A Question For Smokers, Please...

[mrs.chappie]

I was in a 3-hour lecture yesterday, along with 9 others. Half way through, one of the ladies asked to be excused. She grabbed a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from her bag and dashed out.

Within 3 or 4 minutes, she was back in the room. We were in a huge medical centre and getting out and back into the building would’ve taken her about a minute or so each way, so I reckon she must’ve grabbed a few quick puffs, before rushing back to the class.

I’m not questioning the rights and wrongs of smoking – that has been done over and over. I’m just wondering how long (roughly) you, as a smoker, can hold off before the urge gets too much.

Thanks for any replies, peeps. x

[sandyRoe]

When I was a smoker I don't think I ever went much beyond 4 hours without a cigarette.
Most start when they're teenagers. I've never heard of an adult who took up the weed.

[joggerjayne]

http://thechapmagazine.co.uk/content/section_archive/fry.html

[tamborine]

I never smoke when asleep but like Thatcher I dont need much sleep

[Caran]

A few years ago OH went to Canada to see his sister, it was a long trip, when he got off the plane and where he could smoke he lit up and fell over he was so light headed?

[daffy654]

I don't smoke now but it would have been the boredom that made me want to smoke. If the lecture had really held my interest I would not have wanted to leave for a cigarette.

[jd_1984]

I have a slight issue with some of the smokers at my work, who, during the course of the day may have up to 5 or 6 "Ciggie" breaks (5 mins a time) and a full lunch hour. I may sound a bit picky but, thats in some cases, 30 mins off duty to go and have a smoke! As we have busy and not so busy parts of the day, the manager just accept smokers breaks at not so busy times as long as when the office is busy, they stay put.

[AlwaysConfused]

On long flights etc I tend to use a nicorette patch which does the job, but as soon as I get to the other end it's patch off, fag in mouth. I work between 10 and 13 hours a day, I usually take between three and four cigarette breaks, no longer than 4 minutes at a time, but do not take any other breaks. I eat on the go and usually manage to convince others to bring me a cup of tea on the way back from their breaks. I'm usually looking to head for the door after about 3 hours. In fact, if I start to get snappy or am overly argumentative I'm often SENT for a cigarette!

[Scylax]

You attended a 3 hour lecture ? Who lectures for 3 hours ? Any experienced lecturer would allow a 15 minute break every hour, minimum, as this is imperative if one wishes the audience to remain awake and concentrating. Forget the smokers; what about people's physiological needs ? Further, people need to take in information in 'bite-sized' pieces. A 3 hour session would act as a cerebral emetic. The only rational person in that room was the lady who left for a cigarette. I'd do the same, and I don't smoke cigarettes.

[mrs.chappie]

‘Lecture’ is not the correct word – apologies – I didn’t think it overly important to my question of ‘How long can a smoker refrain from smoking before the urge becomes too great?’

It was a management course which was split into 2 x 3 hour sessions over two days, and no requirement for a designated break as all attendees were free to break if/when they felt the need. All of us (bar one) managed the three hours on both days without needing to break.

I also asked this question because a friend (smoker) with whom I occasionally meet for lunch, no longer wants to meet up for a bite to eat. This is a shame, as I enjoyed our ‘catch-ups’. She’s told me she can’t ‘go that length of time’ without a cigarette.

Thanks for replies, all. x

[craft1948]

That's amazing Mrs. C.................I'm a heavy smoker but can happily have a 2 hour meal (on cruises) without the need for a cigarette. Having said that I used to forgo the coffee and shuffle off for a cigarette.

[mrs.chappie]

I find it quite sad, Craft, as I know she enjoyed our get togethers (if she simply didn't want to see me anymore, she'd give it to me straight - she is a straight talker).

She gave up for six months, but re-started and now she smokes more than she did before, apparently.

[ummmm]

I've just come back from a long weekend away with non smokers. I found I only craved a cigarette when I was bored.....like in mass at 8o/c on Saturday evening!!

[Eve]

Depends on the situation really. I am usually fine at the airport then on a flight but once the plane has landed it's like something switches on and I can't wait to get out.

Our work limits cig breaks to a max of 20 mins a day and you have to clock out for them and make up the time.