[Z]

Probably because smoking is the most irritating of the lot. It sticks to your clothes even if you yourself aren't smoking, it sets off asthma, it irritates your eyes (like any type of smoke) and it's seen as a surefire addictive habit, whereas alcohol and eating unhealthily are seen as more controllable vices I guess? You can run off calories and you can drink tap water to flush out alcohol, you can't get rid of tar in your lungs.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

It's very true. We are a dying breed (literally). Drinking is somewhat acceptable, and getting pissed is even somewhat seen as hilarious by some people, but not smoking. It was once a very social habit. I believe at one point about two thirds of men, and 50% of women were smokers, if I recall correctly the literature I read. Cigarettes were freely available at social gatherings, and advertisers and the media made us think it was cool. Not so much nowadays. I think the problem (apart the repugnant stench for some people) is within the "passive" part, and although numbers of smokers are dwindling, a lot of us are hooked from a relatively early age unfortunately. I have enough sense at my age to know it is not a good thing to start, the expense alone would put me off, but I thought I was cool and clever in my early teens, and then I got hooked. And god I would love to stop, but I suppose lack enough will power. It's extremely hard to stop, once you have started, for many people.

In short, I think it's the fact of the possible harm to other people, due to our selfless act, although exhaust fumes and other pollutants don't seem to come as high on the agenda for some reason. We will soon be banished to underground smoking houses, since we have been driven out of bars, cinemas, clubs and restaurants.

I agree with most views against it to be honest, and I certainly would strongly advise against ever starting.

You should try to stop. It's too dangerous.

[Mrluvaluva]

Originally Posted by Zee

You can run off calories and you can drink tap water to flush out alcohol, you can't get rid of tar in your lungs.

Drinking tap water does not alter the effect that alcohol has on your liver.

[Z]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

Drinking tap water does not alter the effect that alcohol has on your liver.

Yeah and eating fruit and veg doesn't unclog your arteries - I know, but I'm trying to point out the differences in views on these different habits. All of them bar smoking have some kind of "oh but you can do this to solve the problem" response that seems to save them from as harsh criticism.

[InOne]

I guess it was cool back in the day, but we know more about the dangers now and society is going health mad. I most likely won't stop for a while though. The laws are already getting ridiculous regarding smoking and they'll only get worse.

[Kizzy]

One of my dads sayings was 'to be forwarned is to be four armed'
If you are aware of something you can protect yourself or guard against it....Wise words.

[Niall]

I think its the fact that smoking is so damaging to your health that causes it to have a such a stigma. The actions of the tobacco companies in the past probably didn't help things either. Heck, the way they act now is pretty disgusting!

[Kizzy]

They could afford the advertising though...'embassy snooker' 'marlborough racing' ....

[rk3388]

Originally Posted by MTVN

It is true that I don't think there's as much of a stigma around cigars, probably because they're classier

also a lot of people can smoke them socially while cigarettes are easier to get addicted to

[Jords]

On Supersize vs. Superskinny they said pork pies contain nitrogen oxide [iirc] and its very damaging to our health. Lets stop eating them...

LOL. Theres too much health risk worries these days. Everything is relatively OK in moderation.

Edit: Except Class A drugs obv and eating poo

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Jords

On Supersize vs. Superskinny they said pork pies contain nitrogen oxide [iirc] and its very damaging to our health. Lets stop eating them...

LOL. Theres too much health risk worries these days. Everything is relatively OK in moderation.

Edit: Except Class A drugs obv and eating poo

What you mean like 2 Girls 1 Cup?

[Kizzy]

Lets not trivialise this contentious topic...its not good for party politics to be seen advocating such a serious issue...
'some things kill.. some things kill everything!

[Jords]

Originally Posted by jedward fever

What you mean like 2 Girls 1 Cup?

Good point.

Eating poo is OK in moderation also.

Spoiler:

Joke!

[Redway]

I'm not really arsed. I live in extremely busy life and I need a few fags to keep me going, ortherwise I'd probably go into a mental breakdown. It's MY choice to smoke, and will be MINE to stop. Certainly won't be giving up any time soon.

[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Redway

I'm not really arsed. I live in extremely busy life and I need a few fags to keep me going, ortherwise I'd probably go into a mental breakdown. It's MY choice to smoke, and will be MINE to stop. Certainly won't be giving up any time soon.

A lot of people use this excuse , 'im very stressed' so they use fags,booze or whatever as a crutch. And have a mental addiction to them, thats sometimes harder to break than the physical addiction.
If you are not ready to stop don't, the more pressured you feel to the more you won't succeed.