Originally posted by mikelomExactly. So why did you start either of them?
I have always wondered why people start drinking in the first place. It doesn't taste good and has to be an acquired taste, doesn't it? In fact, to me booze stinks. It also causes nausea, but then blackout and if you don't stop there then DEATH. It is as expensive as smoking, also causes disgusting breath, is addictive, causes psychiatric and physical disord ...[text shortened]... th, pancreatic and liver cancers, nerve end destruction and of course bad farts. Why then? 😉
Originally posted by mikelomAh, okay. I read it more along the lines of "even if you never started smoking yourself, you probably started drinking alcohol at some point, so you shouldn't have to ask". So you don't remember at all how or why you started? My impression is that many people do it because it's considered a cool, tough or "grown-up" thing among their friends, so they try to ignore the taste and then grow accustomed to it. But at least with alcohol, there also seem to be some people who like the taste right from the start.
I think if you read again it says I am wondering exactly that.
- Joined
- 10 Jan 08
- Moves
- 23322
Originally posted by Nordlysi know a couple of people who started smoking because they wanted to fit in with the 'cool kids'. i can't see how anyone could actually enjoy it, it's disgusting and does absolutely nothing for you.
Ah, okay. I read it more along the lines of "even if you never started smoking yourself, you probably started drinking alcohol at some point, so you shouldn't have to ask". So you don't remember at all how or why you started? My impression is that many people do it because it's considered a cool, tough or "grown-up" thing among their friends, so they try to ...[text shortened]... with alcohol, there also seem to be some people who like the taste right from the start.
i drink because i like the taste and it gives you a little buzz, hell i'm drinking right now. i also somethings like smoking weed, it gets you high, you feel relaxed, you feel good. but cigarettes? i could never understand the appeal. if makes you smell, it's expensive, it gives you lung cancer and no man or woman will want to go out with you unless you're a fellow smoker.
so i conclusion
smoking - bad
drinking - good
smoking weed - good on occasion
Originally posted by NordlysI remember having a sherry at New Years Eve, or a glass of wine at Christmas dinner. That was teen years. Beer started at University when we went out at the weekends.
Ah, okay. I read it more along the lines of "even if you never started smoking yourself, you probably started drinking alcohol at some point, so you shouldn't have to ask". So you don't remember at all how or why you started? My impression is that many people do it because it's considered a cool, tough or "grown-up" thing among their friends, so they try to ...[text shortened]... with alcohol, there also seem to be some people who like the taste right from the start.
I remember in my teens not liking sherry particularly much, and at Uni we did things, as you rightly point out, because of peer groups. I still never remember it tasting good.
That leads me to think that environment must be a factor too. I certainly have enjoyed the odd moment when I have had a beer in the last few years, and I remember that a cool Singha beer on a hot Thai afternoon is bliss and has tasted really good.
Smoking started as a student too, but at school. I don't remember my first cigarette, but I'd guess it was borrowed (bummed, as we said). I was smoking before I went to Uni and I have no idea where or how t started. There seems to be a mental block there - either that or I am just getting old and can't remember, as there is no real reason for selective memory.
1 edit
Originally posted by mikelomYes, yes, yes! It's called a decision, and needs a motivation. In my opinion, Mikelom, you would be a beacon for anyone wanting to escape addiction. I salute you,
I agree completely. I quit booze and smoking, 7 months and 2 months, nearly, respectively. I smoked for 25 years also. Stopping smoking was easy, so easy I still worry why it was easy. But I do believe there is will, or something similarly necessary, to maintain abstinence; be it concentration, a partner, a reason or an illness. There is a thought process st be kicked off by something and I maintain it is that something that helps in abstinence, yes??