Why do people smoke?

[Pachystima]

I am not trying to start a flame war with this thread but I am genuinely curious why people start, and continue, to smoke with all of the information now available regarding smoking's negative health and longevity effects. INTJ's are supposed to be a logical group basing decisions on evidence and thought. But, in another thread here, I have noted ithere appear to be many INTJ's who smoke in spite of all the bad news. I, for one, would like your thoughts on the subject.

I'll start. I am an ex smoker. I started smoking when I was 15 and quit in 1962 when I was 25. When I quit I was smoking about 2 packs a day of the old lung-buster unfiltered Chesterfields.

I started smoking because I thought that it was "cool". Cool was really important when I was young (It probably still is). In those days, smoking was thought to be "bad for your wind" but, aside from that, not particularly unhealthy. Somewhere around 3/4 of adult men smoked. I quit because I was starting to gurgle when I breathed and because I was working as a logger and wanted to be in better shape. I worked hard getting the cigarette habit. I almost threw up the first time I inhaled. Quitting was not easy!

I smoked for ten years and honestly can't say that I ever really enjoyed it. I was addicted to the nicotine so to avoid suffering withdrawal pangs, I continued smoking. The "pleasure" I derived from smoking came more from the relief of withdrawal symptoms than anything related to pleasure in the act.

I think if smoking had not been made to look "cool" in adds and movies, I probably would never have started. I consider myself lucky that I was able to quit. My younger brother started when I did and was never able to quit; he died two years ago from lung and throat cancer.

[Anhedonic Lake]

To conform. It was socially "cool" to smoke in the past. Now it's regarded as asocial.

[Jarem Asyder]

Because nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs out there and there's a multi-billion dollar corporation that does everything in its power to get people addicted when they're young and impressionable.

[Kmal]

simple answer: because they like it.

[epiphanatic]

i smoked for almost 15 years because i liked to smoke...i liked cigarettes. i still do like to smoke, i just don't do it anymore.

[Kmal]

i smoked for a summer, and while it is pretty fun and a cool perspective at times, it destroys my mind, or my consciousness, or something. i like my mind especially clear and sharp at all times and when i smoked, it felt like i was on autopilot or something. i cant stand smoking now, although i will smoke a cigar every once in a while (i actually have not done this since i quit, but i'm open to it if i get the inkling)

[sewntothesky]

well, honestly.. i smoke because:

.. i like it. i like taking a drag. i like exhaling. i can explain it just as well as everyone else can explain why they like dancing a certain way or looking at trees. i like the taste, too.
.. it reminds me of things. songs, lyrics, words, a certain look on the face of a person i like. surely, all these things also remind of cigarettes and work as triggers. i can't go listening to (smog)'s "your wedding" without rolling at least one cig.
.. securing my private space in public places. i don't want people talking me up on a bus stop or in the streets or while i'm simply sitting on a bench waiting for someone. smoking looks liek you're busy doing something and that usually keeps people away. also, it helps me concentrate. (i agree that smoking is not necessarily the best way to achieve this. headphones work, too. but while i do like having my own soundtrack to my day, i usually prefer to actually hear what is going on around me. books work beautifully, but once again, they completely drown my focus. i tend to miss the bus when reading while waiting for it.)
.. all these things combined paint a picture in my head that i consider pretty, so yes, i do think it makes me look "cool". but only in my own eyes. just like i choose the clothes i wear solely because i personally love them. if that makes any sense outside of my head. (if not, go ahead, ask.)


unfortunately, unlike favourite clothes, cigarettes make me sick. and i have set my plans to actually quit soon. from past experiences i know it will be easy once i actually decide to simply not do it. right now, i'm not quite there yet. at the moment, the only reason i'd quit is because my husband's all worried about my lungs and such. sadly, that's kind of .. a "second-hand" reason. and thus not enough.

i guess what i'm trying to say is: personally, i think it's not at all "cool" and it's a pretty irrational and dumb thing to do. but i know why *i* do it.

[Geise]

Don't assume that every INTJ is equally critical about their health/longevity. I smoke because I like the nicotine buzz. I've decided that I'd rather enjoy certain things and have a shorter life, than to live longer and never know what those things are like. However, I always adjust my smoking based on circumstances (do I need to pass a PT test soon? Am I growing too tolerant of the nicotine and not getting a buzz anymore? Am I just feeling too unhealthy from it?). My smoking has nothing to do with conforming socially or "looking cool" though. I don't care if people think it's cool or ugly. It's a personal hedonistic delight.

[Carol]

I snuck smokes 25 years as a teen because it was wrong. Smoked in earnest 20 years ago again because I thought it made me look more "badass" and I felt it was a grown-up thing to do. I continued because I got hooked, I loved having something to handle with my nervousness, and as a shy person, it was a way to socialize: "do you have a light?". There were also all sorts of flirtations, messages, mannerisms one could affect with cigarettes. There was style that could be conveyed with selection of lighters & brand of cigarette.

[admittedheretic]

When I first began smoking there without a doubt was some pressure from other people, but such pressure is not what kept me smoking. I've smoke for dozens of periods of months and in turn quitting cold turkey every time effortlessly.

Cigarettes increase cortisol levels in the blood which is why many smokers feel it help them dealing with stress. For some people smoking might raise cortisol levels excessively high and increase stress. Nicotine effects various neurotransmitter in ways that can improve mood, energy, memory, and learning. I smoked for the former reason.

I smoked for a few years in the past because it made me feel good. The only time when cigarettes taste pleasant is when I'm craving them. I found myself having to smoke too often to achieve the positive effects to justify using it further. I also quit in part because I know other people don't like it. After I quit and learned to smell again I could understand why others felt the way they did. Still, I deal with people who don't believe in deordinant and that odor might be more offensive to some than tobacco smoke.

The part I miss most about being a smoker doesn't have anything to do with the substance itself. I miss being able to take 10 minute breaks from social interactions without having to provide an excuse so easily.

PS. Smoking cigarettes does not cause lung cancer.

[Jarem Asyder]

PS. Smoking cigarettes does not cause lung cancer.

Prove it. Show me the evidence that discredits every unbiased peer reviewed research article out there. You lose automatically if you post anything paid for by any tobacco industry.

[admittedheretic]

Prove it. Show me the evidence that discredits every unbiased peer reviewed research article out there. You lose automatically if you post anything paid for by any tobacco industry.

Not everyone who smokes develops cancer.

The evidence you're referring to says nothing more than smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing cancer. Correlation is not causation.

[Jarem Asyder]

Not everyone who smokes develops cancer.

The evidence you're referring to says nothing more than smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing cancer. Correlation is not causation.

Not everyone who smokes develops cancer =/= smoking does not cause cancer.

Making a bold statement is disingenuous to the risks associated with smoking and something that the tobacco industry has engaged in for decades until the government made them admit that "oh by the way our product actually can kill you."

[thod]

Because physical health these days does not count for much. We use machines to lift heavy things and cars to travel distances. What matters is mental performance. Nicotine makes me smarter. It calms when needed, it increases alertness when needed. There is a reason all those sentries in the war films spent their time smoking, they needed to be alert. Sure you may die of lung cancer, but it you make it that far as a smoker, you are much less likely to suffer from senility.

[Geise]

One question that I think is similar is "why do people listen to their music extra loud if they know it causes hearing damage?". Because the enjoyment of crescendo-level music outweighs the fear of hearing loss for some people.

[Jarem Asyder]

One question that I think is similar is "why do people listen to their music extra loud if they know it causes hearing damage?". Because the enjoyment of crescendo-level music outweighs the fear of hearing loss for some people.

Except that if you decide to stop listening to loud music you don't go into painful withdrawal symptoms.

[Geise]

Except that if you decide to stop listening to loud music you don't go into painful withdrawal symptoms.

Yes, but I'm talking about the desire to smoke beyond those symptoms. When the dangers are well known, and one doesn't feel they need to smoke because of addiction or social pressures, but chooses to anyway for the enjoyment of it. There are casual smokers after all :) And listening to loud music indeed doesn't have painful withdrawal symptoms, so that's one less reason for people to continue doing it! So why do they? People have different values on health vs enjoyment. Someone more concerned about their health would be less likely to smoke, and more willing and likely to quit if they did. Someone more concerned about their enjoyment would be more willing to start smoking, and less willing to quit.

[AcuMan]

Because the cartoon camel told me to.

[zibber]

It's addictive.

Prove it. Show me the evidence that discredits every unbiased peer reviewed research article out there. You lose automatically if you post anything paid for by any tobacco industry.

Cigarettes don't cause lung cancer in the sense that shooting someone in the face causes their death. The risk is increased.

[Jarem Asyder]

It's addictive.



Cigarettes don't cause lung cancer in the sense that shooting someone in the face causes their death. The risk is increased.

right, well nothing is absolute, downplaying the risk is disingenuous though.

[fabby]

I smoke cause... I dunno. I just like it - it keeps me calm, gives me a few minutes to collect my thoughts, I guess. Part of me hates that I smoke because I hate feeling dependent on something other than myself... but... eh...

Oddly enough, I never had pressure from my peers, which most people attribute that to part of the reason they picked it up. In fact, I usually get at least a couple dirty looks and/or eye-rolling when I need to have one >_<

The negative effects have not become apparent just yet (I smoke about half a pack a day... but it really depends on the kind of day I'm having) and the moment I develop any of them I will most likely stop. Until then though... *puff puff*

[MikeC]

I smoke 10 a day, because goddamit it feels good. I do it for the soul.

[lostchaos]

I first tried tried smoking at 16 and hated it. It tasted awful, smelled foul and made me feel uncomfortably light headed. At the time I thought I'd never try smoking again. A few years later I was introduced to them again by my girl friend at the time. When I tried them the second time I underwent an epiphany of sorts and realized that smoking only had an appeal under select conditions. Now I smoke sparingly whenever I drink and will typically thoroughly enjoy the experience. I also wouldn't give up the habit for the world. At least not to save an X number of years of my life or to appease petty social standards.

I've even had some indignant people actually go out of their way to tell me that smoking was bad for me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I'd rather live a shorter life and enjoy the finer moments than a long one where I don't get to live life to the fullest.

[Buckley]

Smoking a pipe is the most relaxing, thoughtful, 'slow down' aid in the world today. Started perhaps 15 years ago. Thought I'd look distinct. Most people follow me around to inhale the aroma. Everyone likes it except my wife. handling a pipe, looking at the different colors in the wood (or the way clay or meercham feels) looking for that perfect blend (found it!) and enjoying being a man. (women look absolutely silly smoking a pipe.)

[vnes]

one day there was a box of cigs in my room so i smoked one. i was 14. smoked basically from then for the next 30 something years. stopped because it was damaging my health and my life more than it was enjoyable. too much for too long and i can smell again. smoke stinks!

[Deliberator]

I smoke cigars, probably for similar reasons that people smoke cigarettes. I just never got addicted, because it's much harder to get addicted to cigars.

I picked it up because it seemed so cool and edgy, it was something girls never did, and my sister did it. My sister was very popular, and she picked up the habit for the same reason. Only difference is, she doesn't smoke anymore (because I don't think she actually ever liked it) whereas I have come to enjoy smoking just for its own sake.

The complex tastes the fill your mouth when you puff on a good cigar are just heavenly, the smell is intense and diverse. You smoke an entire cigar and you feel like you could just melt into your chair from the nicotine you've absorbed through the skin of your mouth. The smoke doesn't enter the lungs, but if it does accidentally it is very intense (and will make you cough for sure). Smoking cigars frequently can give you mouth and throat cancer, and increases risk for GI cancers unless you always spit while you smoke. Sometimes I do because unless I drink a lot of water I'll end up getting a stomachache.

[BFrost1]

People start because it's "cool," or for some other conformist reason, and once they become addicted, they smoke because they are addicted.

[Mewtwo]

I considered smoking some time two years ago - when I'd first decided to take the much less easy route to my life long decisions, seeing I knew things weren't going to be as straightforward as I thought. Fortunately, I've been little on stress for the longest time, therefore never tried it.

[Kmal]

just had a menthol cigarette. my mind goes blank when i smoke, it seems to enhance my intuition greatly. yet, i still dont "like" it. i mean, i love what the cigs do to me, relaxed, feel good, whatnot. yet, my mind does not like for me to do it. interesting.

[Feral]

I think I'm kinda the opposite of what I'm reading here...
I didn't 'start' smoking until I was 18. I tried it once in my earlier teens, but it was gross, and I couldn't see the point. Pretty much everyone I knew smoked, so I didn't think it was cool. I didn't really look up to anyone, and I couldn't figure out what the appeal was.

And then I discovered sex! =D
lol, only partly kidding.

I'd have one every once in awhile. Then Camel had those Exotic Blend cigarettes, which were delightful, and I smoked them pretty regularly (so I went through maybe a pack a week, and that's with giving them to friends and such as well).

I smoke those Crush cigarettes now. Pretty mellow menthol. I actually don't like the nicotine feeling, so I usually can't smoke more than one in an hour, makes me sick as hell. What I like most about it is actually the feel of the smoke in my lungs, and breathing it in deeply feels nice.

I almost never smoke when I'm not at work. I forget about it completely on my days off, I've never really had physical cravings. I'll stop when I stop enjoying it.

[visirale]

I started smoking at the end of HS (once I was 18) and continued casually into my junior year of college. I started guilt tripping myself about my future family and how selfish it was of me to continue to do it, so I quit cold turkey. This was shortly after my best friend died. As I became further and further detached from religion, I just started to not care again. I picked it up again in late April because of the stress of finals. I know it's bad for me, but I know my life can end at any second. Whether it's my fault, or someone else's, my life can end in a millisecond. If I make it to 50 or 60 and smoking is my only problem, I will have considered it beating the odds.

Most likely though, I'll stop again sometime soon now that I'm trying to work out more and get into great shape. I've never found the "fix" that cigs offer to be that addicting. Sure there are cravings, but nothing that a strong mind can't conquer. When I quit before it was bad for a day or two but after that it was incredibly easy.

[sircockburn]

A lot of girls I knew started smoking solely to stay thin. I actually had one female friend tell me that her father taught her how to smoke in order to stay skinny. "It'll keep yer weight down, Maddie, so you don't get flabby and unappealing like yer mom." Her mother had quit smoking 2 years before.

As for me, I tried it - once - when I was 16 for the pure physical experience. I saw what it was like, disliked it immensely. I don't smoke ANYTHING anymore. (yay edibles)

[Tito]

Not everyone who smokes develops cancer.

The evidence you're referring to says nothing more than smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing cancer. Correlation is not causation.
There must be some truth to this because my grandparents from my father side both smoked cigars for years, and not only did they not developed any smoking-related deseases; but they also died of natural causes.

And my grandfather decided one day to stop smoking and that was the end of that, cold turkey and successful.

There seems to be something going on that prevents many people from developing smoke related diseases despite smoking for decades, maybe its genetic.

BTW, I don't smoke, have never smoked and most likely will never smoke.

[Causa Mortis]

I smoke cigars because I like the taste, feel important, and feel relaxed following one. Make of that what you will. :P

---------- Post added 05-30-2010 at 12:05 PM ----------

There must be some truth to this because my grandparents from my father side both smoked cigars for years, and not only did they not developed any smoking-related deseases; but they also died of natural causes.

And my grandfather decided one day to stop smoking and that was the end of that, cold turkey and successful.


Yes, I do not get physical cravings for cigars. I occasionally get a psychological one, but its been stable at about 1-3 per week for 6 months. I don't think its a significant health risk for someone who eats right and exercises every day. I quit altogether for 4 months this spring, but have started back up again.

[IndigoFire]

I smoke cigars, probably for similar reasons that people smoke cigarettes. I just never got addicted, because it's much harder to get addicted to cigars.

I picked it up because it seemed so cool and edgy, it was something girls never did, and my sister did it. My sister was very popular, and she picked up the habit for the same reason. Only difference is, she doesn't smoke anymore (because I don't think she actually ever liked it) whereas I have come to enjoy smoking just for its own sake.

The complex tastes the fill your mouth when you puff on a good cigar are just heavenly, the smell is intense and diverse. You smoke an entire cigar and you feel like you could just melt into your chair from the nicotine you've absorbed through the skin of your mouth. The smoke doesn't enter the lungs, but if it does accidentally it is very intense (and will make you cough for sure). Smoking cigars frequently can give you mouth and throat cancer, and increases risk for GI cancers unless you always spit while you smoke. Sometimes I do because unless I drink a lot of water I'll end up getting a stomachache.

This girl is correct. Its edgy and fun.

[paperclip]

Its cool ... ok really, i started smoking as a social crutch. There's nothing like having to step outside at a bar to light a cigarette .. its a socially acceptable break from whatever inane conversation is happening inside. 3 - 5 minutes alone - nice. Also having to do with social spaces, cigs relieved some of my nervousness in that it gives my hands and thus mind something to do. A task in a social setting is the best way to eliminate anxiety. -- I've quit now but I really miss that excuse.

[phoboser]

I used to smoke. I started the first week of college because I couldn't stand being in my room with my roommate, and I needed something to do when I went outside to be alone. During that first month of smoking the relaxation would last up to half an hour after each cigarette, it was beautiful. I remember that month fondly even though I was miserable at the time.

I continued to smoke because it still felt good for a few years, and I rationalized risking my health with the belief that I would quit soon, and with some half-baked notion that medical technology would be so advanced by the time I was old that it could reverse any damage that I was doing. I quit 3 years after starting when it started to feel more like a need than a want. I smoked for a few months total on and off during the five years after that, having gotten hooked again while living with smokers.

[nowt]

It resets the stage for wonder.