Are you a smoker?

[Davetello]

I don't smoke and I hate smoking (not the smoker, but smoking). It's probably a strange curiosity but when I talk to people online I always wonder if they smoke or not, don't ask me why I just like to know.

This is purely about cigarettes etc. I don't have any interest in knowing if people smoke cannibas.

Should probably create a poll.

[Jester]

Nope...never have....well there was that one time I tried someone's e-cig....

[Powder]

The 15th will be my one year anniversary of having quit, actually! I smoked a half a pack a day for about 7-8 years. Got very sick last year (food poisoning) & the vomiting made my lungs hurt so bad that I figured, "F**k it, if I can't smoke for a day or two, might as well just quit altogether!", & it worked.

[Davetello]

Nope...never have....well there was that one time I tried someone's e-cig....

e-cig :lol:

The 15th will be my one year anniversary of having quit, actually! I smoked a half a pack a day for about 7-8 years. Got very sick last year (food poisoning) & the vomiting made my lungs hurt so bad that I figured, "F**k it, if I can't smoke for a day or two, might as well just quit altogether!", & it worked.

Very well accomplished, Powder. Good to see that you've packed it in (no pun intended). I hear it's a very difficult thing to do for some but it seems like you managed it easily.

[Candy Kappa]

No, never. I have tried on parties and such, but it's to nasty. And I really can't stand the smell of tobacco, it makes me slightly nauseous.

It looks cool in Noir movies, though :lol:

[Davetello]

No, never. I have tried on parties and such, but it's to nasty. And I really can't stand the smell of tobacco, it makes me slightly nauseous.

It looks cool in Noir movies, though :lol:

I know what you mean, I can barely tolerate the smell, it makes me feel ill too. Makes me feel kinda bad if someone is smoking and I tell them it stinks, but it's rare for me to be around smokers these days. It seems like a lot of people are trying to quit.

Lol.

[Turo602]

Nope, I tried when I was 5 and couldn't do it nor do I see any reason to. Lol, yeah 5. XD I used to see my dad and uncles smoke all the time and one day, unbeknownst to them, I picked up one of their cigarettes from off the ground and took a puff.

[Davetello]

Nope, I tried when I was 5 and couldn't do it nor do I see any reason to. Lol, yeah 5. XD I used to see my dad and uncles smoke all the time and one day, unbeknownst to them, I picked up one of their cigarettes from off the ground and took a puff.

5, wow lol.

Probably a good thing in retrospect because you were so young you were highly likely to hate it and that would leave a lasting impression, meaning you'd always be resistant to trying as you aged.

[ssjup81]

Overall, no. In 4th grade they showed us what a healthy lung looked like and what a smoker's lung looked like. That scared me.

My parents were also very open over how they felt about smoking, my father especially. His father was a smoker.

I did try it once though at about 16...just a puff. Didn't get why anyone would start.

Ironically, though I don't mind the smell of cigarette smoke but hate being in a place surrounded by it, as I do hate the idea of second-hand smoke and the smell getting on my hair and clothes.

[Archon_Turtle]

Haven't had a smoke or a drink in 7 years.

[Plasticplayhouse]

I tried it a couple times and most of my friends smoked, but I always thought it was nasty and therefore had no interest in it.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

No I don't smoke and I never will.

[tmntpower1988]

Yeah I'm a smoker. Smoking really isn't worth it tbh I get a lot of headaches, chest pains and wheezy chests. I'm asthmatic so I shouldn't be smoking at all. Wish I could give them up at some stage but it's a nightmare when you have an addictive personality. I get hooked on things too easy and have a hard time quitting. I'd say smoking is even more addictive than alcohol and illegal drugs.

[blindturtle02]

Nah, never have. I've never berated or judged anyone who does though. A tun of my family members do. I remember researching how much it costs per year a long time ago and deciding that I'd rather spend my mad money on DVDs and such. Plus, there's that whole Sumptuary tax I wouldn't want to pay. All boils down to saving money for things I really want, if that makes sense.

[Netkeeper]

It's always interesting to observe this particular poll online, because usually most of the respondents aren't smokers... but offline, you're going to run into a ton of them. Always wondered why that is.

[ssjup81]

Yeah I'm a smoker. Smoking really isn't worth it tbh I get a lot of headaches, chest pains and wheezy chests. I'm asthmatic so I shouldn't be smoking at all. Wish I could give them up at some stage but it's a nightmare when you have an addictive personality. I get hooked on things too easy and have a hard time quitting. I'd say smoking is even more addictive than alcohol and illegal drugs.I dated a smoker. He had a tough time quitting but wouldn't smoke around me.

That aside my friend's now hubby was so in love with my friend that he quit cold turkey. Instead, whenever he got a craving he would eat a mint. It was tough though. His father and brothers are smokers, which isn't surprising over here. Lots of people smoke in Japan. My friend is from the US. They still even have cigarette vending machines here (but it has a special card slot to enter ID to verify your age). I actually took a photo a few years ago. I hadn't seen a cigarette machine since the late 80s.

[Darthknuxward]

No I don't smoke and I never will.

Same here. My uncle and my aunt both do. My grandfather used to and one of our family friends also does. I've always hated the smell and I just can't stand second hand smoke.

[BubblyShell22]

No, and I never will. I hate the smell and never saw any reason to try. My BF's mom smokes, though she's trying to quit.

[Prowler]

Nope. It's expensive, it's harmful and smells awful.

And yes, I have tried it a couple of times just to see what the fuss was all about. You feel your head a bit lighter for a couple of seconds after the first puff and that's all there is to it. And the smell of my fingers afterwards was terrible.

Don't see the appeal at all.

[Gunpowder]

Never have, never will. Although, some of the most down-to-earth people I know smoke regularly.

[Discogod]

I currently smoke about 10 a day, started when I was 23 after I quit smoking weed (and because I started a job where smokers got extra breaks!). To be honest, I'm enjoying it less and less and am getting to the point where I think I'm gonna try quitting fairly soon. I rarely smoke at home (since I'm currently renting, and even though the landlord's fine with it I don't want to make the whole house stink), and if I do, it's outside - not ideal with the British weather.

In fact, thanks to this thread, I'm going to try and make it through the weekend without a cig....

[Mzx10484]

Stopped with that nonsense. Enough air pollution and thus contamination of the respiratory tract - even without smoking cigarettes !

[Fang Wolf]

No, I will never be.

[DarkFell]

Aside from smoking from several hookahs *each was a separate occasion*, that's about the only smoking that I've done and that has been a few years now. All I remember is that it was sorta bland.

I tend to get hit up by people that are smokers and they usually want either a cigarette or a lighter from me.

[blindturtle02]

Aside from smoking from several hookahs *each was a separate occasion*, that's about the only smoking that I've done and that has been a few years now. All I remember is that it was sorta bland.

I tend to get hit up by people that are smokers and they usually want either a cigarette or a lighter from me.

lol! Happens to me too for reasons I don't quite get. I mean, I guess I may sound like a smoker whenever my allergies are kicking my hind parts.

[DarkFell]

lol! Happens to me too for reasons I don't quite get. I mean, I guess I may sound like a smoker whenever my allergies are kicking my hind parts.

I think it's because we find ourselves in the wrong places and at the wrong times.;) Or because we deal with a lot of stressed out people around us.

[Lethal Lullaby]

I like my lungs. :P So no I have never smoked. I've had friends who smoked (they didn't do it around me very much) and one asked if I wanted to try, but I told them "no thanks." And he just left it at that.

[Shiro Kame]

No way. Smoking is the nails for your coffin. It'll drain your wallet and life away.

[Jephael]

My dad's been a chain smoker for as long as I've known him. He tried to quit once in 2006 after watching a family friend die of lung cancer, but it didn't last long.

[DarkFell]

My dad's been a chain smoker for as long as I've known him. He tried to quit once in 2006 after watching a family friend die of lung cancer, but it didn't last long.

My father was also a chain smoker until he had his first heart attack; that sh*t made him stop afterwards.

[CyberCubed]

I never touched a cigarrete in my life.

[Icebot]

I have never smoked in my life and I'm glad!

My father's never smoked but he still got cancer from smoke. That's because he used to work a job where he had to be around people who smoke all the time. This is why I never want to be with people who are smoking. At least he was cured of the cancer.

[Candy Kappa]

My dad used to smoke a lot, but when the the price went up, he quit on the day and he hasn't smoked for years.

[Mauru]

There will be a difference in the number of votes if the poll was anonymous.

Nevertheless, I am not a smoker, never had been and I do not plan on starting it.

[turtlefanforever]

will never smoke ciggs. f that. You shoulda added "smoke what?" to the poll just cause. you can always tell if someone smokes weed when you ask that question "smoke what?" will be their answer 9/10.

[Netkeeper]

will never smoke ciggs. f that. You shoulda added "smoke what?" to the poll just cause. you can always tell if someone smokes weed when you ask that question "smoke what?" will be their answer 9/10.
Not gonna lie, I almost asked that same question myself.

[Warhorse]

No. Never have, and never will. I'm not much of a drinker either. Maybe a couple of drinks on my birthday or Superbowl night, and that's about it. I got drunk once, hated it, and never got that way again.

[pandaderek]

I never have, but, I used to go to a lot of hip hop shows and chill in the green rooms with many of the artists. I have drawer section filled with different flavored swishers and many small packs of rolling paper. Also, I once waited outside of a 7-Eleven, waiting to use the Redbox, then some dude asked me if he could score a dime (bag). But, none of that is cigarette related.

The thing that I don't care for is when smokers blow their smoke in the direction of people. They need to blow it upwards, in the air.

[Davetello]

Thanks for all your interesting replies.

Not gonna lie, I almost asked that same question myself.

Yes, but in my OP I make it clear I'm referring to cigarettes and no cannabis, so I didn't feel the need to be specific in the poll. Although I have overlooked that some people may vote without reading the posts.

[Donnieangelo]

I never smoked and I will never do it.

A smoke-free world? I'm all for it! :nod:

[Sumac]

No.
Never was. Never will be.

[Prowler]

Btw, kinda off-topic, but is smoking banned in restaurants, cafés, malls, etc. in your countries/states? it's been banned here since about 2007 or 2008 and I love this law. I hated eating in a restaurant or café and having someone next table blowing smoke like a chimney all over the place.

[Davetello]

Btw, kinda off-topic, but is smoking banned in restaurants, cafés, malls, etc. in your countries/states? it's been banned here since about 2007 or 2008 and I love this law. I hated eating in a restaurant or café and having someone next table blowing smoke like a chimney all over the place.

Yes, it is here, thankfully. It's correct because while smokers are free to do what they want, why should the rest of us have to breathe it when we are paying money to eat or watch something in public spaces?

I just heard cars carrying kids may have smoking banned as well. That's a more tricky one as parents will argue that their kids are their responsibility and if they wish to smoke around them they should be allowed to.

[Mzx10484]

In Germany, smoking is banned in restaurants, bars etc ... 8)

[MrPliggins]

I love the smoking ban here... I remember in the '90s, a night out at the clubs or bars meant you reeked of smoke when you got home. And heck, in the '80s, people smoked in malls, grocery stores, etc. Seems crazy now...

[Venom]

don't smoke personally, but I've been known to socially or when I'm under a lot of stress.

Got very sick last year (food poisoning) & the vomiting made my lungs hurt so bad that I figured, "F**k it, if I can't smoke for a day or two, might as well just quit altogether!", & it worked.

I remember you getting food poisoning! That's awesome you've kicked the habit for a year now!

My ma smoked for 51 years without any health probs, but when she had her heart attack back in 2012 she basically did the same thing, went a week in the hospital without one and decided she went that long, she could do without for good.

[discordiatookie]

I've never smoked. Never seen the appeal. My Granda died of lung cancer when I was 10. My parents smoked in the house, in the car, everywhere. When you look at old photos, there's always ashtrays brimming. But everywhere seemed to be like that in the 80s! I've got asthma as a result of them smoking. Nowadays my mum goes outside her house to smoke and I'm always like, cheers ma, thanks for caring now I'm not a kid!


The smoking ban is amazing - I worked in a hotel at the time and if I was on a bar shift you'd end up stinking of smoke. I used to put up signs saying no smoking at bar area because it would get so bad my eyes would sting. When there was a wedding or function on I'd have to collect the glasses - and empty the ashtrays and it was gross. You'd get cig butts flowing at the bottom of pints and all sorts, burn marks on the table cloths, etc. now I can go on a night out and not worry about stinking of smoke afterwards!

I have been known to have a celebratory cigar from time to time mind you...

[ObiWanFan4life]

Never have, Never will. The side effects are bad enough, but the smell of them makes me nauseous.

[Kanon]

My parents both smoke a lot. I tried it but it´s super disgusting for me.
Not only the smoke, also to clean the ashtrays is horrible!

And vanilla cigarettes are the worst kind.
(seriously!! I did puke the last time I smelled this sweet nasty smoke)

[Warhorse]

Btw, kinda off-topic, but is smoking banned in restaurants, cafés, malls, etc. in your countries/states? it's been banned here since about 2007 or 2008 and I love this law. I hated eating in a restaurant or café and having someone next table blowing smoke like a chimney all over the place.

Yes. Go figure, I don't go to them anymore, but when I was younger going to the bars/dance clubs, it was once of the things I hated, the smoking. One of my favorite musicians back in the 80's was a non smoker, but died from lung cancer due to playing in venues that had the smoking in them. It's a shame.

Yes, it is here, thankfully. It's correct because while smokers are free to do what they want, why should the rest of us have to breathe it when we are paying money to eat or watch something in public spaces?

I just heard cars carrying kids may have smoking banned as well. That's a more tricky one as parents will argue that their kids are their responsibility and if they wish to smoke around them they should be allowed to.

Not so tricky, they could easily lable it under the child neglect or endangerment of a child laws. I've known some towns in Florida to outlaw pitbull dogs if children are living at the same household, due to the rise of children being mauled by the family pet.

[Netkeeper]

I've known some towns in Florida to outlaw pitbull dogs if children are living at the same household, due to the rise of children being mauled by the family pet.
Oh my god. Oh my GOD that is such ********.

Do these people not know that pit bulls are friendly with children? I'd trust my nieces and nephews with a pit bull far sooner than I'd trust them with my OWN beagle! [Or a cat, for that matter.]

[Davetello]

Yes. Go figure, I don't go to them anymore, but when I was younger going to the bars/dance clubs, it was once of the things I hated, the smoking. One of my favorite musicians back in the 80's was a non smoker, but died from lung cancer due to playing in venues that had the smoking in them. It's a shame.



Not so tricky, they could easily lable it under the child neglect or endangerment of a child laws. I've known some towns in Florida to outlaw pitbull dogs if children are living at the same household, due to the rise of children being mauled by the family pet.

Very good point. I guess it depends.

Oh my god. Oh my GOD that is such ********.

Do these people not know that pit bulls are friendly with children? I'd trust my nieces and nephews with a pit bull far sooner than I'd trust them with my OWN beagle! [Or a cat, for that matter.]

I disagree. Most dogs are wild animals, people forget that. Pitbulls especially can snap. There have been plenty of stories of pitbulls killing kids, and it wasn't always because they were poorly trained. Dogs like that should be allowed nowhere near young kids.

[ssjup81]

Very good point. I guess it depends.



I disagree. Most dogs are wild animals, people forget that. Pitbulls especially can snap. There have been plenty of stories of pitbulls killing kids, and it wasn't always because they were poorly trained. Dogs like that should be allowed nowhere near young kids.My mother feels that way about animals and pets in general, especially around babies and toddlers. Even if no harm is meant, the child could unknowingly do something to spook said animal/pet and of course, that pet will attack out of instinct. Her points are valid, I feel, since toddlers can do things like this out of boredom or curiosity.

[Davetello]

My mother feels that way about animals and pets in general, especially around babies and toddlers. Even if no harm is meant, the child could unknowingly do something to spook said animal/pet and of course, that pet will attack out of instinct. Her points are valid, I feel, since toddlers can do things like this out of boredom or curiosity.

Precisely. Childrens' safety is infinitely more important than dog lovers' defence of their precious animals :roll:

[ssjup81]

Precisely. Childrens' safety is infinitely more important than dog lovers' defence of their precious animals :roll:I like cats and dogs. I had both at the same time at one point. I had two cats (first one died 2006 while I was at work and because I couldn't afford to get the lump under his neck checked and dealt with and his sister died back in 2011...during a hurricane which was super sad because there was a black out during it). I had my dog during that time (got her in 2009).

Whenever we had visitors over, we would tell the dog to go downstairs and she would go. We trained her to do that, but I would generally go down with her so that she wouldn't be lonely. We also trained the cats and the dog not to go into the kitchen as we kinda have that, "animals shouldn't be in the kitchen, as they shake and spread dander" thing going on. Same with anyplace where we dine, the pets weren't fully allowed.

So yeah, with the visitor thing, if they have small kids, either I would hold my dog (she's a Shihtzu btw) and let the kids pet her or we just let her stay downstairs (our living room is upstairs) away from them to prevent that from happening given that kids are so unpredictable.

Edit: This reminds me of something. My two cats (which I got shortly after they were born back in 1998 ). My younger cousin, who was about 12 or so at the time swung them around in a plastic bag. I yelled at her over that. I know, not a toddler, but just saying... Every time my aunt visited, and she brought her along, the cats would hiss at her. Even when older and more mature, same thing. They'd hiss and scratch at her.

So yeah, animals if mistreated (even if it's unintentional) will react...

[Davetello]

I like cats and dogs. I had both at the same time at one point. I had two cats (first one died 2006 while I was at work and because I couldn't afford to get the lump under his neck checked and dealt with and his sister died back in 2011...during a hurricane which was super sad because there was a black out during it). I had my dog during that time (got her in 2009).

Whenever we had visitors over, we would tell the dog to go downstairs and she would go. We trained her to do that, but I would generally go down with her so that she wouldn't be lonely. We also trained the cats and the dog not to go into the kitchen as we kinda have that, "animals shouldn't be in the kitchen, as they shake and spread dander" thing going on. Same with anyplace where we dine, the pets weren't fully allowed.

So yeah, with the visitor thing, if they have small kids, either I would hold my dog (she's a Shihtzu btw) and let the kids pet her or we just let her stay downstairs (our living room is upstairs) away from them to prevent that from happening given that kids are so unpredictable.

Sorry to hear about their deaths :(

I don't have a problem with cats and dogs. I simply don't trust dogs, but much of that is because they're essentially domesticated wild animals. They are descended from wolves, after all.

[pennydreadful]

Used to smoke, but haven't for years. When I quit, I did it cold turkey and didn't have any problems - I base that on the fact that I'm fairly stubborn and when I actually really want to do something, I always accomplish it. ;)

Managing to successfully stick to goals that I want but don't really really really want (like regular exercise and staying away from pizza), I don't have the same success rate with - because I never really want to exercise or stay away from pizza and chocolate! :lol:

[snake]

I never will. Trust me, I've seen enough pictures and articles about the side effects of smoking.

And to everyone who quit here, you guys are awesome. To have the strength to quit is really great.

[Davetello]

Used to smoke, but haven't for years. When I quit, I did it cold turkey and didn't have any problems - I base that on the fact that I'm fairly stubborn and when I actually really want to do something, I always accomplish it. ;)

Managing to successfully stick to goals that I want but don't really really really want (like regular exercise and staying away from pizza), I don't have the same success rate with - because I never really want to exercise or stay away from pizza and chocolate! :lol:

Well done on quitting, Penny :) And I have just read what you sent - will reply soon.

[Wingnut]

Used to smoke like a chimney. Might smoke 3 in a month now, got way too expensive.

Restaurant/public bans are fine. When activist groups go all out to have smoking banned everywhere and you can't even light up in a dive bar, strip club or pool hall...I have a problem with it.

People that frequent those dens of ill repute like to smoke. Mindblowing, I know.

[Netkeeper]

I disagree. Most dogs are wild animals, people forget that. Pitbulls especially can snap. There have been plenty of stories of pitbulls killing kids, and it wasn't always because they were poorly trained. Dogs like that should be allowed nowhere near young kids.
No, dogs are not wild animals. They are domesticated animals. Wolves are wild animals.

Pit bulls aren't any more likely to snap than any other dog that hasn't been properly socialised. That is the only reason there are any stories at all about pit bulls killing children. While I will not speak for every case, every case I've ever heard of was more of an issue of neglect on the parent's part because children should always be supervised around animals.

If you have a child and your animal is not properly socialised to be around them, train the animal or give it up. But it is not the breed's fault.

[Also, cats are probably more dangerous around small children in my experience. But they're tiny "harmless" animals so nobody gives a damn. So I will continue to bring it up as retaliation.]

[blindturtle02]

I never will. Trust me, I've seen enough pictures and articles about the side effects of smoking.

And to everyone who quit here, you guys are awesome. To have the strength to quit is really great.

I agree with Snake. Certainly takes determination to quit and not to pick up the habit again. Most of my family members who've quit haven't had much support in doing so. I've heard several negative comments like,"Yeah right. You, quit? Not gonna happen." I've certainly tried to be as supportive as I could through the whole process. I know if I'd started then tried quitting, I'd want people supporting me rather than dogging me down like that.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

No, dogs are not wild animals. They are domesticated animals. Wolves are wild animals.

Pit bulls aren't any more likely to snap than any other dog that hasn't been properly socialised. That is the only reason there are any stories at all about pit bulls killing children. While I will not speak for every case, every case I've ever heard of was more of an issue of neglect on the parent's part because children should always be supervised around animals.

If you have a child and your animal is not properly socialised to be around them, train the animal or give it up. But it is not the breed's fault.

[Also, cats are probably more dangerous around small children in my experience. But they're tiny "harmless" animals so nobody gives a damn. So I will continue to bring it up as retaliation.]

Yep. The only dogs that attack people have been trained to do that. All any dog wants is a loving family and a loving home.

[Wingnut]

You can no longer smoke in the offices of RJ Reynolds.

The irony is palpable, but I get it. Smoking hasn't been acceptable in corporate culture for quite some time.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

You can no longer smoke in the offices of RJ Reynolds.

That's like if you couldn't drink in the office of Jack Daniel's

[Wingnut]

That's like if you couldn't drink in the office of Jack Daniel's
Funny you mention that...Lynchburg, TN is in a dry county so that's a no go.

Sample rooms only, that wasn't even allowed until a couple years ago.

[TonySiegel]

ahhh man...

i quit the green stuff for 4 years and quit the ciggs/tobacco for 3 years...

picked both up again back in june... even though its a casual thing i want to quit again...

cold turkey is the way to go... things just feel better when your lungs are purified...

but damm smoking is fun and is enjoyable...

[Leo656]

Nope. Well, I tried it when I was a kid - way too young, just like everything else in my life - my sister and cousin were about 8 years older than me, and smoking is "hip" when you're that age, 13-14 they were, so they smoked constantly, and I wanted them to think I was "cool" so when they offered me a cigarette when I was about 7 I tried it and completely hated it. I acted like I didn't, because I wanted to impress them, but it was nasty. From then on I'd have one with them once in a great long while just to act like a big shot, but all told, I think I smoked 7 cigarettes between the age of 7 and 12, and that might be an inflated number. Compared to the hundreds of beers I drank in the same time period, I think I came out alright. I was a messed up little kid. :lol:

My mom smoked, most of my family smokes, I can't stand smoking and I'm judgmental as f*ck about it, because my aunt has had emphysema since 1997, had her lungs collapse, she's currently unable to breathe on her own and has to have a portable oxygen supply 24/7, and she's about 64, which is crazy. Her son and daughter both smoke constantly, and it breaks her heart, because she's accepted that she's more or less on her last leg, she isn't happy, and she's worried because she KNOWS they're going to get sick just like her one day, but they just REFUSE to stop. My sister too, still. They say they "Can't", which is such BULLSH*T but I try not to push too hard anymore because they're the kind of people that will get violent over it, heh. They all sound awful and are always broke, it kills me.

I also have to do fitness evaluations almost every day, and people who smoke have lungs more fit for a person twice their age or more. One 24-year-old girl I evaluated had the lungs of a 70-year-old according to her results, which was a big push for her to quit. I wish people would take better care of themselves. I really do. Literally all you're doing is paying a corporation a fortune of your hard-earned money, to murder you slowly. People who smoke are literally saying, "For some reason, my life is so f*cking awful, that I'm going to adopt a nasty habit that is going to steal all my money, make me miserable and sick, kill me 30 years before my time, and ensure that for all the years in between, I sound and feel like there's a bunch of unmixed concrete in my lungs. Because there just ain't enough danger in my life." And you pay them for the privilege. Ugh.

I've been pretty familiar with the funny stuff, though, so feel free to call me a hypocrite. Half the people in this house have medical cards, so it's not like I could avoid it regardless. My wife's parents quit smoking cigs, though, so that's a plus. My wife has never smoked cigs because she's always been around people who do and can't stand it, it makes her physically ill, and I'm really glad about that.

I clicked "No" for the poll just because I think "tried it maybe a handful of times at most and absolutely hated it" is closer to that than "tried it and quit". I didn't quite "start" so I don't think I "quit". I'unno, I guess it could be either. Every second of it was nasty, regardless.

[shuriken]

Tried smoking when I was 21 (25 now) and I didn't like it. Haven't done it since.

[Storm Eagle]

Non-smoker here. I'm fortunate to have never tried it.

Well, today I found out that someone who I really like is a smoker. I hope she can quit. I imagine she might want to. From what I understand, even some who have quit might still get strong cravings. Plus quitting is said to be quite difficult as it is. So it sucks that someone as great as her would have to go through that.

She lives by the mantra of "think positive", and that's one of the things I like about her. So that might be the thing that gets her through it, and she finally kicks the habit before any major damage is done.

[Nameless]

i smoke the very odd cuban cigar and have been known to smoke a Cig if i get smashed drunk. but not a regular or even a social smoker as it might be 3 times a year if that. so i put the 3rd option since technically been months.

[AT-Man]

Casually/socially. I couldn't stand smoking for the first 28 years or so, but look at me now.

[Mandy Chan]

Nope, never have... never will

[MsMarvelDuckie]

I don't smoke, and never will. Have tried it a few times- once with a normal cig, and the other times with a clove cig. Once in a GREAT while if my other half gets the clove kind, I'll take a puff or two, but that's it. Otherwise, I can't stand to be around cigs or the smoke.

Now, here's the kicker. I DON'T smoke weed, and never will, because I'm ALLERGIC! Yup, I get violently nauseous, watery eyes, cough/hack/wheeze and my throat gets tight just from being around it. Even the SMELL will cause a reaction, so I imagine it's something in the residue as well as the actual smoke that does it. And it happens EVERY TIME. I learned of this allergy the hard way, the first time I ever tried it. We were outdoors then, and up to then, I'd never really been around it. But the moment I breathed it- gag, cough, sputter, urge to puke, feeling of suffocation- and I've had the same reaction ever since, only worse.

It's one of the things I hate most about working in fast food, actually, because you occasionally get those people who come in with the munchies after having been smoking it, and then I get violently ill for several minutes while/after I'm dealing with them. I try to hold my breath, but it doesn't help much. And then people look at me strangely because they have no idea what's wrong with me until I explain it. And the weird thing is that NORMAL cigs don't affect me that way!

[IndigoErth]

Nah, waste of heath and I've got better things to waste the money on.

Both paternal grandparents were dead before I was born, both smokers... Grandfather had issues with emphysema (and drinking) and grandmother died of a brain aneurysm which smoking of course significantly increases the risk of. Not footsteps I wish to follow in. The loss of them both was what made my father choose to quit.

[Metalwolf]

Most of my family does, but I haven't and never will.

Most of the people I've ever seen smoking eventually end up looking like wrinkled hags who wheeze like old men, so there's no appeal for me there. It's like nobody seems to escape that effect, you can pretty much tell who's had the habit for a while. Even the 20s and 30's start looking old.

[Leo656]

Now, here's the kicker. I DON'T smoke weed, and never will, because I'm ALLERGIC!

That's tragic. Sincerest condolences. :lol:

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Not really. I wouldn't want to anyway, as I've seen too many friends make stupid choices and ruin their potential (not to mention kill of a LOT of brain cells) by smoking it regularly. No joke we had one friend who pretty much did it 24-7, and basically smoked himself stupid. Others who did other drugs as well, and FAR too many of them ended up either dead or in jail. One of my uncles started with pot, and ended up in state pen for 10 years on meth manufacturing charges. It's sad.

I only ever tried it myself out of curiosity to see what the big draw was- and quickly found out that my body can't/won't tolerate the stuff. To this day, I still don't know what anyone else sees in it, because for me, it might as well be breathing in pure methane! (Or any other toxic gas.) Boggles the mind how someone can voluntarily put that crap in their body and LIKE it.

[Leo656]

And on the other side of the fence, it's hard for some people to see how anyone gets through the day without it. :lol:

I've seen those things happen to people, too, but it's not because they smoke pot, it's because they're stupid. If it wasn't drugs, they'd have blown all their money on cheap beer and scratch-off lottery tickets and ended up the same.

I've been around enough people who "consume" to be able to tell when there's more than just pot on their menu. I know plenty of folks who do it daily but you'd never be able to tell. Anybody who gets all "Spicoli" is definitely on more than just weed; usually acid and/or Ecstasy, at the least.

I mean yeah, there are some people who do more than smoke weed but they were always going to anyway. What I've seen is, people who claim they only smoke weed "socially", are actually more likely to try harder drugs, because they hang out with people who have drugs and do drugs. On the other hand, I know plenty of people who smoke often, but only at home, either by themselves or with their spouse/girlfriends (occasionally parents/kids... situations are different for everyone :lol:) and they generally don't have any urge to "experiment" with anything else.

When I was a kid I thought it was the big "gateway drug" but then I saw that some people are just going to do drugs anyway. I knew a guy who swore up and down that crack was healthier than pot; he would never touch pot and would pick on everyone at work who did, but was an open and proud daily crack smoker. Some people are just f*cked up. :lol:

[BabyTurtles]

never ever....

My dad smoked a lot when I was a kid and it smelled horrible!
I always hold my breath when people pass me smoking........I just can't stand it....it makes me choke. :ohwell:

[Leo656]

So, my cousin just called and told me my aunt's emphysema is in the final stages. She's under hospice care now at my cousin's place, and she's trying to hang on until her Birthday on Christmas Eve, but her lungs are black and shutting down and it's not looking good. I think she's going to be 65, if she makes it. She's on a lot of morphine. She's had this creeping up since about 1996 or 1997.

I really wish people didn't smoke cigarettes. :ohwell:

[Storm Eagle]

So, my cousin just called and told me my aunt's emphysema is in the final stages. She's under hospice care now at my cousin's place, and she's trying to hang on until her Birthday on Christmas Eve, but her lungs are black and shutting down and it's not looking good. I think she's going to be 65, if she makes it. She's on a lot of morphine. She's had this creeping up since about 1996 or 1997.

I really wish people didn't smoke cigarettes. :ohwell:

With that last sentence (and maybe your whole post for that matter), you might see where I'm coming from. People are going to do what they do anyway, and unfortunately it takes a tragic moment for them to get them back on track. Then again, they have to live long enough to do so.

[Leo656]

Her kids are like, 40 and 20-something, and they've been watching her go through this, yet they still chain-smoke. My sister, too. My aunt hates it and can't believe that watching her go through all this hasn't made a dent in the rest of them. And they will f*cking KILL you if you even suggest they quit. "When I f*cking FEEL LIKE IT, alright?! This is the ONE THING that makes me happy, so F*CK OFF!"

Cancer must feel great. I've heard hundreds of people swear that giving themselves cancer is "the one and only thing" that makes them happy. I think a gun to the head would be a quicker and more satisfying way to achieve the same result, since life apparently sucks so bad. I mean, I completely get suicide, but if killing yourself is the goal, just F'n do it. Dragging it out by way of getting lung cancer - basically forcing yourself to get cancer, really - is a stupid way to do it, it really really sucks for everyone involved.

Sigh.

[Davetello]

I don't like smoking either mate, as I've said, but you're overlooking the fact that those things are obviously addictive and a calming influence. We can't relate because we have never done it. But it's not as simple as just stopping for many people.

[Leo656]

Yeah it is, it's called "Don't Start". It's literally no different than lying in the middle of the road and waiting for a car to run you over, figuring "Well, I know it will eventually, but not right away, and in the meantime, this is Fun." You HAVE to be an idiot to make that decision. Same thing with cigarettes. "Not only does this habit have Zero positive benefits, it's overwhelming Negatives include 'possibly dying before 50' and living the years in between looking like a premature senior citizen, and if I'm really lucky, I'll get a giant hole in my throat where they can stick a f*cking tube." Why would anyone choose this for themselves?! I have heard every possible story as to why a person started smoking cigarettes, but no sh*t, they're all bullsh*t. There's no good reason to even start, so while I totally understand how hard it is to quit and applaud and empathize with those who do, it's still like... the f*ck did you THINK you were signing up for anyway?

I'm well-established that "F*ck Addicts" is my position. Everyone knows what is going to happen if they smoke cigarettes, smoke crack, snort blow, shoot smack, whatever, but they do it anyway. And then everybody says, "Waaah, they can't help themselves, they have a proooooblem." :roll: Yeah, a problem they gave themselves the second they made a choice to "try" something they knew going in was a piss-poor decision.

If I ran into a police station waving a gun around and screaming, I'd be shot a million times before I hit the ground, and when it made the news, everybody would say, "Wow, what a f*cking dumbass, what did he think was going to happen? There was only One Possible Way THAT was gonna end." That's my position on the "disease" of "addiction". Everybody knows better, but "Hey, I got problems", or, "I just wanna party and have fun." No sympathy.

Some people in life suffer because of things they had zero control over. On the flip side, addiction is a self-inflicted problem, so I can't feel bad when people "take a chance", "try something new" and end up with The Only Possible Result when all's said and done. People know what they're doing to themselves. There are too many goddamn enablers on this planet.

Keep in mind, about 90% of the people I was around every day of my life until I was in my 20s were "addicts", so I'm a lot closer to it than most people. And when you've been to as many funerals as I have, you stop caring about people's "problems" or their "feelings" and you just want them to f*cking behave so they'll stop dying when they completely don't have to.

[Davetello]

I totally understand what you're saying mate, and I can see why you feel the way you do. To an extent I do as well.

There can be other reasons though - peer pressure being one of them.

As for your final paragraph, your first-hand knowledge is of course very useful, but perhaps it's a double-edged sword: you've been so intertwined with addiction, and it's affected you first-hand on an emotional basis. Perhaps because of that you're frustrated and maybe not as objective as you'd like to be. That's human nature - everyone gets frustrated over things that affect them personally. I'm not saying this to annoy you or trivialise your experiences, I'm just saying that other people are further removed from the situation so perhaps able to be more...I donno...calm about it all. You call these people enablers but addiction is a very psychologically complex thing, I feel you're oversimplifying it.

I hope you can understand what I'm saying.

[Leo656]

I do. But this is one case where I don't even pretend to be objective. People just gotta be good. Ain't hard. :)

Some issues, I choose to see things in degrees and shades of gray. This isn't one of them. I long ago decided that this was a "big picture", black and white cause-and-effect issue. I get why other people can find... "reasons", but they're still lying to themselves, ultimately.

I also understand that, to engage in any kind of self-destructive behavior, a person has to have something greatly troubling them inside. To more or less behave as if you don't care if you live or die, by doing things you know will, eventually, kill you in a not-at-all pleasant way, it's usually because deep down, that person is unhappy. But "self-medicating" isn't fixing any of those problems, it just creates a bunch of new ones. It's just that, in the short term, it's "easier" than taking a look at oneself and doing the oftentimes difficult, life-altering work that is required for any kind of long-term self-improvement.

I get it. I totally get all sides of it. I just think it's kind of dumb and I don't agree with it. I am absolutely zero fun at parties. :)

I have never understood "peer pressure", though. I have a mullet. :)

[Prowler]

I have never understood "peer pressure", though. I have a mullet. :)

I was better than most teenagers at fighting it. Regardless of many of my classmates smoking and virtually all of them drinking, I never gave into it. Why? Because I'm one of those people who likes going against the grain, and being pressured into doing something only turned me off from it.

[Storm Eagle]

I was better than most teenagers at fighting it. Regardless of many of my classmates smoking and virtually all of them drinking, I never gave into it. Why? Because I'm one of those people who likes going against the grain, and being pressured into doing something only turned me off from it.

I'm glad nobody has ever pushed cigarettes on me, although I've had people try to push weed on me. It was their so-called birthday present to me when I turned 16. I didn't do it though.

[Brooke507]

No. I really don't want to ruin my lungs.

[Prowler]

I'm glad nobody has ever pushed cigarettes on me, although I've had people try to push weed on me. It was their so-called birthday present to me when I turned 16. I didn't do it though.
Only got tobacco pushed on me a couple of times. I got weed and especially alcohol pushed on me a lot more. But I resisted too. Only started drinking as an adult, and that was out of curiosity, not because everyone was doing it. Same thing for weed. Tried it a couple of times and wasn't a fan. Barely felt anything. Although I might have not done it right. I'm not used to smoking, after all.

[FlogginMcMurryZombiePizza]

"no never"
and for that matter, I have never smoked anything. Period.
:tcool:

[blindturtle02]

Most of my family does, but I haven't and never will.

Most of the people I've ever seen smoking eventually end up looking like wrinkled hags who wheeze like old men, so there's no appeal for me there. It's like nobody seems to escape that effect, you can pretty much tell who's had the habit for a while. Even the 20s and 30's start looking old.

I got to thinking of the Sith and nightsisters after reading this. Maybe Lucas secretly had a fear of an auntie who was a lifetime smoker.

[Storm Eagle]

Only got tobacco pushed on me a couple of times. I got weed and especially alcohol pushed on me a lot more. But I resisted too. Only started drinking as an adult, and that was out of curiosity, not because everyone was doing it. Same thing for weed. Tried it a couple of times and wasn't a fan. Barely felt anything. Although I might have not done it right. I'm not used to smoking, after all.

One of my friends started smoking weed after he met his girlfriend (now wife). He says she introduced him to weed. He swears up and down that it's the good kind that does no harm. He also tells me that I can let him know if I ever want to try it out. If the day ever comes for that, then I'm dreading it already.

Long before that, when I was in college, I was talking to this guy who smokes cigarettes and weed. I told him that I've never smoked weed, and he tells me I'm not missing anything. A friend back in high school who smoked weed just simply told me "don't start".

[BubblyShell22]

Yep have to agree with Leo here about not starting. That's the best way to avoid that stuff. Same goes with alcohol and drinking until you're dead drunk. Who wants that? Certainly not me. I never understood why my dad felt the need to drink all the time and he still does it even though he's retired and doesn't have to work anymore. Makes no sense to me.

Yeah, my BF's sister smokes and she's got two kids. I just never understood why she started doing that. I know her dad died and all, but why would you want to kill yourself by putting that sh*t in you?

[Storm Eagle]

Yeah, my BF's sister smokes and she's got two kids. I just never understood why she started doing that. I know her dad died and all, but why would you want to kill yourself by putting that sh*t in you?

I once saw a pregnant woman smoking. That's a sight that's just sad as hell. I've even seen someone smoke outside of my dentist's office before going to see him. His office hadn't yet opened up for the day.

I've always told myself that I'd never date a woman who smokes, but sometimes I think I'd probably end up liking her too much for that to even matter. Fate is just crazy that way.

[BubblyShell22]

Well, she didn't smoke when she was pregnant, but I really wish she would just quit. My great-grandma was a chain smoker and eventually died due to a heart attack. She had emphysema also and always had a hard time breathing.

[blindturtle02]

Well, she didn't smoke when she was pregnant, but I really wish she would just quit. My great-grandma was a chain smoker and eventually died due to a heart attack. She had emphysema also and always had a hard time breathing.

Nearly everybody in my family smokes, which is why I never started. Funnily enough, the majority of them suffer from allergies and asthma but do it anyway. My better half doesn't smoke either simply because she has asthma, and says she thinks she has an addictive personality and she doesn't want to end up paying so much a month. And we both want to stay healthy for kids once we eventually have them. I wish I had gotten to know my grandfather. He'd probably still be around if he wasn't a three pack a day guy.

[tmntpower1988]

I only smoke 5 cigarettes a day now. My dad is a heavy smoker, he smokes a few cigarettes in a row. He has a bad cough and he sounds like Darth Vader when he breathes. I'd love to get off them at some stage.

[Storm Eagle]

Well, she didn't smoke when she was pregnant, but I really wish she would just quit.

Your mention of her and the fact that she has kids just reminded me of the pregnant lady I saw. That's all.

I only smoke 5 cigarettes a day now. My dad is a heavy smoker, he smokes a few cigarettes in a row. He has a bad cough and he sounds like Darth Vader when he breathes. I'd love to get off them at some stage.

I wish you luck. You, and all the other smokers where who'd like to quit.

[tmntpower1988]

I wish you luck. You, and all the other smokers where who'd like to quit.

Thanks :D Smoking isn't worth it, wish I never started the things.

[BubblyShell22]

Best of luck, TMNTPower. As long as you stick with it, you can quit.

[TonySiegel]

hows the journey to quitting going people?

[Powder]

No bogies for me since October 2013, so, pretty good!

[MsMarvelDuckie]

My other half seems to have finally quit, save for a pack of clove cigs he bough about a week ago. Admittedly, I have control of the money, and he hasn't been able to get out of the house to buy any- too sick- but he has barely even wanted one, and most of that pack got smoked by our annoying neighbor, anyway. So here's to quitting!

[blindturtle02]

Hope he's successful, Duckie. I found out my mom hasn't smoked in a long time. She quit after she beat breast cancer a year and a half ago. Jeez, I move to TX and I'm out of the loop. haha

[Mew]

I'll probably try in the future, then think its disgusting and be disgusted.

[Creativemind]

I smoke but I've been trying to quit for a few years now. But while smoking can trigger my anxiety so can not smoking. It's kinda a catch 22.I hate it. At the moment I can't breath very well and I'm not sure if it's anxiety or from the cigarettes.

[Mew]

I smoke but I've been trying to quit for a few years now. But while smoking can trigger my anxiety so can not smoking. It's kinda a catch 22.I hate it. At the moment I can't breath very well and I'm not sure if it's anxiety or from the cigarettes.
Hope you get better soon.

[Creativemind]

Hope you get better soon.

Me too. I've been dealing with both issues for almost ten years now. But about a year ago I started therapy. I've had progress since.

[RaphAndDonnie]

Back when I was a thirteen year old idiot I casually did. I don't now though, what with my Asthma and the ever infinite list of health problems that do come with smoking.

[senpai]

I don't smoke cigarettes. Never had the desire to. I've smoked hookah socially, but I don't do that anymore.

[Mew]

No.
Why would I waste money on that?
More money to go towards Marvel's Amazing Fantasy #15!

[Amaranthus]

No.
Why would I waste money on that?
More money to go towards Marvel's Amazing Fantasy #15!

You already posted an answer in this thread though.