This subject has recurred so often during my time on RYL that I doubt that much more can be got out of it. However, let's be clear:
1. Smoking really does kill - not everyone, but a hugely greater proportion of those who do
smoke. Of course non-smokers may get cancer of the breast, bowels or wherever, but that's not a reason to eliminate one definitely proven cause of cancer.
2. Everyone has a choice as to how they live their lives and what damage their lifestyle may cause them. But they should understand the risks that smoking involves - it wasn't previously fully understood and during WW2 servicemen were actually given rations of fags (I wonder how many lives that subsequently cost?). But the risks are understood now and I'm horrified at the proportion of young people who smoke despite today's knowledge of the dangers involved. Their choice, or perhaps they think that they're specially selected for immunity ...
3. Giving up is not nearly as difficult as most smokers imagine. Everything depends upon working up an absolute determination to stop. Once that's done the first day or three may be hard (a packet of Polos or some other substitute can greatly help) but each day becomes less hard. And determination is everything. I finally gave up once and for all many years ago and I wouldn't now smoke a single cigarette for £1000 - just in case the addiction should begin again.
4. Finally, if you do stop, the sense of physical well-being after a few weeks makes it all worthwhile. You can breathe and smell again, and taste again, and just feel so much hugely better all round. And less broke!
Tony.
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