Maybe not: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20015159-10391704.html (CBS) Drink up... that is if you want to live a few years longer. That's the highly unusual conclusion of a new study which suggests that non-drinkers die sooner than heavy drinkers. Moderate drinkers fair the best. The paper, which appears in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, took a look at 1,824 participants over 20 years, according to Time.com. Sixty-three percent of them were men. Scientists, led by psychologist Charles Holahan of the University of Texas at Austin, filtered out "socioeconomic status, level of physical activity, number of close friends, quality of social support," according to the site, and still found that nondrinkers just don't live as long as their drinking compatriots. Over the 20-year period, 69 percent of the nondrinkers died, 60 percent of the heavy drinkers died and only 41 percent of the moderate drinkers died. Moderate drinking, according to Time, was defined as one to three drinks per day. The findings are certainly confusing, since heavy drinking can lead to liver failure, mouth cancer and heart problems. And being a drunk can ruin friendships, career and family. Still, as odd as it may seem, the old saying, "drink to your health," may be wise after all.
I miss it. I've been cigarette-free for maybe 3 or 4 months (I stopped counting a while ago) and most of the time I don't think about it. But when I do the urge is overwhelming. And that's with an e-cigarette. I hadn't planned to use one, but after I finished the patch regimen I found I couldn't concentrate at ALL and I can't do my job if I can't concentrate. I still needed the nicotine. By being away from cigarettes for months before starting the e-cig though I am completely past the hand/mouth thing and the habitual thing. It's only in times of serious stress that I feel the urge. And my job has me stressed out on a very regular basis. I also found out that there is a 97% recidivism rate for people who use the patch alone. And, in my studies on that, I found out that about 70% of bipolar people (which I am) smoke. I am glad not to stink though. I was very self-conscious about that. Everyone told me I'd feel a lot better physically but I haven't noticed that. And even with a 3 pack/day habit, I haven't noticed the extra money either. However much money I have, that's how much I spend. So the only real benefits to me are not stinking and, by far the most important, not putting a strain on my relationship. My smoking was very hard on my girlfriend, which was the main reason I stopped. I don't regret it but I do miss it.
I have no problem with smokers who respect non smokers. But smokers who disrespect non smokers by lighting up a cigarette right next to me will get me pretty pissed off. I'm so glad they got rid of smoking in Bars and Restaurants here in Canada. I'm pretty sensitive to that smell and it gives me headache. You just can't avoid these idiot smokers for 10 minutes in downtown. The funny thing is that the Government control the liquor and Tobacco.
Quit 7 months ago but I bummed one off a classmate the other day after a particularly stressful day and nearly relapsed. It only takes 1. Now that the cold weather is back I am jonesing like hell.
As somebody with sinuses (and eyes) that are extremely f***ed up by even the slightest hint of smoke, I don't get it. I never will. Money pit of a habit that offers literally zero benefits other than relief from the cravings when you're in withdrawls. It's freaking pointless to me.
i HATE cigarette smoke and although it is against the law, it's not against my personal morals to shoot any smoker anywhere around my vicinity dead
At times it boggles my mind how some intellectually smart successful people could be dumb enough to smoke. it's like an overweight genius; obviously they're not that smart.
I know I was not the hardcore smoker that some may be (I smoked around 10 cigs per day for 5 years) but the thing that really helped was first realizing that I would never overcome the sweet urge to smoke, my first advice to someone trying to quit is to first acknowledge that. So I quit cold turkey, didn't smoke for almost 2 1/2 years. Did have one the other day (no regrets) because the moment (and around 8 beers) just called for it, it was at an improbable Twin Shadow concert, I went through it faster than he could strum a chord :grin: , I felt this velvety light rush you get your first time smoking Marlboro reds... This goes to show the appeal smoking has, I don’t think it is going to go away, to this day I still have dreams about it from time to time, and they were much more frequent at the beginning. To finish this ramble off, about that one cigarette, the sentiment I had when I woke up the next morning feeling like ****, was to be grateful for that perfect reminder of what I didn't like about it.
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yesterday, I hit 12 years cigarette free! still smoke in my dreams no matter how much I detest them in reality... chicks who smoke are pretty nasty.
I used to feel that any form of smoke has absolutely negative effects on one's health. It's mostly true. I'm not a mar1juana smoker, but I read a study from ~2005 that essentially stated cannabinoids are actually beneficial to one's health (along the lines of alcohol in low levels can be good for the heart). The dangers of mar1juana smoke are more from the burning of carcinogens (and lack of adequate filter), thus more coughing could cause more physiological damage. Vaporizers eliminate the harsh intake (not that I'm advocating for mar1juana). Regarding cigarette smoking, I've never been a smoker. In fact I've only had probably 4 or 5 "puffs" my whole life -- and that was in the past year. My main reason was to see what effects occur. Indeed, the near-instant dizzying, relaxing, pseudo-euphoric sensation occurred, though I understand that dissipates over time as a smoker gets used to it. That disappointed me. It made me "understand" that people out there -- especially young under educated ones aged ~15-21 -- make the decision to do it without thought or concern. I'm surrounded by it in Europe and I constantly get weird looks for being the non-smoker. Everyone does it, not knowing the risks -- even with all the efforts over the years, younger kids have seemingly never been exposed to the long-term health effects. I'd even suggest it should be a mandatory part of public school education, like Sex Ed (if it isn't already). These people don't know why they do it. They don't know why they're addicted. They don't see any problem in doing it -- any time of day, regardless of whether alcohol is involved. Overall, I still see no logical reason for it. Just because other people are doing it doesn't mean you have to. No one needs to smoke.
My thoughts are, lots of things are bad for you. I don't need to police everyone else's lifestyle. It irritates me that people who have jumped on the smokerhating train single it out... Or most any other "I know what's best for you and the collective, and we have ways of making you change" mob mentality. Everyone's lifestyle is different. Careful who you paint as deviant and burdensome, lest your lifestyle be accosted next. I don't smoke anymore, but people who get indignant and self-righteous about it rub me the wrong way. I do agree it's a bad habit, and not good for you. That's about it.
Smoking is currently one of those behaviors that the rest of society has sanction to look down upon. The people who talk about shooting smokers, hating smokers, smokers are dumb, smokers are dirty, and so forth, wouldn't have done so or even thought so 30 years ago. Every so often some behavior gets the scarlet letter, and that gives other people a chance to proclaim their own superiority/express their annoyance/ramp up their hyperbole with impunity. Ultimately, it's all pretty meaningless. Eventually some other behavior will receive the scarlet letter and the cycle will repeat. It's just a shame that people only leap on behaviors when it's already culturally-acceptable to do so. There's **** going on that really is terrible, but people don't attack it because society hasn't given them permission yet.
I think most people agree that you can't dictate how someone else lives their life. If one wants to smoke, he/she has that freedom. However, most people's problem stems from the inconsiderate smokers. That can range from second hand smoke, smelling bad, or being allowed to take unnecessary breaks from work. I have no problem with a random person wanting to smoke. It's their problem that they should have to deal with the consequences for. Once it starts affecting others, that's where the issue arises. Don't make the rest of us suffer for your lifestyle. As for a friend or family member, I would do my hardest to convince them to not smoke. I care for that person, and I would like to keep a long lasting relationship with him or her. That's the only person I would want to stop from smoking.
I hate smoke. It's very unattractive when women do it, and it smells horrible. I think that people's rights trumps my hate of smoking. I love going out much more now that bars and restaurants are smoke free. I hated coming home just reeking of smoke, and the places were much less enjoyable because of the smoke. That being said, my personal hatred of smoke doesn't trump someone's rights. That's very hard for me to say because it really so much more enjoyable going out to smoke free environments.
at social events, it's annoying when a group is gone half the night because they have to leave the room to go out for a smoke break and then come back in reeking. it seems selfish. they miss half the party and they can't control their habit for more than like three hours for a night? another thing I hate is cigarette butts. they are everywhere. people throw them out their cars and they spark all over the place.
Right, but 'suffering' is a relative term, isn't it? And again, just because it's something you can single out doesn't necessarily make it worse than other things someone else might do... unless they really smell bad, though, right? I'm pretty sure smokers know there are consequences. I also agree that inconsiderate people are a drag. bad pun intended.
Was a smoker for 6 years, was quit for 5 months but recently started up again. Quitting is insanely difficult. Planning on purchasing an e-cig.
