Were some of us addicted before the first cigarette?

[trouble2k]

We’ve had questions posted regarding when and why we started smoking. And, why we started vaping. But now, I have had a lingering thought all morning.

I remember reading something in a thread some time ago about a non-smoker who worked in an establishment that permitted smoking. He suddenly found himself anxious and irritable after a smoking ban was in place. After taking a hit off of his girlfriend’s PV, his symptoms subsided. I also have a friend who worked at a casino and had quit smoking months before our ban. She had to start using NRTs because she was feeling like she was having nicotine withdrawals again.

So, do you think that those of us that grew up around smoking family members or parents were addicted to nicotine before we even picked up that first cigarette? I don’t mean to lay any blame whatsoever. And, I haven’t done any research on this topic. I’m just curious what other people’s thoughts/opinions are on this. Maybe there’s someone out there who has the answer to this based on facts.

 

[Xanax]

Yes... Of course. There have been so many studies on being pre-exposed to addictions. Doesn't just apply to nicotine either.

 

[Lisa B]

I don't know if this is true, my mother smoked like a chimney but out of 5 kids I am the only one that smoked. I also have 4 daughters and both their father and I smoked but only one of them smokes occasionally that I know of. Who knows what kids hide from us no matter their age. But there is a history of alcoholism in my family so I think we may be all prone to addiction, since smoking is a nicotine addiction, that may be a family trait that we inherited. Although I am a firm believer in owning ones vices and not placing blame on others, there is a possibility that we were all predisposed to addiction itself.

 

[trouble2k]

Although I am a firm believer in owning ones vices and not placing blame on others, there is a possibility that we were all predisposed to addiction itself.

I agree completely I hope I didn't sound like I was looking to blame anybody.

I guess what I was wondering is if there is enough nicotine/chemicals in the second hand and sidestream smoke that other people would become addicted from regular and heavy exposure? The two examples I used in the original post; was it all in their heads? My family has a long history of several different types of addictions. But, I'm not going to become an alcoholic from having drinks poured on me or watching someone play the gambling machines.