I stopped smoking last year for about 2 months, but apparently I wasn’t ready even though I took the prescription drug, Chantix. I did have a few side effects, but nothing like some others have reported. I applaud those that have stopped and wish them well, even our new President has stopped according to reports. Everyone is trying to live healthier, but me. I of course know all of the devastating effects that can happen to smokers.
I decided when I started smoking again that I would no longer smoke inside in my little smoking room that if I was going to do it, it wouldn’t be in comfort. So regardless of how hot it is outside or freezing cold if I’m that desperate then I can suffer for it. At least I don’t smell smoke in the house anymore, just on myself and my clothes. I have actually known people that never smoked or was around it and still got cancer and emphysema.
They have now banned smoking in public restaurants and bars in PA and it’s really been hurting a lot of businesses. The restaurant where I use to work is actually building on a patio so they can get some of their business back and I know that’s costing them a few bucks that they can’t afford, but at least all their money isn’t going back to Greece. The private clubs had an option to be smoke free and some exercised that right.
We went to our local VFW for dinner last week and were very surprised to see no one there except a few non smokers of course. I have never seen it so empty, because the people around here love to gamble. I asked the waiter when we went in if they had banned smoking and he said yes. Apparently the business has really dropped off and they are experiencing a boycott. What a mess.
The elected officials said they would rather shut down the club than let smoking back in. So know they are fighting amongst themselves and are plotting the downfall of the officials that now govern. It doesn’t matter to myself because we only go over every once in awhile because the food is good and cheap, but we aren’t that active. I would hate to see them close the doors because of this, but people are very irate everywhere over the smoking ban.
I have stopped smoking as a vice a long long time ago. I do still smoke once in a blue moon – in drinking sessions where others are smoking. But, I don’t crave for it.
Good luck with quitting!
Former Tony Blair adviser Matthew Taylor has an interesting take on why the smoking ban works in the UK: http://www.matthewtaylorsblog.com/prosocialbehaviour/smoking-bans-and-presumed-consent/