Table 3 Experiences of smoking habits among habitual smokers in Japan (N = 16)

Expand one’s world

Interest in cigarette

Cigarettes were made famous by movies and F1. Actors made smoking look cool. I admired them and longed to smoke. Once I applied for some prizes, I got a Zippo lighter, which made me feel even cooler.

I used to get many sample cigarettes of a new product from the convenience store I was working at, and I thought I should try smoking. In retrospect, if I had not smoked then, I would not be smoking now.

Resistance to

passive smoking

As I remember, my parents usually smoked in the living room, and I was constantly exposed to smoke. I hated smoke so much then, but when I eventually tried it, I realized that I could smoke.

The truck I had my job was always filled with a lot of smoke from my co-worker. I didn’t understand why I had to go through this. I thought to myself if I had to passively smoke, I would still rather smoke actively.

Belonging to

the peer community

I went to a summer camp with my clubmates, and they offered me a cigarette. I was included in the group without resistance through smoking, and spending time with them was satisfying.

To explain, it is like a small group of smokers hanging out together. The community is more important to us, and the small group size makes it more cohesive. There is a sense of sharing space and time.

Embodiment of oneself

People told me, “wow, that is such a strong cigarette you smoke,” and I pretended to be cool saying things like, “this is normal for me to smoke this much.” I was acting brave.

I wanted to smoke without worrying about what others would think. Even if I was a little uncomfortable with my surrounding atmosphere, I smoked with the feeling of, “I won’t lose.”

Unconscious attachment

Perceive

special sensations

Probably because when I smoke, my blood vessels constrict. I feel dizzy and lightheaded, which is good. It’s like taking a big, fat breath.

I felt dizzy in my head and a kick in the throat. My lungs would get a little heavier, which was good. It is comparable to how a beer goes from bitter to good.

Switching

their own mood

I was really busy with my double job, in a hurry to make money, and working hard and alone. I wanted to smoke and take a break after work.

When I am tired or need to take a break from work, I take a deep breath in with a cigarette and exhale deeply to reset. Thus, in a way, it may be similar to deep breathing.

Calm the unrest

I wake up and smoke; eat a meal and smoke; and brush my teeth, change clothes, and smoke. I smoke 10 cigarettes before work. That is my rhythm, and it calms me down. I feel better prepared for work.

I would rather smoke than worry about something; it is a tranquilizer. I cherish this one important time because I don’t know when and where I will be able to smoke again. If I have time, I will surely smoke.

Attempts and failures

Reflect on one’s own smoking habit

I found myself smoking while lounging around, when using my phone, and when I’m thinking. It is no longer a small break or social lubricant I once thought it was. It is no longer a benefit.

I guess I am not that attached to cigarettes. However, I look at my friends, and the amount they smoke is amazing. Seeing them makes me think I could always quit smoking.

Explore smoke

reduction and cessation

I searched the Internet for a surefire way to quit. I thought that the success rate of using varenicline was relatively high. I read all the success stories of others. Therefore, I decided to use varenicline.

I attempted to quit smoking cigarettes by putting candy or gum in my mouth to drown my loneliness. However, when I do so, I had to share it with everyone every time. In addition, I gained weight.

Receiving an

invitation to smoke

A senior gave me heated cigarettes and said, “I heard you quit smoking; this is good.” I was so amazed at the quality of the heated cigarettes that I repurchased them that same day.

At a drinking party, he asked me to smoke, and I thought, “I had quit tough. It is a drinking party; it is OK.” I smoked. Fast forward, I started smoking again with my seniors during breaks.

Lose oneself

Outflow of

time and money

I don’t know why I pay to smoke. If I could stop, I would be able to save $5, and use it for buying a meal instead. However, my body craves for smoking and I want to do something habitually. I don’t know.

Cigarettes have become the center of my life. I come to work early to smoke, go out for easy lunch and smoke, and come back early from lunch to brush my teeth to eliminate the smell of cigarettes.

Trust wavers

My spouse was very angry when she learned about my smoking relapse. I was treated like a criminal. I could neither talk to anyone about it. In fact, we stopped talking together.

My father died early because of smoking. Because of that, my mother would say, “you stink,” and shunned me whenever I smoke. She would also call me a smoking “douche.”

Shrinkage of whereabouts

There used to be a community of smokers where I had the opportunity to connect and talk with older people at work. Now, there is no place to smoke or friends, and I smoke alone.

It used to be that if you had never met them in the smoking area, they would say, “I have got a new release. Do you want one?” kind of conversation. Very nice place, but it is becoming lesser nowadays.

Doubt about oneself

I paid for varenicline treatment, but I started smoking again. I betrayed not only the medicines but also myself. I want to win the battle against myself. Next time I will have to fight on my own.

I thought I could quit, but I could not. I smoked again. I even regretted why I said, “I quit.” No matter how hard I tried, I just cannot stop. It is very painful and hard. I deceived myself, and lost the trust of my wife.