The Doctor's Visit

I only meant to try one... I only smoke socially... I don't smoke--that's gross; I vape... I smoke outside because I have kids... I know it's not healthy, but I'm not really to stop... It's only vaping--it's not like I do cocaine...

Which one of these sentences have you uttered in life? I am a Family Medicine physician. I have heard each of those sentences in my exam room daily for 26 years. Let me share with you what I have learned about each one of those sentences:

I only meant to try one...      but then I liked it, so I kept smoking/vaping.      but then I bonded with the person who gave it to me and we kept smoking together. No one plans on developing an addiction or a pattern of bad habits, but then it happens.

I only smoke socially...      but then I became more and more social.      but when I quit smoking/vaping, I kept hanging out with the same people, so I started again. No one plans on developing a dangerous habit, but then it happens.

I don't smoke--that's gross; I vape...      but then I couldn't breath. No one plans on severely damaging their lungs, but then it happens.

I smoke outside because I have kids...      but then I found Juuls in my 12 year old daughter's backpack. No one plans on causing their children to have a lifelong struggle, but then it happens.

I know it's not healthy, but I'm not ready to stop...      but then I was told I needed to use 3 inhalers and oxygen for the rest of my life. No one plans on being held hostage by medication in order to live, but then it happens.

It's only vaping--it's not like I do cocaine.      but then the people I vaped with offered me cocaine and I couldn't stop. No one plans on developing a cocaine habit that ruins their life, but then it happens.