Is Your State Smoke Free?

California banned smoking in public places back in 1995.  You can't smoke within a certain number of feet of any public place.  Its not allowed at beaches, parks, etc.  But its not that big of a deal because no one around here smokes much!

The majority of smokers around here are the young people** and people in recovery.  Keven started smoking in recovery because out of 90 residents at Phoenix House he was the ONLY ONE that didn't smoke.

And then there are the people like my aunt, who's been smoking for over 50 years and isn't going to quit any time soon.

In the summer of 2009 I spent some time in Wisconsin and it shocked me that people could smoke in restaurants!  It was so weird, I was so accustomed to smoking been looked upon as a gross disgusting habit that it amazed me that people would do such a thing in public (I was smoking myself back then, but not much).  If you smoke around here you are looked down upon (at least in my area).

ANYHOW all that to say I noticed New York is jumping on the smoke free bandwagon and was wondering what YOUR STATE does about smoking?  Is it taboo?  Is it something to be hide behind closed doors?  Is it done in public?  Is it banned?

**The other day we were discussing how to get kids/teens to not try drugs but we still haven't figured out to get them to not smoke.  Its the kids that think smoking is cool that seem to be the same ones that pick up the drugs.

Peace, Hope and Love, Barbara

Cigarettes?

Here is a question:

Do you smoke?
Have you ever?
If so, how long ago?
If you are the parent of an addict - does your child smoke?

I have lots of stuff to share but it will have to wait till later.

Today was pretty dang amazing.  I got to kiss and hug my boy and see his SMILE.

UPDATE:  Thanks for answering my smoking questions and sorry if it caused anyone to want to light up (I hope not).

My answers are:  Yes, I smoked for 15 years (age 15 - 30).  I started smoking when my dad died of lung cancer from being a SMOKER.  I know...there are some real obvious psychological things to be said about that!  I quit the day I found out I was pregnant.  I didtn't touch a cigarette for 12 years then for some reason had a craving and now am in the habit of smoking one Nat Sherman (a weird brand of cig that is kind of like a cigar) per day in the evening out on my balcony.  I have very weird smoking habits.

I asked the question because its so common for addicts to smoke.  Its one of the only drugs my son doesn't like and I am grateful for that, but if he did I would see it as a "minor issue" in light of everything else.

I remember when my young friend (former meth addict) had been clean for about a year or so and her mom kept complaining about her smoking.  This was long before K had started drugs.  I tried to get the mom to be ecstatic that she had her daughter back - so what if she smokes!!!   Eventually this young lady chose to quit smoking too - when she was ready.  

I guess seeing 90% of the people smoking last night made me ask this question.   

OH - and one other thought, its SO HARD TO QUIT.  I was a very light smoker and it was still hard for me to quit, I tried so many times and never could until the shock of hearing "you're pregnant".  I had one more cig as I sat and cried at the horrible news (it was a shock and I admit I was NOT happy at first).  
 

Smokin' In The Boys Room - Möt...