Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquila
You're in the health care industry I assume. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin. I know guys who started smoking when in the military, going through a divorce, after a parent or child died, etc. It's often something people get into when they are extremely stressed because it relaxes you. Before you know it, you're addicted. My experience with smoking was one such story. When my wife left me for some fling with a married man she worked with I was devestated. My entire life fell apart. My ministry crumbled. My work started suffering. I found myself only able to be a father half the time because she has him the other half of the time. I felt like the church turned it's back on me. In some ways, I felt like the church contributed to the problem (LONG story). So I started "going out" and yes, I started drinking to numb the pain. And while out socializing I had my first cigarette. At first, I'd only smoke if I went out for a drink after a stressful day of work (I'm in aviation security) or after my estranged wife would go wacko and torment me with threats that I'd never see my son again unless I did as she said. I never became an alcoholic. However, I found myself needing a smoke on the way to work and on the way home. Then it was on my breaks. Then I'd buy my own and smoke at home. It's an addiction that grows on you and it's absolute Hades to overcome. If anything... smoking itself should be considered an addiction that affects health... not necessarily a choice. Because for most people you can't just stop cold turkey with success. Most need a treatment to get off the nicotine... but that doesn't address the psychological side of the addiction.
Those who have never smoked may not understand the above. But it's true. In my opinion, smokers should be treated like they have already have a serious health condition.
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I feel for you brother Aquilla. I found myself planning my day around cigarettes when I did smoke. When I sneezed, I blew out brown nicotine. I was 23 when I found I was out of breath walking 50 feet. I've heard it said that nicotine was just as hard to withdrawal as heroin.
I've also been in the place where my life fell apart into little pieces. I've been to the place where numbness ruled the days of living. Only those who lived through a shattering experience know how bad this really is and very few really care. Most do not know how to help someone in this condition unless they have been there themselves.
But during those times of feeling absolutely alone, I felt the Holy Ghost wrap itself around me when I cried out and that gave me true comfort. Many days I've cried, and God was always there. People scattered because they do not know how to help, but God never leaves.