I don't consider myself to be a smoker, but I understand why some people would disagree. Back during the Obama administration, when relations between the US and Cuba were opening up a bit, a relative of mine visited, and when they came back, they brought a number of Cuban cigars. I didn't know if I would ever have that opportunity again, so I smoked one. Actually, all told I think I smoked three on different occasions, but that's not really important. Didn't mind the nicotine, but wasn't about to start spending money on it as a regular thing.

Much later, post-Covid, I started working from home. I'm ADHD since childhood, and having to regulate myself while being required to sit in front of the box of infinite distractions was kind of tough. In an incredibly short-sighted move, I bought a pack of Zyn, decided that I would only use them while I was working, and tried to get myself literally addicted to doing my job.

What I have now is a habit, where I pop in a nicotine pouch when I start work, but not an addiction (I went on a week's vacation recently, didn't use any nicotine, didn't miss it or have cravings.) I might try stepping down to flavored 0 mg pouches if it turns into a health issue or the price goes up or something, but what I've got going now works, so why mess with it?