ... abortion, anti-christian, illegal-migrants, gays (anything), or patriotism on their terms).

No one likes the smell of tobacco ... unless it is pipe tobacco - and no one does that any more (because the cigar industry convinced everyone it causes lip and tongue cancer .... same things cigar smoking cause + lung, but cigars stink and pipes smelled good). Logic is logic, by any other name - determined by the logistist of the logistical "thing' they desire to be scientific about.

It is, in all, a simple thing. If you hate smoking ... don't smoke, but, allow those that do (that are couteous) to do so (those that ain't .. shove the damn thing down their throat - allow them a choice though). But, deny a person one right - like where they can or if they can smoke; and the expansion of limiting the rights of all on other issues is opened and will be expanded to the max by those that would be king. It is the most basic political princliple (read "The Prince") - it is how dictatorships are both held, and created.

Create a divide, an issue for a slim majority to support the crown - and the Prince will turn them all to his ideas, to his purpose.

The founders of this nation would be appalled that smoking is an issue, or that science is being used to subvert freedom.

[Red Peasant]

But, deny a person one right - like where they can or if they can smoke; and the expansion of limiting the rights of all on other issues is opened and will be expanded to the max by those that would be king. It is the most basic political princliple (read "The Prince") - it is how dictatorships are both held, and created.

I'm sorry, but if I had to fight all of the discourteous smokers around then I'd be fighting all of the time. I don't mind people smoking, let 'em kill 'emselves, but they don't have the right to take me with them before my time and to make that time as uncomfortable as they can. I can't wait for the ban in restaurants, cafes, pubs, public transport, etc etc to come into effect here in England. It's the right thing, and nothing to do with an attack on 'human rights' or 'liberty', that kind of argument is a ludicrous perversion of an ideal.

[R'as al Ghul]

I smoke cigarettes and the occasional funny ones. :wink:

I don't smoke around children and while others are eating.
I can't stand others smoking while I eat and I hate it when people act as if their life depended on the next cigarette. Those that take every opportunity to smoke are clearly more sick (in mind and body) than I am. I'm able to not smoke for several hours, if f. e. the work requires it.
What gets on my nerves are the tobacco fascist that start to cough when I light up a cigarette near them and we're in the street. I mean, come on! :furious3:

The amount of cigs I smoke per day has declined over the years from 20-25 to 10-15. But still, I'm hopelessly addicted. :laugh4:

If my life plan works out, I'll quit smoking sometime in the future.....

*stumps out cigarette*

[LeftEyeNine]

If my life plan works out, I'll quit smoking sometime in the future.....

I'd like to encourage you but...well...:laugh4:

[Byzantine Mercenary]

smoking is fine untill it affects others around them and lets face it most smokers don't seem to care, no one has the right to poisen others especially children, the elderly etc, im glad that the goverment is doing somthing about this, you could say its their choice but they arn't the ones that pay for that choice, their relatives do when they get to see them die slowly and suffer, other people around them suffer their second hand smoke and we all pay for this unnessisary healthcare in taxes

[Sjakihata]

I smoke the pipe a couple of times daily, I enjoy it. A warm cup of coffee, checking the org, smoking my pipe - I wouldnt miss that, and I'll gladly subtract some decades from my life in turn for just that! In fact, Im going to prepare one right about.... Mmm, better!

[Samurai Waki]

Cigarettes disgust me. I understand the nicotine addiction, I got over a rather nasty Chewing Habit when I was about 19, and man those first few months were a real ****, I was so cranky and thought I was going to die from stress. Now I'm so happy I'm not addicted anymore, though if I went back I don't think I could quit again. I also hate the former smokers who have the holier-than-though attitude towards people currently addicted.
From time to time, especially when I get hammered I might smoke the occasional cigar.

[SwordsMaster]

Only smoke cigars once in a while (Victory cigars if you will), I think its ok, as far as poisoning oneself, but poisoning others is not on. Not your kids, not co-workers, and specially NOT PEOPLE WAITING FOR THE TUBE :furious3: There is little enough air underground as it is!

[KukriKhan]

I've smoked since age 18 (I'm 55 now). I won't glorify it - I will, however, say that in 1968 (when I was 18) 90% of the people I knew over the age of 16 smoked... the only non-smokers I knew were little old tea-total ladies and asthmatics. Becoming a smoker then was a 'rite of passage' into adulthood. Real men smoked, and most real women (tho' less).

Of course, that was all bullcrap, perpetrated by Big Tobacco & Hollywood.

Now there has been an entire culture change, as reflected in this thread. The dynamics of addiction are much better understood by the general population, and most smokers (myself included) have become more sensitized to their environment, and the effect their habit has on it, and other people.

I didn't smoke last Thursday through Sunday, because I was travelling (no smoking in airplanes, rental cars, motel rooms, or indoors anywhere). I let the few chances to smoke pass me by, because fumbling for a cigarette and fire, with a 10-minute window of opportunity just seemed too desperate, like I had to hide it. But, once home, I fired one up with my 'welcome home' beer. It felt good.

In the past 10 years, I've cut back from 3 packs a day to about a half-pack (10-12) per day, and I'm proud of that progress. I know that I will have to stop completely some day soon, because, unlike 20 years ago when I felt zero ill effects, I can now feel some of the negative consequences of throwing all those chemicals into my lungs and bloodstream.

If you don't smoke now: don't bother starting, I advise. It's expensive, unhealthy, and more-and-more socially unacceptable. The negatives outweigh any positives, including the 'rebel' image.

[A.Saturnus]

I can feel it coming on, and I know that's when it's time to stop for a while. Addiction is only made a monster that people succomb to. It's totally avoidable and there are no chemicals in your head that make you search out your drug, and program the path to the smoke shop.

75% of all smokers say they would like to stop. If a smokers attempts to stop on his or her own (without help of a therapist or medication), the chance of success is 10%. That doesn't strike me as particular easy to control.

[Craterus]

First off, it is easier to give up heroin than nicotine - it is a fact, ask any former addict (that probably still smokes).

That can't be true :inquisitive: . 1 in 40 people manage to kick heroin, and it's a lot easier to get addicted to heroin.

[BHCWarman88]

I hate Smoking,and it Stupid as Hell to Start in the First Place..




"If you don't smoke now: don't bother starting, I advise. It's expensive, unhealthy, and more-and-more socially unacceptable."


Around my Place, One pack of that Trash is $4.79
when I was at there other day, My Dad told me "wow,almost5 bucks a Pack. See Mike,smoking is like getting a 5 dollar bill and just lighting it on fire"
100% Right.


I can see why people would start in the '60,since that was when people were "rebels" and smoking are cool and only "real" Adults did it. Now,if you want to be a Dead Man/Woman and help kill other people (Second Hand Smoke), go smoke..

[Viking]

Never had a cigarette in my mouth and never will. Smoking belongs nowhere else than on private property.

[ShadesWolf]

Thought this might be an interesting addition to the conversation...


Denbighshire council staff have been banned from smoking during working hours, even in their own cars.
The local authority had already banned smoking from its premises but agreed to stricter rules on Tuesday.

The near-total ban even applies to people who receive home visits - they will now get letters asking them not to smoke in front of council staff.

In a statement the council said it was "obliged to provide a safe working environment for its staff".

Smoking was already banned from all Denbighshire Council premises, but the new policy prohibits people smoking near entrances or windows

Employees who work outside, either as part of a group or on their own, will be banned from smoking while on duty.

There will be no designated smoking areas and no specific smoking breaks allowed.

Staff are only allowed to smoke while on official breaks, or while clocked off, and must leave the "immediate vicinity" of the council premises.

Anyone using a council vehicle will be asked to leave the vehicle before lighting up.

Staff who have to clean smoking areas in places like sheltered housing , will be told to wait at least two hours until the last smoker has left before they clean, in order to avoid passive smoke.

Smoking will also be banned in residential homes, but a designated smoking area will be provided for residents.

Night staff will be the only employees allowed to use the area, which will be closed for two hours before cleaned.

'Authority time'

Employees could face disciplinary action if they breach the rules of the new policy, which was voted for in a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Councillor Paul Marfleet, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Personnel, said: "Denbighshire County Council is obliged to provide a safe working environment for its staff.

"It is for this reason, that we have formulated the no smoking policy. It would be wrong of us to presume that by designating specific smoking areas, that there would be no potential danger to non-smoking staff of inhaling passive smoke."

He said the council would be offering support for staff wishing to give up smoking.

Neil Rafferty from the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest), said: "We don't have a problem with smokers being asked to refrain from smoking whilst council staff are in the house.

"That fits in with our philosophy, we always ask smokers to be considerate."

Mr Rafferty said he thought too much fuss was being made of the smoking issue.

"One of dangers of that is you simply make it more attractive to kids," he said. "It's not an exciting, cool, romantic thing to do, it's just something some people choose to do.

"By all means have sensible restrictions on public places and in the work place, but don't be so extreme. It's inevitably counter-productive and robs people of their essential personal freedom."

[Lemur]

That can't be true :inquisitive: . 1 in 40 people manage to kick heroin, and it's a lot easier to get addicted to heroin.
I have known several people who managed to kick heroin but couldn't stop smoking. Anecdotal, I know, but it matches up with everything I've heard.

Quitting smoking was one of the nastiest, hardest things I ever had to do. I have a very high tolerance for physical pain, and I thought that would help. It didn't. I kept repeating to myself the old Mark Twai quote, "There is nothing so hard about quitting tobacco -- I myself do it hundreds of times per day."

On the other hand, I feel that people should be allowed to make whatever mistakes they want to make, so I'm against the bans on smoking. Let the smokers enjoy themselves, for Pete's sake.

Note: I also swore to myself that if I live to 80, I will celebrate by taking up smoking again.

[Tachikaze]

Giving up something you're addicted to is depriving your body of something it is conditioned to "think" it needs, sometimes deparately. It is akin to stopping eating food. Going cold turkey is similar to starvation. Starvation is one of the greatest pains a human can experience. Your body makes you hurt intensely until you give it what it craves.

[King Ragnar]

I always looked at smoking as disgusting, but after working in a bar for the last couple of months, has really peer pressured me into it, because literally everyone who works there does, and alot of the customers do, i think it makes people look cool, i have the occasional one now at parties and such like.

[Kanamori]

Giving up something you're addicted to is depriving your body of something it is conditioned to "think" it needs, sometimes deparately. It is akin to stopping eating food. Going cold turkey is similar to starvation. Starvation is one of the greatest pains a human can experience. Your body makes you hurt intensely until you give it what it craves.

Your brain does become dependent on it. It stops producing the other chemicals as nicotine takes its place. The same is true with herion and, to a far lesser degree, cocaine. You can die from barbituate withdrawal (alcohol withdrawl is very similar, IIRC) and benzodiapine withdrawal can be extremely unlpleasant; as in seizures and feeling like your body is going to rip itself apart. It is quite physical and not something that your brain is randomly making you feel, it is the result of discontinuing use of whatever drug. Tapering is the best way to avoid the phsyiological symptoms, not cold turkey, and quitting cold turkey can require just as continuous effort as quitting by tapering.



75% of all smokers say they would like to stop. If a smokers attempts to stop on his or her own (without help of a therapist or medication), the chance of success is 10%. That doesn't strike me as particular easy to control.

I wonder, what defines a smoker and what defines addiction? Everyone who's ever lit-up is a smoker? It would seem odd that 75% of them then say that they would like to stop. Liking to stop does not mean that they are going to try to stop, and it doesn't even mean that they would really like to stop. There's no time scale: I certainly am not going to make smoking a life habit, and I would never allow it to be anything outrageous like a cigar a day. Anything that involves the subject so much as asking the question, "would you like to stop?" and then linking that to addiction is pretty bogus already (considering the huge stigma that there is with the smoker's 'addiction'). Anyway, my point is that true addiction is something that a smaller percent of smokers ever really reach. Further, addiction is far easier to avoid when one can feel its onset, which is easy with any drugs that creates physical tolerance, than people will acknowledge.

Excatly where the psychological aspect and physiological aspect of addiction meet seems to be extremely shadey, and I doubt that anyone can make a true reliable study until that has been accomplished. I certainly understand how a person's drug use can lead to them feeling uncomfortable in withdrawal and how they would naturally wish to seek the drug out to stop the pain, but I fail to see how this can force them to pick something up, hold a match to it, inhale, and the like. IMO, the two aspects are often too muddled to be properly considered and to understand what is going on with the addict. It is my strong belief that the most destructive, typically, is the psychological addiction. However, psychological addiction is possible with anything. There have been times when I feel ornorey unless I smoke, and that is when I know that I most certainly should not smoke for a week at least. In a short period of time, the thirst for it goes away, at least at the doses and frequency I use, and to be truthful that is why I tend neither to use frequently or in high doses. When it comes to it, I am of the mind that addiction and compulsive behaviors have just as much to do with the circumstances of the behavior as with the actual essence of the behavior. I.e., using nicotine like it is no thing will have a higher chance for addiction than will use if it is carefully considered and monitored personally.


Using a drug to the point of a large physical dependancy is foolish and will only complicate cessation of use extraordinarily. My point in discussions with drugs has never been that there are no very-bad-harms that may result from use, it has only been that responsible use can drastically reduce these risks, or avoid them altogether.

I wonder, on what basis do people call it a daisgusting habit? Surely, you must have reasons.

[BHCWarman88]

" think it makes people look cool,"
and kills you Later


I use a Example to why you should not Smoke,Two,actually..


I like to tell a Story to go with my Resoning..


I am addicted to RTW.. I know I should have more of social Life. But I got a Speech Ploblem (which I do,and it is NOT Sturring,Lisp,or Clef Palet)

and I do take breaks,Time for gardeing,reading,watching wrestling,family,etc.... But I can sepnd 2-4 hours A DAY on RTW.. What are the Side Effects?? Carptent Tunnel Syndome (Sore Wrist/Wrists) Eye Strain (unless you take breaks and use adqeuate lighting,like me) and 15 minute breaks a hour (I do 15-20 minute break every two hours). Now


that won't kill me,only I will reget alot of things when I get older..


Back to Smoking,


if you Smoke,cuz you may think it is Cool,or you can be a "real" man or Woman if you do (you are not if you think so and do it) or other resons.. But YEars to Come,you will Devolp into a Smoking Freak.. You will Waste your Money uopn Money upon Money on that Trash (that what it is,Trash) and get Cancer or Sickness Later in Life,Period..


It is your Choice to do so,but I think it should be ban.. Don't Smoke around your Kids or Other People Like me, cuz We don't want to get Sick and Die from your Bad Habit..

[Csargo]

Smoke today, die Tomorrow. Thats my motto.

[Byzantine Mercenary]

watching people suffer the effects of smoking is not fun

if i was to decide to take up the ''habit'' of spraying ddt around, i could say it helps me deal with stress and that if you stop me you are interfering with my rights i could say its worth the health damage and that people have a choice as to whether their around me when i do it , but none of that would stop my actions being selfish and damaging

[Tachikaze]

Someone once compared smoking to sucking on a pacifier. I think the same thing when someone thinks smoking "looks cool".

[Kanamori]

All that I can say is: High School Health Class.:laugh4:

[Justiciar]

Someone once compared smoking to sucking on a pacifier.
I agree with that statement. It sort of applies to me, at least. I don't know if it's the sudden introduction of nicotine into my system or if it genuinely has a sort of placebo effect on my mental state.. either way when I smoke it chills me out a little.

[Geezer57]

I started smoking as a pre-teen, thinking it would make me "cool". Fifteen years later, in my mid-to-late twenties, I'd already become well aware of the deleterious effects of my habit. Couldn't run up a flight of stairs without becoming lightheaded and short of breath, always woke up with a nagging little cough. had near-permanent tobacco stains on my fingers, etc.

It took me two tries to quit, both times "cold turkey". The first lasted six months, until the next New Year's Eve. I met this girl who smoked, and well, you can figure out the rest. The second time, after making a strong effort to permanently set my mind against the habit, has lasted still (over thirty years).

For the first couple of years after I quit, other people smoking didn't bother me. But, after a while, I developed a strong physical aversion to tobacco smoke of any sort. It almost makes me sick, the reaction is so strong - especially at meal times. They say reformed ex-smokers are the worst - I believe they're right!

[Devastatin Dave]

I loves me some smokin' but I knows its nasty!!!:shame:

[Strike For The South]

Im telling yall Chewing Tabacco. No lung cancer its less exspensive and your breath dosent smell. I mean do you really need your lower lip?

[BHCWarman88]

watching people suffer the effects of smoking is not fun

if i was to decide to take up the ''habit'' of spraying ddt around, i could say it helps me deal with stress and that if you stop me you are interfering with my rights i could say its worth the health damage and that people have a choice as to whether their around me when i do it , but none of that would stop my actions being selfish and damaging


But,

that the Ploblem.. if you in Public, We will Not Hide inside stores and our Houses to get away from you when you deicde to smoke outside in puiblic places.. I would not want to have your smoke Ruining my Life.. Get the point??

[Mikeus Caesar]

I can feel it coming on, and I know that's when it's time to stop for a while. Addiction is only made a monster that people succomb to. It's totally avoidable and there are no chemicals in your head that make you search out your drug, and program the path to the smoke shop.

Totally agree. As it stands now, i'm not addicted. I can stop whenever i want to.

And someone asked me why i started? It's a social thing. It's quite fun to have a smoke with your friends, see who can blow the best smoke rings, discuss stuff that's happened that week. Everyone just chills out.

[A.Saturnus]

I wonder, what defines a smoker and what defines addiction?

A smoker is someone who smokes regularly and not just occasionally. It's rather simple to categorize as people who smoke only occasionally are a small minority. Most people who smoke more than 4 cigarettes in their life, smoke on dayly basis.
Addiction means that you 1) feel a need to take a certain chemical substance, 2) cannot control your use (failure to stop), 3) suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you don't get the substance and 4) suffer from negative effects of the use.

It's true that those 75% who'd like to stop didn't necessarily try to stop. Let's just say if there was a non-expansive pill without side-effects you had to take to become non-smoker, these 75% would take it. They didn't stop yet because of the effort, not because they prefer to smoke.

You're right to say that the more important part of the addiction is psychological. A physiological addiction is with medical help always to overcome. But I fail to see why those two have to be seperated to say anything reliable about addiction. What the health care professional is interested in is long-term change of behavior and that always means the psychological addiction has to be cured.
No addict has the experience of being 'forced'. That experience is typical for schizophrenics and people with OCD. Addicts smoke to overcome the negative effects of withdrawal. It can actually be seen as a coping behavior to an aversive stimulus.


I wonder, on what basis do people call it a daisgusting habit? Surely, you must have reasons.

It stinks, that's the reason.

[Kanamori]

Let's just say if there was a non-expansive pill without side-effects you had to take to become non-smoker, these 75% would take it. They didn't stop yet because of the effort, not because they prefer to smoke.

In my imagination, where I have had very negative views toward smoking prior to any use, it is very easy to see people responding that they should stop a habit more because it is frowned on, and is popular to frown on, than because they would like to stop. Also, as I have said, it is quite possible that many smokers do not wish to continue their habit for the rest of their life, but would not like to stop at that moment. That is not addiction. This is, essentially, where my problem lays with the statistic. Saying that they would like to stop is not even close to being a reliable diagnosis of addiction, which is uncommon in its true form.


It stinks, that's the reason.

Second hand smoke smells, and tastes much, much worse than the actual smoke, with the exception being the chemically preserved cigarettes *yuck*, and the smoker doesn't recognize the smell afterward.

[BHCWarman88]

Totally agree. As it stands now, i'm not addicted. I can stop whenever i want to.

And someone asked me why i started? It's a social thing. It's quite fun to have a smoke with your friends, see who can blow the best smoke rings, discuss stuff that's happened that week. Everyone just chills out.


I don't think it cool to blow Smoke Rings.. What the Fun Point of that?? you want to discuss things of the day?? go buy a ice Cream Cone from Daily Queen and/or go play a PS 2 game together and that be relaxing.. Can Stop Whenever you like?? if you not "addcited",sure,mabye you could,but that sounds kinda Ironic if you ask me..

[mercian billman]

Im telling yall Chewing Tabacco. No lung cancer its less exspensive and your breath dosent smell.

All I got to say about dipping is that if your going to do it you might as well do Cope.

Fortunately for me I'm in a occupation where tobacco use is accepted, which means that during the workday, I'm either smoking a ciggarette or dipping. I've cut back on smoking and only smoke 4-5 ciggarettes per day, but since I've done that I've been dipping a can a day. In fact right before I logged onto the site I was smoking hookah, with some of my friends and I currently have a dip in my mouth.

I wouldn't say that smoking or any tobacco is cool, but I definately have no plans or desire to stop. I realize that the long term effects are bad for me and that my habit enriches other people, but you could say the same for alcohol, fast food etc.

Basically I smoke because I find it to be relaxing, whether in a social setting or just smoking by myself and contemplating life.

[Reverend Joe]

I don't think it cool to blow Smoke Rings.. What the Fun Point of that?? you want to discuss things of the day?? go buy a ice Cream Cone from Daily Queen and/or go play a PS 2 game together and that be relaxing..


:inquisitive: Since when does Dairy Queen get you high? (Or give you a buzz...)

It ain't the same.

[A.Saturnus]

In my imagination, where I have had very negative views toward smoking prior to any use, it is very easy to see people responding that they should stop a habit more because it is frowned on, and is popular to frown on, than because they would like to stop. Also, as I have said, it is quite possible that many smokers do not wish to continue their habit for the rest of their life, but would not like to stop at that moment. That is not addiction.


No one said that anyway. I've given you the definition of addiction above and no, it's still rather widespread (though of course not 75% of all smokers).


Second hand smoke smells, and tastes much, much worse than the actual smoke, with the exception being the chemically preserved cigarettes *yuck*, and the smoker doesn't recognize the smell afterward.

Yes, smokers get acustomed to the smell and no longer experience it as aversive. That doesn't alter the fact that it still stinks for everyone else.

[Avicenna]

Smoke today, die Tomorrow. Thats my motto.
What a coincidence. In my bio classroom at school, there's a poster called "Smoking Today, Dead Tomorrow". :juggle2:

[Byzantine Prince]

As opposed to not smoking and never dying? What BS... We've gone from having no idea that too much smoking is bad for your lungs in the 40's and 50's to personafying the cigarette with death itself in the 90's and 00's. :dizzy2:

There is a middle ground people.

[Mikeus Caesar]

I don't think it cool to blow Smoke Rings.. What the Fun Point of that?? you want to discuss things of the day?? go buy a ice Cream Cone from Daily Queen and/or go play a PS 2 game together and that be relaxing.. Can Stop Whenever you like?? if you not "addcited",sure,mabye you could,but that sounds kinda Ironic if you ask me..

How is it ironic that i can can stop whenever i like if i'm not addicted?

And anyway, i don't think you quite understood my meaning of 'everyone chills out'. I mean it as in everyone relaxes, and everyone is generally just happier and nice.

It's one of those things that you have to experience to understand.

[BHCWarman88]

Nah, I won't be Experiening That any time soon :-) :-)

Ironioc?? It just is,since Everyone I know in Real Life that started Smoking or who wanted to Smoke "occsonally" got Addcited..don't know how it being so fun and relaxing when you stand there and Smoke and Blow Rings..

[John86]

Dont smoke, never will.

By the way, I love it when the bleeding heart liberals of the org. exclaim "I dont care if they pollute their own bodies." Funny.

[Samurai Waki]

Sometimes I wonder if quitting was worth all the effort. Just different means to same, inevitable demise. But at least I get more sex now.

[BHCWarman88]

it is..


Why Smoke?? you want to Smoke to Be Cool, to look like aReal Man/Woman and to Relax?? or you want to do that and aslo get lun cancer and die in 20 years,eh,and also posion other people with the trash you do. Fun,isn't it??

[Byzantine Prince]

You certainly are a good argument against smoking Warman. :laugh4:

[Justiciar]

To answer his question.. Yes, I smoke because I want my family, friends, and more importantly, myself, to die young. You silly sod.

:wall:

[Mikeus Caesar]

it is..


Why Smoke?? you want to Smoke to Be Cool, to look like aReal Man/Woman and to Relax?? or you want to do that and aslo get lun cancer and die in 20 years,eh,and also posion other people with the trash you do. Fun,isn't it??

Oh yes, of course, i want to smoke because i can get lung cancer and die, or so i can look cool.

God, same old same old arguments blithering on about crap.

Don't knock it till you've tried it.

[A.Saturnus]

To answer his question.. Yes, I smoke because I want my family, friends, and more importantly, myself, to die young. You silly sod.

:wall:

I think the point is that you and possibly some of your family members will in all likeliness die young because of smoking. If you don't actually want that, then that's really silly.

[BHCWarman88]

Oh yes, of course, i want to smoke because i can get lung cancer and die, or so i can look cool.

God, same old same old arguments blithering on about crap.

Don't knock it till you've tried it.



lol,

Don't Knock it Till you tried it??

I will NEVER Try it.. What,go see some Gang Members and say "let me smoke and blow some smoke rings" so I can see how it feels?? I see nothing funny here about Smoking.. When I am 40 or 50, and when you around the same age or older, and I say "Hey Prince" "Hey Curry" "why you got cancer now eh?"

Same Old Arugments??
What the Hell Else am I suppose to say?? that Smoking is cool and Relaxing?? My God, IT NOT, mabye to you,but Meh, I ain't posting in this thread.. Too stupid and if you can't realize the affects of Smoking,then you going to be a victim like everyone else who die from Lung Cancer..

[Justiciar]

If you don't actually want that, then that's really silly.
I don't think anyone wants that. But I won't be flabbergasted if it happens to me, and I wont try to blame something else.


My God, IT NOT, mabye to you
That's the point, mate. You can't seem to see beyond your own nose. It is relaxing to me, and tbh I don't care if you don't care, you mean nothing to me as I mean nothing to you. Most smokers know that it's harmful, and ultimately, they don't care. If they did they'd quit.

[Cowhead418]

I think smoking is disgusting and it is an immediate turnoff when girls smoke, no matter how attractive they are. Second hand smoke is dangerous and that is why I believe smoking should be banned. Hey, pollute your own body if you want, but I don't want to go down with you. I absolutely hate the smell too. ~:mad

[Goalie]

sobody name one thing that is good about smoking

[Reverend Joe]

I think smoking is disgusting and it is an immediate turnoff when girls smoke, no matter how attractive they are.
Frankly, I don't think it makes them any less attractive. For some of them, in fact, I find it to be a good look.
(Of course, they're killing themselves slowly... but who am I to complain? I smoke, drink, et cetera...)

And yes, BHCWarman88, you need to be "experienced" before your voice truly has any validity. Until then, you are just another tiny part of the din.

[Drisos]

I think it's basically disgusting. Not just because it's unhealthy. In places where tabac grows (countries with a lot of poverty), people get more money when they deliver tabac to the west, then when they deliver food to their own country. >>> only tabac, no food >>> death.

:shame:

[A.Saturnus]

Most smokers know that it's harmful, and ultimately, they don't care. If they did they'd quit.

Oh, I believe many of them start to care when extremities are begining to fall off.



And yes, BHCWarman88, you need to be "experienced" before your voice truly has any validity. Until then, you are just another tiny part of the din.

Yeah, just as you have to be overrun by a truck before you can know that it sucks ~:rolleyes:
No, in fact, trying out smoking is the worst way to gain an informed opinion about it. Smokers have more misconceptions about smoking than non-smokers (except Soulforged). For example, smokers believe that smoking is relaxing. It is not, smokers are on average not more relaxed than non-smokers. It is just if smokers don't smoke for some time, they feel stress. If they smoke than that stress is reduced. But that has nothing to do with a positive effect of smoking, only easing the craving. If they stop smoking and manage to get past the craving, they would be not less relaxed than as a smoker.

[Byzantine Prince]

sobody name one thing that is good about smoking
As has been stated, it makes you feel good and look cool. :2thumbsup:
Nobody is making anyone smoke, people have personal responsibility for their actions.

[A.Saturnus]

As has been stated, it makes you feel good and look cool. :2thumbsup:
Nobody is making anyone smoke, people have personal responsibility for their actions.

Somebody is making thousands of people die of passing smoking.

[Ice]

sobody name one thing that is good about smoking

Smoking a good cigar is quite enjoyable, actually.

[Kanamori]

Yeah, just as you have to be overrun by a truck before you can know that it sucks

:laugh4:

A person does have to experience being run over by a truck before they can begin to describe how it feels. You and I have no idea what being run over by one really feels like.

For example, smokers believe that smoking is relaxing. It is not, smokers are on average not more relaxed than non-smokers. It is just if smokers don't smoke for some time, they feel stress. If they smoke than that stress is reduced. But that has nothing to do with a positive effect of smoking, only easing the craving. If they stop smoking and manage to get past the craving, they would be not less relaxed than as a smoker.


I would like to see your study, and I'm skeptical of it -- many studies that people speak of are often disreputed after they have been made but many people conitinue to speak of their conclusions as if they have validity. I wonder, how is the causal relationship shown that smokers are more stressed in their lives that they feel more stressed? Also, I think that your reference is to those who are terribly, and sadly, dependent on the drug in the very real physical sense. This speaks nothing of the other users who are not dependent on the drug, and also experience a feeling of relaxation. Beside all that, I wonder, what place does another person have telling someone what types of activities they find personally relaxing? I can find walking through woods relaxing, and quite frankly, no other person is in any place to tell me that it is not relaxing to me.

In answer to the previous question regarding the division between psychological and physical I answer that: The distinction is important, because the physical aspect of an addiction cannot be controlled, beside monitoring dosage, whereas the psychological 'addiction' can be controlled. If it were uncontrollable, nobody would ever be able to beat any sort of addiction. It is quite possible to have the positive effects of nicotine without having addiction, cancer, or tarred up lungs. Through the thread, people have been speaking as if lighting up once, or even 3,000 times through the course of time, necessarily led to those things. Only continued, obsessive, use at high doses accomplishes that. The drug cannot force a person to go find the drug, and it does not alter their brain chemistry in such a way that the person has no choice but to follow their body on a walk down the street to the smoke shop. As to it's smell, I enjoy the smell and taste of cigars, if somebody else cannot stand to be around me because of that, I couldn't care less; I am myself, and I do not cater to how someone else would like me to be.

[Goalie]

Smoking a good cigar is quite enjoyable, actually.

Except it will KILL you.

[Reverend Joe]

Smoking a good cigar is quite enjoyable, actually.

Except it will KILL you.

"Yeah... well, that's just, like... your opinion, man."
https://img163.imageshack.us/img163/3843/lebowski0ts.png

[Kanamori]

You're craisey; where did you find that?!?!?


...edit for future: okay, okay, I'll keep it serious, in the future

[Ser Clegane]

No, in fact, trying out smoking is the worst way to gain an informed opinion about it.

You should try out when you are 7 years old (like I did :dizzy2: ) ... good chance that you will dislike it so much that you won't try again for the years to come ... I smoked a couple of cigs again when I was 20, but didn't like it then either

I think I'll stick with the alcohol ~;)

[Scurvy]

i dont smoke myself but dont mind other people smoking, its entirely their choice...

[AwesomeArcher]

I personally dont smoke and dont plan on doing so anytime soon. I guess it is other people's choice if they smoke or not, although i wouldn't recommend it. It does do alot of harm to your body over a long period of time.

[solypsist]

a smoking poll here in the org? hmmmm.....

http://www.comedycentral.com/sitewide/media_player/play.jhtml?itemId=63120