Stopped smoking in 1984 – but at one point I could go through about 50 cigarettes a day. Didn't smoke them all myself but it was customary to "crash the ash" if others were in the room. Of course, you also normally took a fag if one was offered. But this was BAOR and a pack of 200 State Express 555 were 7 shillings (old money) – about 35p new – and for the same money I could buy a litre of Bacardi – so as a young soldier it was possible to smoke and drink as much as I wished really – and many did.
By the 80's I was a family man and wanted to stop (couldn't afford it now) and had several tries. What finally worked for me was to try and not have a fag for as long as possible – and then next time try to beat my own record. I didn't tell anyone – just saying I didn't fancy one at the moment. Since in the early days — I was only managing a few days between them, people didn't notice at first. Once I got up to six weeks they did but by then I was on a roll and feeling like I could do it. This was helped by the fact that my wife has never smoked, so at home there was no temptation.
Many year later, I sure I'm much healthier but still dread getting a cold, as it does get on my chest and I have nights of coughing until it clears. I'm sure smoking did a fair bit of damage in that respect. I don't drink Bacardi these days – a glass or two of red suits me better – or as a real treat – a measure of Pussers rum if my matelot friend is visiting and he decides to spoil a pongo!
Regards,
IanT