• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

First Cigarette....

So there are positive ways to stick my head in the sand? Any of them NOT involve sharing in group?

since when is "coping" the same as "sticking your head in the sand?"

this is probably obvious, but... I was talking about some activity you can use as a stress release such as playing a sport, working out, playing a musical instrument (I have this suspicion you play the bass), read, take up a hobby... really, any activity you legitimately enjoy that doesn't carry the near certainty of lung cancer and probably heart disease
 
I agree with this. Coffee is a drug. Tea is a drug. Food is a drug. Running is like a drug, as is weightlifting. Medications are drugs. Wine is a drug. All these things alter aspects of your brain and/or body chemistry. Music is like a drug. So is religion. Both alter your thoughts and state of conciousness. So what? Are we adults? Are we alive and free?
The problem with cigs is when people smoke so dang many of them. A pack a day? 2 packs a day? That's a LOT of smoke and soot. But if cigs are smoked in moderation, no big deal. No problem. I'll smoke a few in an evening and not smoke for weeks.
But even the hardcore cases that do result in lung cancer are usually after decades or even a lifetime of smoking. Nothing beats you up like AGE. The fanatic propaganda neglects to mention that.
I remember health textbooks in Jr High showing messed up cancerous lungs and I wondered how old those lungs were, and how did that person's face look? How did that person's body look? Nothing kicks your butt like age.

Good call. I just turned 28, so I'm sure that I can get away with a couple shotgun blasts to my head. I can just walk it off at this age. Might as well do it now, because if I take the 12 gauge to the temple when I'm 60, I'll probably sleep all of the following day.
 
I have been smoking for about 25 years that I can remember and before that I was probably smoking also. I am in the process of switching over to electric and so far so good. You just have to weed out some junk products to get a vapor maker that works the way it should.
 
NINFAN;

Look buddy, you're going to be antagonized forever about your decision to smoke. Ignore those that would stoke your indignance and anger and just do whatever it takes to make your life better. Not everyone knows dispair, and sometimes they can get confused with how depression and sadness makes us act. I admit that I'm not a nihilist, but I have seen the shades of a darker side of life, and I've had demons tattoo themselves in the backs of my eyes, and I know that escaping them turns into a full time job.

Make sure you keep your soul healthy... but don't be crude or ignorant about how you do it. Humility is a very important, and liberating thing.
 
NINFAN;

Look buddy, you're going to be antagonized forever about your decision to smoke. Ignore those that would stoke your indignance and anger and just do whatever it takes to make your life better.
Oddly enough, I can think of something that will help with that. It's called not smoking.
 
Hands down, starting to smoke was the DUMBEST thing I've ever done. For a long time I wondered what the allure to cigarettes were, and curiosity finally got to me. You'd be amazed how quick you'll regret starting smoking. I've made it to 36 hours without smoking more than a few times, and I turn into a major A-hole.

Cigarettes definitely create the illusion of dealing with your problems. I think the reason I got hooked so quick is because of the stress relief. It's not a good way to deal with your problems, because you're only creating another one. When you finally decide you don't want to smoke anymore (took me maybe a year to realize it), you'll find that without your nicotine you are completely unable to deal with stress.

DON'T DO IT!
 
NINFAN:

I really think you need to find a friend, clergyman, counselor...someone to talk to in person, and help you sort through things in your life. Not because of smoking, as I already said, that's your choice. I, and I think others too, sense a desperation and despair in your post that may indicate bigger issues such as depression, etc...could be at work.

I'm not saying that is the case, we are on the internet so it is hard to know what is really going on. So smoke if you want, but try to find someone in real life to give you some support and guidance in the right direction and hopefully get things back on track for you.
 
Since waking up one morning and realizing that dealing with my problems never works.

wow, I think you tend more toward pessimism than nihilism. It sounds like you need a bit of perspective. You may be depressed and discouraged, but I can tell you for a fact that you will continue to fail as long as you keep that attitude. Never say never. Don't make silly emotionally charged universal statements. Whatever your issues are, you CAN beat them. and you don't need to smoke to do it. And I echo the above... it wouldn't hurt you at all to talk to someone older/wiser who can give you some seasoned advice
 
NINFAN:

I really think you need to find a friend, clergyman, counselor...someone to talk to in person, and help you sort through things in your life. Not because of smoking, as I already said, that's your choice. I, and I think others too, sense a desperation and despair in your post that may indicate bigger issues such as depression, etc...could be at work.

I'm not saying that is the case, we are on the internet so it is hard to know what is really going on. So smoke if you want, but try to find someone in real life to give you some support and guidance in the right direction and hopefully get things back on track for you.

Best advice on this thread yet.
 
One thing I'd advise as a fellow human being who cares - go do something positive for someone who needs it. Find someone you know or don't know who needs some help and help them.

You need to take the focus off of your own problems and put your energy to work doing something positive - especially if the way you are choosing to use your energy today is leading you to make brilliant decisions like "smoking to make my life more bearable".

If you feel like investing in your own well being is not worthwhile then find someone you care about and invest in them. Doing that will help you in many ways. The minute you stop giving in to negativity and start taking positive steps - ones you know in your heart to be good steps - you'll start to reap the benefits.

If you think you are clinically depressed, you should see a doctor, talk about it and get it treated. Whatever the 'reason', you logic is fundamentally flawed. You can rationalize it all day long, but in the end that will only fool you into thinking you don't have any other choices.

You do - and you know it.
 
I've scanned these 11 pages, so far. I didn't see anybody mention second-hand smoke.

So, yes, it's your life and you have the free will to destroy it, if you want, but that is not the whole issue.

Other people will probably inhale the crap you exhale and they have to live with the filth you leave behind. It's not all about you.
 
I've scanned these 11 pages, so far. I didn't see anybody mention second-hand smoke.

So, yes, it's your life and you have free will to destroy it, if you want, but that is not the whole issue.

Other people will probably inhale the crap you exhale and they have to live with filth you leave behind. It's not all about you.

As the roommate of a smoker, I couldn't agree more.

No moral or spiritual reasoning grant you the right to impose choices onto others.

My opinion on smoking is that you can do whatever you want, as long as others don't have to pay for it.
 
A good girlfriend of mine smokes. She's about the only person I know where it is her habit, her escape, her drug of choice. I've tried talking to her about it, but the situation and argument remains the same with her. She does it out of choice and need for nicotine.

The ***** addictive as hell, and twice as destructive.

I don't know which is a bigger fail, the OP trying to justify willingly embarking on a new destructive habit, or the fact that Joe is in enough of a friend zone with this chick to be 'talking about' and concerned about his 'friend's' habit. No wonder cars keep rolling over on you, They just can't take it anymore.
 
I don't know which is a bigger fail, the OP trying to justify willingly embarking on a new destructive habit, or the fact that Joe is in enough of a friend zone with this chick to be 'talking about' and concerned about his 'friend's' habit. No wonder cars keep rolling over on you, They just can't take it anymore.

Bahahaha, your posts are what get me through these longs days at work. :D
 
Smoking is no worse for you than shoveling big-macs into your unsightly gut, or living in a city that's choked in atmospheric pollutants. Hell, people brag all the time about how much beer they can down in a night, and that crap ruins lives all the time.

No matter where you look, there are going to be people arguing aganist smoking because being a tobacco hater is 'in' right now. Don't be a idiot - weigh the boons and consequences of being a smoker yourself; if you rely on other people to help make the decision for you, you're robbing yourself of the only true freedom a person has; that of personal choice. You're a human. Exercise that damn intellect.

That's exactly how I feel.

I've been a cigar guy for a year now. Yet I have cut down my intake of fast food GREATLY. I consider it an even trade.
 
Nope - you'll "find Zen" when you lose the need to do things like smoke. :smug:

Moderation is a good policy however, so I don't want to detract from your point. I too believe in moderation even if I don't think smoking is a good idea.

After reading this thread - and especially ZachOrem's posts - I've come to the conclusion that rationalization is far worse for your health than smoking.

WoW!!! you are smitten with yourself :p one word comes to mind, but your so smart you should be able to figure out what I am thinking:cool:
 

Latest posts