My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Smoking Addiction

Staying off cigarettes and away from smoking is hard. Share your tips and ... more

Last Reply:

Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)

lunabyrd666 posted:

So, I am 16 and I grew up in a smoke free household, my family having quit either right before or because I was born. Fast forward to when I was 12ish years old. My mother had a boyfriend and he was a chain smoker. I was constantly exposed to it (cartons a day for a while there, and then just a few packs) for a few years until he passed away. I've noticed now though that every time someone lights up a cigarette, I kind of want one. I have never smoked a day in my life and I have mild asthma, so I never wanted to until now. I can't find a lot about it, but I'm starting to think that I've become a secondhand addict and I don't know what to do. Please help me.

4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)So, I am 16 and I grew up in a smoke free household, my family having quit either right before or because I was born. Fast forward to when I was 12ish years old. My mother had a boyfriend and he was a chain smoker. I was constantly exposed to it (cartons a day for a while there, and then just a few packs) for a few years until he passed away. I've noticed now though that every time someone lights up a cigarette, I kind of want one. I have never smoked a day in my life and I have mild asthma, so I never wanted to until now. I can't find a lot about it, but I'm starting to think that I've become a secondhand addict and I don't know what to do. Please help me.

All_is_One responded:

I'll try to give you advice. Don't give in to the urge to smoke. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you realize it is NOT WORTH IT. I too do not smoke, but there is an allure to it. Maybe its my early childhood when my parents smoked. I just remind myself that it might seem 'okay' now, but by the time I'm 40 I will start experiencing chronic disease. I want to not only live to be in my 90's and beyond but also have a high quality of living. I want to feel like a 20 year old my whole life (even if I don't look it).

I have come to a deeper understanding of tobacco use and its effects through a research paper I did back in college and by reading a lot about it on WebMD. I know now that smoking cigarettes is literally like smoking a free radical generator. All those unstable chemicals cause our bodies to be filled with free radicals/unstable molecules. The more of these we have in our bodies and the longer they remain unchecked, the more likely it is that they will damage DNA or cells in a way that it forms cancer or other general cellular problems/chronic disease.

Most imporantly, remember that its ultimately YOUR CHOICE to smoke or not. You have the power within you to make decisions and stick to them. I have sparingly smoked cigars and pipes but I will not touch cigarettes or dip/snuff/chewing tobacco.

GOOD LUCK.

Report This| Share this:Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)I'll try to give you advice. Don't give in to the urge to smoke. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you realize it is NOT WORTH IT. I too do not smoke, but there is an allure to it. Maybe its my early childhood when my parents smoked. I just remind myself that it might seem 'okay' now, but by the time I'm 40 I will start experiencing chronic disease. I want to not only live to be in my 90's and beyond but also have a high quality of living. I want to feel like a 20 year old my whole life (even if I don't look it). I have come to a deeper understanding of tobacco use and its effects through a research paper I did back in college and by reading a lot about it on WebMD. I know now that smoking cigarettes is literally like smoking a free radical generator. All those unstable chemicals cause our bodies to be filled with free radicals/unstable molecules. The more of these we have in our bodies and the longer they remain unchecked, the more likely it is that they will damage DNA or cells in a way that it forms cancer or other general cellular problems/chronic disease. Most imporantly, remember that its ultimately YOUR CHOICE to smoke or not. You have the power within you to make decisions and stick to them. I have sparingly smoked cigars and pipes but I will not touch cigarettes or dip/snuff/chewing tobacco. GOOD LUCK.

lunabyrd666 replied to All_is_One's response:

First off, thank you. I know that you're right, but do you have any thoughts on how to ignore the cravings. I'm sure that, over time, I'll be fine and I do have a really strong resistance, but there are days when I just need some help.

Report This| Share this:Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)First off, thank you. I know that you're right, but do you have any thoughts on how to ignore the cravings. I'm sure that, over time, I'll be fine and I do have a really strong resistance, but there are days when I just need some help.

All_is_One replied to lunabyrd666's response:

I really don't have a sufficient answer to your question. The most I can say to do is focus on some kind of strikingly negative experience having to do with being a nicotine (cigarette) addict.

For example, if you were to have cravings for a cigarette, maybe you could think about that old shruken man who smoked all his life that is on that TV commercial. If you haven't seen it, he's super thin and looks really weak and frail. He has an oxygen mask and can barely breathe. I'm sure there is lots of stuff all over the internet. Find something that inspires you to want to remain nicotine and tobacco free.

Blessings and good luck.

Report This| Share this:Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)I really don't have a sufficient answer to your question. The most I can say to do is focus on some kind of strikingly negative experience having to do with being a nicotine (cigarette) addict. For example, if you were to have cravings for a cigarette, maybe you could think about that old shruken man who smoked all his life that is on that TV commercial. If you haven't seen it, he's super thin and looks really weak and frail. He has an oxygen mask and can barely breathe. I'm sure there is lots of stuff all over the internet. Find something that inspires you to want to remain nicotine and tobacco free. Blessings and good luck.

lunabyrd666 replied to All_is_One's response:

Thank you.

Report This| Share this:Seondhand Smoke Addiction (help me!)Thank you.

More from WebMD related to this Discussion

Addiction | smoking | cancer | asthma

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Spotlight: Member Stories

4Owen

I'm a tech guy who loves gadgets, web programming and travel!

See All Posts by 4Owen

More Members

penneyjean

Edit your story | See All Members

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Be the first to post a Tip!

Post a Tip

Helpful Resources

Uruguay’s story about Smoking ...

Stop Smoking With Laser Therap...

Smoking KILLS

Post a Resource | See All

Related Drug Reviews

Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other Member Communities

Dieting Club: 10 - 25 Lbs Member Community Share Your Tips and Support!
Caregiving Member Community The Support and Understanding You Need!
Parenting Friends Talking Member Community Get Support from Members Like You!

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Smoking Addiction

See All