I started smoking when a pack was $.50. I smoked on and off for many years, including camels no filter. When I lived in Europe, I smoked ridiculously strong cigarettes - Galoise. I tried to quit in my early 2o's and lost after a year. I tried a couple years later and lost more than a year in by thinking I could have a puff. I realized then I was really addicted. I never smoked again. About 10 years after I stopped, I was riding in a car with a business associate and we were en route to an airport. We were talking about how we used to smoke and as we were talking about it, we found ourselves thinking about getting a cigarette. It was amazing how just talking about it brought back the urge. Wow. What a shockaroo that was.
I feel badly for those who have been smoking so long, it is "in their DNA". It kind of is what it is. But everyone knows at this point what they are in for and the consequences so we shouldn't really be giving advice on how to live one's life. Everyone is all grown up now and makes their own decisions. I am just glad I have 30 years of smoke free behind me. I was aghast to hear how much they are now. It would definitely cut into my wine allowance.
