Social smokers are a new breed of people who enjoy cigarettes. These are the kinds of smokers who bum cigarettes when they are out drinking or buy a pack that will last them an entire month. If you are a smoker, what kind are you? Are you the kind who has to take regular smoke breaks at work or do you only light up when you’re at a social gathering? The latter seems to be increasingly popular amongst young people in particular, according to recent surveys. Perhaps, the strict ban on smoking in public places has played a role in this, maybe it’s considered more taboo now than in yesteryears or possibly due to the well known health risks.
Overall, the total number of smokers is decreasing, but the percentage of occasional smokers is on the rise. If someone asks you, “Are you a smoker?” Your response might be a little vague by answering “sometimes”. There is a blurred line when you fill out the questionnaire at the doctors’ office if you’re considered a true smoker. Many people think that if you smoke any cigarettes even (if it’s only on the weekends) that would qualify you as a smoker. Myspace.com, you’ve probably heard of it, even has a category that states if you are a smoker or not. Which box are you suppose to check off?
Some say drinking and smoking go hand in hand – it’s the best feeling in the world. Social drinking can be compared to social smoking just like alcoholics can be compared to truly nicotine addicted smokers who seem to be a dying breed. When I think of a true smoker, an older women or man who has an extra deep voice and yellow stained nails comes to mind. Many occasional smokers started in high school or college and never graduated to become a full blown smoker. I had my first cigarette when I was 18 years old on a senior high school class cruise just to look cool. I never became addicted to cigarettes. Now, I am proud to say, I do not smoke at all, of course.
Most people know when they see a social smoker- they do not get easily agitated when they have to go without a cigarette for a long period of time. Social drinkers may be addicted to the actual act of smoking, the ritual, the oral fixation, the inhaling and exhaling action, or the social aspect. It is almost a bonding experience between people who don’t know each other very well. It forces people to talk to each other as they are standing outside restaurants or office buildings smoking in groups or pairs. Some consider it a small indulgence on vacations, comparing it to having a fattening dessert. Whatever the reason, social smoking is the politically term to use.
