The Intensive Art

Happy Hospitalist wrote a post that I quite enjoyed. It was about a patient encounter he had with a long-time smoker. I thought it was quite well written. However, I was compelled to write the following

I really enjoyed this post. However, I had a problem with one aspect of the post, and the general ideologies it represents.

I find that one of the biggest mistakes non-smokers make, as seen in this article, is to accuse smokers of being “ignorant” and “in denial” about the dangers of smoking.

I was a smoker for approximately ten years before successfully quitting after many not-so-successful attempts. So I speak as a former smoker, a health professional, AND someone who successfully quit.

Smokers are fully aware of the dangers of smoking. They absolutely know how it affects their health, and yes, they know that their pesky cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty exercising is because they smoke.

There is this strange belief amongst “health experts” that if only the smoker knew that their habit was bad for them, they would instantly stop.

This is wildly incorrect! It makes the assumption that smokers are completely unintelligent, uneducated, and naive. It also discounts the addictive nature of cigarettes, the social reasons for starting, and even the fact that, yes, smoking feels good and is very pleasurable.

From the moment a person is conscious, they are inundated with anti-smoking campaigns–and it has been that way for decades. I assure you, every smoker is fully aware of the dangers of their habit.

So, I would recommend not looking down on smokers as “ignorant” or “in denial” as it comes off as fairly condescending. People, ALL people, make choices, good and bad. When they become ill and show up at the hospital, it is your YOUR opportunity to discuss their options regarding quitting, and let them make their choice.

Again, thanks for the great post. I enjoy reading your blog.

My response almost says it all. Upon further pondering the topic, I realized something. I think what is happening is that people are confusing the false belief that oneself is invincible with being completely ignorant and uneducated.

For example, if you ask any teenager, “Is it dangerous to get really drunk, smoke crack, and drive really fast?” They will, of course, say, “yes.” However, this certainly does not guarantee that they won’t do it. Teenagers famously have the belief that bad things happen, but definitely not to them.

Being a smoker may be somewhat similar, but the feeling of invincibility fades as time goes on. Especially as youth fades and the negative effects of smoking take over. But, by then, there is of course the chemical addiction, etc. to deal with.

I’m just saying, stop assuming smokers are stupid.

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