Another one of the things I have tremendous difficulty understanding: continuing to do things that are knowingly harmful to oneself.
Smoking. Smoke of any kind ruins the lungs. We’ve known this about cigarettes for about a million years. Marijuana isn’t any better. This from the American Lung Association: “Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether from burning wood, tobacco or marijuana, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.”
Excess consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholism is the most widespread drug problem in America. It is destructive to both individuals and relationships. It fosters obesity and cirrhosis of the liver. It kills brain cells.
Use of drugs such as heroin, crystal meth, crack cocaine, etc. The empirical evidence has always been available to the general public. These substances destroy the body, eventually leading to early death.
Overeating. A five-foot-ten person weighing four hundred pounds. This kind of excess leads not only to life in general being much more difficult, but it increases liability to heart attacks and strokes.
Addictions, of course, although I do not pretend to understand them. But it is also empirical fact that 365 days per year, every year, people choose to give up smoking, alcohol, drugs, overeating, and other destructive behaviors. Why or how some do and some don’t is a puzzle.
It can be done. Purposeful, determined steps are needed to do it.
