What Causes Human Smoking? Could It Be Mental Illness?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the causes of human smoking, particularly exploring the potential link between smoking and mental illness. Participants examine various theories regarding the psychological and chemical factors that may contribute to smoking behavior, including the role of nicotine and the concept of self-medication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant theorizes that smoking may be driven by a delayed chemical reaction causing fear and anxiety, suggesting that substances like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide increase cortisol levels, mimicking a survival response.
  • Another participant humorously claims that all smokers are "idiots," indicating a personal struggle with smoking while acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
  • A third participant expands on the previous claim, asserting that smoking increases idiocy and that all idiots are lifelong smokers, though this assertion is challenged by others seeking evidence.
  • One participant notes the potential for nicotine to serve as a form of self-medication for personal problems, suggesting a chemical imbalance in smokers that warrants further study.
  • Several participants express frustration with smoking bans in public places, indicating a broader societal debate about smoking regulations.
  • Another participant seeks validation for their research on smoking's effects on the brain, emphasizing the need for intelligent discourse on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the relationship between smoking and mental illness, with some proposing theories while others challenge or seek evidence for claims. There is no consensus on the causes of smoking or the implications of mental health in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of smoking behavior, including the interplay of psychological factors and chemical dependencies. Some claims remain speculative, and the discussion highlights the need for further research into the mental health aspects of smoking.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying psychology, addiction, public health, and the social implications of smoking.

  • #31
Wwii

42,

If the weed was brought back instead most of us would have comitted suicide.
Cigarettes create mental illnesses such as general Anxiety disorder and depression, that's why people find it impossible to stop once started. Everyone thinks weed is a safer option but i and many others I grew up with were heavy cannabis smokers and I for one have had serious depression and others I know also have. Perhaps if kids were told that within six months of starting smoking they would have a mental illness rather than in 30 -40 years they may get cancer perhaps they would not start.

Tumour, I do not know how old you are but that attitude will see you stood alone before you know it.
 
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  • #32
The withdrawal symptoms of weed only show up after 6 months since the last toke. I'll give you a first hand report on them when they show up in January.


Edit: as far as I'm aware there are no physical symptoms, only psychological.
 
  • #33
While I lived in the Netherlands I smoked weed for over 4 years almost daily, and a lot... now I have been living in Canada for about a year and have not smoked anything at all, and I do not have any symptoms...

I have a position here for two years. When I am back in the Netherlands I will probably smoke weed now and then again, but I certainly do not think it is as addictive as tabbaco. I long for it in a similar way as I long for a typical dutch candy called "drop"(in dutch) which for some reason you cannot get here in Canada ...
 
  • #34
gerben said:
While I lived in the Netherlands I smoked weed for over 4 years almost daily, and a lot... now I have been living in Canada for about a year and have not smoked anything at all, and I do not have any symptoms...

I have a position here for two years. When I am back in the Netherlands I will probably smoke weed now and then again, but I certainly do not think it is as addictive as tabbaco. I long for it in a similar way as I long for a typical dutch candy called "drop"(in dutch) which for some reason you cannot get here in Canada ...

So..when are you leaving for Netherlands?huh?can i tag along?
 
  • #35
tumor said:
So..when are you leaving for Netherlands?huh?can i tag along?

Tumour! Stop showing off in front of the grown ups, you young scamp

And learn to spell your name properly
 
  • #36
Take it easy mate! this thread is almost dead, little fun won't do any harm. :smile:
PS If you want to go with me and Gerben to the Netherlands to get high say so.Everyone is welcome.
 
  • #37
tumor said:
Take it easy mate! this thread is almost dead

Scoundral! What did this thread die from? Passivity about smoking, that's what!

tumor said:
PS If you want to go with me and Gerben to the Netherlands to get high say so.Everyone is welcome.

What? And have a LAUGH? What do you take me for? Some sort of happy fool?? Away with you now or I'll tell your parents.

PS While we're on the subject, don't tell anyone, but I'm running out of crack. What's the best country to get some in a hurry?
 
  • #38
I'm out of all good stuff, and now i switched to sniffing glue and gasoline :frown:
I got to go to the Amsterdam Man!
 
  • #39
Hmmm. I think you'll find you are more at home on the "Why do humans do only 30 miles per gallon?" thread :biggrin:
 
  • #40
Yeah! Eureaka! And all the time i was wondering why I have to fill my car's gas tank so often? :confused:
 
  • #41
tribdog said:
I smoke cause it makes me look cool.

You know, I'm never sure when you're being serious and when you're being sarcastic. Do you smoke? Now that you've put that handsome picture up in the photo thread, us women here need to know all those important details. :biggrin:
 
  • #42
the number 42 said:
PS While we're on the subject, don't tell anyone, but I'm running out of crack. What's the best country to get some in a hurry?

Why don't you start some small home grow operation?
If you old folks ask what are those plants tell them they are just decorative plants.My friend's parents fell for it. :smile: :smile: :smile:
 

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