Bergler describes five cases of excessive and compulsive smoking, representing a specific type of psychic masochists who unconsciously sought refusal and acted out aggression through self-damage. To counteract the reproach stemming from their conscience—which objected to the wish to be refused—they 'proved' that they wanted the opposite—to get. The outward sign was getting a cigarette, an oral pacifier, reminding the individual of his first reassurance in life. When such a person is forced by medical necessity to restrict or give up smoking he acts like a child that is refused oral gratification; he feels unjustly treated and reacts with pseudo aggression. The psychologic superstructure does