Confessions of a Closet Smoker

From Kay:

"For the last 16 years, I have been living like someone I don't even recognize. It was just getting worse and worse. Every time I smoked, I would feel enormous guilt. I am just beginning to realize what life with me must have been like for my family, constantly distracted, spending most of my time scurrying around, making sure they are settled, catering to their every whim because if they are involved in something else, I could go outside and surely they wouldn't look for me if their every need is met?"

Few smokers are proud of their habit, but for the closet smoker, the guilt can be crippling. It is a heavy burden to carry, and doubly so when it comes to recovery from nicotine addiction. And because of the secrecy surrounding their smoking habit, closet smokers are often unable to receive encouragement from friends and family when they need it most.

Smoking Cessation Support Forum

If you're a closet smoker looking for support and camaraderie as you work to shed the addiction to nicotine, visit the Support Forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation. This very active community of people quitting tobacco will help you find answers to your questions and provide the assistance you need to quit smoking for good.

Cartoon courtesy of David Stuart