You’re probably not feeling so great today after those party cigs last night. You keep telling yourself you’re not really a smoker...you’re just a *social smoker*. That’s totally different, right? 

Sadly, not really. While you may not feel the effects of addiction like a full blown pack-a-day smoker, your body is still isn’t down with the cigs. Ugh. 

As a super smart doctor and med school professor said, “A person wouldn't go out to their car four times a week and inhale exhaust fumes. But that is the health equivalent of smoking cigarettes four times a week.” Fair point, Dr. Henningfield. Fair point.  

And nearly four dozen studies of “light and intermittent smoking” (aka social smoking), found that the health risks of JUST SOCIAL SMOKING include heart disease; lung, stomach and pancreatic cancer; trouble getting pregnant; slower recovery from injuries; generally poorer health and premature death.

Okay, so even social smoking is pretty bad for you. What do you do now? Start by recognizing when you are social smoking and make efforts to say no. You can even talk to a friend about keeping each other accountable when you go out. And if you think you may need a little extra help, the Colorado QuitLine can hook you up with free nicotine gum or patches, just in case. 

You got this!