Between addiction and hobby an our financial stand point? I started smoking because of the way the first cigar I ever smoked made me feel, turning into a 'hobby' through the social an internet community etc. an so on. But I wonder about some cigar smokers and also I wonder about myself as a cigar smoke, finding my self smoking upwards to 5 cigars a day; do we do it for the craving or to escape. I am sure some people don't want to face the music if they are on the 'addiction' side. I have a few friends that seems they're lives have been pulled into this whole cigar lifestyle (spending every penny on cigars). Where is the line or is there not one?
Where do we draw the line?
- Thread starter Toast
- Start date
Not sure how to answer this one. I don't smoke every day, much less 5 a day, so I'm pretty sure it's no addiction - just an enjoyable hobby. Now I will have something to drink every day but don't consider that an addiction either. Others might beg to differ.
I do find that buying cigars - the thrill of the hunt and all - is a lot like buying wine when I was filling up the cellar. I have cut way back on the wine buying though. Not yet with the smokes.
I do find that buying cigars - the thrill of the hunt and all - is a lot like buying wine when I was filling up the cellar. I have cut way back on the wine buying though. Not yet with the smokes.
The reason why I brought this up, I have a friend of mine, who walks into cigar shops an acts like he's never seen a cigar in his life an blows allot of money buying single sticks, even when he had that same cigar at home. Almost thinking about it at its simplest point. Buy milk, finish it, buy more. I understand for HTF cigars, its a different story, but for normal cigars. The guy works a normal 9 to 5, lives with his parents an is 37 years old. Very odd, but if there is one, they are many an in various situations.
I'm not only talking about money, but the time its consumer one's energy, time, and thinking about cigars. Another buddy, buys cigars, and checks online for more cigars, deals etc. when he just got some in. Almost as the addiction is driving force to never stop. I try to explain to people cigar industry is making billions. We all know cigars are marked up allot, if you didn't know, I'd say go work in a tobacco shop for a while, and you'll understand.
sgresso
Long hair Dork
I went over a year without a cigar or pipe. plus I stopped posting for the last 6 months so for me its not an addiction just a hobby.
I do know some ppl who do fit that profile. Thankfully I have a wife who would kill me if I spend more that I can afford.
I do know some ppl who do fit that profile. Thankfully I have a wife who would kill me if I spend more that I can afford.
njstone
BoM January 2010
This is the area I need to watch. I've cut down my buying (after the Black/Verocu I'm done for several months!), but the time spent on the Bobby as a whole--I think that's something I really need to think and pray about.
To me cigars are like any hobby....Some people invest much more time and money than others. the end result for everyone is that they are getting adequate satisfaction for the time, effort, and money they expend....
It become as addiction when your efforts exceed your means and you cannot stop...Again, just like any hobby...
the big difference for me aside from the thrill of the hunt is the people and the enjoyment of relaxing with a good cigar.
It become as addiction when your efforts exceed your means and you cannot stop...Again, just like any hobby...
the big difference for me aside from the thrill of the hunt is the people and the enjoyment of relaxing with a good cigar.
e-man67
Benny Hill's Understudy
Yeah it's tuff for sure. It is an escape for me..keeps my sanity...I have met a bunch of really great folks that otherwise I would not have met. The money factor is a problem as cigars are expensive and personally I only smoke what I really like (which tends to be the pricier stuff). I tend to only smoke maybe 1 per day and maybe 2 or 3 watching football. I love buying cigars...really love it...but I do have it under control...sort of.
I am not sure I agree with this assessment. I think part of the fun of this hobby is finding new and different things. It started with singles. I cant remember the last time I went into a shop and did not pick up a handful. Into the humi they go. When you get around to smoking them they open up new world. Today I still grab singles. Yesterday at a shop in Clearwater beach they had some custom rolled that looked great so I bought four and took the guys card. I also picked up his only box of 09 Oliva V Maduros. I see it as part of a hobby. Sure once and a while it gets crazy when all the sales go on at once or someone has to release TWO limited cigars at the same time. But then I can shop my humi. Open this box or that and choose a cigar I know I am going to like. Just like the singles. I know people that collect china cats, pottery, cans etc. But then they cant sit down on a warm evening and toast the end of a tatuaje verocu east coast and enjoy.
Addiction, no. Hobby yep.
I've never spent a cent on cigars that I didn't have to blow. Never put a cigar one on a CC. I spend a lot of my discretionary budget on smokes, but it keeps me happy. I'm sure I could retire much sooner without cigars and golf, but what fun would that be? I'd say if you are only spending fun money on cigars, let it ride...
indyrob
BoM Feb '06 & Sept. '08
It's a finite hobby. You can only do so much before things go horribly wrong. As long as you don't have to convert one of the kids rooms into a walk in you're fine.
Most of the time though most of succumb to 'bragging rights' syndrome. You 'have to' have this so you can post it online in a LAM post. The true nature of the hobby is what it was BEFORE you got hooked on the online forums. I doubt that there is anyone of us that stumbled across BoTL or CP that started smoking because of the forums, but we have been made worse off because of it.
Keep yourself in check and moderate your purchases the old fashioned way....let the wife hold the money when you want to go to the B&M.
Most of the time though most of succumb to 'bragging rights' syndrome. You 'have to' have this so you can post it online in a LAM post. The true nature of the hobby is what it was BEFORE you got hooked on the online forums. I doubt that there is anyone of us that stumbled across BoTL or CP that started smoking because of the forums, but we have been made worse off because of it.
Keep yourself in check and moderate your purchases the old fashioned way....let the wife hold the money when you want to go to the B&M.
Well put Rob.