Why do people still continue to smoke even after they have been diagnosed...

[ilovesnugglies]

...with cancer? I know a few people who have continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis. I know the most common answer would be that they are stupid, but please hold off on the off handed remarks. Thank you.
I know all about addiction and substitutions. I guess what I am getting at is the moral and spiritual aspects.
I quit succesfully a year and a half ago with the help of a support group and The California Smokers Hotline. 1-800-NOBUTTS, which is funded by cigarette taxes.

[Brainbabe]

I worked for the American Cancer Society and I have seen so many people tortured because they were cancer patients and they COULD NOT STOP BECAUSE THEY WERE ADDICTED TO THE NICOTINE AND THE HABIT OF USING TOBACCO ITSELF.
I am the child of smokers and I have been anti-tobacco since I could ASK THEM NOT TO SMOKE AROUND ME, and even when I got asthma, they still did. Tobacco use, and the nicotine it contains is an addictive disease. Many argue it isn't, but I believe with every fiber of my being that it is. I have held the hand of cancer patients while they cried on my shoulder because they knew they were dying and STILL COULD NOT STOP SMOKING.
The body becomes pyhsically addicted to the substances and the rituals that go along with smoking or chewing or inhaling (snuff) and some folks, even with prescription meds, cannot beat the addiction. Have you ever noticed how many former alcoholics smoke? They tend to substitute what they consider a less-destructive addiction for the one they are giving up.
I hate the cigarette companies for spiking the level of nicotine in their products years ago, after they found out it was addictive, but the damage has been done. We must try to help those who are addicted, and educate those who have not yet succombed, so that they NEVER develop the habit.
Please, try not to judge smokers, because I do not believe they continue to smoke because they love it, that it for sure!