| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 5:24:10 AM | With March 31st fast approaching, and the new non-smoking by-law coming into affect here in British Columbia, someone is being left out in the cold. I’m talking about those in the public sector who still choose to smoke. It amazes me that the same government that is ostracizing those who have chosen to partake in this life threatening practice, remain sitting on the fence in helping them to quit. On one hand they are saying, “ Stop smoking, it’s bad for your and other’s health! “ And then the other hand is greedily reaching out reaping the tax dollars it produces. While billions of dollars are brought in annually, less then 1% of those dollars goes into helping smokers find a way to quit. Ask any smoker, and I was one of them for 36 years, if they would want their children or loved ones to start smoking, and I’m, sure you would hear a unanimous, “ NO WAY “. Nicotine is the most addictive drug known today. Yet the government still spends more money supplying needles and fixes to illegal drug users then it does this particular legal one. Amazing isn’t it?
I’ll bet the majority of the population has no idea that although nicotine is the most addictive drug, it is by far the easiest one to overcome. Nicotine leaves the body faster then any other drug out there. After one butt’s out that cigarette, in only 20 minutes 50% of the nicotine has already left the system. After 45 minutes to an hour more then 90% has gone. Why do you think they make packages of cigarettes in 20’s? It’s for a very good reason. The average smoker goes through one pack a day. Sixteen hours of awake time, divided by an average of 45 minutes between smokes, works out to be 21 in a sixteen-hour period. Interesting how the tobacco industry worked that one out isn’t it?
The most common reason a smoker cannot quit is simple; it’s fear. It’s the fear that they are giving something up. When in fact they aren’t giving up anything at all, but rather gaining a new lease on life.
Would you ask an accountant to re-wire your home? Of course not! He/she doesn’t have the proper knowledge or tools to do so. If a smoker is given the proper knowledge on how to quit smoking he/she, I’m sure, most certainly would.
Knowledge is power!!! | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 2 | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 7:55:57 AM | For the government to properly address the smoking issue, by getting off of their collective a/s/s/es and use some of those tax dollars collected from tobacco, to help those who are hooked, to become unhooked. As those lovely images on cigarette packages seem to be doing such a wonderful job! | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 8:03:20 AM | Illegal drug use affects the individual, families, society, etc. We all suffer at some point.
Nicotine leaves the body faster then any other drug out there. After one butt’s out that cigarette, in only 20 minutes 50% of the nicotine has already left the system. After 45 minutes to an hour more then 90% has gone.
Precisely why our tax dollars go where they are needed most.
~Missy~ | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 5 | |
| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 8:14:02 AM |
For the government to properly address the smoking issue, by getting off of their collective a/s/s/es and use some of those tax dollars collected from tobacco, to help those who are hooked, to become unhooked. As those lovely images on cigarette packages seem to be doing such a wonderful job!
Putting revenue generation issues aside for a moment, are you suggesting that government is not making considerable effort to discourage smoking and help those who smoke?
Some people choose to smoke.
I butted out decades ago and there are no smokers in my life, so don't have first hand knowledge of the resources available, but am under the impression there is considerable help available for those who wish to butt out. It that not the case?
Tyeee | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 6 | |
| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 9:02:44 AM |
I butted out decades ago and there are no smokers in my life, so don't have first hand knowledge of the resources available, but am under the impression there is considerable help available for those who wish to butt out. It that not the case?
Whoops! Just discovered a typo. Last sentence should read "Is that not the case?" | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 9:13:54 AM | the addiction to cigarettes are NOT the easiest addiction to over come. Think perhaps OP u need to gather all ur facts first!
As a former smoker (quit 3.5 years ago), I still experience cravings.
The BC government is spending copious amounts of money on the various smoking cessation programs.
What makes it extremely difficult for many pple is the fact of the inconsistencies across provinces and internationally. Perhaps the WHO (World Health Organization) should declare everywhere smoke free.
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on the other side of the coin, there are going to be lots of businesses going belly up (hospitality industry) due to loss of revenue.
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either way, I 'll still have a job regardless of the backlash etc.
Realistically, pple need to look @ their relationship to their addiction.
What is their EXACT relationship they have to the substance ? Are they your friend or enemy? If they, the substances are your enemy, why in the world would you want them part of your life? Doesn't make sense to me but that's all part of being addicted isn't it?
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 9:40:38 AM | Illegal drug use affects the individual, families, society, etc. We all suffer at some point.
And you think that tobacco use doesn’t? Please, I empathize with anyone that is addicted to any sort of substance abuse, but to try and compare the direct impact of illegal users to those of the legal use of nicotine is absurd. Cigarettes in Canada alone attribute to over 45,000 deaths per year. Where as habitual use of illegal substances doesn’t even come close to those types of numbers.
Precisely why our tax dollars go where they are needed most.
So you would rather see the Government contribute more of the revenue they accumulate from tobacco sales to go towards rehabilitation of criminals, then to that of the everyday Canadian addicted to nicotine. More family and friends die, or are affected through nicotine addiction then criminal addiction to illegal drugs.
Quote: ‘ Easy Way to Stop Smoking ‘ by Allen Carr.
“ The Government is by far the biggest beneficiary of tobacco sales. The most recent figures indicate that the Government takes somewhere in the region of $8 billion every year. This dwarfs even the profit that the tobacco companies make. “
I’m sure they could come up with the dollars to treat both from that windfall.
but am under the impression there is considerable help available for those who wish to butt out. It that not the case?
All you have to do is watch the media to see what sorts of choices you have for helping in quitting smoking. A HUGE majority of them involve nicotine additives, the main source of the addiction. Now how stupid is that?
Nicotine gums, nicotine patches etc. How absurd!!!
Some insurance companies will pay for a once in a lifetime cost towards a quit smoking program. Why should they be the ones to pay this cost when all that revenue the Government collects is available. I’m sure that a certain portion of those monies collected go into our health care system for the after affects of tobacco related diseases, but wouldn’t that money be better utilized to stop it from starting in the first place. I’m no rocket scientist, but I’m fairly certain the cost to prevent would be much, much less, then it would to pay later. It’s like car maintenance, either pay a little now, or a lot more later.
Edit for the above poster:
the addiction to cigarettes are NOT the easiest addiction to over come. Think perhaps OP u need to gather all ur facts first!
Facts? I have given you facts if you would just read them!
It is way easier then most realize, as they are ill-informed with the facts of how the addiction works and the necessary information to form a logical and educated choice.
We are constantly brainwashed by thinking that we are giving something up! What exactly are we giving up? We are giving up a life long chance of contracting a seriously deadly disease. What more incentive does one need?
on the other side of the coin, there are going to be lots of businesses going belly up (hospitality industry) due to loss of revenue.
Hogwash!!! I've been in the service industry for over 30 years, and when someone wants their nicotine fix, nothing is going to stand in their way. You underestimate the power of addiction to nicotine. | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 9:52:34 AM |
but to try and compare the direct impact of illegal users to those of the legal use of nicotine is absurd.
I made no comparison, you did.
So you would rather see the Government contribute more of the revenue they accumulate from tobacco sales to go towards rehabilitation of criminals, then to that of the everyday Canadian addicted to nicotine. More family and friends die, or are affected through nicotine addiction then criminal addiction to illegal drugs.
I am saying the crimes committed and impact on society as a whole that are associated with illegal substances far outweigh the crimes committed by a legal substance. All substance addiction affects someone-no matter the substance.
Nicotine gums, nicotine patches etc. How absurd!!!
At least these options are available to the smoker. I have yet to hear of a heroin "patch".
~Missy~ | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:02:44 AM | Some people sure have some odd opinions of smokers.......
As a smoker, I'd never advocate it, in fact condem it but.......having said that, there are no real stats on how much booze or illegal drugs are responsible for early deaths, we all know about the cigs but there's no labels on whisky bottles.
We don't know what the real effect on the health system these other addictions cost.
Another point that should be mentioned........when was the last time you heard of a smoker mowing down a pedistrian because he was under the influence of nicotine?
What's the cost to society to monitor the hoards of drunks flushed from pubs/bars nightly??
Just to keep things fair........I don't know any cigarette smokers that commit property crimes, murders,muggings etc to get a smoke and gain control of a territory.
Smoking is bad,no question.....but, unlike the other addictions mentioned,your personality and behaviour never changes regardless of how much you've indulged. | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:06:20 AM | I am presently on my second bout of being a non smoker ... approx 5 years this time smoke/puff free.... I quit previously for 6 years also..... I believe I will never go back to it, I do have times on occasion that I miss the physical & social aspects of it as I met a lot of people and had a lot of conversations I would of never had if i hadn't taken those smoke breaks over the years....now to address some points made here
Illegal drug use affects the individual, families, society, etc. We all suffer at some point.
^^^^ oh yes it does in ways you dont always see ! the second hand smoke has made those around a smoker ill & sometimes death through contracting lung cancer. What about all the car accidents caused by dropping your cigarette or lighting up and injuries therein.. I can go on but do you get the point ? It does effect those around us, otherwise why would it be illegal in public & in vehicles etc?...personally I went through times in my younger days as a single mom that i had to chose between bread & milk for the home or cigarettes, which do you think i chose being an addicted nic freak?
basing it on the lesser evil thinking if I have smokes I will be less beatchy therefor a better mom...sorry no milk today but Im in a good mood !
the impression there is considerable help available for those who wish to butt out. It that not the case?
^^^ sure if you want to sit and read and watch info commercials...the help I needed back then was the financial assistance re the patch or the pills or the alternative medicine to help be quit - that should be covered if they want to stomp out smoking
when it came to me paying $50 for a box of patches that might last 3 weeks or $5 for a pack of smokes that day....um guess what? -
I feel for the smokers as being one myself for many years before - its not easy to butt out...
now I know in my life it "serves no purpose" - however in some peoples life's it does and until it stops serving their purpose they will have a hard time stopping..
If they were able to get the tools (prescriptions) subsidized perhaps more would consider stopping...........
I think the government medical system should offer all butt out 'cures" free and easy access -- Doctors or Pharmacists should have them to give out that day you ask for them ... | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:06:44 AM | | It is interesting to read there is another new bylaw on smoking, I just heard something on the news the other day about minors being allowed to bring duty free tabacco over the border. One step forward... three steps back?? | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 14 | |
| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:10:56 AM |
temptation50
Another point that should be mentioned........when was the last time you heard of a smoker mowing down a pedistrian because he was under the influence of nicotine?
What's the cost to society to monitor the hoards of drunks flushed from pubs/bars nightly??
Just to keep things fair........I don't know any cigarette smokers that commit property crimes, murders,muggings etc to get a smoke and gain control of a territory.
Actually your point should NOT be mentioned. Comparison of crime, property or otherwise, of smokers vs non-smokers has nothing to do with this topic.
The topic is if the government is providing adequate resources to cease smoking (and perhaps discourage folks from starting).
Tyeee | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:11:37 AM | Illegal drug use affects the individual, families, society, etc. We all suffer at some point.
I made no comparison, you did.
Well since the two things being discussed here are illegal and legal substances, what else is there to compare it to?
I am saying the crimes committed and impact on society as a whole that are associated with illegal substances far outweigh the crimes committed by a legal substance.
And your proof comes from where?
At least these options are available to the smoker.
And such fine ones they are eh?
Let’s see…this person is addicted to nicotine, so lets give him more nicotine to counter act the other nicotine. Very sound research going on there isn’t it?
I’m not belittling the illegal in anyway as I pointed out when I said:
Please, I empathize with anyone that is addicted to any sort of substance abuse,
The topic is if the government is providing adequate resources to cease smoking (and perhaps discourage folks from starting).
Thanks Tyeee for even reminding me LOL.
With the sorts of monies involved that I mentioned I'm sure there is enough for everybody.
Facts? I got the impression it was your opinion, not fact.
As in any discussion both facts and opinions are used are they not? I'll in the future be sure to point out which are which....thanks for pointing that out! | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 16 | |
| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:14:51 AM | belgarion
Message #8
Edit for the above poster:
the addiction to cigarettes are NOT the easiest addiction to over come. Think perhaps OP u need to gather all ur facts first!
Facts? I have given you facts if you would just read them!
Facts? I got the impression it was your opinion, not fact.
EDIT: ^^^ Yes of course facts and opinions are both welcome in any reasonable discussion, but one cannot be presented as the other. | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:20:00 AM | so lets give him more nicotine to counter act the other nicotine
^^^^omg how true a remark...the first time I tried the nic patch...I was smoking maybe 1/4 pack a day of very mild cigs - by the time I finished the patch i restarted at 1 1/2 pack of stronger cigs as my body had gotten use to more nic in my system than ever before from the patch.... the patch really only works if you stay on it forever - anyone "I know" that used the patch started right after they finished as a heavier smoker than before - and I know people that are still on the patch years later - ..ridiculous....but they can afford it | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 10:48:59 AM | Tyeee.....
Are you the official forum police?
It was mentioned before my post on how much ''money'' was involved in taxes etc.......
It was mentioned how much it cost the medical/social system.......
I mearly mentioned how other addictions may in fact cost more,there's no real info on that.
I just think smokers get blamed for alot more than they should, relatively speaking.
One other point.
From what I know, illegal drug users and alchoholics have free access to rehab under msp........
Smokers have to pay for any treatment. | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 11:18:52 AM | I have no knowledge of illegal substances and I can only speak for myself, but cigarettes are extremely difficult for some people to give up. I quit smoking for 22 years (not even a puff) and in all that time, never lost the craving. When my stress level hit an all time high nearly two years ago, I gave in to that craving and have been fighting it ever since.
Does the government really want us to quit......I don't think so, think of all the taxes they would lose from the sale of cigarettes. The BC government does fund a web site, Quitnow.ca, which is very good, but it hasn't done much for me and many of the smokers I know, don't have access to a computer or are computer illiterate, so how helpful is this. The newest quit aid is a prescription medication called Champix (Chantix in the States), which has a high success rate (if you can handle the side effects), but it is not covered under my government job extended health insurance and it is more expensive than cigarettes.
So, I still struggle and accept that until I can get the stress in my life under control, I will smoke. | |
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Tyeee
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Joined: 7/6/2007
Msg: 22 | |
| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 12:12:14 PM | temptation50
I was merely pointing out that discussion of crime had no bearing on the topic government providing resources to cease smoking. It is admittedly only my opinion.
Perhaps OP feels that it does have a bearing on the topic?
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 2:15:44 PM | | I think that there are personal rights and freedoms issues to defend on both sides of the table and I would stand with the smokers with their right to destroy themselves in a cloud of carcinogenic air if they please. Since they are paying up front the cost of their palliative treatment in cigarette tax revenue it's only fair to live and let live. | |
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| New Non-Smoking By-Law In British Columbia. Gov't on the fence!
Posted: 3/15/2008 2:55:56 PM | mb728
What about all the car accidents caused by dropping your cigarette or lighting up and injuries therein
are there really stats on this????? ALL the car accidents? I would imagine then that there are just as many caused by those chatting on their cell phones, shaving, putting on makeup and changing radio stations etc. too.
Hall 9000
I think that there are personal rights and freedoms issues to defend on both sides of the table and I would stand with the smokers with their right to destroy themselves in a cloud of carcinogenic air if they please. Since they are paying up front the cost of their palliative treatment in cigarette tax revenue it's only fair to live and let live.
I am a complete anti-smoker but I have to agree with what Hal says above... as long as it doesn't affect me or those I love. Besides I have to admit all those people getting ill from smoking keep me employed. Sad but true. | |
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