Do all smokers have some sort of insecurity/issue or don't love and respect themselves all they could because why would they be slowly destroying their bodies?
I'm a smoker. Intellectually I know I need to give them up but can't seem to emotionally. I know it's *NOT* the physical addiction of nicotine because I can go for days without smoking.
I used to be afraid of living to a really, really old age, in some nursing home with bedspots without anyone who cared/loved me. I used to think that maybe it was this fear that is keeping me smoking. But I believe I have lost that fear and yet am still smoking. Just wondering what other reasons there might be.
2007-09-28 07:42:29 · 9 answers · asked by Brain Tickler 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
The govt. has "labeled" it a Class I addiction ... meaning it's low addiction. However, being a former smoker (quit dt. 12-4-05) ... I would label it a Class 2.5 addiction (Cocaine is class III).
It takes 48 - 62 hours to cleanse yourself from tobacco in the blood. This is doesn't stop the craving with images, smells, and routine's. Cocaine addicts need only see 1/64 second image of a pipe and they crave cocaine ... same with tobacco smokers.
You can beat yourself over the head and analze till the cows come home ... You don't continue to smoke because you hate yourself or that a chemical is in your blood stream. You smoke because the addiction is capturing the "Dopamine" chemicals in your brain. These chemicals are "feel -good" and you will instantly trade in feeling good now rather than feel good later (say 30 years from now) as long as you let short term impulses control you.
I used combination of group hypnosis + daily hypnosis tapes + daily accupressure and didn't have withdrawls, or head aches. I learned in the group hypnosis that it takes at least 21 days to change a routine/habit ... I stuck with the daily hypnosis tapes for at least 40 days ... and now tabacco doesn't suck me into the "short term impulse" that it used to.
2007-09-28 07:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is a psychology to smoking, i think it's an individual thing. For you, at one time, it was the fear of growing old and alone and not caring about your health. Now you say that's changed. Is there a comfort factor of some sort? Do you derive some pleasure from smoking? Just more questions. I think it's something that only you can answer and either stop or continue.
2007-09-28 14:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the nicotine in cigarettes is an addictive substance, even if you can kick the habit for a matter of days that does not mean your are not addicted since you always return to them after your hiatus. The euphoric feeling that smokers get is from as far as I can understand and bear with me here, asphyxiation depriving the lungs from achieving optimal amounts of oxygen by mixing in the smoke depletes you of oxygen thus giving you that light-headed relaxed feeling. It's not that the people are weak willed it's like any other drug they become accustomed to the feeling they get from the experience.
2007-09-28 14:49:50 · answer #3 · answered by caminolargo76 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oral fixation. Smokers generally are thinner as the act of smoking acts as an appetite suppressant. Studies have said that they are much more creative in the bedroom and get bored easily. Stress is another factor for smokers. It is a coping mechanism too.
2007-09-28 14:52:18 · answer #4 · answered by Your #1 fan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I staryed at 11 and I thought it was cool, there is a sort of buzz and back then nobody knew any facts about health threats.
Cigs were 21 cents a pack, My wife got pregnant when I was 24 and asked me to quit, I had no problem with it, 30 years later I still miss it and once in a blue moon if I see someone with a KOOL I'll bum one.
Watch old TV and Movies everybody smoked in the 50-70s Lie alcohol at 19 and weed at 18 I just stopped, I guess I got willpower.
I don't always believe people like these young starlets who say they can't stop for their kids, like last night I heard B Spears walks arond naked in front of bdoyguards, she's just jaded and depraved. of course she can't quit alcohol and drugs her entire value system is crap.
2007-09-28 14:55:02 · answer #5 · answered by frank 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My father smoked and mused over his life for whatever reason I never was able to get him to tell me. He died when I was 14 and he was 53.
One of my brothers smokes just because and intends to do so till he dies. He's 63. No medical complaints so far.
My godfather smoked as a young man and when the price of cigarettes went up by 5 cents, he quit. Said it was too expensive and not worth it.
The first time I smoked, I wondered why anyone wanted to choke and smell like a chimney. I still do!
2007-09-28 15:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by SANCHA 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are some good theories in here. I wish I knew the answer. I have smoked for over 50 years and my lung function is highly impaired and am still smoking.
I think it stems from some insecurities from the past that cannot be overcome. I am secure now but some 'old' feeling must come over me????
2007-09-28 14:56:03 · answer #7 · answered by PATRICIA MS 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was told that it is an oral fixation. Oral fixations are considered to contribute to over-eating, being overly talkative, smoking addictions, overindulging in peppermints or chewing on straws and alcoholism (known as "oral dependent" qualities). Other symptoms include a sarcastic or "biting" personality (known as "oral sadistic" qualities).
2007-09-28 14:46:45 · answer #8 · answered by Sherie D 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Freud would say it is an oral fixation. If it is, you should try cinnamon sticks or something like that.
2007-09-28 14:53:32 · answer #9 · answered by Susas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋