FabSwingers.com forum: Can’t win with..

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

..this debate/on going discussion at work.

I am an “occasional smoker”. I will smoke a deck of cigs over 1-2 weeks then have a break of about 2 months.

Recently (3 months ago. I guess I could say the last time I had a cig was last decade! Pardon the dad joke!) I began to smoke a little more and had two decks in a month.This time I felt like stopping for a bit longer and it’s been around 3 months now that I haven’t had any cigs. I don’t feel an urge or need to smoke any. I’m going to leave it for a bit longer but I do miss it.

My issue is with people saying “oh you’re addicted”. Which to be honest, with whatever reply you give, people say “that’s what addicts say”.

A few years back when I was smoking regularly a friend challenged me to stop cold turkey for a year. Which i did. But my co worker recently said “okay stop for 6 years” which i thought was a bit daft

. They said they’re not addicted to alcohol but told me I was being daft for suggesting they give up drinking for 6 years to prove it!!!

I’ll admit I do LIKE to smoke. I like the feeling, the smell and the ritual of smoking. It reminds me of staying at my grans house on a weekend as a kid. I usually smoke while I drive or with good friends. I’ve always wanted to make sure I can put them away when I want to and hence I take a few months break between buying a packet.

So what are your folks thoughts on this.

How would you say you’d know if your addicted? Would you say being able to take several months break between a packet of cigs shows that I’m not addicted? I’m not looking for justification to smoke, I’m happy to do it in a controlled moderation, but it is annoying when you just hear people bashing you without listening to what you’re actually saying!

Sorry this is a bit of a rant along with wanting to know other peoples thoughts!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Bump?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No idea but my dad used to be like you. Would stop for months then just randomly smoke, then stop again. Although he’s permanently stopped now, and if he has the urge he’ll use my mums vape (very very rarely though)

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By *ornyhappyCouple
over a year ago

perth

I'd say if you can go several months without smoking, and you're not climbing the walls, then you're not addicted. When you smoke you are choosing to do so as opposed to it being a physical need.

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

I think addiction is more mental than physical. When the physical symptons have subsuded it is the mental symptons that are a struggle.

I don't know if your an addict or not.

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

Cravings or that initial thought before acting can take months, weeks, days, hours or minutes to break you down.

I am a little envious of casual smokers, it's something I couldn't do.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I'm not qualified to say if you're addicted or not.

If you can put the smokes away for a few months then you have it under control but my alcoholic family member only drinks at weekends.

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By *aitonelMan
over a year ago

Travelling

Addiction is tricky. You don't have to feel like it is part of your existence to be addicted.

However it is a very minor addiction. The fact that you miss it and return to it is a form of addiction, the way you describe what you miss about it for example. It is a none natural part of life, not key to survival. A man made pleasure, partial vice.

We all have them in some form or another, coffee drinkers, chocolate lovers, sports fans etc. There are many forms and levels of addiction. People just focus on the deep addictions.

The counter to your friend is correct though, it is the same as those who feel the need to drink every weekend or whatever.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Cravings or that initial thought before acting can take months, weeks, days, hours or minutes to break you down.

I am a little envious of casual smokers, it's something I couldn't do."

True I guess it’s a test over time more than anything. I just don’t like the idea of no more forever haha

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm not qualified to say if you're addicted or not.

If you can put the smokes away for a few months then you have it under control but my alcoholic family member only drinks at weekends."

Yep that’s my take on it too!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Addiction is tricky. You don't have to feel like it is part of your existence to be addicted.

We all have them in some form or another, coffee drinkers, chocolate lovers, sports fans etc. There are many forms and levels of addiction. People just focus on the deep addictions.

The counter to your friend is correct though, it is the same as those who feel the need to drink every weekend or whatever."

Hmm. Interesting perspective! I guess in that way then we are all addicted to things. I guess the main thing is learning to exercise control and self discipline.

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