In 1974 I seem to rememember about 1/2 & 1/2 as far as smokers, I saw far less in AA some 18 years later, but still smoking & drinkin coffee were acceptable drugs vs. the booze. I know for myself quitting was the hardest thing I have done. Much harder than getting straight, much harder than giving up the drinking, the hardest. I started at 13 y/o & the 1st time I quit at 25 I managed for 11 years to stay off them. But at that time I had put on weight and I noticed it really pissed off my wife if I smoked so I picked them back up on / off for about 4-5 years. I did not smoke in the house, I did not smoke in front of the kids (sounds familiar doesn't it?) At 40 I could not see myself continuing to smoke, even if I was only smoking 8- 10 a day, it had become a disgusting habit again. That time I used the patch, started with medium 2 weeks, then the lowest 2 weeks, then cold turkey. That was 8 1/2 years ago. I look at it as one of my hardest accomplishments, I still battle my weight thou...
Back in 74' it definitely was more acceptable and dare I say "cool" there was a pretty big group of Seedlings that smoked Marlborough Menthol greens, a staff member Roger ......... this was his poison and of course we all wanted to be like him...
