I use to work in healthcare and have seen the results of a lifetime of smoking in the older patients I took care of. Believe you me, copd and emphasema are not good ways to go!

Just thought I'd throw that in for what it's worth. My AA sponser is a chain smoker and his sponser was a doctor who was always trying to get my sponser to quit. No way. My sponser said the same thing I am hearing here. Strangly enough, the doctor died in a freak accident. He drowned while white water rafting when he fell overboard.

When I was in detox, cigarettes were not allowed but they gave the smokers those nicotine patches also. Nicotine is one of the hardest addictions to break so I sympathize with any smoker who is trying.

God Bless

Well said Billy #29. Always find it amusing when this subject comes up, its always the X smokers that are hell bent on why some still smoke.

Don unless I'm missing something no one mentioned anything about pot.

It's a comparison. Why is one drug OK in recovery and another, deadlier drug not?
Sorry to hear Denny.

There is a guy in my home group that is Dying . I mean he will die this year due to cancer in his lungs. He is a great sober guy but admits that he just cant quit the smokes. He is an inspriation to me b/c if I knew I was going to die I would just go drink and die. He is strong and says that he would rather die "naturally" than by an unnatural death due to alcohol.

We are mere mortals... It is up to us as to how long we last here.

1is2

Hi rivalino, I see the actual article has not been here to refer to - is this the one you meant?

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/nicotine/a/quitting.htm

I have just been listening to a lecture given by an American addiction, pain and cancer specialist and during the question time this very question was brought up.

I have no interest in debating this but hope the link will help.

I am so thankful that I somehow managed to avoid multiple addictions. I admit to lots of probable wrong headed approaches to life and struggles with all sorts of seemingly overwhelming things, but I really have to admire folks battling multiple addictions, having the strength and perservance to fight multiple fronts.

Two of my closest friends were heavy smokers. Each had issues with alcohol too... But both have finally to quit both and are all the better for it. It's a good thing to see it working with them.. Sober, fun and without the (cough cough) cloud of smoke around them. I'm glad to know my friends are doing well and not on a course for future problems. I want them around for a long time.

Peace & strength to you all