[jmjoseph]

It's hard to stop doing something that you are not ready to quit doing. I am an alcoholic/addict. I have 13 months of sobriety from painkillers and booze. I quit smoking 7 years ago. So I know the hell involved in doing the "right" thing. But when I stopped smoking, I was ready to quit. I was disgusted in the way I felt, and how much I was spending on smokes. I smoked two and a half packs a day, so it adds up.

As far as the alcohol and drugs, I was also ready to quit that too. I was probably close to death a couple of times, and I was on the brink of losing my family. Nothing is worth losing my wife and children. Nothing.

I think we all really HAVE to WANT to stop doing something for us to succeed in quitting. It's the number one step, realizing that it is a problem, and that you are powerless over your addiction.

10 out of 10 doctors recommend quitting smoking.

Good luck to you.

[kp2171]

I think it can be baffling when you compare one "addictive" behavior to another...

For ex... I've had a couple boughts of really ugly depression... both tied strongly to failed or failing relationships... in one, alcohol abuse became an issue...

Now... I sought out treatment for substance abuse because I saw the potential for real problems, but in reality, it was most effective as a different approach for the depression...

So... I guess what I'm really lousy at saying is that it just isn't fair to say you handled one substance just fine, so why not the other?

I find fault with the "if they can (celebrities) smoke, why can't i" line... to me that's like saying if tony stewart can race at 200 plus mph why can't I or if my cardiac surgeon can handle a sterile blade during a quadruple bypass why can't I"...

well... guess what? we can't do it all...

some people can paint the damn mona lisa with only pepperoni, provolone, and olives at their disposal. the rest of us mortals... we are screwed.

so...

please stop asking "if they can why can't I"????.... because the answer is just "you can't and stop asking why"...

an addict is different from the "normies"... damn them normies... they can take it or leave it... they can flaunt it all they want and the walk... normies suck arse.

If you believe that one person can bite into a jalapeño and feel yummy pleasure and another can bite into that same pepper and feel uncomfortable pain... then you really do understand more than you admit.

The same stimulus to a broad group will always elicit a wide range of responses... so... I'm sorry downy jr can puff a cig on the big screen and seen OK...

Doesn't mean its OK for you...

And honestly... given his past... I'm not so sure its great for him.

[Green Elephant]

Wow, Thank you all for of your responses. It's been an extremely rude awakening, but I do believe I will feel stronger for it in the end. Sometimes I think either God, or nature is chipping away at my faults until I become the best I can possibly be.

I do appreciate everyone taking the time and admitting that they are flawed as well. A lot of my friends just think I'm ridiculous and do not understand how I could be having a hard time.

Clough, I HAVE thought of kissing an ashtray, and the mere smell of one absolutely disgusts me. And yes I did take drivers training in high school.

Thanks again everyone.

[Clough]

Aren't you wondering as to why I asked you about driver's education in high school, Green Elephant?

[Clough]

So, how's it going now, Green Elephant?

[Green Elephant]

Clough, I am indeed wondering why you asked the question of driver's training. I've been unable to check the board lately. I still haven't smoked since my first post, and I must say although it is still difficult, I feel much healthier, and more confident in my decision to quit.