HealthyMomma, you are right about how smoking accelerates the aging process. Every heavy smoker I've known looks years older than they actually are. I used to work with a woman who was in her mid-40s, but so wrinkled from smoking that she looked 60.

    

My sister in law has smoked since she was a teenager and she looks like she could be in her early fifties, and she is only thirty three! She has always been one to really care for her looks, so it is too bad that she didn't care enough to quit!

I don't think smokers find it fun, healthy momma. I believe they are addicted. I am not a smoker, but this is what I have observed. Many want to quit and know it hurts their body. But the physical need outweighs that. It's not a matter of "this is fun" to them.

Well, as far as why they start, I can give some insight because I smoked for ten years, two packs a day. One reason I quit is that I couldn't justify it considering how healthy the rest of my life was. Smoking was fun, and I really loved the feel of the smoke. I know that sounds sick to anyone who never was addicted. I didn't do it to look cool or because anyone else did it. I didn't have bad health effects. It made me feel closer to my grandpa, who died when I was young. Everyone has their own reasons, I guess, but if it wasn't for the bad influence on my teenagers, I probably would still be doing it.

Quitting smoking can be a long and hard process.
If you miss the feeling of having something in your mouth, try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, sugarless gum, sugar-free lollipops, or celery. Some people chew on a straw or stir stick.