Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Just curious on the stats of Susan's Place

Poll modified by Admin.

Nope, don't smoke.

I tried it for a week, smoking clove cigarettes,then realised, "I'm only smoking for the sweet taste these give me.  I'm better off buying candy, its cheaper!"[emoji53]

The things you do when you're young!

Ryuichi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I actually had never smoked and go curious so I bought a disposable Blu and smoked it with a friend.

The I got curious and decided to try real cigarettes, it start socially and was only a social thing originally. I quit smoking for a couple of years and I picked the habit back up due to stress.....My parents smoked all my life, and I moved to another state, I was going through a break up with the person who moved me there and working customer service during 4th quarter for online electronics sales, and so it was like a security blanket for me.

I was still really good though, I was only smoking about one pack every 2-3 weeks....Now I'm on pretty much a pack of day. I would like to quit, but cold turkey is hard and I'm enough of a d-bag without withdrawals and I have ->-bleeped-<- discipline and will power.

Quote from: transguymac on June 28, 2017, 10:39:00 AM
I was still really good though, I was only smoking about one pack every 2-3 weeks....Now I'm on pretty much a pack of day. I would like to quit, but cold turkey is hard and I'm enough of a d-bag without withdrawals and I have ->-bleeped-<- discipline and will power.

Now you know why smoking is such an incredibly stupid thing to do.  We've known for well over half a century about the harmful effects of smoking, yet people are still stupid enough to start.

Quote from: AnneK on June 28, 2017, 10:51:58 AM
Now you know why smoking is such an incredibly stupid thing to do.  We've known for well over half a century about the harmful effects of smoking, yet people are still stupid enough to start.

Well excuuuuuuuuse me.

45 years of smoking.
3 years of vaping, no smoking
8 months smoke and vape free. I don't even think about it anymore.

I smoked for years, then quit about 5 years ago. I recently tried to smoke a cigarette again but almost gagged. That confirmed that I was done for good!

Used to smoke cigarettes off and on for years. Switched to vaping 3 years ago and haven't touched a cig since. Started at 18 mg/ml, am now down to 3 mg/ml heading for zero. Thought about quitting entirely but enjoy it too much.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg223%2FEKron%2FOther%2520Forums%2Fnails_zpsgrxslziz.png&hash=c6527237cf5ceddb0c07393bdce89ed037d5f7bc)

Quote from: AnneK on June 28, 2017, 10:51:58 AM
Now you know why smoking is such an incredibly stupid thing to do.  We've known for well over half a century about the harmful effects of smoking, yet people are still stupid enough to start.

You have the right not to smoke, but don't call people dumb over something you don't understand.

Quote from: undautri on June 29, 2017, 11:51:38 AM
You have the right not to smoke, but don't call people dumb over something you don't understand.

What I understand is I lost 2 uncles to cancer, thanks to smoking.  The health risks have been known for many years.  Given what we know now, I have no sympathy for those who have started smoking in the last half century.  I do for those who started before then, as they probably didn't know the risks, even though it was suspected as far back as the 1930s.

With what we know now, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to start.  And this is before we get to those who feel it's their right to smoke in the presence of others, throw butts on the ground, accidentally start fires, etc.

I stand by my comments.

AnneK
  I wasn't asking for your sympathies, only a little bit of open-mindedness.
  Do you call everyone who smokes "stupid" to their face, or are you only this mean online, when you don't face any actual consequences for making someone feel bad for making a mistake or having a bad lot in life?
  Here, look at ToS 4:
"The posting of images on the chat or forums which are of a threatening tone; intended solely to communicate sarcasm, contempt, or derision; are intended to belittle or ridicule a person or group; to disgust the viewer; contain obscene or pornographic materials; are intended to titillate; or depicts/promotes illegal acts; will not be permitted."

I've broke the rules too, but out of ignorance of them; so here is a rule. Not trying to mute you though, I believe in freedom of speech. I'm sorry you're so angry at people for making a bad choice for their health, it must be hard to have lost those to smoking (I have too), but please have some understanding. And please, stop calling people stupid. It's uncalled for, this is just a little poll I put together to look at the stats of this community.

Unlike other groups, smoking is an entirely voluntary act.  A personal choice.  Please explain what valid reason someone might have for smoking, given the risks that are so well known.  You might also talk to those who have lost loved ones due to smoking.  As I mentioned, I lost 2 uncles and have known others who have died from smoking.  You also forgot to mention those who have smoke forced on them, and the risks they face from 2nd hand smoke.  I live in a condo and frequently experience smoke coming in through my windows.  You also don't have to travel far, before experiencing someone forcing their smoke on you.  Try going to any popular outdoor activity without experiencing 2nd hand smoke.

BTW, who is it that leaves all the butts I see on the ground???

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
Unlike other groups, smoking is an entirely voluntary act.  A personal choice.  Please explain what valid reason someone might have for smoking, given the risks that are so well known.  You might also talk to those who have lost loved ones due to smoking.  As I mentioned, I lost 2 uncles and have known others who have died from smoking.  You also forgot to mention those who have smoke forced on them, and the risks they face from 2nd hand smoke.  I live in a condo and frequently experience smoke coming in through my windows.  You also don't have to travel far, before experiencing someone forcing their smoke on you.  Try going to any popular outdoor activity without experiencing 2nd hand smoke.

BTW, who is it that leaves all the butts I see on the ground???

You're correct. Smoking is entirely voluntary and a personal choice....Much like healthy things can be as well, I.E. being a vegetarian...Just because I eat meat doesn't mean I call vegetarian's stupid for choosing to leave that aspect out of their diet....Because while I think meat is an extremely tasty and delicious staple to the diet, I completely understand that people choose not to eat it, be it for health, personal, religious or moral reasons.

I've lost a grandfather to lung cancer. Both of my parents have smoked my entire life, all near-24 years of it, and 22 of those I lived at home. I have asthma, from genetics and allergies, not being a second-hand smoker. My lungs are scared from 3 bouts of pneumonia. I still smoke, and while yes, that damn sure doesn't justify it, and it may seem stupid, it IS my personal choice and I am not obligated to justify it to a complete stranger who just wants to be an a**hole about something they don't agree with. I don't expect any sympathy. I know that it's a bad habit. But so is biting my nails, popping my zits, picking my nose and obsessively washing my hands to the point that I am 23 with the hands of a 50 year old.

Yes, some smokers do leave buts on the ground, but not ALL smokers do that. In addition, I don't really know what you're talking about because smoking is generally prohibited on most grounds, in most restaurants and at most events to prevent the people like you from getting butt hurt, but more importantly to protect the people who have allergies to it and asthma, and etc.

I'm sorry that you're bitter and feel the need to judge people for their life choices in a place where people come to be supportive to each other FOR their life choices.
This forum is a place to be supportive of others and discuss the struggles we all face as trans, non-binaries and intersex people, and to come together and interact with others like us.

If one little topic like this ruffles your panties so bad then lord help the rest of the forums.

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
smoking is an entirely voluntary act.  A personal choice.

Actually not for everyone. A lot of people get addicted from it being either forced on them or not understanding the risks, and don't pretend like it's easy to quit

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
Please explain what valid reason someone might have for smoking, given the risks that are so well known.

Stress, pressure, forced addiction. ignorance of the risks is very common. If you actually took a look at a lot of the smokers, they start very young. Too young to understand the consequences.

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
You might also talk to those who have lost loved ones due to smoking.

You clearly didn't read my previous message, so I'll say it again: I HAVE LOST LOVED ONES TO SMOKING.

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
You also forgot to mention those who have smoke forced on them, and the risks they face from 2nd hand smoke.

I didn't forget to mention them, i just didn't think it was relevant because all i was complaining about was how rude you've been by generalizing a large group of people. You know, I've been insulted because of ignorant and unempathetic people before. you know what they were insulting me over? being trans.

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 01:35:40 PM
I live in a condo and frequently experience smoke coming in through my windows.  You also don't have to travel far, before experiencing someone forcing their smoke on you.  Try going to any popular outdoor activity without experiencing 2nd hand smoke.

have never had a makor problem before, and I'm asthmatic and highly sensitive to all kinds of smoke. I've nearly died from inhaling smoke, and i still care less about other people smoking than you do, because I have an ounce of empathy. Also you'd think if not smoking was so easy, less people would do it. it's almost like you're on such a high horse you think you're above about 1/3 of the population....
Also it's irrelevant to this conversation, as we were talking about how you decided to call a lot of people dumb for a reason you still clearly don't understand. Given how you've stuck to your position through this conversation, you're not going to change it. Looks like you're going to continue to go around calling people stupid, not caring about the things that led them to smoke, not caring about how people really don't need to suffer any more than they already do.
  it makes me sad for you and feel sorry for all those who smoke, for whatever reason, who have to listen to your bigotry. I don't know what led you to feel such hate for people, and I'm sorry I have to sound so aggressive about all of this, but i have had enough of you and your rudeness.

Quote from: AnneK on June 28, 2017, 10:51:58 AM
Now you know why smoking is such an incredibly stupid thing to do.  We've known for well over half a century about the harmful effects of smoking, yet people are still stupid enough to start.

Surgeon General Asserts Smoking Is an Addiction
By MARTIN TOLCHIN, Special to the New York Times
Published: May 17, 1988

WASHINGTON, May 16— The Surgeon General of the United States warned today that nicotine was as addictive as heroin and cocaine and recommended the licensing of those who sell tobacco products and tougher laws prohibiting their sale to minors.

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/17/us/surgeon-general-asserts-smoking-is-an-addiction.html?mcubz=1
---------------------------------------

That said, are you just as uncaring and unforgiving toward drug addicts?  We know addiction is a disease and we treat it, even though it was their choice to start doing heroin...

I remember when Koop made this statement.  I don't remember him calling smokers stupid.  I think you should NOT stand behind your statement, AnneK.  You should retract part of it.

While many addicts got hooked on prescribed pain meds, for others it was a lifestyle choice.  When I hear about all the OD deaths, particularly lately with fentanyl, I have to wonder why anyone would voluntarily start on something like that.  Even way back when I was in high school, we got the "monkey on your back" films to show the problems with drug addiction.  Back then, it was largely heroin they worried about, along with "Reefer Madness".

So, I do not have a lot of sympathy for those who made a lifestyle choice to use a harmful substance.  We've known better for a very long time.

I smoked cigarettes for over ten years.  I'm very thankful I was able to quit. 

Quote from: Deb Roz on June 29, 2017, 06:06:53 PM
I smoked cigarettes for over ten years.  I'm very thankful I was able to quit.

Congratulations! Hard habit to break, well done!

Thank you!   It wasn't easy, and I tried and failed for years before I was successful. 

Part of the way it worked for me was that many of my friends quit, and others moved away, and soon I was the only one!  It was a fairly social thing for me.  Then for a little while, I would buy an ice cream sandwich every day at the corner store, instead of cigarettes.  :D

I still crave them sometimes.  Especially when drinking.  But it's been a few years since my last one. 

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 04:17:28 PM
While many addicts got hooked on prescribed pain meds, for others it was a lifestyle choice.  When I hear about all the OD deaths, particularly lately with fentanyl, I have to wonder why anyone would voluntarily start on something like that.  Even way back when I was in high school, we got the "monkey on your back" films to show the problems with drug addiction.  Back then, it was largely heroin they worried about, along with "Reefer Madness".

So, I do not have a lot of sympathy for those who made a lifestyle choice to use a harmful substance.  We've known better for a very long time.

I am a non smoker, never tried one and I never will however cigarets have an effect from the first hit. I have heard people describe the first time they took a breath of smoke and the feeling that came over them. Tobacco may for an addictive personality may be one of the most addictive substances out there. Many people who smoke aren't aware that they have an addictive personality or the risk that they are taking when they pick up the first cigarette. For them it's not so much a lifestyle choice but a lack of knowledge of the risk they were taking.

I started when I was 10 and finished 41 years later...For many years when I started it was a bit like an urban myth that cigarettes were harmful...you saw them freely advertised everywhere so they couldn`t be that harmful, you could buy fake ones as lollies...right?  By 15 I was 10 -15 a day and they had me and I peaked at 40 per day. I didn't care about myself enough to stop when it would have been so easy and the effects on my health much less. But then I was doing so many other things that were self destructive that smoking paled by comparison.  I know since stopping the benefits to me have been huge, I feel the same way about my cigarettes as I do about my drinking...its just something I don't do....kind of like "I wouldn't strike a match to see how much petrol was in the tank of my car either"

Quote from: AnneK on June 29, 2017, 04:17:28 PM
So, I do not have a lot of sympathy for those who made a lifestyle choice to use a harmful substance.  We've known better for a very long time.

Such judgement and disdain. 

I think know compassion, empathy, and understanding are better facilitators to change.  The dialog ends with attitudes like yours.

Quote from: Dena on June 29, 2017, 09:04:01 PM
I am a non smoker, never tried one and I never will however cigarets have an effect from the first hit. I have heard people describe the first time they took a breath of smoke and the feeling that came over them. Tobacco may for an addictive personality may be one of the most addictive substances out there. Many people who smoke aren't aware that they have an addictive personality or the risk that they are taking when they pick up the first cigarette. For them it's not so much a lifestyle choice but a lack of knowledge of the risk they were taking.

I personally am prone to addictive behaviors, however when I'm really determined not to do something I won't do it.
I've been smoking almost a pack a day for months now, and a girl I'm interested in came to spend the weekend and wouldn't kiss me because I had just smoked.....So that was my last cigarette and I'm not in a hurry to buy another pack. I smoked one with a guy from work this morning, but aside from that I don't feel the urge to buy any.

And my best friend just asked me not to smoke around her because the smell was bothering her and we're almost always together...I don't know if she's being legit or just trying to con me into quitting, because she originally said she liked second hand smoke, because she also used to smoke. (She's a little controlling and passive aggressive, so it wouldn't surprise me.)

I think I'm going to get Blu and go from there. I'm not really concerned about my friend's opinion as much as I am the girl I like, soooooo.....I'd much rather no smoke if it means I get to kiss and snuggle her. =3=
As for my best friend, she'll just have to hang out with me less if I chose not to quiet.

I quite about 8 years ago. If I'm smoking, I'm on fire!

I don't smoke. I have done, for a brief period in school and again in university, since I was constantly being offered it by others.

My physiology apparently lacks any addiction to nicotine or smoking behavior. My parents smoked constantly, so you'd think that would have affected me one way or another but it didn't. It does nothing for me, other than giving me something to do with my hands. It's also insanely expensive in the UK now, and I haven't done any smoking since 2001. It looks cool on film, but has no point for me.

I've never smoked. I think it's totally nasty. My dad quit smoking 2 years ago but before he quit when he hugged or kissed me it was like sticking my nose in an ashtray.  Very nasty! It's also like so totally bad for you.

That's true. I haven't been around any smokers for long for years. I remember buying some stuff off someone on eBay, and clearly it came from a smoker's household because the ashtray smell was incredibly strong on it.

When you live with smokers you get desensitized to that. Living away for a few decades has made me super sensitive to it.

There is no option for both!!!  If I am out then I don't want to be out every half hour or hour to have a puff so I will tend to vape if allowed.

And if I go to something like a football (round ball) match, which I do fortnightly at least, then you can;t smoke in the ground and of course they don't let you out.  Same with concerts or airports, so I will take my e-cig.  Can get really tense at the football. lol

I have however all but given up drinking alcohol these days.  Not for health reasons.  Just makes me turn into a **** so not really my thing anymore.

This seems like a very emotional subject. I myself started smoking recently out of empathy, to support those who in many countries face extreme ostracism for doing something that is legal in those countries.

What really triggered my decision was the insistent and passionate statements by many prohibitionists I've spoken with that the second-hand smoke from smokers causes greater damage to non-smokers in society than the smokers themselves face. It sounded pretty scary/funny/wonderful. If true, then what better way to protect my own health than to start smoking myself?

If smoking will eventually be prohibited, it probably won't happen for some decades. Until then I expect the continuing emotional debate will serve handsomely to divert our attention from more important things. And once the issue is settled through prohibition or ennui, I'm sure there will be another subject ready to take its place as a prime encourager of division and discrimination.

I don't smoke. I don't want to spend my money on committing suicide in slow-motion. 
But to each their own! I have friends and relatives who do smoke and that is their decision just as it is mine to not do it because my health is more important to me.

Quote from: transguymac on June 28, 2017, 10:54:24 AM
Well excuuuuuuuuse me.

Lol...you responded how I would have

Every couple of years I'll smoke a cohiba....but that's it

I quit smoking 2 1/2 years ago after trying a real vape setup. I make my own juice and there's no nicotine in it. Some people claim that vaping and smoking are basically the same. They are so wrong it's not funny. vaping is about the same as kool-aid steam coming from a tea kettle. Absolutely harmless flavored steam NOT SMOKE !

I think smoking is nasty but I don't look down on people for smoking. I know how hard it is to quit. My poor dad had a totally rough time quitting. I nagged the crap out of him to quit. He never smoked in the house or car thankfully. My reason for wanting him to quit was because of the health risks. I don't want to be around smoke but I also don't think smoking should be like prohibited or anything. It should still be someone's choice if they want to smoke. My mom still smokes like a chimney though. My brother thankfully doesn't smoke. But he stole one of my dad's cigarettes when he was 12 and was smoking it in the bathroom. Something scared him and the dummy threw the cigarette in the hamper. He burned holes in a bunch of the dirty clothes.  SOOO busted! Lol

Quote from: Julia1996 on September 20, 2017, 07:55:32 PM
Something scared him and the dummy threw the cigarette in the hamper. He burned holes in a bunch of the dirty clothes.  SOOO busted! Lol

Oh that is so funny! Obviously, he learned his lesson. I had cousins who took various things to try & were caught in similar fashion. Trying to hide something can lead one to making poor decisions. ;)

On a side note for those looking to quit smoking. Have a friend who told me that a phone app worked for her. Do not remember which specific one though. She went with one that was free & best reviews is are the only details I know.

I quit smoking about 6-7 years ago. I woke up one morning, lit a cigarette and thought "ugh, what am I doing?" And put it out. After quiting I realized it was the source of my constant headaches. Haven't smoked since, unless you count "second hand".

I have never smoked except for passively smoking other people's fumes, which I have heard are even more carcinogenic than inhaling from the cigarettes.  Cigarette smokers do endanger others, especially in confined places. 

Vaping may be less harmful but in a way I am even less keen on people vaping.  Even outside, it is hard to escape the huge billows of smoke from some vapers.

Quit smoking thirty years ago when my Son was born. Have never looked back. No counseling, no patches. Just the belief that he was my "Higher Power".  Quit drinking and drugs too. Cold Turkey. Really not so hard if you want to do it bad enough. My first pack of smokes I bought for a quarter in the vending machine at USA gas station in Santa Fe Springs.

  I never smoked. I grew up in the 1950's and 1960's when just about everyone smoked. You saw the news anchors smoking, smoking on the soaps and even in Mission Control during the moon landings. In one of the NASA flicks it showed at first an empty ashtray with the narrator saying "Here at NASA, we solve problems". Then later in that flick, the ashtray was full as another butt was being crushed out.
  Even though I never smoked, I had the effects most of the others who did smoke. When I moved into my newly built house, I noticed the smell on people and things they brought into my house. These people over time stopped smoking and they noticed the changes, or if they still smoked, they did it outside their home. I remember washing the walls as a kid and in some spots near the chairs were the nicotine stains. We had to do this or the stains will bleed through when we painted those surfaces.
  I met my girlfriend 20 years ago but I didn't date her until recently. She was a much younger nice NASA type, Yes, rocket scientist. But she smoked. That is my #1 turn off. But she's vaping now which makes things a little easier. Yes, she vapes outside. Yes, we who don't smoke still accommodate those who do.

Joelene

I couldn't check any of the boxes really.

I've vaped and smoked and I have a tobacco pipe that I smoke every once in a while but usually forget it's there. I've never had the feeling of needing to smoke though. I guess I just don't have an addictive personality. I like the taste of certain tobaccos and that's about as far as it goes for me. I have friends who smoke but I haven't met anyone else yet who can just put it down whenever they want to and aren't addicted to it although I know they're out there.

Overdue update: I vape now! Trying to quit smoking and it's working really well. Started vaping less than a week ago and cigarettes already taste NAAAASSSTAAAAY. Loving it! ♥u♥

Kissing a smoker is about the icky-est thing I have ever done!

Quote from: Jin on May 30, 2018, 10:43:50 AM
Kissing a smoker is about the icky-est thing I have ever done!

It depends on the smoker....

I've kissed smokers that I couldn't tell smokes, and I've kissed smokers who tasted like licking an ash tray...Depends on their hygiene, how much they smoke, and if they're prone to dry mouth.

I'm a smoker, go through around 10-15 cigarettes per day. I started smoking when I was 18, first very seldom like maybe 1 pack in 2 months. Then at age 22 I upped my consumption rate to 1 pack a day when I learned deep drags. So that's around... 11 years of being a smoker, I guess.

My reasons for smoking have been quite many. But a big one has been self-medication cause it calms me down when I've had bad anxiety, depressive episodes, dissociation and other mental health issues. Other reasons are that I simply think it tastes and smells good, that it's a soothing habit in general, gives me a good reason to take breaks from school classes and meetings etc, it can be socially bonding when meeting other smokers, it makes coffee taste better, it's an effective way to be rude to people who are rude to me (blow smoke in their faces), and I also kinda use it as a form of self harm meaning I like that it's deteriorating my body, etc.

When I'm with people who don't smoke, I try as well as I can to not have smoke blowing in their direction and be at a bit of a distance (pay attention to wind direction), and often also ask them if it's okay. Not all non-smokers are bothered by it though. I do it on my balcony, but all my neighbours around me smoke as well, so I don't bother anyone with it at home. I live alone but don't smoke indoors.

I've only "quit" once, by which I mean I took a longer break with the intention of starting again, for my top surgery. I will take a break like that for my hysto in the future as well. But I do not ever want to actually quit. I don't care if it shortens my life. I'm the kind of person who wants an indulgent and exciting life filled with both bad and good habits and if that means I'll be dead before 50 it's worth it. A long and healthy life does not interest me. The only thing I hate about being a smoker is everyone else telling me to quit. Cause it actually is my choice.

I have never actively smoked although I am sure that decades of intense passive smoking have damaged my lungs. 

I'm not sure that I prefer being around vapers, though, no offence intended.  Even in the street I have to choke on unavoidable billows of sickly vapour.