Thursday, January 7, 2010

Why Bother...?


I was semi-listening to the boob tube, trying to get the news (insert laughter here) and of course was bombarded with the standard parade of commercials in all their insane, untrue story lines.

One that caught my attention was a product for folks that wanted to stop smoking. The product isn't new, just a remake of the many products of this kind that have come and gone before.

What really got my attention with this one was when they started rattling off the side effects! I mean, I can't imagine anyone anywhere actually paying good money for something like this...! Take a look at this list, taken straight from the "Brand X" website!

Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using Brand X to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking Brand X, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping Brand X. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking Brand X and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking Brand X, as these symptoms may worsen while taking Brand X..


Now, as most of you know...I am a smoker! I have considered quitting a couple of times but nothing could ever get me use this product because of all these side effects!

I'd be willing to bet that most heavy smokers are going to experience most or some of these effects the minute they try and quit smoking...even without a $100 prescription!

Look, here's the thing. If you smoke and want to quit...then QUIT! It isn't going to be easy, but you can do it. You don't need some quack doctor selling you some Snake Oil cure! You can do it with nothing but the strength of your own will, the support of your friends and family, and a true desire to quit! You can do it! I believe in you...I do!

We need to get over the false believe that we need a PILL to do anything! There are plenty of natural medicines and cures for most of our health issues, without using a chemical cocktail created by Corporate Pharma-cats to increase their wealth!

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit in the kitchen for a bit. Oh, I hope you don't mind me smoking!

24 comments:

Rae said...

You made a good point. I never have believed in the quit smoking medicines. The only thing I think they do is fatten the wallet of the drug company. Sure smoking is hard, so is dieting. It takes willpower and plenty of it, but it can be done without drugs.

HermitJim said...

Hey Rae...
Iknow you're right! Dieting is difficult as well.

People have to learn to take control of their own health, and quit supporting the drug companies with their "so-called" wonder drugs!

Hey, thanks for coming by, Rae!

TEAM HALL said...

Morning Jim! One of my favourites is for a drug to help with depression and the list of side effects is depression and suicidal thoughts...I mean jeesh isn't that why someone would take the pill in the first place? Unbelievable!!
You have a grand day, sir!!

Anonymous said...

Amen! They are developing a pill for everything. And we keep getting sicker and sicker. You can't even take a vitamin these days without research.

Enjoy your coffee and smoke this morning.

Anonymous said...

I'm an ex-smoker (18 years on the lines, lol) who quit cold turkey 12 years ago. Everybody I know who quit did it this way - no patches, pills nada.

You pretty much nailed it - to quit for good, YOU have to decide its time. Not your spouse, doctor, friends or family - YOU. Once you have made that commitment, quitting is easier than you think.

Why I quit - my wife was 6 months pregnant with our 1st and mentioned the possible asthma risk to the child - that motivated me. And that was all it took.

I had previously given up as long as 3 months, but came crawling back - it was just too hard. The last time, I marveled on how I wasn't getting the nic fits, though I was still waking up and grabbing my lighter to head for the 1st morning smoke (the best!).

I'd be lying if I say I didn't miss it occasionally, but at the cost of those things now . . . I'm glad I quit.

Ben in Texas said...

Thank you for that post detailing the "warnings" That has been a thorn in my side for ever. Heck the side effects are worst then the habit!!!
I personally know one lady who was on one of those drugs, Went on a gambling spree, AFTER she stole and sold all of the family jewelery. and wrecked her home and marriage,

I too have been a smoker since about the age of 17. Yea, I quit once for 3 years. I have considered quitting, but , naw, heck! it is the only vice I have now

As for the dieting stuff, one extreme overweight sister-in-law had her stomach stabled. Lost a lot of weight and gained it all back plus some. She just absolutely refuses to eat correctly. I don't really care about her, but she is married to my brother and he is in just as bad a shape.

Thanks for informing us old wise ole

Preacher said...

All of those side-effects sounds damn similar to what happened to me WHEN I tried to stop smoking after about 2 days. When your thinking is bullet or cigarette..the choice is easy. I love smoking and have been doing it for 40 years--at least--and have no desire to try quitting again. For a smoker, there is nothing better than a good smoke in the presence of some nicotine nazi's.

Momlady said...

Mornin' friend.....I quit, with a little help from a drug...or maybe I was just ready to. The drug gave me tinnitus and I quit using it after 4 days and never craved a smoke and still don't. The tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can be bothersome at times but I ignore it most of the time. You are correct when you say one has to want to quit. My reason? I was tired of waking up coughing in the middle of the night,my grandson has asthma and the smell of smoke invades clothing.
I do not protest people smoking around me....it's their right. You just can't smoke in my house.
Enjoy your coffee and cigarette (that's when I missed it the most).

Catman said...

Hey Jim,

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, and screw the nannies!

Missy said...

Hold on!! Let my coffee finish up brewing whilst I grab my pack and lighter ;~)
gotta sit here and gab about some snow about to hit here in Alabama..it's gonna take a whole pot of coffee, hehe

Anonymous said...

I too am an ex-smoker. I tried to quit several times, almost made it once. The problem was I liked smoking. Then my son came along and when he was able to stand, he picked up one of my cigarettes. I said to myself, "This is my bad habit, not his." I easily quit that day. The key to change is motivation. Without it all the drugs and patches in the world won't work, with it, you don't need them. Weight loss, fitness, preparations, for most things motivation is usually what determines success or failure

JoJo said...

Good Morning My Special One, these quit smoking drugs are nothing but a crutch and then they give you some nasty mental health issues.(i already have some) I quit 2 1/2 yrs ago all on my own. I hated the hacking cough in the morning and the nasty mess in my lungs. I hated coming home and opening the door and the smell hitting me AND I lost my job and who could afford the cigs anymore anyway. Like others have said it must be YOU who wants and is ready to quit. I so loved that cig with my first cup of the day and sometimes I miss it to.
So lets sit and have our coffee and will smell yours instead.
Hugs

Anonymous said...

They say you start to improve within 24 hours after you quit smoking. I'll never know. I've used everything bad for me for the past 68 years. Something will kill me anyway. At least I'll have MY enjoyment doing what the hell I want. At least until the government stops all my bad habits.

Right now I'll enjoy my coffee and my smoke.

See Ya

The cottage by the Cranelake said...

Those words of Yours are so true! It´s up to one self. It´s so iumportant to belive one can do it. If one don´t one might as well continue. I´m no smoker but I use snuff. I´m going to quit but I´m not motivated enough yet I feel. But when I quit I´ll do it immediatly and never look back :-)
Have a great day now!
Christer.

Anonymous said...

I saw that ad somewhere on the blogosphere. I commented that I didn't need a pill to be antisocial as I was already a blogger...

I'll accept that coffee...

AV

HermitJim said...

Hey Cath...
See, that's what I mean! It appears t me that the cure is as bad as the problem!

Hey, thanks for coming by today!


Hey Kris...
Just have to be really careful, for sure! Best to stay away from all "miracle" cures unless you just have to have them.

Time to look for an alternative way to get vitamins, I guess!

Thanks for coming over today, my friend!


Hey Anon...
Sometimes all it takes is the pushing of the "magic button". I live alone, don't smoke in anyone else's house (unless they do) and try to be as considerate as possible.

I do NOT like being told when and where I can smoke by some law person or government rep! That's going too far, I think.

When they passed the law here that you couldn't smoke in a bar or pool hall...I really started staying at home!

Guess that's another reaon I like being a Hermit!

Thanks for the visit...


Hey Ben...
I'm reminded of the story about an old man, 101 years old, that died after being a smoker for most of his life. Two of his oldest friends were talking at his grave side. One said " I told him that smoking would kill him one of these days!"

To each his own, I guess! Like you, I don't have many vices anymore...and I like each one I have left!

Thanks, my friend, for coming by!


Hey Preacher...
Boy, I couldn't agree with you more about that smoke! Had a person walk up to me in a park in Austin and tell me to put out my cigarette because he said I was violating his air space!

I won't repeat what my answer was to him, but he didn't come back to our table any more!

I really appreciate you dropping by today!


Hey Momlady...
Those side effects can do a lot of damage, I'm thinking!

Most of us could do a lot more from desire than we ever believed we could. The desire HAS to be there, or nothing will help!

I certainly understand your not wanting a smoker inside, and I have no problem following the house rules!

I used to smoke outside at my Big Sister's house, but then so did she...not a problem!

You know that I appreciate you coming by today!


Hey Catman...
Sounds like the military, doesn't it?

Just never smoke on guard duty, or light 3 on a match!

Thanks for the visit, bother!


Hey Missy...
I can do without the snow, but it is supposed to be in the 20's here in Houston for the next several days! Top it off with a pretty strong wind...and it's COLD!

Grab your smokes and come on in! Thanks for coming by!


Hey Anon 9:53...
Motivation is sometimes all it takes, I think! The kid provided that for you and that's a good thing!

I really appreciate you visiting today!


Hey JoJo...
Right you are, sweetie! And the cost is one reason that I started rolling my own!

After I get to where I can grow my own, I'll grow and cure my own tobacco!

Thanks for coming by to make my day!


Hey Tony...
I know what you mean, my friend! I probably have the worse lifestyle of anyone in my family...with drinking and smoking and eating like I want! At the same time, I have fewer health problems than most!

Think I'll just keep on doing it "My way". just like the song!

Hey, buddy, thanks for coming by!


Hey Christer...
My grandmother used snuff until she passed away in her 80's. We all have some bad habits, and when we decide it's time...we can quit!

Really do appreciate you coming by, my friend!

HermitJim said...

Hey AV...
That's pretty good! Nice thing about being a Blogger, we can smoke or drink while doing it...and not bother anyone!

Sure glad you could come by today!

Anonymous said...

Smokem if you gotem is what I always say. Hope you dont mind if I take a dip of snuff.. promise I wont spit on the floor.

HermitJim said...

Hey Timkin...
Don't worry about spiitin', I keep some empty coffee cans for just such uses!

Snuff or chewing tobacco never bothered me, so I don't mind a bit if you dip!

hey, thanks for dropping in today!

Lynnanne said...

April will mark 13 years of no smokes for me. Did it cold turkey; thought I was having heart problems… only to learn after several visits to doctors' offices, it was stress. Had smoked 22 years prior to that. Thirteen years later, I would still love to smoke a cigarette… Virginia Slim menthol to be exact. Loved smoking.. and if I ever choose to pick up another one, I'll never quit again.

So, until then, smoke one for me… and on occasion, blow that second hand smoke my way too. ;)

HermitJim said...

Hey Acorn...
Congrats on being a non-smoker for so long, and doing it "cold turkey"!

Thinking it was causing heart trouble could be a good reason to quit, for sure!

I've heard a lot of people say they still miss it after quitting, and I can appreciate the will power it must take to stay off the smokes!

I'll be glad to share whatever second hand smoke may be there as we have our coffee!

Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

Wyn Boniface said...

Quitting is best without some odd psychoactive drugs. We all want magical wands to solve our problems though, which leads to this drugs. I am going to return to quitting after my dental stuff is solved.

Frugal Canadian Hermit said...

I'm a believer of the patch, myself(nicoderm). Thats what worked for me anyway. Probably about 3 different times until I finally conquered it for good. I tried to quit cold turkey and I also tried to gradually wein myself off, but that seemed to cause more problems for myself than it was worth. And it was torture. The first time I tried the patch it did'nt work very well at all, but once I found the perfect spot to place the patch, then quitting smoking was a breeze. But you do have to want to quit, it dos'nt just quit for you. Thats what worked for me anyway. Maybe it was all in my head, but I don't think so. I've heard so many people complain that it did'nt work for them and they did'nt like it and all that, but, maybe they did'nt really want to quit.
It was'nt cheap to buy, but it was cheaper than smoking, and once the job was done I no longer had any nicotine expense. I can't remember how long since I quit smoking, but it has been more than 5 years for sure. 2 packs@$10.00 x 365=$7300.00 x 5 years= $36,000.00. I don't know, the way I figure it, I have saved at least $36,000.00. on smoking alone in the last 5 years. lol. Thats all Canadian prices and Canadian currency, but it gives an idea I guess.

tjbbpgobIII said...

Hermit, I'll always remember the last time I quit smoking. It was in 1994 and I threw the last one down as I was going into the emergency room door in Chattanooga, Tennessee with a heart attack. Never wanted another but I guess I did use some drugs to stop. They had me on a 50/50 mix of demarol and morphine drip. I didn't want anything else for about a week. That is still my favorite cocktail.