It only lasts a few days ...
I disagree. In many people, tobacco addiction is so powerful that it is almost irresistible. In the cardiac ward after a heart attack, I would struggle down the hallway to the outside balcony. There was an ashtray, with dozens of cigarettes stubbed out. I asked the staff, and the nurses said that some were their's, but that many of the patients smoked when they could. I have not smoked for twenty years, but I am certain as soon as I get the word I'm terminal with anything, I'll start again. My father died of a heart attack at 58 after stopping smoking for ten years. He said every day had been a struggle not to smoke. My mother smoked heavily until she was 86 (and died of a stroke). My wife has emphysema and asthma, and smokes secretly. Nine of her father's 10 brothers died of lung cancer and emphysema (North Carolina tobacco farmers for the most part). I don't think we are all suicidal, or crazy, but I think we're all addicted, although I claim to be recovering. |
