How much does smoking a couple of cigarettes a week actually harm me?

anarkali

I've never been a regular smoker in my life but I enjoy smoking a couple of cigarettes when I go out for a drink. I may also smoke a cigarette if I'm really depressed or stressed. I often go for weeks of months without smoking and in general I don't find smoking more than a couple of cigarettes enjoyable. I have been smoking like that for about 4 years. How much does that habbit actually harm my health?

Mat G · 12-13-2008, 01:00 AM

enough to kill you over time.

iguanas142005 · 12-13-2008, 02:32 AM

you have about 5 seconds to live enjoy it.

RUTHHHH · 12-13-2008, 03:22 AM

i'm sure it does effect you somewaybut no where near as much as smoking regularly doesi too used to smoke like youbut the only worry is you could fall into the same trap.with me it started as one a weekthen one a daynow im a regualr smoker and i need to stopthat would be the worst thing to happenbut smoking at all is bad for your health and i would avoid it if you could.

Easterlily · 12-15-2008, 01:37 PM

It is still harmful to your health; although, not as much as if you smoked all the time. Quitting smoking all together is always the best advice.

Natty F · 12-16-2008, 04:03 AM

Unfortunately it is worst than you think....your lungs restore actually BUT like everything else in your body it kinda stops after a while and your lungs eventually begin to start clogging up. I know its hard to WANT to stop because my best friend smokes....but sometimes u need to think in the future...one day you will have a family and even IF you dont I mean...take care of yourself!It will pay off.....the earlier you quit the easier....

ricky j · 12-17-2008, 03:22 PM

Studies say that no matter if you are smoking 1 or 100... both produces the same effect...All the best for u and ur family.

nurse_nay84 · 12-18-2008, 07:26 PM

I work in a respiratory ward.I am letting you know that smokes contain very very harmful toxins. Not only is that one or two doing you damage it is causing damage to others around you.If smoking didn't make so much money for governments it would be outlawed. Its sad really.

Anon M · 12-26-2008, 07:39 PM

You'll be fine. Seriously, most people here are regurgitating scare stories and what they have read in the press, without looking at the scientific evidence.If you stop smoking for two weeks, your lungs become clear.

wahoo · 02-13-2009, 02:44 AM

any smoking is harmful to the smoker. You think that you are not a habitual smoker, but indeed you are...when you are depressed, or stressed or going out for a drink...soooo I do see a pattern here. My advice is to quit now, when it won't be as difficult to do. You will be doing yourself and your family a favour. They will not have to make the funeral arrangements so early.