> A non smoker who tries their first cigarette is no more relaxed or confident or calm than they were before.

Heh, I can tell you've never smoked.

I'm not a smoker, but did try a cigar once. Combined with alcohol, it was an utterly euphoric experience. Think caffeine times ten, at least. I quite literally dreamed about smoking for a couple of days after that experience.

Does that effect persist for regular users? Nope. But for non-smokers it can be a very pleasurable experience.

>smoking has no meaningful affect unless you're already addicted

This isn't true. I started smoking socially in the summer and nicotine absolutely gives you a head rush and relaxing feelings. It also suppresses my appetite quite a bit. I found if I just ate and I'm full and then smoke a cigarette it makes me want to throw up.

And on the topic of fun, it is a social thing and you meet all kinds of interesting people by smoking. It's such a great ice breaker at the bar to meet people.

I gave it up because it's winter and I don't go out to bars as much. Plus it's cold and I have no desire to go outside and smoke anyways. I'll definitely pick it up socially again next summer though, it was one of the best summers of my life.

No positive effect from it? I take it you haven't been a smoker yourself. You being mystified about why smoking was seen as a desirable drug by many is evidence of the massive culture shift that occured surrounding that particular drug.

The limited amount I’ve smoked shows it has an effect similar to coffee but less jittery.

Smoking has a calming effect.

this is why we are taught in HS how insidious smoking is. We were taught that with many drugs (say heroin), one is always chasing that "first high", as it is tremendous feeling, and subsequent usages never are the same. While with cigarettes, almost universally people will tell you that their initial usage is terrible, they can't stand it.

The only reason people are able to keep doing it is because they get used to it, and their body develop a dependency on it.