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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?"
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.
Oddly enough, I can think of something that will help with that. It's called not smoking.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.
Since waking up one morning and realizing that dealing with my problems never works.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nope - you'll "find Zen" when you lose the need to do things like smoke.
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.