Why do people start smoking?

[Epistemologist]

For all you smokers out there, why did you start? Do you like it? Do you not like it? Why do you continue? Are you addicted? Do you regret starting? Do you want to quit?

And for non-smokers, why don't you do it? Do you think you would like it?

I'm a non-smoker, and I don't do it because I think there are other ways to escape one's problems. By the same token, I think there are alternatives to gluttony and some cases of sexual promiscuity, for instance, to achieve that escapist purpose. Drowning oneself in the ditch of alcoholism is the solution for some, but unfortunately, livers don't take kindly to that.

But then, according to my comments, most people do all these destructive behaviors to simply compound what is, in their opinion, the ongoing destruction of their lives, with an additional sort of "escape" from that monotonous reality with yet something more to cry about.

But is this correct? Or do people do it, as many alarmists argue, because of peer pressure or something like that?

What do you think?

I purposely didn't add too many options on the poll so you can add your own if necessary.

[Slevin57]

I don't do it because I can't stand the smell, and I find it generally disgusting.

Also, my dad was a smoker for a long time. With the onset of other medical problems, it caused him to have emphysema and not be able to walk across the room without being winded.

My grandma also has emphysema. The doctor said she would live till she was 120 if it weren't for her disease.

She is also severely limited in what she can do, and can no longer take care of herself completely.

So yeah, I'd rather drink.

[The Bacon Guy]

I don't smoke because it's expensive and because I don't like the idea of being dependent on anything.

As for why people start, I can't speak for others. Personally, the only time I ever have a desire to smoke is when I hear some raving anti-smoking Nazi going on about the evils of smoking and how cigarettes should be banned and tobacco companies sued and other such nonsesne. When I hear that, there's nothing I want to do more than light up and blow it in their face.

[Technosoul]

I started smoking mainly as a way to manage stress.

It is odd that this post came up at this time as I am about to post a simular topic about smoking my self.

My post will be in the poltical section due the implications of governmental control.

[Technosoul]

Quote by: Epistemologist For all you smokers out there, why did you start? Do you like it? Do you not like it? Why do you continue? Are you addicted? Do you regret starting? Do you want to quit? And for non-smokers, why don't you do it? Do you think you would like it? I'm a non-smoker, and I don't do it because I think there are other ways to escape one's problems. By the same token, I think there are alternatives to gluttony and some cases of sexual promiscuity, for instance, to achieve that escapist purpose. Drowning oneself in the ditch of alcoholism is the solution for some, but unfortunately, livers don't take kindly to that. But then, according to my comments, most people do all these destructive behaviors to simply compound what is, in their opinion, the ongoing destruction of their lives, with an additional sort of "escape" from that monotonous reality with yet something more to cry about. But is this correct? Or do people do it, as many alarmists argue, because of peer pressure or something like that? What do you think? I purposely didn't add too many options on the poll so you can add your own if necessary.

I started smoking to manage stress.
Yes, I like smoking.
I continued mainly because I got interested in the Native American religion where tobacco is used to calm stress during peace talks and as a medical treatment, and because it is part of that natural spiritual involvement with nature and as a burnt offering to the great Spirit. And also because none of the doctors or experts I know can provide scientific proof based on REAL SCIENCE that smoking is dangerous to health.
It is known to be an addictive substance like so many other things we come into contact with. I only reqret is that the government passed a stupid sin tax on cigarettes which made them much more expensive. I do not wish to quit.

[Jack]

I can't recall exactly (hey, if that works for the A.G. why not me?). Of course I can't recall because I started smoking at 15, nearly 40 years ago. I don't really remember why I did much of anything that long ago. The closest I can guess is that it was (ironically) to impress a girl, establish myself as a cool dude.
I still mean to quit (again) one of these days. It may take dying to accomplish that, though.

[bishop]

i started because i didn't like cigars, i liked smoking pot, and i couldn't smoke pot all the time - but liked the act of smoking..

i'm going cold turkey in about 3 weeks though.. stopping before the baby's born, and so that i can prevent my wife from relapsing.

[Jack]

i'm going cold turkey in about 3 weeks though.. stopping before the baby's born, and so that i can prevent my wife from relapsing.

That's very noble of you. Though I notice you're giving yourself plenty of time before making that commitment. Three weeks sort of lessens the nobility of the act.

[StrongHeartsWin]

Quote by: Epistemologist And for non-smokers, why don't you do it?

• It stinks.
• It is rude to others.
• I want a better chance at not getting lung cancer.
• I respect others enough not to risk the chance of giving cancer to them from second hand smoke.
• I find burning something I just paid for which endangers my health quite odd.
• I like that my fingers are not yellow.
• I like that when I clean the inside walls of my house, yellow brownish tar doesn`t drip down. The same goes for the inside of my car.
• I like that little kids when near me don`t say, "you stink" (funny to watch the expression on smokers when they are hit with that).
• I like that my clothes don`t stink (though kids in grade school sometimes told me mine did (yes, my parents were heavy smokers).
• I would rather gain interest on that money invested rather than let it go up in smoke.
• The site of ashtrays with butts in them are rather unpleasant.
• I have no subliminal penile to mouth symbolism that must be satisfied (not that there is anything wrong with that [Seinfeld]).
• I value having a lesser chance at having erection dysfunction.
• Peer pressure never bothered me in a way making me want to try it.
• It sure is not cool.
• Don`t want to experience a hacking cough.
• Phlem coming up, with chunks of my lung is not attractive.
• I don`t want a premature death.
• I have self control and discipline.
• I have common sense.

I'll add more reasons if I think of them.

[Jack]

I like that my fingers are not yellow.

Is that some sort of subtle anti-Chinese remark?
(I'm trying to find a way to disagree with at least one of your points. Point being...we aren't necessarily proud or pleased with our own behaviors at all times. Addiction is an element of habituation, both are powerful enemies.)

[Osborn F Enready]

I started because I was curious. I enjoyed it, and still do.

[Jack]

And you live in Ohio. There's quite obviously something odd about you.



My roomy's from Lorain, so I'm an official Ohio heckler.

[Osborn F Enready]

Isherwood said: And you live in Ohio. There's quite obviously something odd about you.

If it wasn't for my dads health, I wouldn't be in Ohio. I thought you knew that?

[Jack]

Nope, I missed that. That's it, blame dad.
At least you didn't blame your smoking on him, too.

[Osborn F Enready]

LOL, no, I didn't and don't.

He was a smoker as I grew up, but that was not why I started, nor why I continue.

[StrongHeartsWin]

Quote by: Isherwood Is that some sort of subtle anti-Chinese remark?

lol. I geuss it could come across that way since the smoking rate I hear is quite high, and climbing further, in China. But, no; I am referring to stained fingers.

Oh, and some new ones:

• I don`t want yellow brownish staiined teeth, or at least the better chance of not getting them.
• I want a better chance at not getting any of the nasty mouth cancers associated with oral tobacco use.
• I want a better chance at not getting gum disease and keeping my teeth for as long as possible.

[Osborn F Enready]

Good for you to make that individual choice SHW.

[StrongHeartsWin]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready Good for you to make that individual choice SHW.

Yes, indeed, the smarter choice.

[Osborn F Enready]

SHW said: Yes, indeed, the smarter choice.

No, the smarter choice for you, based on your aspirations, value set, ideals and ABILITY to choose.

Smart has no bigger role than choice and prefrence here.

Not everyone goal is to live to the oldest age possible, and many choose to risk that life for various reason from pleasure to thrill.

This is not an IQ test as much as you seem to WANT it to be.

[StrongHeartsWin]

Quote by: Osborn F Enready This is not an IQ test as much as you seem to WANT it to be.

Those who`d score low on it, sure wouldn`t want it to be.

It would amaze me if you could find some doctors who would state otherwise, that choosing to not smoke is a smart decision. And actually, there have been some studies showing that smoking leads to diminished IQ. Yes, it is an individual choice, and some choose the choice that may lead to a lower IQ. Not a smart choice.