6 Comments
User's avatar
Peter Panken's avatar

There is a saying in the recovery community: "the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel" this applies to cigarettes. I believe this story is true, or could be.

Expand full comment
Edwin Leap's avatar

Great saying! Thank you for sharing it.

Expand full comment
Rural Doc Alan's avatar

I'm a physician who quit smoking in 1980, when the packs went up to 45 cents. Even doctors and nurses used to smoke. Many smoked in the clinic hallways, and we had a special resident's room in labor and delivery for smoking. I seldom smoked more than 5 cigarettes per day, but neither my wife (who also smoked) nor I connected the constant colds and earaches of our first born to cigarettes. 43 years smoke free. Great story and dialog! I'm impressed!

Expand full comment
Edwin Leap's avatar

Alan, thanks for your kind words! I remember in medical school, and even later in practice, when surgeons would break scrub and go outside to smoke. My dad smoked (I think Vietnam had to do with it), and later transitioned to a pipe. I loved the smell of that! Finally he quit. Anyway, congrats on 43 years smoke free! Love your posts by the way.

Expand full comment
Daniel Beegan's avatar

I smoked for 45 plus years. I loved cigarettes but I didn't love the COPD they gave me. I still pay the price. But the naggers did not help. A kind female pulmonologist and other supportive people did.

Expand full comment
Edwin Leap's avatar

Yep, nagging just doesn't help. Kindness gets us so much further! Thanks for your comment!

Expand full comment