Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pathos!

I haven't thought cigarettes were cool since I was 5 years old. (My sister and I smoked carrots.) But you know what's really uncool? Grown men shivering outside the University side gate sucking on their cigarettes while the cold rain runs down their collars. They look so pathetic! Sigh...

It must be painful to be that hooked.

5 comments:

Matthew Celestine said...

Addiction is about to be my bussiness, as I start work as a drug and alcohol worker.

I understand nicotine is about the same level of addictiveness as heroin.

Anonymous said...

That may be, but withdrawal isn't as bad for nicotine. Heroin addicts are in immense amounts of pain. I heard this story years ago where these well-intending friends of a heroin addict locked him up in a room to get him clean, and he died from withdrawal. I think that's why they created methodone clinics.

Cigarettes here are $7.50 in Jersey. $10.00 in NYC. Three packs for $20.00 is one deal I saw in a deli. I haven't been smoking, by the way. It's really just a matter of financial common sense.

Kristoffer

Laurie Elliot said...

Matthew, I do agree with Kris that there's a difference in that one is unlikely to die from cigarette withdrawal! But it does explain to me why the people who think they'll just have one cigarette now and then end up compulsively sneaking.

BRAVO, KRIS!

BTW, we've changed since you left, too. The house has never been so clean. The laundry room is now clutter free and Mary not only sweeps she dusts the floors with クイックル.

Matthew Celestine said...

Kris, I am afraid to say you are mistaken.

Heroin withdrawal is only fatal in exceptional cases, unlike alcohol withdrawal. which is very risky.

In the case you mention there must have been some additional complication that caused the death.

Certainly locking somebody up to go cold turkey is very unethical and risky.

God Bless

Matthew

Laurie Elliot said...

I think I forgot to say congratulations on the job, Matthew. Been watching your progress and praying for your move. (I think I DID tell you how much I hate moving. So you know we're praying for that! :-)