Social Smokers Aren't Hooked on Nicotine, Just Smoking - Healthy Living - Health.com

News Type: Event — Seeded on Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:01 PM EST

Article Source: living.health.com

health, u-s-news, smoking, addiction, nicotine, social-smoker

There's a species of smoker among us that is common yet poorly understood. Their habitat consists of parties, barbecues, and the sidewalks outside bars and restaurants. They prefer to scrounge for their cigarettes, and if they do buy a pack, they're apt to nurse it for a week or more. You may hear them say, "I'm not a smoker," or "Only on weekends."

These are "social smokers"—and there are more of them than you might think.

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{"commentId":4009727,"authorDomain":"Wheel"}

Wheel

by some estimates, anywhere from one-fifth to one-third of adults who smoke don’t light up every day. While some of these so-called nondaily smokers smoke regularly but sparingly, up to 30% likely fall into the social-smoker category.

I'm not so sure of this concept, on the other hand I do know people that only smoke sometimes so maybe there's something to it.

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2 votes

#1 - Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:03 PM EST

{"commentId":4012950,"authorDomain":"japark"}

jpark

There are occasional or social smokers who seem able to moderate their usage of nicotine. I have always admired their control.

I have seen social smokers who progressed to frequent smoking and had the same problems quitting as any other smoker, so social smokers are flirting with danger.

Since I quit, I continue to frequent the smoking area for the same reasons I did before I quit. There is a social aspect that even addicted smokers miss when it is gone.

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2 votes

#1.1 - Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:11 AM EST

{"commentId":4010132,"authorDomain":"nielisse"}

Nielisse

I soooooo agree with this. I am a smoker but besides the nicotine, whenever i quit what I miss the most is the social aspect. I like to get together with smokers and just have discussion. At work I would see and talk to people I never would have otherwise. Now we are smoke free where I work so it's so funny how the smokers see another and wonder if they will smoke or tell. Ha ha, its like now we've gotten closer, talking sneaking around, just having fun with it I guess, and yes I do understand that this fun carries a rather large price tag but all in all this article really reminds that it's more than nicotine a smoker has to beat. To quit smoking it just shows that it's about more than not buying the pack of cigarettes. I tried to go outside and get some air, well that doesnt work, you have to change your habits and who you regularly keep company with also...I do so love smokers, it's good conversation and good attitude!

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#2 - Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:42 PM EST

{"commentId":4010512,"authorDomain":"Wheel"}

Wheel

It's funny, I don't smoke cigarettes myself, but both my parents did, all my brothers and sisters do, both my wives smoked, every woman I've ever dated smokes. I like smokers too. :)

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1 vote

#2.1 - Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:17 PM EST

{"commentId":4012052,"authorDomain":"nielisse"}

Nielisse

aaaaaaaah You are Wonderful! I hate those non-smokers that hate smokers,or worse yet, ex smokers that make a smokers life hell...live and let live!

{"commentId":4012052,"threadId":"415531","contentId":"2096876","authorDomain":"nielisse"}

#3 - Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:37 AM EST

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WHEEL

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Social Smokers Aren't Hooked on Nicotine, Just Smoking - Healthy Living - Health.com

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