Vakkotaur

I've never smoked, not even once, at least not first-hand. I have known and do know a few folks who do smoke. One fellow related something rather interesting.

He'd first started smoking a pipe, but after a while switched to cigarettes as they were more convenient. A few years later he realized he was smoking quite a bit and the realization was discomforting to him. So he decided to switch back to using a pipe, figuring that'd slow him down as it takes a bit more time set things up with a pipe and a pipe needs some attention.

It worked, but not just the way he expected. He found he felt a bit better even if he smoked the pipe as often as he had smoked cigarettes, as he did initially. He figures that the burning paper and whatever additives might be in cigarettes are likely more irritating than plain tobacco.

A few months later he noticed something else. He said he tended not to have as deep cravings. There were times when he'd simply forget and not smoke the pipe and it didn't seem to bother him like when he missed a cigarette or two. He still smokes, and as far as I know isn't trying to quit. But for him it's changed from a decided addiction to something more akin to an occasional recreation. If his experience is at all representative, it might be a path to smoking cessation worth some consideration.