Addiction or Insanity

Hi, Tony.

My heart goes out to you - I'm relieved to hear your surgery results were so positive but of course you're playing with fire to continue smoking.

I know how hard it is to quit and I also realize that having an illness like this doesn't necessarily make it easier. Perhaps it’s even harder since you're dealing with the stress (and maybe even guilt) associated with being ill.

I wish I had an answer. I think you just have to look deep inside and find the reserves you need to overcome this addiction. The lessons I learned in a 12-step program worked well for me, perhaps because I had to learn to give up control.

An interesting article about "addiction and lung cancer genes" might shed some light on the situation - see http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080402/ap_on_he_me/smokers_genes

Everyone around us is affected by our choices and sometimes remembering that helps me stay centered. I know it's not just me that I'm hurting if I choose the wrong path.

I wish you the best and hope you can find what it takes to become free. Your loved ones would be very happy, I'm sure.

best,

anne 

Dear Tony - Thanks for your post and welcome to our community.  This is great place for you to find support - Anne has already shown that.

You might also consider contacting one of our other experts - Jim Christopher.  He is an addiction specialist and also posts on our site.  You can contact him by sending a message to him through our site. 

Hope this helps, all the best, sue (moderator)