smoking

I am an on/off smoker. Mostly I am a social smoker, like if others are smoking I will too. I figure that if I am going to get second hand smoke I may as well enjoy a nicotine high as well. I've never had substance abuse problems though so it's been okay (haven't had a cigarette in about 2 months and it tends to be something I do once every few weeks at most).

Yeah, I'm weird. I know.

Anyway I'm not sure what to say. I don't think that smoking is a healthy coping mechanism, but you probably know that so what's the point in me saying that. What I might suggest is, instead of using the nicotine to avoid the fear, try and allow yourself to be anxious and don't change it or view it as bad, strange as that may seem. Get involved in some sort of cognitive-behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, or even dialectical behavior therapy, and see if there is a way to deal with your powerful emotions without feeling like nicotine is your only 'out'. I hope that makes sense.

But I don't know. I have met nice people on smoke breaks at work and such. I have done this at times when I felt really down and just wanted to chat with someone, no real pressure or anything. It's a nice relaxing way for me to socialize. It's hard, I'm sorry I don't have a good answer for you. I do wish you the best of luck though.

P.S. I had a thought. As I understand it, it's not any less addictive, but it is a little safer. Do you think that chewing that nicotine gum stuff might be a little bit safer way without damaging your lungs? I don't know much about the gum, just a thought. Plus then you wouldn't smell like smoke or have your parents freak out about it. There's also chewing tobacco but I think that stuff's gross, just IMO.

I've been smoking for 30 years now - a pack or better a day. My advise is if you haven't started - don't. Its a ***** to quit - and change all the habits of smoking while doing things

Like driving - many people have this habit
After meals
First thing in the morning, Last thing at night and evertime you can squeeze one in between times
Going outside in the winter - freezing your butt off to have a cigarete
and of course after sex! :lol

Things you have to look forward to:
Coughing up crap - not being able to do things as your short of breath
$$$$$$ that could be spent on trips - instead it goes up in smoke
Lack of acceptance by many
Painting your house more often
dingy yellow grime on everything if you don't
Cigarrette burns on the carpet - clothing - wind ect does this or carelessnes.

I'd really think about this before i took up the habit -

As for me - well it is the last vise i have since i gave up drinking, swearing, and chasing men. I am reluctant to quit.

itsmemaggi said:

I'm trying to start smoking. I bought a pack of Capris today. The guy thought I was an idiot 15-year-old. For crying out loud, being 5'10" doesn't even make people think I'm older, anymore!

xoxo
Maggi

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Some advice from a long-time smoker: DON'T START. Yes, I'm shouting. It's expensive, it's hell to try to quit (for even the most strong willed people I know), and it's gross. Smoking has been my "Crutch" for a very long time. You might think it helps your anxiety, but it's really a stimulant that only exacerbates anxiety. Plus...since anti-smoking laws are so strict these days, one often gets stuck in situations where they cannot have a cigarette for hours on end. An example: I was recently in an airport in a foreign country where smoking is allowed everywhere. Everywhere but the airport, anyway. So after I got past customs (three hours before my plane was scheduled to leave), I was not allowed to go back outside to have a few more smokes. Add that to a five hour plane ride, and I had eight hours of torture.
Please, don't start!!!!

ETA: I forgot to mention that you WILL get nasty wrinkles earlier on in life. You may not care about this now, but when you hit thirty, trust me, you will.