Smoking Still?

[ccutoff]

I personally don't get how anyone can start.

I was forced to take a week long tolerance course at the end of my senior year in high school(it was either that or miss the Prom). It was quite boring, but there was an optional cigarette portion of the tolerance course, because I guess you have to tolerate smokers and understand why they do it. I decided what the heck I will just see what its like. They had a pack of Marlboro Lights and I took one drag - didn't even inhale... it was sooooo disgusting. I was so ashamed of myself that I even bothered with it- and I felt disgusting and the aftertaste stayed in my mouth all day.

That "smokers tolerance" portion sure didn't help me at all, instead its just made me hate smoking and the smell of it even more. Each time I smell cigarette smoke it reminds me of that disgusting day at tolerance camp. I am guessing its an acquired taste.. but from what I remember it tasted like dog shit.

[aephi alum]

Just this afternoon, I met a living, breathing example of why smoking is a bad idea.

My father-in-law's mother has lived in a nursing home for the past few years. She just turned 99. A lot of the family came to celebrate her (possibly last ) birthday.

In the elevator, we met an elderly man. He was confined to an electric wheelchair, had a trake (sp?) ring, and was unable to speak. He could communicate only by honking a horn and some rudimentary sign language... we asked him what floor he wanted to go to, and he held up two fingers, so I hit the 2 button.

To be unable to speak, and perhaps unable to write... I'd rather die than go down that path.

[AKA_Monet]

Ladies and gentlemen,

I share your sentiments. What stops me is my "political thinking"... I have been smoke free for 4 years. I am a casual binge smoker with menthol the "nastiest stuff". Like I said, I know that Phillip Morris et al. sticks stuff in their cigarettes that amplifies the effects of nicotine. People can make all kinds of justifications as to why it is not that crucial. But, one can also use the justification of legalizing marijuana and what is the worst that can happen with your pot?

However, I also know all the genes that are affected by these narcotics. The sad part, is if you start young it affects your development significantly and the effects are not seen until late 30's or 40's.

Please take care of yourselves and find a way to reduce your contact.

[PM_Mama00]

Originally Posted by ccutoff

I personally don't get how anyone can start.

I was forced to take a week long tolerance course at the end of my senior year in high school(it was either that or miss the Prom). It was quite boring, but there was an optional cigarette portion of the tolerance course, because I guess you have to tolerate smokers and understand why they do it. I decided what the heck I will just see what its like. They had a pack of Marlboro Lights and I took one drag - didn't even inhale... it was sooooo disgusting. I was so ashamed of myself that I even bothered with it- and I felt disgusting and the aftertaste stayed in my mouth all day.

That "smokers tolerance" portion sure didn't help me at all, instead its just made me hate smoking and the smell of it even more. Each time I smell cigarette smoke it reminds me of that disgusting day at tolerance camp. I am guessing its an acquired taste.. but from what I remember it tasted like dog shit.

Originally Posted by aephi alum

Just this afternoon, I met a living, breathing example of why smoking is a bad idea.

My father-in-law's mother has lived in a nursing home for the past few years. She just turned 99. A lot of the family came to celebrate her (possibly last ) birthday.

In the elevator, we met an elderly man. He was confined to an electric wheelchair, had a trake (sp?) ring, and was unable to speak. He could communicate only by honking a horn and some rudimentary sign language... we asked him what floor he wanted to go to, and he held up two fingers, so I hit the 2 button.

To be unable to speak, and perhaps unable to write... I'd rather die than go down that path.

Nowhere in this thread did it ask the opinions of non smokers. We are sick of hearing "blah blah it's disgusting". Well, we may find a hobby of yours disgusting.

Please respect this thread and the people who are posting. We are trying to discuss what could make it easier to get rid of the cravings and such. Hearing about how much it grosses you out and the affects you've seen on people doesn't do any good. So please, leave your negativity out of this thread. Please don't even post in here if you've never been a smoker. You don't make it any easier for those trying to quit.

[AlethiaSi]

Over the weekend, I was home most of the time, didn't do anything interesting, but I was smoking a lot, watching tv, going out to smoke, etc.
I started to get reallyyyyy nauseaus by it, even the thought of it. I would smoke a half of one and stop... I feel like this might be a turning point b/c my body is literally rejecting it.
However, I am drinking coffee right now and I want one, and then (see GHB thread i posted) i'm stressed about that and i'm super stressed about money right now.... all i want is a cig.... (and i didn't bring any to work... ) ughhhhhh