Why do people think its easy to quit smoking?

[Anonymous]

Because they are ignorant.

If you have never smoked you don't know what it's like.

If you have and was able to quit, then consider yourself lucky. Many in my family try and try and just can't do it. It's a very strong addiction.

[Anonymous]

I think, if you are not a smoker, it just seems like something that is so nasty and dirty and stinky, that it's hard to imagine anyone would find it palateable, much less crave it or find it difficult to give up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea. To me, a chemical addition sounds like it'd be harder to break. My addiction is biting my nails. I've been doing it ever since middle school. I've been able to stop for short periods of time, because I really want to and the habit makes my hands look hideous, but when I'm stressed, hideous hands and potential of permanantly damaging my nails is the last thing that is on my mind. I've never smoked, but when I hear about people who have quit for good, I think that is a tremendous feat.

I've chewed my cuticles for 15 years and was never able to stop. Last month my thumb nail got infected and I had to take antibiotics to get rid of the horribly painful infection. Now the nail isn't growing, so I'm afraid I might have have no nail on my thumb!! Haven't bitten my cuticles in three weeks. I think I'm finally cured.

[Anonymous]

It was extremely difficut for me, as a ten-year two packs of reds a day former smoker, but I think that people who don't do it our wimps. I will be as helpful and supportive as possible, but the only thing that is really between a smoker and a quitter is willpower. Man up, stop making excuses, and do it!

[Anonymous]

It is even harder when you have a sex addiction. Can't stop, won't stop. I am addicted!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea. To me, a chemical addition sounds like it'd be harder to break. My addiction is biting my nails. I've been doing it ever since middle school. I've been able to stop for short periods of time, because I really want to and the habit makes my hands look hideous, but when I'm stressed, hideous hands and potential of permanantly damaging my nails is the last thing that is on my mind. I've never smoked, but when I hear about people who have quit for good, I think that is a tremendous feat.

But the difference is your fingernails are right there you can bite them without even noticing it, at first. People have to make the choice to go and buy cigarettes. Like somone else said, just don't buy them. I just think they are weak.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a smoker but many in my family back home do.

Have we forgotten that smoking is an addiction? Yes some smokers are rude and need to be reminded that they need to smoke in an appropriate place.

No one who has ever seriously smoked would think or suggest that stopping is easy. I smoked from before birth (dad smoked 2 packs of Paul Malls a day) and then as an adult until I was about 35. It's been 15 years. You can do it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is even harder when you have a sex addiction. Can't stop, won't stop. I am addicted!

Have u tried sex addicts anonymous or slaa? I know some for whom it's worked (because they were desperate to save their lives and therefore willing to do what is suggested there.

[Anonymous]

I've never smoked. not ever. but I can say I know it isn't easy to quit, not easy once you get started down the right path to stay the course. I pretty much feel the same way about food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand it's hard to quit. I just don't have much sympathy because nobody is born addicted to nicotine or cigarettes. You chose to start smoking, knowing it was bad for you, knowing people get addicted to nicotine, so I really just don't feel sorry when people come to find out, hey, it's bad for me and it's hard to quit because I'm addicted! No shit, Sherlock.

I agree with this 100%. No, I never had to quit smoking because I was smart enough to never start.

[Anonymous]

I was a smoker for 15 years. I quit 6 or 7 times before it stuck. It took a pregnancy for it to really stick.

There are physical symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal which make it extremely difficult. Light-headedness, mental sluggishness (I felt like I had lost about 10 IQ points), irritability, plus constant, constant craving. That's what makes it more difficult than simple habit-breaking.

[Anonymous]

I quit. I've also quit soda. Addiction is a weakness of the mind. Take it one day at a time. You choose to smoke (drink, have sex, gamble, whatever).

I've seem a heroin addict of 20 years give up his drug. I've seen alcoholics stay sober after years of addiction. I think people who say they can't stop smoking are weak and flawed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because they are ignorant.

If you have never smoked you don't know what it's like.

If you have and was able to quit, then consider yourself lucky. Many in my family try and try and just can't do it. It's a very strong addiction.

You mean, your family is a bunch of weak-willed people.

[Anonymous]

I've never smoked but I do think that it is very difficult for most people to quit. I haven't ever discussed it with anyone who has thought that it's easy.

I don't hate smokers but I hate smoking. I hate cigarette butts all around as litter, the smoke stinks and lingers, etc. If smokers are respectful (don't litter, don't smoke in a way that bothers others), whatever.

[Anonymous]

I think it's hard. I'm sure it is, they don't call it an addiction for nothing. I'm sure making the decision to quit must be very tough. But so is living without a crutch. I just choose to follow the path that doesn't leave me with black lungs.