Smokers often say they gain weight after they quit smoking. What really happens is that when a smoker quits abusing themselves with cigarettes, they often sub in another self abusive habit (like eating junk food or drinking etc) to take its place. This means nothing was quit and that the addiction was to self abuse, never to the nicotine. It also means the habit of self abuse is most likely being used to bond with a dysfunctional tribe, in order to acquire feelings of safety and security with the other dysfunctional tribe members. The reason the psyche clings to one self abusive habit or another is because there’s safety in the familiar and the predicable. Herd conformity is also in play, where the smoker most likely socializes with unhealthy people and by becoming truly healthy, they may create tension inside the herd, which in triggers an intense fear response. Our herd dictates our behavior unless we learn how to turn inward and develop our own inner power, which can help us manifest a more satisfying and logical life. The brain is an odd machine and it must be fully understood before success can be attained on any level.