TheDigitalGardener said:

Stopping smoking does not give you massive cramps, make you paranoid to the point of suicide, or any of the other general nastiness that comes with heroin withdrawl.

And yes, every person who has gone through that will have a different experience, but having been someone who has has experienced both smoking and heroin, i would have to say that the people in that article must have been taking heroin that was weak as piss, to think that stopping smoking was harder than giving up heroin.

Thanks for posting that anyway, interesting read.

I wonder if the reason it seems harder to quit cigarettes than heroin isn't (at least in part) due to the fact that cigarettes are legal, comparatively cheap (still), easily obtained, and have a social element to them. I imagine their very accessibility makes the siren song hard to resist.

I've never been addicted to anything (okay, anything except Michael Kors shoes), but have been a purely social smoker for years. In other words, the only time I feel the urge for a cigarette is if I'm having a cocktail - and others around me are smoking. I never smoke at home, never smoke without a drink in hand, and never smoke alone. I can have five cigarettes a month and leave it at that.

But if I'm around others who are smoking, I find it very difficult not to.

It's a deal breaker for me. I don't want to be with someone who has to light up several times a day, or excuse themselves from the table/store/etc. to go outside and light up a fag. After a certain age, smokers have a 'look', and I don't care for that look. I quit when I was still young (28-ish) and it wasn't easy, but it wasn't terribly difficult either. I've found table sugar far more difficult to quit.

What do I tink about smokers? The ones who are discreet and polite, I have no issues with. The ones that are trying...I mean REALLY trying to quit I completely sympathize with...But the ones who have no intention of quitting and don't mind lighting up in front of you without asking if you mind, I'd rather not be too close to. I mean, even if you want to light up in front of somebody, it's a strange thing to ask. Sort of like saying, "Do you mind if I talk like Gilbert Godfrey at my highest possible volume for 15 minutes?" It's a question better left unasked.

And for those who claim to be 'social smokers', I'm inclined to ask, what social situations trigger this behavior? Why? Where are you hanging out all the time that inspires this? Perhaps it's because I'm just shy of 40, but this 'social smoking' concept no longer seems to make sense to me. But, then again, I no longer feel compelled to drink in public places anymore either. Nor, do I have any desire to 'get drunk' in public or allow people to see me looking and acting stupid. I can do that shit [looking stupid] sober.

I was one of the first of my friends to quit, and that made it exponentially more difficult because they were always smoking. But, it still wasn't terribly awful. Moreover, it got easier as more and more of them started to quit. Today, I believe that the circle of friends that I had back when I quit are 100% non-smokers.

But, we all have our drug. And the idea that it's easy to quite just because it was for me is ignorant. It's hell for some of my friends who currently smoke. It's inconvenient, expensive, and they hate being addicted to it. Can you imagine how much they spend a year on it? Certainly, they don't want this addiction. It's like having some disease where every hour or so, the person has to take 15 minutes to get treated...but the treatment is killing them. Certainly, not an easy thing for them to deal with!

[Edited 3/2/11 7:17am]

[Edited 3/2/11 7:20am]

Genesia said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

Stopping smoking does not give you massive cramps, make you paranoid to the point of suicide, or any of the other general nastiness that comes with heroin withdrawl.

And yes, every person who has gone through that will have a different experience, but having been someone who has has experienced both smoking and heroin, i would have to say that the people in that article must have been taking heroin that was weak as piss, to think that stopping smoking was harder than giving up heroin.

Thanks for posting that anyway, interesting read.

I wonder if the reason it seems harder to quit cigarettes than heroin isn't (at least in part) due to the fact that cigarettes are legal, comparatively cheap (still), easily obtained, and have a social element to them. I imagine their very accessibility makes the siren song hard to resist.

I've never been addicted to anything (okay, anything except Michael Kors shoes), but have been a purely social smoker for years. In other words, the only time I feel the urge for a cigarette is if I'm having a cocktail - and others around me are smoking. I never smoke at home, never smoke without a drink in hand, and never smoke alone. I can have five cigarettes a month and leave it at that.

But if I'm around others who are smoking, I find it very difficult not to.

Most smokers I know smoke the way you do... they do not smoke around me and don't think of doing so in my home or around the children, theirs or mine.

I think its like alcohol. Some can do it in moderation, some get hooked bad. Its all relative

paintedlady said:

Dewrede said:

you sound like a freakin nazi

why not just ler everyone enjoy their fag

I think it wouldn't be so bad if the smell didn't stick to the smoker so much. I can smell it in their clothes, hair, car and I catch a whiff if a smoking woman set her purse down on a table next to me.

Why does the smell never fade? I think this is why a non-smoker may have an issue living in the same household... heck even the washer and dryer will smell of cigarettes.

If the smoke didn't permeate everything, then I'd say smoke until your lungs dry up and turn to black dust. But since I can smell it in EVERYTHING, I don't want it around.

Even in traffic, you can smell smoking from other cars.

SagsWay2low said:

I've found table sugar far more difficult to quit.

[Edited 3/2/11 7:17am]

How the hell did you do that and can you give me some tips on kicking my habit? Table sugar is like crack to me.

paintedlady said:

SagsWay2low said:

I've found table sugar far more difficult to quit.

[Edited 3/2/11 7:17am]

How the hell did you do that and can you give me some tips on kicking my habit? Table sugar is like crack to me.

Chile, I still deal with it. I think I can go without masturbating for longer periods than table sugar.

paintedlady said:

Genesia said:

I wonder if the reason it seems harder to quit cigarettes than heroin isn't (at least in part) due to the fact that cigarettes are legal, comparatively cheap (still), easily obtained, and have a social element to them. I imagine their very accessibility makes the siren song hard to resist.

I've never been addicted to anything (okay, anything except Michael Kors shoes), but have been a purely social smoker for years. In other words, the only time I feel the urge for a cigarette is if I'm having a cocktail - and others around me are smoking. I never smoke at home, never smoke without a drink in hand, and never smoke alone. I can have five cigarettes a month and leave it at that.

But if I'm around others who are smoking, I find it very difficult not to.

Most smokers I know smoke the way you do... they do not smoke around me and don't think of doing so in my home or around the children, theirs or mine.

I think its like alcohol. Some can do it in moderation, some get hooked bad. Its all relative

It's interesting. Both of my parents smoked back in the day (though not heavily). Both of them quit during every one of my mom's pregnancies without issues. And they both quit for good when she was pregnant with my youngest sister.

All of the kids in the family started puffing (socially) in college. Smoking was still so common then that, when I lived in my sorority house, smoking was still allowed in individual rooms. (So was alcohol, for that matter - but the drinking age was 18, so... )

All three of my sisters were regular smokers at one time or another. The sister closest in age to me probably had the hardest time quitting. Oddly enough, she never, ever smoked in her house (none of my sisters did). She always went out to the garage (in the winter) or the deck (in warmer weather). I think most of her difficulty with quitting was tied to the fact that every time she tried, she gained about 20 pounds. For a former anorexic, that's not something that's going to go so well.

Anyway, nobody smokes any more. I think I might be the only one who still has one from time to time - and only because it isn't an addictive thing, for me.

TheDigitalGardener said:

Stopping smoking does not give you massive cramps, make you paranoid to the point of suicide, or any of the other general nastiness that comes with heroin withdrawl.

And yes, every person who has gone through that will have a different experience, but having been someone who has has experienced both smoking and heroin, i would have to say that the people in that article must have been taking heroin that was weak as piss, to think that stopping smoking was harder than giving up heroin.

Thanks for posting that anyway, interesting read.

Yeah, I remember that last time I vandalize cigarette machine cause I didn't have any change.

Thank you another such article where someone is talking out their butt.

paintedlady said:

Dewrede said:

you sound like a freakin nazi

why not just ler everyone enjoy their fag

I think it wouldn't be so bad if the smell didn't stick to the smoker so much. I can smell it in their clothes, hair, car and I catch a whiff if a smoking woman set her purse down on a table next to me.

Why does the smell never fade? I think this is why a non-smoker may have an issue living in the same household... heck even the washer and dryer will smell of cigarettes.

i meant to say why would she be against people smoking in their own homes

i honestly think you're exaggerating about the smell

TheDigitalGardener said:

Dewrede said:

you sound like a freakin' nazi

who are you to deny me anything

why not just let everyone enjoy their fag

[Edited 3/2/11 6:09am]

True that Dewrede, it's a choice after all.

yes , exactly

i'm not harming anyone

paintedlady said:

Dewrede said:

btw imho all that 'second hand' smoke talk is a lie funded by the farmaceutical industry

fuck the smoking ban in café's

people are losing their busineses because of it

I have asthma, I get really sick around that smoke... its not the same with weed weirdly enough. Cigarett smoke IS more intense. So the second-hand stuff affects me directly and it isn't BS.

As soon as I smell cigaretts I go into an asthma attack like someone is sitting on my chest. I have weak lungs since I was a second hand smoker as a child and now live with weak lungs.

can't spell at all edit

[Edited 3/2/11 6:19am]

sorry to hear that

i believe smoke bothers you when you have asthma

but all people who don't shouldn't be so petty about others smoking imho

Dewrede said:

i honestly think you're exaggerating about the smell

She's not.

That smell is horrendous!

ESP when it lingers on clothes, in hair, on furniture....

It doesn't bother you because it's part of your everyday existence.

RodeoSchro said:

Dewrede said:

you sound like a freakin' nazi

who are you to deny me anything

why not just let everyone enjoy their fag

[Edited 3/2/11 6:09am]

I couldn't care less what you think about me or how you think I sound.

Cigarettes are a lethal product and responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. They negatively affect the quality of life of millions more. My insurance premiums are higher because of the health costs of treating the constantly sick smokers. Tell me why I should have to pay for YOUR bad health?

There is not one redeeming feature of cigarettes, while there are countless downsides to the product. If it were invented today, cigarettes would stand absolutely zero chance of gaining legalization anywhere.

I am sorry you are addicted to the one product that, when used EXACTLY to the manufacturer's specifications, will kill you.

that is simply not true

they are not lethal per se ; you can smoke and live to be a 100 years old

besides if you wanna ban everything 'lethal' you might as well ban alcohol , ban fattening foods ,

hell just ban life

and about that insurance talk ;

do you have any idea how many percent tax is payed on a pack of fags ?

if anything the government profits of smokers

please

the redeeming factor in smoking is that it's relaxing and it destresses

[Edited 3/2/11 8:11am]

Genesia said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

Stopping smoking does not give you massive cramps, make you paranoid to the point of suicide, or any of the other general nastiness that comes with heroin withdrawl.

And yes, every person who has gone through that will have a different experience, but having been someone who has has experienced both smoking and heroin, i would have to say that the people in that article must have been taking heroin that was weak as piss, to think that stopping smoking was harder than giving up heroin.

Thanks for posting that anyway, interesting read.

I wonder if the reason it seems harder to quit cigarettes than heroin isn't (at least in part) due to the fact that cigarettes are legal, comparatively cheap (still), easily obtained, and have a social element to them. I imagine their very accessibility makes the siren song hard to resist.

I've never been addicted to anything (okay, anything except Michael Kors shoes), but have been a purely social smoker for years. In other words, the only time I feel the urge for a cigarette is if I'm having a cocktail - and others around me are smoking. I never smoke at home, never smoke without a drink in hand, and never smoke alone. I can have five cigarettes a month and leave it at that.

But if I'm around others who are smoking, I find it very difficult not to.

that goes for me too

Dewrede said:

nevermind... didn't see the previous post, yeah I have asthma. I also believe you should do what ever you want in your own home.

[Edited 3/2/11 8:17am]

[Edited 3/2/11 8:19am]

Dewrede said:

RodeoSchro said:

I couldn't care less what you think about me or how you think I sound.

Cigarettes are a lethal product and responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. They negatively affect the quality of life of millions more. My insurance premiums are higher because of the health costs of treating the constantly sick smokers. Tell me why I should have to pay for YOUR bad health?

There is not one redeeming feature of cigarettes, while there are countless downsides to the product. If it were invented today, cigarettes would stand absolutely zero chance of gaining legalization anywhere.

I am sorry you are addicted to the one product that, when used EXACTLY to the manufacturer's specifications, will kill you.

that is simply not true

they are not lethal per se ; you can smoke and live to be a 100 years old

besides if you wanna ban everything 'lethal' you might as well ban alcohol , ban fattening foods ,

hell just ban life

and about that insurance talk ;

do you have any idea how many percent tax is payed on a pack of fags ?

if anything the government profits of smokers

please

the redeeming factor in smoking is that it's relaxing and it destresses

[Edited 3/2/11 8:11am]

I know I'm often comforted knowing that you chain smoke.

^

what are you implying ?

that you'd like to see me dead ?

btw i don't chain smoke

wrong quote edit

[Edited 3/2/11 8:26am]

Dewrede said:

blackbob said:

my partner of 5 years now is a smoker...not heavy but about 10 - 15 a day....and i have always been a non smoker and have always hated it...not just because it is disgusting but for health reasons...my uncle died at an early age because of heavy smoking...

.

the problem is that when we were talking 3 years ago about buying a house together and making a commitment...i was unsure because as far as i was concerned....the smoking put me off going near her and....i know this may sound silly to some people....it made me think twice about making a commitment to her because i knew it would affect the relationship...

.

so i let her know that i was unsure about making a commitment and she promised me that she wanted to make a new start and if we bought the house together...she would give up smoking...it has been banned from public places in scotland now for a number of years and i thought all of this plus my support and a new start would be enough ...

.

but it hasnt...she has never really stopped and ...now....it is badly affecting the relationship because i dont really want to kiss her or get close to her ...unless i am really ...well...you know....i had a crap relationship before and i wanted to have a close loving one this time and for life but now its just a so so one and i dont know what to do...

.

should i just accept it as....i know....she was a smoker when i met and fell for her...

.

or should i tell her she has broken her promises to me about making a new start and giving up the cancer sticks ??...

.

i dont know....maybe i am making too much of a big deal out of it...

what are you implying ?

that you'd like to see me dead ?

btw i don't chain smoke

[Edited 3/2/11 8:16am]

I thought smoking didn't mean you were going to die.

WHAT are YOU implying!

^

no , smoking doesn't NECESSARILY cause lung cancer

that is the big misconception

[Edited 3/2/11 8:22am]

chocolate1 said:

Dewrede said:

i honestly think you're exaggerating about the smell

She's not.

That smell is horrendous!

ESP when it lingers on clothes, in hair, on furniture....

It doesn't bother you because it's part of your everyday existence.

I'm not.. it is a really thick smell that coats and sticks to things. I think its the chemicals added to the cigs in the smoke. Tar.

paintedlady said:

Dewrede said:

nevermind... didn't see the previous post, yeah I have asthma. I also believe you should do what ever you want in your own home.

[Edited 3/2/11 8:17am]

[Edited 3/2/11 8:19am]

Dewrede said:

^

no , smoking doesn't NECESSARILY cause lung cancer

that is the big misconception

[Edited 3/2/11 8:22am]

It greatly increases the risk of lung cancer and is linked to it.

One may not get into a car accident from drinking and driving too, but it's the risk and likelihood of it happening that causes it to be taboo.

I think social pressure should be greatly applied to preventing people from taking up smoking as well as stronger public programs to help people quit.

I don't mind folks who want to continue as I've said before. So long as I don't have to smell them or they're not doing it in my face. I think smoking weed and fags is less offensive than folks drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car.

Dewrede said:

RodeoSchro said:

I couldn't care less what you think about me or how you think I sound.

Cigarettes are a lethal product and responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. They negatively affect the quality of life of millions more. My insurance premiums are higher because of the health costs of treating the constantly sick smokers. Tell me why I should have to pay for YOUR bad health?

There is not one redeeming feature of cigarettes, while there are countless downsides to the product. If it were invented today, cigarettes would stand absolutely zero chance of gaining legalization anywhere.

I am sorry you are addicted to the one product that, when used EXACTLY to the manufacturer's specifications, will kill you.

that is simply not true

they are not lethal per se ; you can smoke and live to be a 100 years old

besides if you wanna ban everything 'lethal' you might as well ban alcohol , ban fattening foods ,

hell just ban life

and about that insurance talk ;

do you have any idea how many percent tax is payed on a pack of fags ?

if anything the government profits of smokers

please

the redeeming factor in smoking is that it's relaxing and it destresses

US Environmental Protection Agency for years has reported Chicago and Northwest Indiana air quality is some of the worst in our nation, the world. The EPA also reports cancer deaths can be connected to the carcinogens released in the air and water. Try suing USS and other -industrial companies located around Lake Michigan about their product and it's relation to health and cancer. But I guess that's different, cigarette smoke is the least of my worries.

===============================

[Edited 3/2/11 8:54am]

[Edited 3/2/11 20:34pm]

^

[Edited 3/2/11 8:37am]

SagsWay2low said:

Dewrede said:

^

no , smoking doesn't NECESSARILY cause lung cancer

that is the big misconception

[Edited 3/2/11 8:22am]

It greatly increases the risk of lung cancer and is linked to it.

One may not get into a car accident from drinking and driving too, but it's the risk and likelihood of it happening that causes it to be taboo.

I think social pressure should be greatly applied to preventing people from taking up smoking as well as stronger public programs to help people quit.

I don't mind folks who want to continue as I've said before. So long as I don't have to smell them or they're not doing it in my face. I think smoking weed and fags is less offensive than folks drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car.

i think the risk is being highly exaggerated by the anti smoking lobby

I live in an apartment complex and about a year ago a couple women moved into the unit below me, They are extremely heavy smokers. What they do in their own home is their business, but the issue gets complicated and frustrating for me because I have health problems, including a sensitivity to smoke (makes my eyes burn and sting, sinuses get plugged up...and I do just hate the stink of cigarette smoke anyway), and their smoke gets so thick it comes up into MY apartment. I can smell it so strongly some days. Really gross. This isn't the most well-built building in the world and the smoke odor get especially strong inside cupboards and under the bathroom sink cabinet.

They also sit outside on their balcony - them, and their friends who also all smoke - almost every day and evening during the warmer months....smoking. And smoking. AND SMOKING. I can't open my balcony door for fresh air anymore because the heavy cigarette smoke wafts up and into my apartment.

Obviously I can't dictate what they choose to do in their home and that's not what I would feel is right to do, either. So my only recourse is to move, which I must admit bugs me because I can't really afford to move right now, and I've been here for over 7 years and they just got here, yet my quality of living has been reduced so much I dont' know how I can continue living here.

[Edited 3/2/11 8:52am]

I smoke and I can testify the smell on some people is nasty! Like coffee, for some it lingers on their breath. If I am in an enclosed room with a heavy smoker I can tell! Evidently I don't reek because most people don't even know I smoke unless they see me do it our catch me immediately after. You can febreze or use body spray and of course mints!

I had asthma and luckily cigarettes are not one of my triggers, but I make a point to not smoke around asthmatics, children, or anyone who does not like it.

Let me testify that it is an addiction, and since for many it's used as stress relief, that does make it harder to let go of. However the argument that it will kill you is beyond lame. We are all gonna die, one way or another. I could die in a car accident but I'm not gonna stop driving.... And maybe, for me I'm hoping it'll shorten my life on this fakeass planet filled with fakeass people. So anyway there's stuff people do that I don't like, lie, steal, kill; all I do is try to kill myself...

How about talking to your girlfriend about why she smokes? If it's a stress issue, maybe you could relieve some of her stress, massages, be an exercise buddy, let her vent and not be judgmental. Maybe you are a source of stress and that's why she hasn't quit for you. I can testify that nagging me about my smoking has never helped and makes it worse. Bottom line is if you love her and want to be with her then you have to convince her that being with you is better than smoking. And if it's a dealbreaker for you be honest but not in a snide way. I have my dealbreakers too but I feel no need to slam it in peoples' faces.

They say if you can get through the first 3 days cold turkey you have a chance and it takes about 3 weeks to kick or form a habit.

Also there's a book that helped me, the easy way to stop smoking by Allen Carr, also a bunch of apps out there to help. Have you sat with her to work out a game plan?

If I had people in my life to support me instead of get on my nerves I guarantee I would be a nonsmoker by now.

BklynBabe said:

I smoke and I can testify the smell on some people is nasty! Like coffee, for some it lingers on their breath. If I am in an enclosed room with a heavy smoker I can tell! Evidently I don't reek because most people don't even know I smoke unless they see me do it our catch me immediately after. You can febreze or use body spray and of course mints! I had asthma and luckily cigarettes are not one of my triggers, but I make a point to not smoke around asthmatics, children, or anyone who does not like it. Let me testify that it is an addiction, and since for many it's used as stress relief, that does make it harder to let go of. However the argument that it will kill you is beyond lame. We are all gonna die, one way or another. I could die in a car accident but I'm not gonna stop driving.... And maybe, for me I'm hoping it'll shorten my life on this fakeass planet filled with fakeass people. So anyway there's stuff people do that I don't like, lie, steal, kill; all I do is try to kill myself... How about talking to your girlfriend about why she smokes? If it's a stress issue, maybe you could relieve some of her stress, massages, be an exercise buddy, let her vent and not be judgmental. Maybe you are a source of stress and that's why she hasn't quit for you. I can testify that nagging me about my smoking has never helped and makes it worse. Bottom line is if you love her and want to be with her then you have to convince her that being with you is better than smoking. And if it's a dealbreaker for you be honest but not in a snide way. I have my dealbreakers too but I feel no need to slam it in peoples' faces. They say if you can get through the first 3 days cold turkey you have a chance and it takes about 3 weeks to kick or form a habit. Also there's a book that helped me, the easy way to stop smoking by Allen Carr, also a bunch of apps out there to help. Have you sat with her to work out a game plan? If I had people in my life to support me instead of get on my nerves I guarantee I would be a nonsmoker by now.

I don't think it's a big deal at all. Non smokers have just made it a big deal. I remember when they first started smoking sections in restaurants which I thought was fine but I told everyone at the time...."Mark my words, even though this ain't no big deal, when you give those motherfuckers an inch, they will try to take a mile"....and it turned out I was right. A few years ago, they did away with smoking altogether not only in restaurants, but also in nightclubs which is absolutely rediculous. Well, I can live with and tolerate going outside to smoke but now I see they want to ban smoking even on the outside premises of public buildings.

It's just like I thought, it's all about motherfuckers wanting to control someone else's life just because they hate something they are doing on the OUTSIDE and at a DISTANCE away from them. Next, they'll be trying to ban folks from smoking in their own house or apartment. I've always been able to somewhat understand their arguments about not wanting to be around cigarette smoke and could tolerate being in certain sections or even outdoors but when you want to ban it outdoors, then it's all about control. Knowing what I know now about where it eventually led to, I wish they had told them back in the mid to late 1980s when they first started smoking sections that "If you don't want to be around smoke, then hold your damn breath till you make it outside the building and get the fuck out and don't come back".

.

.

.

[Edited 3/2/11 9:28am]

Yes, smoking is a big deal to me. It would be a deal breaker. My closest friends do not smoke and I am rarely around it unless I have to walk into a big building where all the smokers are outside puffing away. I think because I'm rarely around smokers, I am even more sensitive to the smell. I can tell who the smokers are when customers come into our office -- sometimes it starts to make my eyes sting. Ugh, the smell of stale cigarettes is so disgusting.

When I lived in Chicago, it was still legal to smoke in bars, restaurants, and clubs. I would come home REEKING of ciggies. My hair would smell and my throat would hurt from the smoke. I am so glad they changed the law in Chicago (and in NYC just before I moved here).

Blackbob, I think you're in a tough situation. You don't want to hold it over her head that she promised and if she loved you she would, etc. She has to want to quit on her own or I think she will be resentful. But at the same time, it is affecting your quality of life, too. I hope you can work it out.