[Jacki]

(an essay from awhile back)

So why do so many of us continue smoking when most of us are intelligent, well-informed, and certainly aware of the long term risks of smoking? Perhaps leading the multitude of answers is because it feels good to smoke. I can vouch for that; DAMN GOOD! In less than ten seconds upon the first inhalation, nicotine passes into the bloodstream, crosses the blood brain barrier and begins acting on the brain cells. The nicotine just ingested will begin to mimic one of the most important neurotransmitters, Acelytcholine. This action provokes the body's excitation chemicals that include adrenaline and noradrenaline, which causes an immediate rush of stimulation by increasing the blood flow to the brain. This leaves smokers feels energized and alert. Within 20 to 30 minutes after the last cigarette, however, a smoker's energy level becomes sharply reduced. That "charged up" feeling the smoker had minutes before begins fading away and the craving for nicotine quickly returns. Psychological dependence is a major factor that can prohibit a well-intentioned person from quitting smoking because nicotine has such amazingly powerful, reinforcing qualities.

Other reasons why many of us continue to smoke is that we find it easier to manage stress even though we know that smoking is risky and dangerous. Many of us in this day and age juggle family and work responsibilities, and lighting up a cigarette is a welcome substitute to wind down their day regardless of the repercussions involved. Many more of us, myself included, find that smoking helps to keep off those unwanted pounds, and there may be some truth to that notion. Nicotine speeds up the physiological functions, especially the rate at which the body metabolizes food. When smoking stops, metabolism slows down, food is burned more slowly, and the pounds start adding. That reason alone is strong incentive for many of us to continue smoking.

I often feel like the decision to smoke was made for me. I started smoking by proxy when I was in the womb; my mother was always a 3-pack a day smoker. Then I was breast fed by the same smoking mother, then for the next 12 years, almost anytime I was around her, I was around a lit cigarette. When my 14-year old sister decided she wanted to try it, I didn't want to be outdone. After my lifelong exposure, I was hooked instantly. After several failed quits, I'm just about resolved that I'll smoke the rest of my life. I know it's unhealthy and risky, but I am to the point where I simply can't imagine not smoking. So I do all I can to live as healthy a lifestyle as otherwise possible. Yes I admit it - I'm a hopeless addict!

[joemck]

I just enjoy it so much. It gets me up in the morning--it is great after meals and it just relaxes me throughout the day. Yes it is an addiction but it does feel so so good.