I started smoking when I was a kid, because both of my parents were smokers, and it seemed like the thing to do. I smoked off and on from the age of 10 to 17, then it went from sneaking a few a week, to a pack a day. I was able to quit during sports seasons in high school, and when I went to Army basic training, but then it shot up to a pack and a half to two packs a day when I became a truck driver.

I am fully aware of all of the dangers involved with smoking. I knew about them when I was a kid and started. I always had the notion that it wouldn't be me getting sick. I was wrong. I have high blood pressure, and 6% COPD. That is not something that goes away or ever gets better. It can only get worse. My mother died from emphysema, a COPD related disease. I know that with my symptoms that is most likely the way I will die...unless I have a massive heart attack or stroke first.

While I don't like the idea of that, and would like to quit, I can't. I am now hooked through the bag. The addiction to nicotine is so strong that it's probably one of the hardest things to quit. I've tried hypnosis (failed), nicorette (failed), antidepressant smoking relief drugs (failed), and Chantix (worked for a while). I was able to quit for about a year, and then started back up. I went back on the Chantix again, and had horrific side effects the second time, and had to stop.

In the movie, "Dead Again", Robin Williams played a psychiatrist who told the lead character that you have to decide either you are a smoker, or you are not a smoker, and then make peace with that decision. I am a smoker, and I guess I'm OK with that.

so March 14th, 2009 came around. The big day. You can vote, you can buy tobacco. Whooo!!!! so what does a normal 18 year old man do, that every single one of his friends smoke do? go out and buy your first pack.

i have never smoked before this day. so i asked what i should get. they said get Black and Mild Wines, and any pack you want. so i got the Black and Milds. and a pack of Marlboro Reds.

Took the first hit from the Black. got a buzz, the nicotine buzz. I got light headed. felt nice. then i tried a Marlboro Red. COUGH COUGH COUGH! but i did it again. after a drink of a coke it felt nice. tasted great.

so i chose to smoke on my 18th birthday. 2.75 years later im still addicted. one day without nicotine will make me angry. so i have a pipe by my side at all times. terrible i know.

it is nice to have a stress reliever though. i also like the look of smoke.

DONT START PEOPLE.

im 12 and i know a bunch of people that smoke and do pot its really mest up! i dont because of an early grave and I love running but cant because of my asma and smoking would make it worse but i get offerd a smoke once every two weeks... it is sad but I respect any one that smoke but still try to make them stop.

beacause i like,dont know why exactly i start, guess for be cool,some 3 o 4 in a party,later on the street when i was boring,and before i know it, im adiccted.

I don't.

I advise putting this in another category. You're not going to get serious answers here. Just saying.

They help relieve my stress. I know it's not good for me. I also know I don't care to live to 70 yrs old anyway, so don't pass judgment. It's my life and my body.

I don't.

I just wanted the 2 points. :x

**** cigarettes, Marijuana in pure form needs to be legalized.

They stink

I dont. Never will