When the topic of tobacco comes up in a conversation, there are several words that follow it most of the time.  It is an addiction to nicotine and it is a habit.  Everybody out there smoking asks, " How do I kick this nasty habit ?"  Not only that, it gets rather expensive also.  Depending on where you live.  The tobacco taxes where I live are outrageous!  Which can easily add up to a thousand dollars or more per year.  That is a lot of money.

Most are quick to point the finger at the nicotine and say it is the addiction to that which is the core of the problem.  If that were the case then everybody could get cured within a week or so.  There are all kinds of products out there that claim they can help you kick the habit.  Which are other products with nicotine in them like gum or patches.  They claim if you try their product you will be able to quit in no time.

I tend to disagree just a bit on that argument.  I think it is more the habit that keeps everybody hooked.  So we have to ask ourselves, "What's the difference between an addiction and a habit?"  I think the habit is most of the problem which is what we are going to address.  Are you afraid if you try to stop you will gain weight?  Why do you think that is the case with so many people?

I guess you could go and look up the definitions for the two words and see how they differ.  When you do you'll notice how far apart the definitions are.  If you look up addiction you will find out that it is usually a chemical or drug your body craves for. Which becomes part of your body's need in a psychological manner .  Such as caffeine.  You really do not need that cup of coffee or two each morning before you get things in gear for the day.  While your brain is telling you that you do.  Without that coffee you will never get the day started.

The difference with a habit seems similar but really isn't.  Habits are something you set up as a way of being organized in a sense.  A way to make sure that certain things get done or are accomplished.  I will be you have made a habit of having a cigarette with that morning coffee.  Probably lighting up a new one with each cup of coffee you pour for yourself.

Grabbing one out of the pack when you get home from work, sit back and relax.  Having one after you've had a meal seems to top things off and help many relax.  The key point here is that you have nothing else to to.  Tapping your fingers on the coffee table or arm of the couch just dose not seem to fill that void you are experiencing.  While lighting up and taking a few puffs seems to do the trick.