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I think of a cigarette primarily as:

1.An ‘upper’.
It feels like it gives me more energy. I smoke when I have to keep on the go, to wake up in the morning, or when I need a ‘pick-me-up’.
Yes – Click here for insights and tips if you use nicotine as a upper.
No – Continue to the next question.

2. A security blanket.
It "feels right" to have a cigarette in my hand or mouth. I feel more at ease socially when I’ve got something to do with my hands. I enjoy the whole process: taking a cigarette out of the pack, lighting it, watching the smoke when I exhale.
Yes – Click here if you use nicotine as a security blanket.
No – Continue.

3. A treat or delicious titbit, like good chocolate or fine brandy.
I smoke because it’s pleasurable. I associate it with good times, and that’s when I really feel like a cigarette – when I’m feeling comfortable and relaxed. A smoke just seems to make the moment better.
Yes– Click here if you use cigarettes as a treat.
No - Continue.

4. A tranquilliser.
I use smoking to help me relax if I'm tense or upset. When I’m stressed out, angry or depressed, a cigarette makes me feel better.
Yes – Click here if you use cigarettes as a tranquillizer.
No - Continue.

5. A fix.
I’m addicted; I constantly crave cigarettes. When I run out, I can’t concentrate on anything properly until I get more. I’m very aware of not smoking when I don't have a cigarette in my hand.
Yes – Click here if you use cigarettes as a fix.
No – Continue.

Adapted from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health.

Read more:
What is ‘smoker's cough’?
Smoke may damage baby's hearing

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	What if I don' t want to stop? 2008/09/11 12:37:07 PM I smoke about 4 cigarettes a day. I really enjoy them. I am also a marathon runner, so am healthy. i don' t want to stop smoking. - Peter   drinkers, gamblers etc. 2008/09/11 12:47:17 PM So many other people have bad habits - drinkers, gamblers, overeaters. Why do the smokers get it in the neck every single time? There' s never this sort of campaign to get people to stop drinking. - Werner   It' s indefensible! 2008/09/11 12:57:46 PM You probably watch what you eat, maybe avoiding chemicals like MSG etc. But cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, 60 of which are known to cause cancer plus another 250 toxic chemicals such as arsenic, carbon monoxide and cyanide. These are proven facts. Nicotine is also a poison and hugely addictive. No wonder surveys show that the higher the socio-economic status of a person is, the less likely they are to smoke, because they recognise the dangers. It' s stupid to smoke! - alan   BULL S**T !!!! GIVE UP NOW !!!!!! 2008/09/11 01:01:03 PM All you are doing with Nicorette is Substituting your intake of nicotine. Smokers are Drug Addict' s (Nicotine) It' s not a habit or ant other excuse. we need the " Hit"  and That is That. Your body is slowing developing a ' cure'  for the poison you are putting into your body. Yes, I am clean now for the 6th day, no craving, no edgyness, no Niks. Thanks Allan Carr. Feel GREAT !!! - Badger   Treat All Equal 2008/09/11 01:15:22 PM I am a smoker myself and have no problem with no smoking areas. I do however feel that other drugs should receive the same treatment as cig' s. Drinking causes a lot more damage on a short term scale than does smoking. Think about all those car wrecks and broken families caused by drinking. Ban smoking but then ban alcohol as well. Wonder what the response will be then!! - Whats Fair Is Fair   DOES NOT WREAK HAVOC. 2008/09/11 01:38:20 PM non smokers are the sickest people I know. they catch colds,flu,they cant breath in heavy traffic. in stressful situations they ask for a cigarette. I agree with " TREAT ALL EQUAL"  rather target those things that cause so much social problems. SMOKING DOES NOT. - Cecil   interesting article 2008/09/11 01:54:16 PM This also applies to overeating, and to gambling and to drinking. We all have our crutches. Interesting approach, because unless we see why we do something, we won' t be able or willing to stop it. - Penny   Interesting 2008/09/11 02:34:24 PM Sure smoking is not good for one. How about a campaign for the fumes we breath everyday, thanks to motor vehicles etc? - Shan   @alan 2008/09/11 03:00:09 PM thank you for the information, but we got it the first time round. get some new info please - notice   *Sigh*I' m bored with this subject. 2008/09/11 03:30:10 PM Cheers I' m going for a smoke. - HVR   Click Click 2008/09/11 03:32:13 PM Sheeeeeew!!! Pufffeeeee! *Sigh* Mmmmmm - HVR   Problem with bitiching 2008/09/11 03:41:41 PM Smokers love to bitich but the fact is you endanger others lives with your second hand filthy disgusting stupid (why do it) habit. It should be illegal to smoke and people should be told all the time what a disgusting habit it is. So if you don' t like the abuse then quit!! - bj   Notice 2008/09/11 03:47:00 PM Oh, there' s more upsetting info on smoking, Notice - a LOT more. Question is, are you taking notice of it, and trying to quit? You see, when you' ve had friends who are heavy smokers die in a painful and undignified way, it' s hard to be too flippant about the subject. A doctor in the States called smoking ' slow-motion suicide' . But, hey, it' s your life, so enjoy it. While you can. - alan   Quite Right Alan, 2008/09/11 04:11:14 PM S.M.S What pisses me off the most is seeing " Parents"  puffing in the car with the kids sucking in their smoke, oh yes and a window is open (about 2 inchs) Please People " QUIT"  Did you know the directors &  top dogs of all the t/bco co' s DO NOT SMOKE, NOR DO THEIR KIDS etc etc. Makes you think Hey ??? - Badger   Other methods of " slow-motion suicide"  2008/09/11 04:39:55 PM Overeating (busy passing Smoking in deathrate) Sunbathing Excessive drinking Reading Health24 " Russian Roulette Suicide" : Russian Roulette Going to Iraq/Afghanistan Driving on SA roads - HVR   Please HVR 2008/09/11 04:52:17 PM you are just trying to make urself feel better. then again, why me worry, it' s your life, go ahead &  kill urself! - Werner   bull## 2008/09/11 04:54:41 PM this is bull! why dont u try getting drug addicts to stop.. is there a warning on liqour bottles... smoking don' t cause accidents or rage outbursts... why dont u concentrate on something more dangerous? like.. drugs... ALCOHOL.. and tik! that should make a interesting read! - louise
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