Pipe Smoking and Addictive Behaviours

[flashgordonv]

It is has been 6 months now since I started smoking a pipe. I have a number of observations to make regarding the process and the addictive behaviours I have discovered in myself.

First, I love pipe smoking. The tobacco is just so much more flavorful than a cigarette and there is so much variety available. Currently my favourite tobacco is McClellands Deep Hollow which is a Virginia blend and Frog Morton Cellar which is an English blend lightly infused with bourbon. The smoky flavour of the latakia is amazing. Smoking this stuff, I first experienced something I thought was pipe smoker twaddle, and that is tobacco with a creamy smoke. This stuff really tastes like that. I still smoke the occasional cigarette as smoking a pipe is difficult if one is out and about, and realistically takes too long. But I find the taste of cigarettes very one dimensional after pipe tobacco. I am also fascinated to find that the smoke tastes different depending on what I have had to eat and/or drink beforehand. All in all this is a positive.

Another benefit of pipe smoking is that I can source the tobacco from overseas at a fraction of the cost locally. A packet of 20 cigarettes in NZ costs $22. A 50 gram tin of pipe tobacco in NZ costs $90. I can source a 100gram tin from the US for $25 shipped. Occasionally customs pick up a package but I get more than 90% of packages through the post without interception. So my cost of smoking is greatly reduced. That is a positive.

Second, the pipes themselves. Different tobacco tastes different in different size and shaped pipes. For example, the more complex the blend, the more it benefits from a large wide bowl in my experience. Other tobacco tastes better in smaller pipes,narrower pipes etc. And there are a huge variety of pipe shapes, sizes and makers out there. There are a large number of estate (2nd hand) pipes available from the internet which make the cost of acquiring a pipe a fraction of the cost of buying new. And that also is a positive.

But that leads to the first problem. I have discovered a very strong program I run which takes great joy in hunting down estate pipes and buying them. In the industry this is known as Pipe Acquisition Disorder. I have a real struggle with this. I currently own around 20 pipes :O, and that after selling a similar number. I find it hard to resist a good deal, a new shape, or a combination of both. I have told myself numerous times - this is the last pipe I am going to buy - but within days I have bought another on eBay. It is interesting to note that I think the root of the problem is the pleasure I get from the hunt. But it is also in the acquisition of the item. It really has highlighted this as a major issue for me, I need to get this program under control and beaten.

The second issue revolves around the wide selection of tobacco available. While that is a real positive, it is also a problem as I find myself always wanting to try something else to see if it is the new elixir of smoking heaven. (Tobacco Acquisition Disorder). I love the research, the anticipation of the new blend. Yet so many times the new blend is just like the others.

My wife is a cigarette smoker and we have many times during the day where we stop for a smoke break. This now means that if I am to continue to smoke with her, I end up having quick pipe smokes rather than a few long leisurely smokes which would be the ideal. That means I end up using a lot of pipes in a day as in theory one should allow a pipe to rest for 24 hours after use or run the risk of ghosting, where the pipe takes on the flavour of one tobacco and that taste is always there in the background. I guess, if I am being completely honest, this was the initial spark for buying more than 1 or 2 pipes, but I have to say it is out of control.

So there is the issue. It would be preferable to settle on two or three blends and smoke them in rotation with my existing pipes. That is my goal. Having identified the issue I really need to get into self observation mode and stop the program.

I do have six pipes I want to get rid of. I would be happy to donate one or some of them to somebody who needs another pipe. If anyone is interested, please message me and I will be happy to send one to you.

 

[Lilou]

I've never smoked out of a pipe per se, but have smoked the hubbly bubbly water pipes in the Middle East with flavored tobacco. It is much tastier than a cigarette and requires time to sit and enjoy. I never knew one should "rest their pipes for 24 hours", but it certainly makes sense. If SHTF, I suppose you can always use another pipe or barter with one. ;)

As for your addiction to buying new pipes - I can only see this as a problem if you cannot afford them and the money is better spent on other useful things. Or you do not have a proper place to store them so they stay in a good condition. Having a small collection of something is not the worse thing. I have tended to collect small boxes - jewelry boxes, old carved wooden boxes, silver boxes, etc... I have a glass cabinet I stow them in. I have boxes from age 5 still with me. So this collection took years - not a few months.

If your pipe hunting is consuming a great deal of your time, then that could be problematic. Perhaps if you stop looking at them on the internet, then you would not be tempted to buy another one? Each time you want to look, do something else. Do what it doesn't want to do. Maybe taking up a new hobby would help or research a topic that interests you and write an article about it. Anything to help you get your mind of hunting pipes.

 

[Meg]

If its a program that is bothering you, when you go off to shop for pipes remind yourself that you have the Pipe Acquisition Disorder and direct your thinking to something else you are interested in. Anything that will get your mind off it and remind yourself mentally of your choice to no longer buy them. Doing what it doesn't like will help develop will. :)

As far as the quick pipe smokes with your wife, how about smoking a cigarillo or a cigarette with her during those times?

 

[flashgordonv]

As for your addiction to buying new pipes - I can only see this as a problem if you cannot afford them and the money is better spent on other useful things. Or you do not have a proper place to store them so they stay in a good condition. Having a small collection of something is not the worse thing. I have tended to collect small boxes - jewelry boxes, old carved wooden boxes, silver boxes, etc... I have a glass cabinet I stow them in. I have boxes from age 5 still with me. So this collection took years - not a few months.

If your pipe hunting is consuming a great deal of your time, then that could be problematic. Perhaps if you stop looking at them on the internet, then you would not be tempted to buy another one? Each time you want to look, do something else. Do what it doesn't want to do. Maybe taking up a new hobby would help or research a topic that interests you and write an article about it. Anything to help you get your mind of hunting pipes.

I can afford to buy them, and realistically I don't spend big money on them, it is always a deal or a bargain I have found. I guess the issue is more about the compulsion to buy more pipes. I have enough, I have a great selection of good smokers. It is the fact that I decide that is it and then sometime later there I am buying another one

 

[flashgordonv]

If its a program that is bothering you, when you go off to shop for pipes remind yourself that you have the Pipe Acquisition Disorder and direct your thinking to something else you are interested in. Anything that will get your mind off it and remind yourself mentally of your choice to no longer buy them. Doing what it doesn't like will help develop will. :)

As far as the quick pipe smokes with your wife, how about smoking a cigarillo or a cigarette with her during those times?

Ah Menvra, but it is on the Internet I find them. I have only ever bought one pipe from a physical shop and that was when we were away on holiday. There are no shops selling pipes within 200 miles of me and precious few in NZ at all. And the internet is as close as my tablet or PC

And re the cigarette with my wife, if I did that I'd never get to smoke my pipe

 

[patty2292]

But that leads to the first problem. I have discovered a very strong program I run which takes great joy in hunting down estate pipes and buying them. In the industry this is known as Pipe Acquisition Disorder. I have a real struggle with this. I currently own around 20 pipes :O, and that after selling a similar number. I find it hard to resist a good deal, a new shape, or a combination of both. I have told myself numerous times - this is the last pipe I am going to buy - but within days I have bought another on eBay. It is interesting to note that I think the root of the problem is the pleasure I get from the hunt. But it is also in the acquisition of the item. It really has highlighted this as a major issue for me, I need to get this program under control and beaten.

The second issue revolves around the wide selection of tobacco available. While that is a real positive, it is also a problem as I find myself always wanting to try something else to see if it is the new elixir of smoking heaven. (Tobacco Acquisition Disorder). I love the research, the anticipation of the new blend. Yet so many times the new blend is just like the others.

...

I guess, if I am being completely honest, this was the initial spark for buying more than 1 or 2 pipes, but I have to say it is out of control.

So there is the issue. It would be preferable to settle on two or three blends and smoke them in rotation with my existing pipes. That is my goal. Having identified the issue I really need to get into self observation mode and stop the program.

Having smoked a handful of different cheap pipes and changed to a Peterson, i can agree that it brings a whole new world into smoking with different pipes. But seen as you now have turned this into more of an addictive buying behavior rather than a hobby, i would go with your gut and hold back from buying more pipes. Can i ask, are you buying them brand new or second hand?

With the tobacco, are you buying full tins of it at a time? Or do you buy little sample packs to test this new potential elixir of smoking heaven? I dont think the tobacco is so much of a problem as such. There are a hell of alot out there that are suited for all occasions - morning, before bed, winter smokes etc.
So a nice selection keeps you from being bored, especially if your one who dislikes the single taste from cigarettes.

That being said, it is good to also have a handful of pipes that you can shift around depending on what type of smoke your looking for. But if your constantly on the hunt for a new pipe, i don't think you will ever find one that will leave you happy - as you will be chasing the high of purchasing something that you love, be it clothes or pipes/tobacco. Or that's the impression i have got.

Its good that you have noticed all of this and not ignored it with the narratives. I would say that if you are wanting a new pipe, possibly sell an old one that doesnt get used as much anymore? Atleast controlling your amount so its not crazy out of a control, while also saving a little bit of money each time aswell.

 

[SeekinTruth]

Hmm. I've never bought a second-hand pipe. Don't know what to tell you other than some of the suggestions above by others. I only have one pipe (bought new) and smoke almost exclusively Mac Baren Original Choice. I'm totally satisfied with these (I inhale the pipe smoke like cigarettes, not sure if that might make a difference), though I smoke a pack of whole leaf tobacco cigarettes a day too. Just try to narrow it down to your favorite pipe and tobacco or two, I guess and see how it goes.

 

[s-kur]

Why don't you use so called "nosewarmers" in order to have a short smoke-time wherever you are? Or you may have a set of corncobs\meerschaum pipes that don't require 24-hour rest?

By myself, when I started to smoke pipes I had similar compulsion, but I realized that I have 5 ones already and it's quite enough to get great relax time :)

 

[lainey]

Perhaps if you feel the need to buy a new pipe tell yourself you have to sell one first. Make a big sign and hang it above your computer to remind yourself. Perhaps write something like, "do I really need this?" and then donate the money you would have spent on a pipe to SOTT. Even add a picture that reminds yourself of the network with the sign so it will get you thinking, where will this money have more use?
Lay out your favourite pipe so you can look at it and think "I already have this beautiful pipe", and hold it while you donate the money.

 

[flashgordonv]

Why don't you use so called "nosewarmers" in order to have a short smoke-time wherever you are? Or you may have a set of corncobs\meerschaum pipes that don't require 24-hour rest?

By myself, when I started to smoke pipes I had similar compulsion, but I realized that I have 5 ones already and it's quite enough to get great relax time :)

Indeed. I have decided my current pipe selection is sufficient for my needs. And I do have small ones,large ones, short ones, long ones. ( I am a Peterson fan based on the number of Peterson's in the collection). Now I just have to self observe and stop the compulsive buying behavior

 

[flashgordonv]

Having smoked a handful of different cheap pipes and changed to a Peterson, i can agree that it brings a whole new world into smoking with different pipes. But seen as you now have turned this into more of an addictive buying behavior rather than a hobby, i would go with your gut and hold back from buying more pipes. Can i ask, are you buying them brand new or second hand?

With the tobacco, are you buying full tins of it at a time? Or do you buy little sample packs to test this new potential elixir of smoking heaven? I dont think the tobacco is so much of a problem as such. There are a hell of alot out there that are suited for all occasions - morning, before bed, winter smokes etc.
So a nice selection keeps you from being bored, especially if your one who dislikes the single taste from cigarettes.

That being said, it is good to also have a handful of pipes that you can shift around depending on what type of smoke your looking for. But if your constantly on the hunt for a new pipe, i don't think you will ever find one that will leave you happy - as you will be chasing the high of purchasing something that you love, be it clothes or pipes/tobacco. Or that's the impression i have got.

Its good that you have noticed all of this and not ignored it with the narratives. I would say that if you are wanting a new pipe, possibly sell an old one that doesnt get used as much anymore? At least controlling your amount so its not crazy out of a control, while also saving a little bit of money each time as well.

I have to import my tobacco from the US and the freight is typically the most expensive part so sample bags don't make as much sense as tins, so typically I am buying tins.

I have been regularly selling my seldom used pipes - sold 11 already, otherwise I would have run out of room in my smoking drawer.

And no, the perfect pipe does not exist. However you would think I could cover all the options with 20 odd pipes

I also finally realised this is also a hobby as much as a way to smoke. Now I just need to master the program that always wants more

 

[flashgordonv]

Hmm. I've never bought a second-hand pipe. Don't know what to tell you other than some of the suggestions above by others. I only have one pipe (bought new) and smoke almost exclusively Mac Baren Original Choice. I'm totally satisfied with these (I inhale the pipe smoke like cigarettes, not sure if that might make a difference), though I smoke a pack of whole leaf tobacco cigarettes a day too. Just try to narrow it down to your favorite pipe and tobacco or two, I guess and see how it goes.

SeekinTruth, I guess part of the joy of buying estate pipes is that you get a broken-in pipe at a much reduced price from new. For example I bought a Peterson Sherlock Holmes Strand pipe for $70 plus freight, in perfect condition, which would have cost $270 new.

 

[aaronfransen]

I was kind of the same way when I started my pipe, ended up with a handful of pipes.

These days, like SeekinTruth, I've settled on Mac Baren's Original Choice, by far my favourite tobacco.

Sometimes I'll experiment with different tobaccos, but that's typically during a weekend when I have time to sit back and appreciate it.

During the day, it's OC and I don't worry about how quick I have to smoke it. And yeah, I inhale too :)

 

[patty2292]

I have to import my tobacco from the US and the freight is typically the most expensive part so sample bags don't make as much sense as tins, so typically I am buying tins.

I have been regularly selling my seldom used pipes - sold 11 already, otherwise I would have run out of room in my smoking drawer.

And no, the perfect pipe does not exist. However you would think I could cover all the options with 20 odd pipes

I also finally realised this is also a hobby as much as a way to smoke. Now I just need to master the program that always wants more

No, buying in small amounts wouldn't be very practical ill have to agree. I think having a handful of tobacco choices is nothing to worry about, aslong as they are being smoked and not just there to be there.

Well maybe you have to suck it up and accept that you could never cover all the varieties of smoke. I mean, dont you have afew pipes that you would be happy with for the rest of the year?
So i would ask myself; why do i want more? As youve said, its a program, one that most likely enjoys buying new things that your interested in. Im pretty sure weve all been there in some form or another.

Maybe speak to your partner that you dont want to purchase another one, until Christmas maybe?

 

[Matthew]

*bump*

I have just started smoking a pipe. I have never smoked before and have always tried to avoid smoking as much as possible as being around it really did not agree with me. However, I recently had a strong urge to take up smoking a pipe and after pondering it for awhile I decided to try it out. I bought a starter kit online, read several 'how to' articles and have now had three attempts over the last couple of days. The first attempt was not great which I put down to too moist tobacco and a not sufficiently tamped bowl. My second attempt was better and my third attempt just now was even better. I am still feeling my way and finding out what I think about it all but there is certainly something there in it that appeals to me. I have had a completely unexpected reaction to it that is rather embarrassing, however, in that each time I have tried it I have found it to be *ahem* arousing . I tried googling about it but that was a waste of time because smoking is evil dontchaknow .

With regard to your addiction to pipe buying 'flash', I have the same program. I have done it habitually when I have taken up a new hobby, whether it was video games, board games, fountain pens, reading material from the forum's recommended reading list and probably many more that I am not thinking of right now. I have only the one pipe so far and it's fine for a starter pipe (assuming I stick to it). If I do, however, then I shall probably treat myself to a nicer pipe and keep this one for when I go out and don't want to worry about possibly losing it. To my great delight, I have found that I have a tobacconist in my little seaside town. I have walked past that shop many times over the twenty years I have lived here and had no idea it was a tobacconist. It is only a ten-minute stroll away for me so I shall certainly be going in there when they are allowed to open again. I am going to have to keep my obsessive completionist program in mind though! Otherwise, I might end up repeating the same old pattern again!

So far I am far too conscious of the whole process of smoking it to really say what effect it is having on me (other than the aforementioned ) so I am looking forward to seeing how I feel about it when this has passed. It came with four tobacco samples in the kit so I picked the mildest one according to their website listing but I am still finding it terribly strong but then I have never smoked before so that is hardly a surprise. I am not looking forward to dealing with the reactions from people I know when they find out about this so I am secreting myself on my flat balcony when I smoke the pipe so I can find my own way without being hassled!