I know two people, both were close to me before I quit. Both say they don't want to quit smoking and both say they smoke because they enjoy it. Both are intelligent and 39 years old. Both know the consequences of smoking. One of them had a father who smoked but quit due to esophageal cancer. One is male. One is female.
I think sometimes we enter into a state of denial and possibly delusion in order to continue to do things that are obviously dangerous and/or have a negative effect on our lives. This survey only confirms that theory for me. Otherwise, how would people be able to continue in addiction? They/we have to justify it someway. I wonder if same 70%-ish who answered those questions that way will answer some of them differently when/if they get to a point where they are ready to quit.
I have to admit...
I had a strong emotional attachment to smoking and viewed it as part of my identity (in fact, I am struggling a little with that one now).
I would have welcomed a magic nrt. Okay, not quite the same.
I wasn't afraid I would lose my identity, lifestyle and social interaction...However, It did change my lifestyle and social interaction. Those two people I mentioned in the first paragraph - well, they don't speak to me anymore and it wasn't because I became a different person or "one of those ex-smokers". I was really careful about that.
My identity? Like I said before, I'm learning about that now.
I hope this doesn't sound negative. I wouldn't trade any of it. Not for anything! Even those horrible first few days.
Maybe it can all be summed up with what Sparky calls "stinkin' thinkin'". Addiction sucks!
I am so grateful to be here fighting and winning!
:)
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]8/25/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 125
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,750
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $731.25
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 42 [B]Seconds:[/B] 54
