Dh wants tobacco but is being shielded.

[MoonBaby1]

He is on of those to receive an NHS letter in the post advising him due to his medical condition he needs to practice shielding (like Uber isolation). He is running very low on baccy and wants some.

Whilst being not a fan of smoking I’m not unfeeling and understand addiction is addiction, however we are all isolating and haven’t left the house for over a week. He is understandably nervous/embarrassed to ask the amazing family members who have been dropping off shopping and meds.

Without it turning into an anti smoking bum fight what is the best outcome? He’s putting himself in grave danger of addiction gets the better of him and he ventures out, does he bite the bullet and ask someone or will I have to share close quarters with an already anxious, grumpy smoker going through nicotine withdrawal? (End game would be smoking cessation which would be wonderful but unlikely).

It’s lose/lose really.

Stopping smoking would increase his odds of surviving Covid19, should he catch it...

Ask if he'll accept nicotine replacement? I reckon your family and friends would be supportive of dropping that off to help him quit. Mints would be better than vape for lung health, obviously.

Yes obviously. Quitting smoking in the most stressful of situations isn’t likely though.

Can he ask someone to get some e-cigs?

Not perfect but a) better than smoking and c) less embarrassing to ask for.

I was thinking herbal tobacco and a patch might work.

He tried vaping in the past and didn’t like it. It’s worth a shot though.

If he already has a medical condition that makes him vulnerable, why is he still smoking? I think the best bet is to ask someone to pick some up when they are picking up VITAL supplies, expect judging though, I would not be too happy running errands and taking risks for someone who doesn’t truly give a shit about their health anyway,

Just ask whoever is picking up your essentials to get the poor man his tobacco.

Now is not the time to be giving up your crutch that gets you through the difficult times.

tkaa because he is addicted. Nicotine is horrible addictive. He’s an intelligent man but addiction overrides any common sense.

Op I wouldn't ask about smoking on mumsnet. Every single person will just say he has to stop. If it were me, I'd just ask a friend or family member. I know how strong an additiction to fags is and I would do it for someone if they asked me. The worst they can say is no.

Get him an ecig. Not proven to be 100 per cent safe as not enough data but its a damn sight better than smoking. You can pick up a basic one in CO Op for around 20 quid and he probably wants to start on 18mg liquid.
Yes in an ideal world he wouldn't do either but its a stressful time and I can understand why he might not be able to contemplate quitting.

cremeegg it’s not me saying no but I want him to ask them. I draw the line at being his conduit.

@MoonBaby1 - patches or mints are good, herbal cigarettes are weird and not good for lung health. Mints can be good because he can vary the amount from when he's feeling anxious to cutting down gradually. Maybe ask for a couple of things for him to try. He needs to be on board, no point making it harder.

mrex thank you. That’s all really helpful.

Ask someone to buy the tobacco for him, I am sure they would understand and be compassionate in the situation. He doesn't need judgement at this point, shielding itself must be hard.

Sit down for a chat and get really stern with him. Tell him you’re frightened.

Buy a full selection of lozenges, gum, patches and inhalator and make him try them all until he finds a mode of nicotine replacement that works for him (if you can afford it - different people get on with different NRT products differently).

Message to your DH from me:

I gave up smoking last November. I didn’t want to - I loved my Golden Virginia roll ups. One week I was skint & had to make do with a 10 Motives disposable someone gave me a few months ago.

I loved it. It felt the same as smoking (excellent throat hit) & almost tastes the same.

Haven’t had a real cig since then - even though I am no longer skint & can afford as much baccy as I like.

Just tell him to ask for his tobacco. It will be stressful enough being trapped indoors without that being taken away too

forza. Golden Virginia is his choice too!
I’ll pass that on.

I would just ask whoever gets your shopping to get some. I used to get my next door neighbour cigarettes before she died, I didn't judge, she was elderly, alone, unwell and addicted

Thank you for great suggestions and a distinct lack of man judgement. I’ll be back to read more later.

Meant to say MN not man!

Ex smoker so not entirely unsympathetic. The best thing we can do right now except keeping away from each other is to try to keep ourselves healthy. Less smoking, less drinking, more exercise, good food.

Can he cut down? At least then he can ask but say, 'I'm cutting down'.

(Also, when I gave up I switched brands, then I never enjoyed the extra "cheat" cigarette I allowed one per day of to get through the initial weeks. I found the last few in a drawer over a year later. So might be worth suggesting to him that he gets a brand he doesn't much like for highly restrictive "cheating".)

He might find a decent vape with a powerful battery and tobacco flavour eliquid will do the trick. I used to smoke golden Virginia roll ups, now I vape with tobacco flavour liquid. Its made a huge difference and you can order the vape and the eliquid online and get it delivered. I use totally wicked.