What is the purpose of smoking?

[Caliostro]

It relieves stress. It also calms your nerves. Your hands are actually steadier if you smoke a cigarette beforehand.

Also, it's legal. Holy shit, right?

Actually, this is incorrect. Ok, it's partially correct.

Nicotine is an agonist of the nicotinic acetylcoline neuroreceptors, in other words, it's a sort of stimulant. It's a dependency-inducing stimulant (like most drugs). The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will tell you, in short, that the more you abuse a substance, the more you'll face the exact opposite effects when you're not on said substance. As it's regularly known: withdrawal symptoms.

So basically, without going too much into the exact effects of nicotine as a neurotransmiter, there are 2 effects at work here:
1 - Nicotine as a muscular stimulant may help you regain muscular control if tired, due to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system (i.e.: "Fight or flight" response).
2 - A regular smoker will experience the exact opposite effects on a regular basis while not under effect of the nicotine, so their tendency to have their hands shake at all, feel more stressed, more tired, and such will be much higher, which will be "normalized" upon the next administration of the drug at hand (nicotine).

In shorter words: it's not that smokes make you all that calmer or all that more "stable", they just fuck you up more when you're not on them so you think they're making you better.

 

[Plurralbles]

I smoke cigars every couple of months and am workign on finding the right pipe and the right tobacco for that.

It's enjoyable. That's it. It's very tasty. Hell, grab a... even though it's pretty crappy and cheap, Phillies chocolate blunt. Put your lips on it. Instantly it feels like you've ate a chocolate bar. You don't even have to smoke the stuff and still enjoy what is hte equivelant of a flavor spray of sorts. Once you smoke it you get a nicotine buzz and you've given your head less oxygen creating a euphoric feeling.



I don't think I look cool. I do it because I like to do it personally and I try to keep it as far away from otehrs as possible. I don't need looks of contempt from ignoramus "holier than thou" types for enjoying a rewarding hobby.

 

[Miles Tormani]

It relieves stress. It also calms your nerves. Your hands are actually steadier if you smoke a cigarette beforehand.

Also, it's legal. Holy shit, right?

Actually, this is incorrect. Ok, it's partially correct.

Nicotine is an agonist of the nicotinic acetylcoline neuroreceptors, in other words, it's a sort of stimulant. It's a dependency-inducing stimulant (like most drugs). The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will tell you, in short, that the more you abuse a substance, the more you'll face the exact opposite effects when you're not on said substance. As it's regularly known: withdrawal symptoms.

So basically, without going too much into the exact effects of nicotine as a neurotransmiter, there are 2 effects at work here:
1 - Nicotine as a muscular stimulant may help you regain muscular control if tired, due to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system (i.e.: "Fight or flight" response).
2 - A regular smoker will experience the exact opposite effects on a regular basis while not under effect of the nicotine, so their tendency to have their hands shake at all, feel more stressed, more tired, and such will be much higher, which will be "normalized" upon the next administration of the drug at hand (nicotine).

In shorter words: it's not that smokes make you all that calmer or all that more "stable", they just fuck you up more when you're not on them so you think they're making you better.

*sigh*

Failing to notice that the first cigarette is usually calming as well, I see. What's that then, a placebo effect? I find that hard to believe when it's so common.

And what the hell is it with people always jumping on my comments when other people are saying similar (or debatably worse) things?

 

[qeinar]

It relieves stress. It also calms your nerves. Your hands are actually steadier if you smoke a cigarette beforehand.

Also, it's legal. Holy shit, right?

Actually, this is incorrect. Ok, it's partially correct.

Nicotine is an agonist of the nicotinic acetylcoline neuroreceptors, in other words, it's a sort of stimulant. It's a dependency-inducing stimulant (like most drugs). The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will tell you, in short, that the more you abuse a substance, the more you'll face the exact opposite effects when you're not on said substance. As it's regularly known: withdrawal symptoms.

So basically, without going too much into the exact effects of nicotine as a neurotransmiter, there are 2 effects at work here:
1 - Nicotine as a muscular stimulant may help you regain muscular control if tired, due to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system (i.e.: "Fight or flight" response).
2 - A regular smoker will experience the exact opposite effects on a regular basis while not under effect of the nicotine, so their tendency to have their hands shake at all, feel more stressed, more tired, and such will be much higher, which will be "normalized" upon the next administration of the drug at hand (nicotine).

In shorter words: it's not that smokes make you all that calmer or all that more "stable", they just fuck you up more when you're not on them so you think they're making you better.

ah but it also means that you will be more stable if you are a tired nonsmoker and then puff a ciggy! : D also i think cafine have the same effects, it's good for you at first, but after a while you need it to not be tired.. ^^

 

[Mrsoupcup]

I have never smoked, nor do I plan to, so I can't wrap my head around why anyone would want to. I can understand doing because you're addicted to it, but why would you subject yourself to all the toxins to begin with? The only reason that I can think of to pick up smoking is to make you feel cool.

I've been trying to find out why people do this when I realized I have a forum full of people who smoke! So Escapist, is the only reason to start smoking "Because all the cool kids are doing it"?

The Nicotine gives you a kinda buzz.

 

[knhirt]

Well spoken. I think it's also important for the younger readers to remember that the current generation is the first to really be be hit hard with the anti-smoking propaganda. When my parents were young and started smoking the media was absolutely saturated with cigarette adds. Even after the ads were banned from TV and radio they were still in magazines and on billboards. They didn't know the dangers, and once they did, they were already addicted.

But even today, knowing the dangers, if someone wants to smoke, that's their choice. People do things that are bad for them all the time. The only issue I have with smoking is second-hand smoke. If you want a cigarette, that's fine, but have the courtesy to leave the area if others don't want to be around the smoke.

You raise a good point. It can be confusing for the young ones to be subjected to so much anti-smoking propaganda, when so many people smoke.

Regarding second-hand smoke, I absolutely agree. I don't mind the smoke to a certain degree, as I've gotten a bit used to it, but the heaviest smoker I know is very considerate. I consider him someone many smokers should emulate: He suggests he swap positions with me if I'm downwind from him, and tries his best not to be in such a position that the smoke blows onto non-smokers.

In the same spirit, I suggest that non-smokers not be too self-righteous when around people who do smoke. Most often, simply asking to switch positions, or asking the smoker to blow his smoke in a different direction is enough. I absolutely hate when people cough intentionally (and obnoxiously) when walking past people smoking. It's such a needlessly hostile and tacky thing to do.

 

[potatowave]

*sigh*

Failing to notice that the first cigarette is usually calming as well, I see. What's that then, a placebo effect? I find that hard to believe when it's so common.

And what the hell is it with people always jumping on my comments when other people are saying similar (or debatably worse) things?

It doesn't "calm" you so much as give you a mild head-rush. It makes you focus, basically. You can be stressed and tired at the same time, when I smoke at least, I'm focused on a single thing.

 

[Miles Tormani]

It doesn't "calm" you so much as give you a mild head-rush. It makes you focus, basically. You can be stressed and tired at the same time, when I smoke at least, I'm focused on a single thing.

It may as well be the same thing as calmed nerves, since both help you focus on things.

Also...

Regarding second-hand smoke, I absolutely agree. I don't mind the smoke to a certain degree, as I've gotten a bit used to it, but the heaviest smoker I know is very considerate. I consider him someone many smokers should emulate: He suggests he swap positions with me if I'm downwind from him, and tries his best not to be in such a position that the smoke blows onto non-smokers.

In the same spirit, I suggest that non-smokers not be too self-righteous when around people who do smoke. Most often, simply asking to switch positions, or asking the smoker to blow his smoke in a different direction is enough. I absolutely hate when people cough intentionally (and obnoxiously) when walking past people smoking. It's such a needlessly hostile and tacky thing to do.

Quoted for truth. Listen to this guy.

When I see someone do the obnoxious "fake cough" or demand that someone put out a cigarette, I give them the finger. Doesn't matter if I was smoking at the time or not. They should know what it's like to be on the receiving end of rudeness.

 

[la-le-lu-li-lo]

More smoking topics? Jesus.

I'll sum it up real quick:
BECAUSE WE ENJOY IT.

Easy enough? 

I'll continue if you like. Why did I try it? Curiousity. It wasn't peer-pressure or trying to look cool... I was with my best friend at the time, no one there to impress. I tried it and kinda liked it. I tried different brands to see what they were like, going through Camel Menthols, Marlboro Smooths, Camel Mellows, Camel Crush, and finally settling on my brand: Camel No.9 Menthol 100s. 

Why do I continue to smoke? I still enjoy it. I've never "needed a cigarette to relax" or anything. Honestly, I'm more of a social smoker. 90% of my friends smoke, and when we're drinking or enjoying some coffee, we all tend to smoke. I also like to do it because it keeps me occupied... If I smoke alone it's usually when I'm thinking deeply about something or enjoying the rain, etc. 

So moral of th story: Curiousity started me, enjoyment keeps me smoking. Plus, there are few experiences more satisfying than enjoying a beer and a cigarette with my dad. It's a bonding experience.

I'll end with a quote from Atlas Shrugged. It ought to be the smoker's mantra.

He glanced at her and did not answer. Then he said, "I like cigarettes, Miss Taggart, I like to think of fire held in a man's hand. Fire, a dangerous force, tamed at his fingertips. I often wonder about the hours when a man sits alone, watching the smoke of a cigarette, thinking. I wonder what great things have come from such hours. When a man thinks, there is a spot of fire alive in his mind--and it is proper that he should have the burning point of a cigarette as his one expression."

Also: All this is excellent, though I'm a lady and don't flick people off. I usually laugh and tell them they can sit/walk elsewhere. I should also add that if I see a baby or kid near me I'll move me and my cancer stick out of reach. Adults can move themselves, kids I'll do the work for them.

It doesn't "calm" you so much as give you a mild head-rush. It makes you focus, basically. You can be stressed and tired at the same time, when I smoke at least, I'm focused on a single thing.

It may as well be the same thing as calmed nerves, since both help you focus on things.

Also...

Regarding second-hand smoke, I absolutely agree. I don't mind the smoke to a certain degree, as I've gotten a bit used to it, but the heaviest smoker I know is very considerate. I consider him someone many smokers should emulate: He suggests he swap positions with me if I'm downwind from him, and tries his best not to be in such a position that the smoke blows onto non-smokers.

In the same spirit, I suggest that non-smokers not be too self-righteous when around people who do smoke. Most often, simply asking to switch positions, or asking the smoker to blow his smoke in a different direction is enough. I absolutely hate when people cough intentionally (and obnoxiously) when walking past people smoking. It's such a needlessly hostile and tacky thing to do.

Quoted for truth. Listen to this guy.

When I see someone do the obnoxious "fake cough" or demand that someone put out a cigarette, I give them the finger. Doesn't matter if I was smoking at the time or not. They should know what it's like to be on the receiving end of rudeness.

 

[Bellvedere]

Smoking calms you down like you wouldn't believe. Also it suppresses your appetite. You have no idea how useful this is if your a poor uni student. Believe it or not cigarettes are cheaper than a weeks worth of decent food for breakfast lunch or dinner. And if you can't afford it anyway you don't get the horrible gnawing in your belly when you're trying to write an assignment.

It's fantastic for procrastination too. Oh I'll start this as soon as I go out for a smoke and get back. It's one of those things that only takes a couple of minutes so if you want to put off doing something but don't want it to be for like an hour (as soon as I finish this level, as soon as I tidy the house, as soon as I pair all my socks and talk to my mother <- like those ones).

As for the reason I actually started it's because it's sort of fantastic. I like the smell of cigarettes and I like the taste of cigarettes. You know how many guys I wanted to jump simply because they were smoking? Many is the answer. I'm pretty sure every boyfriend I've had has been smoking when we hooked up. Including this one idiot who decided after we started dating he suddenly had a huge fucking problem with it.

Oh and smoking whilst drunk is just the bees knees. Makes me at least 10 times happier.

 

[CrazyGeneral]

well I can't speak for most people but my dad started smoking because his friend got some hash oil and later on in life he became a chronic pain patient and started smoking to relax and due the nature of his pain it helped with the pain(basically he grinds his teeth and because of his jaw problem that causes headaches that are 2x worse then migraines so relaxing stops him from grinding his teeth)

 

[Sion_Barzahd]

Most people start smoking either due to peer pressure or to try and look cool, or out of curiosity actually.

 

[cheese_wizington]

To look cool.

To use them to their advantage?

 

[duchaked]

to make your breath smell bad? render thy lips unkissble?

 

[Vuljatar]

As I recall, according to Bender the purpose of smoking is "To look cool".

 

[tkioz]

I'm a current smoker, I was also an ex-smoker for a good 7 years, I quit after high school and everything was fine, then a few years ago my life went to complete and utter hell, money problems, family problems, relationship problems (oh boy), job problems... and it all hit in the space of about a month, one day I was trying to destress with a friend sitting out the back of his work place, just plain ruined and there was a pack of smokes, I asked for one on the impulse and bang addicted again.

Funny thing is they actually work at reducing stress, at least for me, now that my life is better for the most part I really really wish I could quit again, I don't remember it being this freaking hard.

 

[Captain Pancake]

Because cigars taste good. Some people might enjoy something that you don't, ok?

Amen. I've never tried it, but insulting somebody because of their individual tastes is just pretentious.

I never intended to insult anyone, and I never said that people who smoke are stupid. I'm just wondering why people smoke.

I never said you were the one being pretentious, I was talking about the generally held opinion.

 

[Lasair]

People who smoke cigarettes are idiots, you smoke things to get high, but most people that I know who smoke don't get high at all. If you're going to smoke, at least smoke the good stuff. That being the case, habitual smokers are still idiots because they are killing themselves. Sure it could be to de-stress, but won't you be twice as stressed when you find out you have holes in your lungs or lung cancer etc. etc.?

Since you just directly called me and several other people here an idiot, I feel compelled to reply. We've got a limited sneeze of time on this Earth - and I happened to find I wanted to try as many things as possible, and smoking (including cigarettes, roll ups, cigars, spliffs, blunts, pipes and hookahs) was one of the ones that stuck. And my justification? I don't need one because it's no-one's bloody business except my own, but if pressed I'd say 'cause I find it awesome.'

I don't know why 'hating on smokers' seems to be so in vogue at the moment on this forum, but I'm getting really sick of this. Just because smokers have a harmful habit, doesn't mean you can go around calling them idiots - people don't become moronic the minute they light a cigarette. I'm gonna go ahead and refer you to Dr Bill Hicks on this matter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9ySCcnoo3c