I never understood why we need these black & white labels when it comes to substance usage. Obviously, never smoking any tobacco whatsoever is the healthiest option. But so is never drinking any alcohol or never eating any sweets. But it should also be obvious that every cigarette you do not smoke and every beer you do not drink as well as every chocolate bar you do not eat is an improvement for your health. I don't think you are failing unless you completely stop using a specific substance. You are failing when you are not trying to improve.
Why not start by not smoking for a day, a week, a month? Why not consider your internalized, automated habits (like smoking one cigarrete after lunch) and try to eliminate them one by one if you feel like they control you instead of the other way around?
I've heard of quite a few studies that show that some amount of alcohol and chocolate are good for you. I've never heard the same about smoking, though.
Why not start by not smoking for a day, a week, a month? Why not consider your internalized, automated habits (like smoking one cigarrete after lunch) and try to eliminate them one by one if you feel like they control you instead of the other way around?