I'm 45 and I've smoked since I was 13. I tried it the first time because I thought it was cool, it was something grownups and famous people did, and because my dad was such an asshole about cigarettes. I liked the idea of being addicted. It sounded glamorous and I had no clue of what life-or-death hooked really meant.
By the time I was 19, I was up to 4 packs a day. Lucky Strikes. Non Filter. I tried to quit smoking the first time when I was 20 and I made it about 3 days.
In my life, I've ended relationships, quit jobs, moved, forfeited promotions, and spent thousands of dollars in order to smoke.
This year, I've quit twice; for 90 days and now for another 30 days.
I have lung disease, asthma, gum disease, varicose veins, poor circulation, yellowing nails, thin skin, wrinkles and I've already lost one tooth -- and my doctors tell me that this is all due directly to smoking.

I'm still having a tough time. it's a minute to minute thing sometimes making myself not smoke. However, I know that if I wait until next year to quit, it will be even tougher.

I'm writing this, praying I'll reach somebody who might be headed down the same path but has just an ounce more self-respect than I did when I started to smoke. I sound old -- even to me. And that sucks, because I am not so sure that old words can reach young ears. I just so very desperately want to save at least one life from the clutch of this addiction. For whomever is reading this, I hope that life is yours.