Practicing what we preach: Patient teaching and cigars

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Let me start by saying that I have a long history of depression and anxiety.... I take part in one on one therapy and medications which has greatly helped but I have one unorthodox technique that gives me concern: I love cigars.... I have discovered that a cigar at the end of the week or during a high stress time like exam weekends they help me relax and reflect and enjoy the outdoors and slow down for a second.... I am aware of the negative effects of smoking and tobacco products which brings me some guilt when I tell a patient they need to avoid tobacco.... I think I am just venting but is it really so wrong that I like them.... Not in an addictive way but as a relaxing social mechanism.... I sometimes like to sit outside and study while I have a good smoke.... I have found this to be a fun hobby much how I have done with beer (but much cheaper) and realize that there is a big community out there that take part in discovering different tastes and types and I enjoy doing this... Does anyone else have experience like this that may help? Just trying to understand my confusion.... Thanks and happy nursing!

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

First of all, if your screen name is your real name I suggest you change it.

Secondly, obviously I don't know you from Adam, but I think my main concern would be the fact that you seem to be concerned. Sure, many people like a glass of wine or a cigar or whatever after a hard day or work, but I think the idea is that you seem to be bothered by your use of cigars as a coping mechanism. I can't determine whether this is something that will result in greater problems for you, but there are many people who smoke cigars, cigarettes (and even illicit substances) recreationally or rarely and have no problem at all. However there are also many people with predispositions to depression, anxiety, and addictions who have ended up getting themselves down a bad path trying to find coping mechanisms that once seemed innocuous to them.

Asking someone if they are bothered by their use of x,y,z (food, alcohol, cigarettes, sex, whatever) is generally a good way to determine whether or not they could be on a path that turns psychological dependence into a physical or chemical dependence.

It doesn't really matter what we think. Only you can determine if your concerns are something that should be more thoroughly evaluated.

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I don't think there is anything wrong with liking it. I don't think that is the right question. You're looking for us to make you *feel* better when logic and reason should guide you.

Have you weighed the science and the math and determined objectively that there is no adequate alternative to inhaling a toxic substance?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I appreciate your responses! I wrote this yesterday during some acute anxiety and realize that it was just a mumble jumble of words haha! Perhaps I just needed to get it off of my chest. I think what I am asking is: is there a point that is too much? I have tried to find research but most findings I have discovered are the "All tobacco products are the devil" or some form of reasoning that isn't without the actual numbers or studies.

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I appreciate your responses! I wrote this yesterday during some acute anxiety and realize that it was just a mumble jumble of words haha! Perhaps I just needed to get it off of my chest. I think what I am asking is: is there a point that is too much? I have tried to find research but most findings I have discovered are the "All tobacco products are the devil" or some form of reasoning that isn't without the actual numbers or studies.

They are the devil. But if you want one, you certainly don't need anyone's permission. They are legal. Everyone has their vices.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.
I think what I am asking is: is there a point that is too much? I have tried to find research but most findings I have discovered are the "All tobacco products are the devil" or some form of reasoning that isn't without the actual numbers or studies.

I think the term "too much" is very subjective and individualized. You're going to get a lot of "never do it ever" due to statistics, but there are many many people who smoke cigars without any problems. I think that whatever you think is too much for you, is probably too much. Again, if you feel bothered by your behavior then maybe you should look at it more closely. We can't give you hard numbers. Best of luck.

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Heck - I enjoy a piece of chocolate cheesecake on the weekends and I definitely should not do that...

Plus I am a coffee addict - I like to sit down with a cup of coffee.

All legal. Do I feel bad when I have to teach fluid restrictions to a CHF and right after drink like 500 ml?

We all compartmentalize to some extent, which is normal. Nurses are not poster children for any and every healthy behavior but we still need to teach the appropriate stuff to patients.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thanks all for your replies... I gained some insight much appreciated!

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