CDC: Tips From Former Smokers - Michael P.: “I Started Smoking at Age 9”

Michael started smoking at age 9, when his sister gave him his first cigarette. In this video from CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign, Michael talks about getting addicted as a child. His addiction kept him smoking for many years, despite early signs of breathing trouble. One day he awoke, gasping for air. Michael has a lung disease called COPD that has no cure. He says, "It's my desire that... you won't come to this place—that you will stop [smoking], one way or another."


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[mackydthepoetmackydthepoet]

I smoked for almost 20 years. Started around the age 16/17 quiting was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life but worth it. I've been clean from cigs for 3 years and still crave them periodically but I will never give in to that demon again. The pull and addiction is so strong I feel empathy for those still struggling to quit. I still hope and pray that i don't develop cancer or any diseases from the former abuse. God bless these individuals who quit or trying to 💖

[crosslash]

...wow, he looked like he was gonna cry.  Good message. 

[thestreetsiscold]

He’s lucky his appearance wasn’t ruined so badly by smoking.

[rdpcl]

Come on guys, he clearly says "my youngest sister" and to me that means that she was the youngest among the women (his sisters), not that she was younger than him.

[JupiterMan.]

This should be a Commercial for young Poeple that find Smoking Cool

[peterc]

I am on the 20th day of my quit. I smoked for over 40 years from the age of 15. I am quitting before any serious illness has entered my life. I come to places like this to keep me strong and resolute. I know that at 56 years of age to have continued smoking a pack a day the chances of me staying healthy would have rapidly diminished. I feel as if I have dodged a bullet. I know that you can be diagnosed with COPD illnesses etc. after you quit. I hope I have escaped.

[malikachatoo]

I think he regrets smoking now.u can see from his face.we fail to enjoy life because of smoking.

[vootoographics]

i am working on quitting Smoking by this year .

[fiamad]

How old was his sister, if she was younger than 9 😮

[rebeccaandrew]

Thank you for your story....I quit for over a year and picked up again last week...I am on day 2 of quitting again

[bewareoftheleaven]

At Mayo I was told quitting smoking was harder than quitting heroine. I’ve never done heroine, but I hear that’s also very difficult to stop. I’m still unsuccessful. I hate that I do it. I’ve tried everything but hypnosis. I’m a Christian woman, and although it is not a sin, my pastor has said it smells like I’ve been to hell - or something like that. Still hopeful....

[Scaler]

Can someone explain this to me? Do smokers get sunken cheeks? Cos this guy out smoked me by 38 years and yet has fuller cheeks than me

[LukeRennalds]

9!!!! I get it was common back then but still 9

[kellyshea]

Lol oh man i remember going refry hunting when i was younger. Glad i quit

[JupiterMan.]

He started in the 60s

Back then Smoking was not as Known and Everywhere Smoking was Legal


Apposed to Today

Where is one of the Leading Causes of Death
&
No longer a Attractive

[Jupiterjokerjoe]

I bet Edward Bernays could help you quit.

[zudemaster]

Smoking helped him grow that cool mustache!!!