So... why start smoking?

[Dr.Sean]

inorite It doesn't even get you high or anything

 

[Darkauthor81]

smoking has a lot of benefits and does more than get you addicted to them

No it doesn't. The only benefit is "relaxation" and even that is actually an illusion; taking a drag actually increases your blood pressure. The only reason why smoking is relaxing is because of your body getting a "fix", there's nothing inherently relaxing about cigar(rete) smoke. That's why non-smokers do not experience the relaxing feeling until their body becomes accustomed to nicotine intake.

And yes, it DOES do more than get you addicted. It gives you cancer, kills your tastebuds, drain your wallet, and affects your respiratory and cardiovascular health.

So why do people start smoking? Various reasons:

1. Headbuzz. A new smoker will get a headbuzz when smoking, this slowly wanes as the body becomes accustomed(and on it's way to addicted) to it.
2. Curiosity. Like any drug or restricted activity, people often want to do things they've never tried before.
3. Image. Yes, it's a pretty dumb reason but some people start smoking because of the image it gives them.
4. Peer influence. I'm not talking old fashioned peer-pressure, but it is certainly more enjoyable to do ANYTHING when you've got friends to do it with.
I tried smoking for a while in late high school for the headbuzz. I stopped once i stopped getting it and realized i was starting to get addicted, and the price tag definitely didn't help.

While I agree, cigarette smoke is a valid cure for an ear ache.

Now, hear me out. This isn't a placebo. I've done it myself and a lot of old timers will tell you it works. It's just crazy and stupid sounding so no one tries it anymore.

Had a severe ear ache while in college once. Couldn't afford medicine had no money what so ever. My mom and grandmother kept telling me to get someone to blow cigarette smoke into my ear. I was like "That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard!" But eventually the days of pain and sleepless nights forced me to be open to anything. So I had my room mate do it. Ache went away two or 3 minutes later and my ear started draining like crazy. Had to have it done later that night when the pain came back and again the pain went right away again. Had two ear aches since then both time the result was immediate. I keep a pack of cigs in the closet for future ear aches.

 

[bdcjacko]

Cause it makes me look cool

 

[DanielBrown]

Well, I started with snuff because of peer-pressure when I was 13 years old. Later went on to smoking, but I mainly use snuff.
Why we keep doing it? Because we're addicted and it's a social thing. If you used to smoke and quit it'll be a living hell every time you go to a party or meet a friend who still smokes.
I mean it. Living hell.

 

[KeyMaster45]

Tobacco is not even close to as addictive as you think it is.

Tobacco might not be, but the nicotine they add to it is.

I imagine people pick it up, like others have said, because of social reasons but eventually get hooked on the nicotine whether they realize it or not. Of course there will always be those who can smoke casually the same way there will always be chain smokers. Not going to condemn them for it, we all have our vices after all. I'll just try and avoid them since I can't stand the smell and am allergic to something in cigarette smoke.

 

[Binerexis]

It helped me with my steroid withdrawal.

 

[Broax]

I have to go with "young and stupid...". Although I wasn't THAT young when I started to smoke more regularly... The thing is I was curious and I was aware I wouldn't get addicted if I tried one (you probably won't)... But I enjoyed the first one so from time to time I'd have a smoke 'cause it was just good and I didn't had a habit (I smoked like... a cigarette every two months).

Then I went through some crazy shit and used a smoking as a kind of relief... It's not that smoking calms your nerves(which it does a bit) it's that when you have to "wait" for something, or aren't busy doing anything but are too nervous to kill some time (like I was) smoking gives you something to do... It's hard to explain but I found that most my friends that smoke can relate to that...

It's like... Imagine you're trying to deal with something really bad (in my case) and there's nothing you can do about it... Well... I smoked and at least it felt I wasn't standing still... It's very hard to explain but I started 'cause of that...

My best advise is... DON'T START SMOKING! It's NOT cool... It's (very) expensive... It fucks your health! And not in a "oh, I MIGHT get cancer... pffft!" way... more like "damn! I can't climb these stairs without collapsing from the effort!".

If any kid reads this... Really... Not cool! nothing but bad things come from smoking... At the very least... bad breath!

And trying to quit is a ***** too... =(

 

[holy_secret]

I started smoking when my fiancée passed away in order to have something to do when I was sitting at home not having anything to occupy my time. It was nice. Gave me an excuse to go out to the balcony and chill out.

Now, three years later, I'm still holding on to those cigarettes. Maybe because they still remind me of her. Maybe because I'm addicted. Maybe it's because of both of these reasons?S

 

[Shadow-Phoenix]

Seems like an incredibly expensive habit regardless of its benefits or negatives.

I smoke and its not really that expensive when you use rolling tobacco since its cheaper than buying a pack of 10 or 20 deck.

 

[Darkauthor81]

The ignorance of some non-smokers astounds me as much or more than the ignorance of some smokers.

People smoke because it's a social tool.

It not only makes you feel more relaxed, it makes you look more relaxed. And Girls like relaxed guys. It's bad for you, but so is any other addiction.

LOL! Yes huddling outside in 5 degree weather between classes and on work breaks because simply CAN'T go another minute without a fix looks so very relaxing. Oh! And panicking and begging people for a cig when you suddenly run out. Women love it when you look desperate. Oh and they love it when your teeth turn yellow, to stink of smoke, and your kisses taste like an ash tray. Drives them wild.

And as a social tool? Yeah I agree. I've stood out in the smoking area to talk to people. Sadly half the "socialization" is bitching about how much cigs cost now and how badly people want to quit.

Sounds like fun! Sign me up.

 

[Lucifron]

It's extremely relaxing when done in moderation.

I don't smoke very often (maybe a pack a month at most because I know it's terrible for me), but nothing is better before a big exam than a cigarette. It helps you relax while keeping you focused.

Marry me!

[small]You don't have to, I'm just expressing elation over our similar thoughts on the subject. Also, this is not a low-content post.[/small]

 

[HardkorSB]

Smoking doesn't relax you.
It's the deep breaths you take when you inhale and exhale the smoke.
Slow and deep breaths lower your blood pressure and heart rate so naturally you feel more relaxed.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[derelict]

Peer pressure. Peer pressure is *always* why people start smoking, regardless of what they actually say. Mind you I also smoke (well, if you can call going through a pack in 2 months smoking, anyway). Could be summed up in the phrase "Came for the 'friends', stayed for the cancer."

Took me two years to find a brand I actually liked, too. Tbh, I'd rather smoke a pipe with some quality tobacco, but its difficult to find and I'd look a tad strange doing it seeing as how I don't have any gray hair or grandchildren yet.

 

[DeathWyrmNexus]

I suppose it's a reason to get out of the house and a 'social' thing to do. When else can you walk outside with a certain someone and talk?
Oh wait...

Granted, it's a dumb thing to do. But than again, what hobby isn't? (I see smoking as a hobby.) Just playing games strikes off time you could had used socializing and gained a better life all around.

Um, what? Are you comparing gaming to inhaling a carcinogen? Please tell me that you're joking...

 

[dkyros]

Bc they smoke in Cowboy beebop, and I was always told that you should emulate those who you want to be. So in order to be a space bounty hunter that is proficient in martial arts I gotta start somewhere and its way easier than taking karate lessons.

Naa but seriously, i see no good reason to start smoking. I smoked a few times at a party to talk to some 'smoking' hot ladies. But, I never continued and I never smoked the stuff sober. I do hear that a lot of people do get hooked starting like I did, by just smoking at parties, don't know how true that is.

 

[willsham45]

I smoked a bit usally when drunk but never long enough to get addicted.
There are many many reasons to start, most people start when young when they dont care, if family members smoke they are more likly too, some do it to fit in, others think it is cool, hot or sexy. others like the taste and then others simply just enjoy it.

As it stands smoking gives an opertunity to have regular breaks and get outside and can be a stress relef whether or not this is so is debatable but you cannot knock someones opinion, it makes then feel relaxed it makes then feel relaxed, coffee wakes some people up, my uncal cannot go to sleep without one i have friends who cannot work without coffee, i dont drink coffee or anything like that and i seam to be able to cope with being awake longer than them.

everything effects everyone differenly and you cannot knock it.

 

[Kaptajn Emil Alfred Conan Swagga Benzon]

When I started smoking, I was 11 - 12. I just thought it was cool. However, this was before I learned to inhale, so I wasn't addicted at the time. After not touching a cigarette in years, I had one with my new band when I was 14, and they tought me to inhale. I am 17 now, but I don't feel like I'm addicted. I can easily go over a week without smoking, and I could easily quit. Also , about half the smokers I know have been smoking for years, but quit from one day to another, and haven't touched a cigarette since. I just don't wanna try quitting, because I really enjoy smoking, like all other smokers. No one is so addicted that they keep doing it even if they don't want to. I feel like it's an important part of my identity, and I'm not going to quit any time soon.

Please spare me all the judging and accusing hateful comments that non-smokers often come up with.

EDIT: Removed the quote of OP. Sorry, I haven't been on here for a while.

 

[Zenn3k]

To piss off other people, obviously.

 

[Random Argument Man]

I tried smoking to get on my last girlfriend's good side. If you would've seen her, you would at least think twice to smoke.

In my defense, Bob Dylan once said "You can't be in love and be wise at the same time". I pretty much agree.

 

[Darkauthor81]

Bc they smoke in Cowboy beebop, and I was always told that you should emulate those who you want to be. So in order to be a space bounty hunter that is proficient in martial arts I gotta start somewhere and its way easier than taking karate lessons.

Naa but seriously, i see no good reason to start smoking. I smoked a few times at a party to talk to some 'smoking' hot ladies. But, I never continued and I never smoked the stuff sober. I do hear that a lot of people do get hooked starting like I did, by just smoking at parties, don't know how true that is.

Oh it's true. Nicotine is the most addictive drug on earth. Yes, more than cocaine, speed, ecstasy. It's harder for a smoker to quit than a crack head and addiction starts very quickly. Some people are more or less susceptible than others. You probably have some level of immunity to the addiction which saved you from getting hooked.