How Can One’s Willpower Be So Weak?

Question by Joey: How can one’s willpower be so weak?
Okay, this question is more or less about stress, but I needed a catchy question. I am in the military and do not smoke and never will smoke. My question to all, those who I am talking about and others, is why is it so easy for them to turn to smoking to releive whatever stress they are or they think they are having?

Best answer:

Answer by Michael C
Well, smoking is a ritualistic action for many people. In a way, it does help them feel a little better, but there are better ways to manage ones stress. Problem is the extremely addictive nature of nicotine. When you are in withdrawal, you feel even more stressed, so you have another smoke and feel the anxiety pass. This makes you believe that you can’t handle life without them. Your body and mind has forgotten how to handle stress in any other way.

Be proud that you are not a smoker. I was for 10 years and it is my greatest regret. I believe tobacco to be one of the greatest evils we ever allowed to be unleashed upon us.

Answer by Cary Cyd
Well, when I was young & started smoking it was due to two main reasons:

1. A lot of adults, including both of my parents did
smoke, & it was totally accepted by society at
that time & readily available.

2. I was a shy kid who didn’t have a lot of friends
& all the popular kids smoked, so there was a
certain amount of peer pressure to start smoking
to be “cool”.

35 years later, I quit. It took several tries & a lot of behavior modification to do it, but I am glad I did. It is an addiction.

I now use meditation, Tai Chi & massage to relieve stress