[steve1977]

That's kind of what I did. I initially stopped for a month for some health reasons. That became another month. And another one. And now it's a bit more than 4 years.

The interesting thing is, when I quit smoking (almost 20 years ago), I knew I must never touch a cigarette again. I think with alcohol, I could have some wine or beer occassionaly, I just don't feel the need for it anymore.

[FeloniousHam]

Totally agree. I was non-professional smoker for a long time, and quit many, many times. Even after years, I'll get this "you know what'd great?" tap on the shoulder.

One cigarette is not a slippery slope, it's a vertical cliff drop.

I love booze in all its forms, but it doesn't have the same pull.

[pwdisswordfishs]

I've gotten those taps on the shoulder. Every time I went for it, I ended up thinking, "Geez. What was I expecting to be good about this? This experience is awful."

[steve1977]

I even still dream of smoking sometimes, after all this time. And I know I shouldn't be smoking in the dreams. Really shows you how addiction messes up your brain. I'm happy I never really tried anything harder.

[prewett]

I'm curious, what is a professional smoker?

[FeloniousHam]

It was a weak joke I made-- I _could_ quit or go without, but I was always nearby to real addicts and ended up smoking a lot for a long time. Also, I didn't inhale deeply or hold the smoke like the "professionals".