occasional smoking

[Falogar]

I only ever smoke a cigarette when im at a party, which is only about once every two months, and i only have 2 or 3 cigarettes at each party. I've been doing this for about a year and i'm still on the first pack of cigarettes i ever bought. However, if i keep up this rate of smoking - and never having any more than that - are there any real risks of addiction or adverse health effects?

I dont want to be addicted or have the adverse health effects but i really enjoy a couple of cigarettes when im out or ive been drinking. I just want to know if were i to keep this rate up without increasing it that i wouldnt get addicted.

[mr.lucky66]

Good, don't smoke anymore. The way you described is the way most people get hooked.

[kathyjo]

Good for you! It will be the best thing you never had to do ; )

[Falogar]

I think that if the risk of addiction is as great as you say, my smoking days are over. Although i do enjoy it at parties and i may miss it, i never have any urges to have a smoke outside of a party situation - and i suppose it is best to keep it that way and stop while it's still easy to do so.

Thanks for all the help.

[Jade59]

So Falogar, you posted your question for a reason.  You now know what we all think.  What do YOU think?

Be honest.

It's cool  : )

[Jade59]

Smoking "occasionally" is NEVER a good idea.    

Some day, those "occasions" will include dealing with stress.  In fact, let us know how you're doing in another year after keeping this up.  In my opinion, you ARE addicted if you enjoy smoking at all.  Tell me this.  Would you go to a party and NOT smoke?  What would happen if you couldn't party and smoke too?  Would it make a difference?  Would that be difficult?  It looks like you are associating smoking with drinking.  Not good!

Please stop!  You are just setting yourself up.  

Best of luck....

[Techno55]

My opinion?  the health risks are probably minimal, but the risk of addiction is great.  You are rolling the dice with your life and health, and for what?  It's a game with no way to win.

Good luck!

[musicaljp]

i know people like you...i'm not one of them.  i always said that if i only smoked at parties or when i went out (which is almost never)...i'd never have even tried to quit.  but i'm a full blown nicotine junkie.  I've quit many times...only to test the one more puff rule which sinks me everytime. i know that for me...i can never take one more puff.  i'm only into day 2 of my current quit...but so far so good.

[kathyjo]

From what you describe, the health risks are probably minimal, unless you are exposed to secondhand smoke more often.
As for addiction.......none of us here ever wanted to become addicted. It just happens!

It's really hard to say what personality type is more likely to become an addict. You are social now, but it can crossover into your regular life. That's what happened to me......before I even realized I was dependent on them, they had me.
If it's easy to give them up, then give them up.......why smoke if you don't need to : ) A drink tastes the same, with or without a smoke.
Good luck to you.