So... why start smoking?

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Every smoker I've talked to has stated the same thing: Started when they were in Highschool, couldn't stop.

I'm sure there are more reasons but back in my hometown this seems to be the most common reason.

 

[Stryphoon]

The concept of legalization is a very huge topic with a whole rats nest of pros and cons, so not really the place to get into it all.

on topic, thhere seems to be 4 sides.
Smokers - it's great in moderation but does have health risks, but what doesn't these days?
fanatic smokers - it's perfect and everything about it is perfect! you're stupid.

non-smokers - there is no benefit and they only do it to look cool(er than me)
fanatic non-smokers - YOUR ALL GONNA DIE! you can't quit and I'm better than you you idiot.

A little biased, I'm in the smokers camp.

But yeah for reasons to try it theres stress releif, social situations(getting into or out of), image, etc.

If you're trying to decide if it's for you I would sugest you focus on the posters who have smoked and quit as they have actually been on both sides of the fence, or you know, just try it.

 

[chiggerwood]

For me it was curiosity. The way I figured it was if I don't like it I won't do it. Nowadays I don't really smoke cigarettes all that often (a pack a month maybe) but I do love cigars, and my pipe. however those are for the taste, and smell, and I will never smoke anything that stinks, and to all the detractors who think all tobacco stinks smell the pipe smoke of black Cavendish it smells like a pleasant air freshener

 

[Censorme]

If I started smoking, it would be because it's bad-ass.

This would be a common answer, wouldn't it? Peer pressure. As much as we hate cancer and cigarette addiction, something has been engraved like an unspoken rule. If you smoke, you are cool.

I think it starts with fantasy. I'm a fitness and health nut because I want a body and long-life like I see in fictional and non-fictional materials of movie, comic, cartoon, etc. I'm striving for an awesome and attractive future "me". A lot of us do this today, but it goes both ways.

As bad as smoking is, so many of my favorite (fake and real) characters do it. It's a trait they share, this "I don't care, it's me". "Being comfortable in one's skin (and mortality)" meaning confidence and integrity. Drugs, alcohol, smoking, and partying (all attributes to "cool") can all be a future "me" if I choose apply myself to them.

Will I though? I won't make that decision yet. But I know that it's bad-ass.

 

[iamthe1]

True Fact: Smoking cigarettes will make your penis bigger.

 

[2718]

Look, I know we wont see eye to eye, you are basing your opinion on "fact" (I use the term VERY loosely) while I'm basing mine of my own experience.

Clearly anecdotal evidence outweighs scientific studies. [/sarcasm]

 

[DigitalAtlas]

Look, I know we wont see eye to eye, you are basing your opinion on "fact" (I use the term VERY loosely) while I'm basing mine of my own experience.

Clearly anecdotal evidence outweighs scientific studies. [/sarcasm]

^This x8

No one can deny smoking is addictive. Heck, I smoke and I know well when I crave a cigarette it's because I'm addicted to the sense of menthol buzzes and nicotine. I mean, I'm currently smoking cigarettes I don't even like the taste of. It's clearly an addictive substance and people who won't admit it are in denial.

 

[moretimethansense]

True Fact: Smoking cigarettes will make your penis bigger.

That is just... so... wrong.

 

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT 12412412434]

I started smoking because i could, and i liked it so i continue having a smoke at the end of the day.

Also, not sure if Moretimethansense is trolling or not.

 

[DJDarque]

People keep arguing whether cigarettes are addictive or not. Yes, technically they are, but the amount it affects and how it affects each person is different. I smoked 2-3 packs a week for a little over a year (not a real long time, I know). I quit because I wasn't making enough money to support the habit. When I quit I did it cold turkey. No weaning, no patch, no lozenge. I had the slightest ache in my stomach for about a week and that was it. I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms since and I certainly haven't felt the need to hold random shit between my fingers and in my mouth. So yes, they are addictive, but it depends on the person how much it affects them.

 

[moretimethansense]

I started smoking because i could, and i liked it so i continue having a smoke at the end of the day.

Also, not sure if Moretimethansense is trolling or not.

I'm not, and that's fair enough, if you like it fine, but for the love of god don't try to claim it's not addictive or that it somehow has benefits that it doesn't.

For example, I eat, a lot, and I know damn well that the amount I eat is really not good for me, but I don't go around trying to claim that 12" Pizzas have some magical property that makes it okay to eat them multiple times a week.

People keep arguing whether cigarettes are addictive or not. Yes, technically they are, but the amount it affects and how it affects each person is different. I smoked 2-3 packs a week for a little over a year (not a real long time, I know). I quit because I wasn't making enough money to support the habit. When I quit I did it cold turkey. No weaning, no patch, no lozenge. I had the slightest ache in my stomach for about a week and that was it. I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms since and I certainly haven't felt the need to hold random shit between my fingers and in my mouth. So yes, they are addictive, but it depends on the person how much it affects them.

True enough.

 

[Wintermoot]

trying to fit in with a group
looks cool
boredom
peer pressure
low self esteem
works relaxing
try to be grown up
I don,t smoke due to the price tag

 

[DigitalAtlas]

I'm not, and that's fair enough, if you like it fine, but for the love of god don't try to claim it's not addictive or that it somehow has benefits that it doesn't.

Clears my sinuses better than Tabasco sauce.

 

[Zhukov]

Relaxation.

Also, as the last half of your post, I suppose you would argue against never ever drinking if you threw-up the first time you drank because you drank to much? Reading your post, I sense... Either pretension or some condescending tone. Not very becoming.

For what it's worth, I was not trying to be pretentious or condescending. I tried to make this clear in the OP. My apologies if it came across that way.

Now, to address your point. Yes, the exact same point applies to alcohol. It's no secret that excessive drinking is not good for your health. However, I did not feel the need to ask why people drink since I already know the answer, having hit the bottle more than a few times myself.

(Besides, I personally have never drunk enough to throw up. One of the many advantages of high body weight and density)

 

[k-ossuburb]

I started because I liked to get stoned, I haven't touched a joint in over two years now but I'd still do it if one was being passed around. I'm planning to go to Amsterdam some time this year.

I still smoke "normal" self-rolled cigarettes, since, besides the anti-D medication, it's the only thing that keeps my anxiety from kicking up and making me worry about insignificant things.

 

[iamthe1]

True Fact: Smoking cigarettes will make your penis bigger.

That is just... so... wrong.

That's what I tell the kids that I hand out cigarettes to. In my camel costume and leather jacket.

 

[Tizzmarelda]

because its delicious.