Faithfreedom, I definitely believe in addictive personalities, without a doubt. I have been calling myself that for 25 years. Nicotine is my big one, followed by caffeine. I always thought it was a much safer addiction than those of others in my own generation, my mother's generation, and her mother's generation. Almost all had their own personal addiction and I can see where it was passed from generation to generation like a snake swallowing its prey. I got lucky, or so I thought. All of the older generations are gone now, and my generation is also starting to pass. When did I become the older generation? I have a cousin who had a lung transplant and still smokes. My brother's addictions have caused him to drop out of sight once again...its been 3 years since I last knew he was alive. Addictive personalities? You bet! I will be one of the very few in the family to kick mine! Hope most are still around to see it! Keep the quit! MomMom [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/14/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 5 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 175 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $24.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 23 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Hi Faith, I've wondered about this as well. I have heard there is no such thing as an addictive personality, but can't say I agree completely with that idea. I used to enjoy drinking and gambling, and could have run into problems with those, but gave them up to become a good Mother (so I've been told anyways). Addictions of all sorts run in my family in at least 3 consecutive generations, but smoking is the only one that is a real problem for me and all of my family members are functioning or recovered additcs. Oh, except for my ginormours addiction to living and laughing until I eventually overdose and hopefully die from natural causes. It will be interesting to see the responses you get from this thread. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/28/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 22 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 913 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $308 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 57 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37

I don't know if it's a genetic thing or not. Is it possible that everyone has the same potential to be addictive? I know I do! I don't drink alcohol but maybe once or twice a year and never more than two drinks, for the very reason that I could SEE how it might turn into a problem for me. I can't play video games like Nintendo or xBox because if I pick it up then I can't put it down. I can't even buy scratch-off lottery tickets because once I start, it's like I can't stop. If I go gambling, I have to limit how much money I bring with me (and never bring debit or credit cards)! And now both smoking and food have to be added to the "be careful" list for me. So yeah, I'd definitely say that I'm an addictive personality. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/1/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 49 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,496 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $147 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 9 [B]Seconds:[/B] 57

Hi FF I have an addictive personality, inherited, for me. I don't drink often and don't crave alcohol, do like to gamble so I avoid that, have experimented with various illicits during my 20's. Cigs were my biggest demon though. Interesting thread. I'm eating more than usual now and way too much sugar and coffee. Marie

Interesting responses so far -- thanks, guys! I think you're right, Stickintoit, that those who drink and gamble are more likely to be smokers. At the casino last night, I had a lot of time to just observe (rather than compulsively smoke and gamble) and I'd venture a guess that 80% of the gamblers were smokers and most of them were drinking alcohol as well. Why do you suppose that in a family, as in my case, only 2 of the 5 became addicted to smoking and various other substances? My sister and brother and I all graduated high school in the late 60's to 1970, yet I'm the only one who "dabbled" in the drugs of the day and began smoking. I've often wondered -- are they simply stronger of character? Do I have more of my mother's genetics in this regard and they have more of our father's? Hmmm, I just don't know. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 134 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,393 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1072 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 43

Oh, MomMom, that's so sad about your brother. I can't imagine how awful that must be to not even know whether he's alive. My God, how addictions can destroy individuals and entire families! I liked your visual about a snake swallowing its prey -- very apt. How successful have you been at helping the next generation to avoid the same traps? I know what you mean about "when did we become the oldest generation?" My dad died last year and he was the last of my husband's and my remaining parents. We instantly moved up to the top rung of the ladder. I'm not so sure I like the view from up here! LOL Stickin: The "Age of Aquarius" indeed -- oh yes! Who can forget? Well, actually, having killed a few million brain cells back then, I've probably forgotten a great deal! LOL [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 134 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,395 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1072 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8

I ask this, because I'm truly curious about the rest of you and whether nicotine is your only addiction. Or do you believe that we are addictive personalities who tend toward other addictive behaviors as well? A couple of years ago, I realized I was developing a pretty serious gambling addiction. It got a mite scary, as I had to force myself to see what was really happening and the potential severe consequences if I didn't get a handle on things. In both my gambling and smoking, I've come to realize that they both allowed me to hide from the world, to escape into my own carefree world where I didn't have to face anything I didn't want to. That was the major similarity. And of course, very, very dangerous. I'm 55 years old and smoked since I was 20. My older brother and sister and father never smoked, but my mother was told to start smoking back in 1950 while pregnant with my sister (!!) She never quit until she died of breast cancer in 1989. In her 50's, she confessed to alcoholism and I know she would have loved the casinos had she lived long enough to see the advent of neighborhood casinos everywhere you turn. So why did my mother and I become addicted? Why not my father and sister and brother? I find that curious. I was at a friend's wedding last night at a casino (one of my old haunts) of all places with my husband and a number of friends. My two major addictions were tested in that one location. I did well, I'm proud to say, sucked on a straw, gambled just a little (it didn't hold the same appeal and compulsion, thank God) and left after a few hours with burning eyes, stinky clothes and hair and just having broken even dollar-wise. I know I have to watch the wine intake and the chocolate intake, because I do believe I have an addictive personality -- or maybe it's a little obsessive/compulsive. What I'm learning is that I have to watch myself and strive for moderation in most things and complete abstinence in others, like SMOKING! I cannot be a part-time smoker, I know that. So, what do you all think of the addictive personality idea? Are some of you addicted to nicotine only and have found balance in the rest of your life? I'd be interested in knowing what you think. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/8/2006 [

Hi Faith - Guilty as charged...Definately someone who likes to escape through my addictions...so far smoking is the only one that has gotten totally out of control but I can see how easy it would to replace one with another. Windy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 161 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,236 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $805 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 17 [B]Seconds:[/B] 19

Good post faithfreedom We do things that make us feel good and feeling good is good, however it can and does get out of hand. We try to experience more good then the thing can deliver, and that is where it all falls apart, �addiction�; as we try to squeeze blood out of a turnip. At a young age some of us did not learn about the virtue, moderation. I know people both ways, those that just smoke and those that smoke, gamble, and drink. I would make the case that those who drink or gambles are more likely to smokers. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/22/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 393 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,908 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2063.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 73 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 5 [B]Seconds:[/B] 29

Faithfreedom I think it to be the age of Aquarius; some like to experiment more, some get bored easy (mindfully gifted) and so� it is there and the mountain gets climbed.