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clarie · 25-10-2005, 23:59

Yeah, I do mean how easy I found it to give up. However the fact that people do give it up every day shows that it is entirely possible.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend about this the other day. I was saying how, admittedly, although I had smoked on and off for 10 years, I don't think I was addicted, or rather that I was constantly addicted. The amount I smoked varied hugely; sometimes I smoked every day, throughout the day, sometimes I was only smoking when I went out. She was the same, and both of us found it relatively easy to quit. However, her boyfriend cannot conceive of quitting, and I doubt he ever will. He smokes at very regular times throughout the day, and whilst my friend and I would smoke loads on a night out and not at all during the day, when he is out he doesn't smoke any more than he does on a night in. I think he smokes about 10 a day, at set times.

This leads me to believe that addiction to smoking is largely based on habit, and also on association. When I was out I constantly wanted to smoke, because the alcohol seemed to make a perfect partner for a cigarette. I liked to smoke after heavy meals. Other people love a fag with a coffee, or one before breakfast.

I believe 'addiction' to cigarettes is hugely to do with habit and association, and less to do with the drug itself.

25-10-2005, 23:59	#205
clarie not here Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 648	Re: smoking and the pub Yeah, I do mean how easy I found it to give up. However the fact that people do give it up every day shows that it is entirely possible. I had an interesting conversation with a friend about this the other day. I was saying how, admittedly, although I had smoked on and off for 10 years, I don't think I was addicted, or rather that I was constantly addicted. The amount I smoked varied hugely; sometimes I smoked every day, throughout the day, sometimes I was only smoking when I went out. She was the same, and both of us found it relatively easy to quit. However, her boyfriend cannot conceive of quitting, and I doubt he ever will. He smokes at very regular times throughout the day, and whilst my friend and I would smoke loads on a night out and not at all during the day, when he is out he doesn't smoke any more than he does on a night in. I think he smokes about 10 a day, at set times. This leads me to believe that addiction to smoking is largely based on habit, and also on association. When I was out I constantly wanted to smoke, because the alcohol seemed to make a perfect partner for a cigarette. I liked to smoke after heavy meals. Other people love a fag with a coffee, or one before breakfast. I believe 'addiction' to cigarettes is hugely to do with habit and association, and less to do with the drug itself.