10 Most Common Excuses to Continue Smoking

Trying to get someone to quit smoking has to be one of the most difficult challenges that I face daily in the medical profession. It is so hard to stress to individuals the lifelong health effects that cigarette smoking may have, especially if currently there are no ill side effects present. I think everyone to some point absolutely feels that they are invincible. And smoking is no exception to this. The attitude is usually, "If I feel good, what bad can come out of this?"

My position is never to lecture someone on smoking, but to address health concerns that may or are developing secondary to cigarette smoking. And along with the health concerns I offer any services that may be readily available to assist with this true drug dependency of tobacco use. I have listed here ten of the most common excuses that I hear on a daily basis when talking about tobacco cessation.

1. I have to die from something, don't I?

2. If I don't spend money on cigarettes I will spend it on something else that is useless.

3. I have tried to quit in the past and that has made me sicker.

4. I have no other bad habits so why should I give this one up?

5. If I quit now I will be under so much stress that I will be forced to smoke more later.

6. I will gain weight and what health benefit does that have.

7. My uncle/aunt smoked until they were 110 and they were healthy.

8. I will just wait until I become sick and then I will think about it.

9. Everyone else in my house smokes so what's the difference.

10. **Most Common** I can quit whenever I want to, and right now I just don't want to.

I am sure we have all heard the excuses to why people will not quit. What I find is that I encounter the same excuses daily, and yet every time someone tells me a slight variation to the above excuses they act as if it is a unique answer. Well, I regretfully have to say "no, it is not," everyone has the same story.

The sad part is that smoking and cigarettes in themselves has taken over such a large population today that it is terrible that this one little "stick" can have so much power over the body and emotions. And it doesn't help that it is so easily accessible as well.

I know the problem is that most do not see this as a drug addiction. And now seeing this as an issue, I try to enlighten people during my educational sessions. I let them know and reiterate the fact that tobacco use is a true drug dependence and like any other drug or alcohol addiction there is help. The idea that this is not a drug addiction is completely false, and in thinking that it isn't deters individuals from seeking help.

All the excuses in the world are not going to change the fact that tobacco use is an avoidable cause of illness future and present. And today there are many programs throughout many different states that will aid in trying to help someone quit. The longer someone waits to get help, the longer the excuses become. This in turn may have very devastating effects to what may have been a more productive and healthier life.

So, smokers no more making excuses become a quitter instead.