General discussion

Susan,
That was a great quitting smoking story! It was helpful to hear your real struggle with quitting, and how much a part of you smoking was...it almost sounded like you were talking about your best friend (that you refused to go places, do things without it!)

I think your story can help inspire others who are struggling.

Congrats again on your successful quitting! You are a quitter!

Have you all heard of this? I think it is truly amazing the power of nicotine. Nicotine is compared to heroin in regards to their "addictive potential": 9 in 10 people who use either substance will be come addicted. That is compared to 2 in 10 people who will become addicted when using alcohol or marijuana. It's unbelievable that the tobacco companies are getting away with legally selling the only product, when used CORRECTLY, that is dangerous. Alcohol gets a bad rap, a lot of publicity, but can actually be used in a healthy way, does not have a high addictive potential in itself (taking away social and cultural factors)....unlike nicotine products.

Susan---that is so interesting that you said you "loved smoking from the get-go", as many of the individuals that I counseled on quitting, or preparing to quit, said the exact same thing. It is a love/hate relationship.

You are a strong woman!

I've never been a smoker, but I'm married to one. He's having a terrible time trying to quit, and he has tried so many different methods. Tonight, our younger son teased him by saying (his dad) wouldn't be able to ride in (son's) private plane, when he becomes a rich and famous music producer, unless he (dad) quits smoking!