Quit Smoking... (A Discussion)

[JordanW]

Here's a video I did on quitting smoking, I hope that you all enjoy it.

http://www.vimeo.com/2758391

[Ubasti]

Great video Jordan and congratulations. :biggrin2: I grew up around smokers, I know quitting isn't easy.

[poisonbat]

I wish you the best of luck, I have tried and failed many times. I quit drinking and doing drugs but I can justify the hell out of a cigarette. Maybe someday, but NOT right now.:bat:

[staropeace]

Thanks Jordan for the vid. I contracted cancer and I would be a fool to deny that smoking was partly to blame. I know,along with my genetic make-up,that it was a big factor.

I have quit now. I slapped on a patch and that is all she wrote. The tobacco industry likes to tell us pretty lies. I still cant figure out what I had against breathing for all those years.

Here is a safe alternative that is becoming very popular..........

http://www.jakeludington.com/ces/gadgets/2008_njoy_tsa_approved_electronic_cigarettes.html

[rjt65]

Good job I quit 18 years ago when i was 25 cold turkey....

thankful i did.... In addition to the health man I see 50$ cartons advertised as on sale now...

g -luck with quitting how long have u been trying?

[JordanW]

Thanks Jordan for the vid. I contracted cancer and I would be a fool to deny that smoking was partly to blame. I know,along with my genetic make-up,that it was a big factor.

I have quit now. I slapped on a patch and that is all she wrote. The tobacco industry likes to tell us pretty lies. I still cant figure out what I had against breathing for all those years.

Here is a safe alternative that is becoming very popular..........

http://www.jakeludington.com/ces/gadgets/2008_njoy_tsa_approved_electronic_cigarettes.htmlT hat's pretty cool! I'd just rather quit it all together haha.

[Nero]

fortunately, I never started the habit to begin with.

[Srbo]

Well, in all honesty - I don`t want to quit.

I like it...and you got to die from something anyhow, right ?


Yeah, tell me this and that but...I like it.

I won`t quit, unless IT quits me.

:biggrin2:

[devious1]

the ironic thing about smoking is that, although the tobacco companies tell lies, the anti-smoking groups tell lies and make false claims as well. i've heard again and again that tobacco companies put chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde, and cyanide in cigarettes. this is simply not true. yes, those chemicals can be found in tobacco smoke, but they are produced by the burning of the tobacco, they are not intentionally added to tobacco. burning almost anything can produce toxic chemicals, it is simple science. but i suppose since they are fighting for a good cause, telling lies are ok. it reminds me of the anti-drug commercials i've seen that make it seem like if you smoke marijuana you will eventually become a hopeless cocaine or heroin addict and it will destroy your life.

speaking of commercials, some anti-smoking commercials are so stupid it almost physically hurts me to watch them. unfortunately i can't find clips to show you guys some of the commercials i mean. there was a series of ads run here in Canada by a company similar to the ones who do the truth.com ads down in the states. only these were amazingly stupid. one featured a woman standing outside in a thunderstorm holding a huge metal rod. i think her lines are something like this: "this looks pretty stupid, doesn't it? but in Ontario, only 2 people die every year from getting struck by lightning. thousands die from diseases related to smoking, so what's more stupid?" well excuse me, lady, but if more people went outside in rainstorms with giant lightning rods, the number of people who die from lightning would be a lot higher, wouldn't it? so i would guess that you are the stupid one. another one featured a guy making toast in a bathtub. and again, if more people did that, more people would die from it, but people don't do these things because they are beyond stupid. trying to get people to quit smoking is a noble thing, no doubt. smoking kills. it shouldn't be so hard to convince people to quit that you have to resort to telling lies to achieve this goal. as far as i'm concerned, that makes them just as bad as the tobacco companies who lie and try to convince you that smoking doesn't cause cancer. a lie is a lie, regardless of its intentions. just because it is a "good" lie doesn't make it right.

[JordanW]

Well, in all honesty - I don`t want to quit.

I like it...and you got to die from something anyhow, right ?


Yeah, tell me this and that but...I like it.

I won`t quit, unless IT quits me.

:biggrin2:
Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:

[Haunted]

Thanks Jordan for the vid. I contracted cancer and I would be a fool to deny that smoking was partly to blame. I know,along with my genetic make-up,that it was a big factor.

I have quit now. I slapped on a patch and that is all she wrote. The tobacco industry likes to tell us pretty lies. I still cant figure out what I had against breathing for all those years.

Here is a safe alternative that is becoming very popular..........

http://www.jakeludington.com/ces/gadgets/2008_njoy_tsa_approved_electronic_cigarettes.html

I used the patch too. Have to be in right state of mind and the patch really helps you over the humps. Had dreams about sneaking smokes for months after that. But the patch held true.

[staropeace]

Srbo you have to consider second hand smoke. And the folks it may affect.

[Srbo]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:

What, and you wan`t ?

Staro, I don`t smoke in my house, car, job...nothing...smoking is my deadly thing, so...I hope you understand....:smile2:

[scotts_girl]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:

we all do in the end:biggrin2:

[benbennett]

I quit a two pack per day habit 10 years ago. Just seemed the right time and I found it easy.The people who run the cig companies should be in jail.

[devious1]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:well hey, guess what? so will you! so will i, and everyone else in this thread too! we're all doomed, DOOMED i tell ya! :eek: :eek: :eek:

seriously though, i get srbo's point. that used to be my mentality when i was a smoker. "hey, we're all gonna go out one day, so it really doesn't matter if i smoke or not, in the end it's all the same, i'll die." so i see where you're is coming from. but you have to look at the flipside of that, which is something i just started doing recently (3 months as a non-smoker! woo-hoo!). we are all going to die of course, but why increase the chances of dying sooner than you have to? sure i could smoke a pack or 2 a day and drink lots of beer and get drunk a lot and eat whatever kind of junk food i want whenever i want and die fat and drunk and very happily at 40 or 50, or i could quit smoking and eat healthier and drink less and live at least moderately happily for a lot longer (hopefully!). of course the ones other than smoking are my issues and not yours, but you should at least stop and ask yourself that question. it took me a long time to do so myself, and 3 months in i can already say that quitting smoking is the best decision i ever made. i can taste food again! and i actually have money now!!! a lot more than i had before, that's for sure... now if i could only find a way to stop spending all that extra cash on beer and junk food, then i'd be set! :tongue:

[CorbinKale]

I quit three years ago in October, when I found out I was addicted. I swore that I smoked because I liked it and could quit any time. I almost let my dog go hungry to buy smokes and realized it had control of me. I quit that very instant. I still want one, but that makes me mad that I am still addicted, so I refuse to smoke.

I think it is neat that my aversion to being controlled is stronger than my addiction to nicotine. I tell myself that all I have to do to not smoke is... wait for it... NOTHING! I have to take a series of steps to smoke, but to be smoke free requires no effort. My psychotic laziness combination helps to keep me on track. :)

[Terry B]

Great video. I quit 10 years ago this coming March. I got cancer too in 2007 (lung) but I still encourage everyone who still smokes to stop now. It's the best thing I ever did.

[JordanW]

Srbo you have to consider second hand smoke. And the folks it may affect.

Second hand smoke is definitely bad, I have been around it my whole life.

[rjt65]

Hmmm I would say the tobacco companies covered up more and told more lies than anti-smoking campaign.

I like the over the top truth.com ads, the point is don't be a fool and stand outside trying to attract lightning... analogous to do not smoke and get cancer... they use shock advertising to get attention... and without getiing into a holy war there are some unbelievable memo's about what additives were added and the truth is cigarettes would have to be banned due to these additives if they were regulated as the US regulated food and drugs....

"Tobacco additives influenced how nicotine worked on the brain and included agents that affected a cigarette's taste, smell and smoke. Some were believed to make the product more addictive or more palatable to children, while others were believed to be dangerous."
http://74.125.45.132/search?q=cache:AHwraAoneyEJ:www.acosh.org/media/media_releases/media%2520release%2520regulate%2520campaign%2520%2 520191103.doc+%27leaked+memos+from+cigarette+compa nies+showing+additives+in+cigarette+smoke%27&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us


We have several gross-adds run by state or nat'l surgeon genl...3 come to mind

1- older woman who will be dead in a few months with young kids--in her 30s lung cancer ---true story

2- esophugus takin from dead smoker---about 12 inch piece they squeeze out a ton of white puss (like toothpaste)

3- looks like pretty young (30's 40's) blond lady on the operating table

My point is there are proven Additives that are added for $$$$$$$$ sake only.

I wish wish we had this truth when i was a kid i might have never smoked--- i am glad we have it today --my kids are very anti-smoking (7th and 10th grade) and i thank the school, me and my wife and the ads by antismoking groups for helping them form their decision.

http://www.forumforthefuture.org/greenfutures/articles/60717




the ironic thing about smoking is that, although the tobacco companies tell lies, the anti-smoking groups tell lies and make false claims as well. i've heard again and again that tobacco companies put chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde, and cyanide in cigarettes. this is simply not true. yes, those chemicals can be found in tobacco smoke, but they are produced by the burning of the tobacco, they are not intentionally added to tobacco. burning almost anything can produce toxic chemicals, it is simple science. but i suppose since they are fighting for a good cause, telling lies are ok. it reminds me of the anti-drug commercials i've seen that make it seem like if you smoke marijuana you will eventually become a hopeless cocaine or heroin addict and it will destroy your life.

speaking of commercials, some anti-smoking commercials are so stupid it almost physically hurts me to watch them. unfortunately i can't find clips to show you guys some of the commercials i mean. there was a series of ads run here in Canada by a company similar to the ones who do the truth.com ads down in the states. only these were amazingly stupid. one featured a woman standing outside in a thunderstorm holding a huge metal rod. i think her lines are something like this: "this looks pretty stupid, doesn't it? but in Ontario, only 2 people die every year from getting struck by lightning. thousands die from diseases related to smoking, so what's more stupid?" well excuse me, lady, but if more people went outside in rainstorms with giant lightning rods, the number of people who die from lightning would be a lot higher, wouldn't it? so i would guess that you are the stupid one. another one featured a guy making toast in a bathtub. and again, if more people did that, more people would die from it, but people don't do these things because they are beyond stupid. trying to get people to quit smoking is a noble thing, no doubt. smoking kills. it shouldn't be so hard to convince people to quit that you have to resort to telling lies to achieve this goal. as far as i'm concerned, that makes them just as bad as the tobacco companies who lie and try to convince you that smoking doesn't cause cancer. a lie is a lie, regardless of its intentions. just because it is a "good" lie doesn't make it right.

[miglash]

Ha, ha :} I also quit smoking :} wasnt as bad as they say it would be and I did not use any patches or gum or other stuff like that... Although, I had a few bad starts one I smoked a cigarette or two after a few months of no smoking. I sometimes even got bad dreams where Im smoking and smoking and smoking and than I wake up all sweaty, thinking oh no it was so darn close!! But hell if you really feel motivated quiting is really easy :}

[poisonbat]

You have your rights too Srbo. Thank you for being considerate of others, I am the same way.:bat:

[devious1]

Hmmm I would say the tobacco companies covered up more and told more lies than anti-smoking campaign.

I like the over the top truth.com ads, the point is don't be a fool and stand outside trying to attract lightning... analogous to do not smoke and get cancer... they use shock advertising to get attention... and without getiing into a holy war there are some unbelievable memo's about what additives were added and the truth is cigarettes would have to be banned due to these additives if they were regulated as the US regulated food and drugs....

"Tobacco additives influenced how nicotine worked on the brain and included agents that affected a cigarette's taste, smell and smoke. Some were believed to make the product more addictive or more palatable to children, while others were believed to be dangerous."
http://74.125.45.132/search?q=cache:AHwraAoneyEJ:www.acosh.org/media/media_releases/media%2520release%2520regulate%2520campaign%2520%2 520191103.doc+%27leaked+memos+from+cigarette+compa nies+showing+additives+in+cigarette+smoke%27&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us


We have several gross-adds run by state or nat'l surgeon genl...3 come to mind

1- older woman who will be dead in a few months with young kids--in her 30s lung cancer ---true story

2- esophugus takin from dead smoker---about 12 inch piece they squeeze out a ton of white puss (like toothpaste)

3- looks like pretty young (30's 40's) blond lady on the operating table

My point is there are proven Additives that are added for $$$$$$$$ sake only.

I wish wish we had this truth when i was a kid i might have never smoked--- i am glad we have it today --my kids are very anti-smoking (7th and 10th grade) and i thank the school, me and my wife and the ads by antismoking groups for helping them form their decision.

http://www.forumforthefuture.org/greenfutures/articles/60717the reason why those commercials are so stupid is that only 2 people die of lightning because most people don't go out and try to get struck by lightning. hundreds of thousands of people smoke compared to quite a few less who carry lightning rods during a storm, so to compare that to smoking and say it is less dangerous is just stupid. you aren't going to die if you light up a cigarette. however there is a pretty high chance that if you're struck by lightning or drop your toaster in the bathtub, you will die. that is like saying only a few people each year are killed by swords, so they are safer than guns. not true, there are just more people who own guns than there are people who own swords.

they always throw those facts out there, the anti-smoking groups, but where is the evidence of any of this? have you actually seen this "memo" you mentioned? or did "they" just tell you about it? additives are added in cigarettes, no one here is denying that, but those additives do not include cyanide or formaldehyde and never have. i find that the anti-smoking groups always have "facts" that they love to bring up, yet i haven't seen much, if any, evidence that these "facts" are true. another series of commercials i remember (these are US ones, i remember seeing them on late at night on Spike TV or something like that) featured what they (truth.com) claimed were actual transcripts of tobacco company executives having a marketing meeting, discussing horrible things like how to get kids hooked on smoking. first of all, i wasn't aware that tobacco executives actually had people taking transcripts of their meetings and writing down every word. notes, yes, but an entire transcript of every word said in the meeting? considering the things they're discussing, you would think that's a bad idea, no? but the truth (.com) of it is that they made it all up under the belief that people already think these guys are scum, so they can say whatever they want about them and people will believe it. in my book that makes them hypocrites, because how long have the anti-smoking lobbyists been ragging on big tobacco for all the lies they have told? again, it seems they believe that if the lie has good intentions, then it's ok. it's the same thing with all the "facts" you see in anti-drug ads about marijuana.

one last thing, and i'm sure this will not be a popular sentiment, but i feel it should be said: the tobacco industry is an industry like any other, yet they have been oppressed like no other industry ever has. well of course, their products are addictive and kill people, right? but alcohol seems to be an accepted killer in society. why is that? how many people die from drunk-driving related accidents each year? how many die from liver failure or other diseases related to alcoholism? yet you don't constantly hear cries to shut down the alcohol industry. so why is everyone picking on tobacco? i hate trying to defend these lying scumbags, but the fact is that they don't force anyone to smoke. people choose to smoke of their own free will, and i don't think the tobacco companies should be persecuted for selling a product that is demanded by the public, even if that product is essentially poison. especially since there are other industries who are essentially doing the same thing (profiting off of death and misery) and getting away with it. of course if they had been honest about the product they sell instead of lying and trying to cover up the blatantly obvious hazards of smoking, maybe the situation would be different. so i guess they made their own beds, they have to lay in them now. but the hypocrisy in this issue is one that always surprises me. i guess it really is a case of "pick your poison."

[staropeace]

Anyone hear about this that has been talked about on the news lately......third hand smoke?

http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=18458

[Moderator]

They tried Prohibition in the United States devious1, and after its dismal failure, they probably realized they couldn't ban tobacco usage altogether after having allowed it to be legal. I made that distinction since they have not done the same for "recreational" drug usage, although that may also have something to do with not having any large corporations with lobbyists already in place to protect their interests.

[Kim L.]

The US susbsidizes tobacco growers; they're hardly oppressed. Cynaide and formaldehyde are by-products of burning tobacco. Nicotine was added to make cigarettes and other tobacco products more addictive, and it works well: tobacco is as difficult if not more difficult to quit than heroin and by the sheer numbers of users causes more suffering.
Bad enough that it causes cancer (lung, esophagus, bladder, possibly breast), but heart disease, emphysema, stroke, and suseptibility to colds, flu and pneumonia.

[devious1]

They tried Prohibition in the United States devious1, and after its dismal failure, they probably realized they couldn't ban tobacco usage altogether after having allowed it to be legal. I made that distinction since they have not done the same for "recreational" drug usage, although that may also have something to do with not having any large corporations with lobbyists already in place to protect their interests.well i know all about prohibition and it's total failure, but that wasn't the point i was getting at. cigarettes will not be banned or prohibited, even the anti-smoking lobbyists know that. but there are so many regulations on tobacco companies that don't apply to other companies that it puts them on an unfair playing field. i don't know if there are similar bans down in the US but here in Canada they made it illegal for cigarette companies to advertise at all. no ads in magazines, no more sponsorships of sporting events, nothing. meanwhile alcohol ads and sponsorships are everywhere. not to mention all the taxes they add to the price of cigarettes, alcohol isn't taxed nearly as much as cigarettes are. in Canada right now, because of all the extra taxes they add to the sale of cigarettes and tobacco, the federal government actually makes more profit from the sale of tobacco than the tobacco companies do! i just can't figure out why one industry that sells poison gets singled out and picked on while other "industries of death" are essentially allowed to operate with impunity. it doesn't seem fair or reasonable to me.

[staropeace]

Kim,remember how many colds and lung infections I use to get? Not one since I quit.............:biggrin2:

I have so much energy,if I am not outside walking.....I am inside pacing....I think my cat,Hercules,thinks that I am a stalker now........:eek2:

[rjt65]

Devious

many memo's are available and yes i have seen them as they were leaked by employees and made public in court cases. feel free to google and do the research yourself if you want to know more..

Cig companies targeted kids, COVERED up the fact they knew it was bad for your health and knew the crap they were putting in there (Additives) made it worse. (yah last x years people and companies now have the knowledge but all we ever saw years ago was a surgeon generals warning that it could be hazardous to your health.

Drinking another issue entirely and I am not going to go there but that will not make smoking companies right . I i think u raise some valid points on advertising ads etc for drinks)

I am not saying cigs should be illegal tomorrow but they should be under the same FDA rules as others
To say the poor cig companies are unfairly singled out is ridiculous they made their LYING bed now they have to pay the piper. I speak of the US and know they are not put under what every other consumer product has to pass.... FDA rules.. simply put they would go out of business because they are doing so much wrong (PEsticides, additives, etc) even a potato chip has to pass FDA rules.

Tobacco another big interest money lobbying bully that had the gov't in hip pocket. now that is changing. i say thank-ya for that!

[MadamMack]

Well, in all honesty - I don`t want to quit.

I like it...and you got to die from something anyhow, right ?


Yeah, tell me this and that but...I like it.

I won`t quit, unless IT quits me.

:biggrin2:

Please don't smoke around your daughter.

[MadamMack]

As an ex smoker I came to this thread hoping it would be a supportive thread for others that are trying to quit. Like many other threads it's becoming a battlefield and I'm getting my azz out of here.

If you wanna quit then do it. You gotta wanna do it. Smuck what you hear in ads and read about . . .if you wanna quit then QUIT! And if you wanna smoke then smoke . . .if you smoke around your kids it's likely they'll grow to be smokers too! However . . .that's your business!

And of course we all eventually die but we don't need to smucking rush it!

Sheesh . . .

[staropeace]

Omg Madam...I love you....and if I were male...I would ask for your hand in marriage....:love:

[dragafari]

As an ex smoker I came to this thread hoping it would be a supportive thread for others that are trying to quit. Like many other threads it's becoming a battlefield and I'm getting my azz out of here.

If you wanna quit then do it. You gotta wanna do it. Smuck what you hear in ads and read about . . .if you wanna quit then QUIT! And if you wanna smoke then smoke . . .

Yes Iyah gal! Big up fi ur words!

[aussiewonder]

I need to, but I dont want to, and yes I know the dangers, I can read.

I do wish you much luck Jordan, in quitting!!

[Srbo]

Please don't smoke around your daughter.


Like I said, MM, I don`t smoke around no one, unless the person is a smoker too.
Not in the car, not in the house, in public places it`s banned anyway...and especially not around my daughter.
Never ever.

Smoking is my deadly thing, no one else should suffer because I am an idiot.

Maybe some day I will quit too, `till then, I wish all the luck and strong will to everybody in succeding in that task.:smile2:

[JordanW]

Well I'm almost 6 days free. I ended up getting sick this weekend, but I should be well by tomorrow since I'm feeling a lot better today than yesterday!:smile2:

[devious1]

Devious

many memo's are available and yes i have seen them as they were leaked by employees and made public in court cases. feel free to google and do the research yourself if you want to know more..

Cig companies targeted kids, COVERED up the fact they knew it was bad for your health and knew the crap they were putting in there (Additives) made it worse. (yah last x years people and companies now have the knowledge but all we ever saw years ago was a surgeon generals warning that it could be hazardous to your health.

Drinking another issue entirely and I am not going to go there but that will not make smoking companies right . I i think u raise some valid points on advertising ads etc for drinks)

I am not saying cigs should be illegal tomorrow but they should be under the same FDA rules as others
To say the poor cig companies are unfairly singled out is ridiculous they made their LYING bed now they have to pay the piper. I speak of the US and know they are not put under what every other consumer product has to pass.... FDA rules.. simply put they would go out of business because they are doing so much wrong (PEsticides, additives, etc) even a potato chip has to pass FDA rules.

Tobacco another big interest money lobbying bully that had the gov't in hip pocket. now that is changing. i say thank-ya for that!well what i was saying is that it's not so much "the poor tobacco companies," but i just don't see why some industries selling equally deadly products get a free pass while people treat tobacco companies like all the executives are spawns of Satan. it just doesn't make sense to me. that's all i was saying. i just thought i'd point out the hypocrisy i see that people never want to mention.

[JohnDalglish]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:

Hi,

Didn't know there was an alternative. Must have missed the memo.

Long days and pleasant nights

[BlackEye]

Hi,

Didn't know there was an alternative. Must have missed the memo.

Long days and pleasant nights

:biggrin2:

[Shandor]

I enjoyed your video JordanW. I quit smoking 5 years ago. And now I do really know and feel that there are no benefits in smoking at all. You're right.

[sheba41]

I do not want to quit, but I think I have too, because it is better for me...:glare:

[BlackEye]

As an ex smoker I came to this thread hoping it would be a supportive thread for others that are trying to quit. Like many other threads it's becoming a battlefield and I'm getting my azz out of here.

If you wanna quit then do it. You gotta wanna do it. Smuck what you hear in ads and read about . . .if you wanna quit then QUIT! And if you wanna smoke then smoke . . .if you smoke around your kids it's likely they'll grow to be smokers too! However . . .that's your business!

And of course we all eventually die but we don't need to smucking rush it!

Sheesh . . .

Easy Madam... can I offer you a cigarette to calm your nerves? :biggrin2:

[Born In Sin]

Need to quit, want to quit don't want to go through withdrawals, my will power is 0! I have a prescription of Chantix and I am going to try that! I tried the patch and commit, neither worked.

[poisonbat]

Hi,

Didn't know there was an alternative. Must have missed the memo.

Long days and pleasant nights

:rofl::rofl::bat:

[Matticus]

I'm quitting May 2nd on my 40th birthday. Been promising myself for years.

[rjt65]

G luck to all trying to quit! Save the money... buy a coffee at Starbux!

[staropeace]

The hardest thing I found....offline...was that the folks who attempted to quit smoking around when I did....didnt manage this time to kick the habit. Thing is,they got very defensive with me about it.....even though they knew I had a really important reason for quiting...I got cancer from smoking.

So it was hard....when I needed the support,they thought I was just bragging,sorta. I wasnt. I was trying to share my happiness in beating a habit that was taking away my life. I thought they would be happy for me.

F*ck em if they cant take a joke....I am no more Miss Nice Girl.......nobody is smoking in my place lol.......:biggrin2:

[lessanguish9]

I do smoke and drink occassionally. It's nice to have one sometimes, I have to admit that. Even the doctors will tell you that one or two does indeed help relieve anxiety.

[Matticus]

G luck to all trying to quit! Save the money... buy a coffee at Starbux!

Sure! Kick one habit and you are already trying to get me on another. :laugh:

[LadyPain]

I used to smoke a couple of cheroots a year. That was all of the tobacco I consumed. My doctor made me give up even that small amount. The trade was that I would start smoking pot to see if it helped my pain. It's probably not the best for my lungs, but I go organic as much as I can, avoiding the pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

Yeah, call me a smoker. I load up as much as I can allow each day, and enjoy a little bit of pain relief. Eventually, it will probably give me lung cancer, but there have been so many bad days with the lupus that I would gladly swap for cancer. It IS very nice to be able to turn off the constant pain for even an hour or two a night.

'Fraid I'm not quitting.

Srbo, everyone has their vice. At least yours is legal. (((Srbo))) Share that hug with your little girl for me.

[Terry B]

I'm quitting May 2nd on my 40th birthday. Been promising myself for years.

Please don't "set a date" to quit. If you do you're doomed to fail. Just do it. You have almost 4 months to get over the worst of it, then celebrate your 40th birthday in style.

[Guershom]

The best Stephen-Kingian way to quit is to read "Desintox Inc." (in Night Shift). I think it was the first SK text I ever read in my life (I must have been eleven or twelve, my father was reading the book and he'd advised this short story to me) and I enjoyed it immensely.

Anyway, it didn't prevent me from starting to smoke some ten years later, but I quit five years ago now - even though I liked smoking... - and it's great. I used nicotine patches for two weeks, then got an angina for a week (my physician explained me it was maybe due to the body getting rid of all the toxins I'd inhaled) and that was it, I was cured ! It's so nice not to waste dough on poison, not to have to go outside for your dope every time you're eating with friends, not to spend your whole Sunday evening wandering to find an open kiosk, not to stink and...I ran my first marathon two months ago !


I believe it's "Quitters Inc." you're referring to.

[scotts_girl]

G luck to all trying to quit! Save the money... buy a coffee at Starbux!

dam dont you know coffee and cigs are one and the same for most us us smokers lol its the hardest part for me they just go together so good

[aussiewonder]

My initial comment was flip, so I wanted to make myself feel better by adding-
I never ever smoke when my g-babies are here, I do not smoke around non smokers,
I do not smoke in our home or anyone elses. Smoking is a nasty habit, and nothing about it is attractive. It just happens to be my one vice, be it right or wrong.

[BlackEye]

dam dont you know coffee and cigs are one and the same for most us us smokers lol its the hardest part for me they just go together so good

ayuh, that first smoke with a coffee is the best. but cigs go so well with alcohol too. :biggrin2:

[Haunted]

Need to quit, want to quit don't want to go through withdrawals, my will power is 0! I have a prescription of Chantix and I am going to try that! I tried the patch and commit, neither worked.

Please research Chantix thoroughly before using.

[Matticus]

Please don't "set a date" to quit. If you do you're doomed to fail. Just do it. You have almost 4 months to get over the worst of it, then celebrate your 40th birthday in style.

I figure it's a nice bench mark, kind of the half way point. :laugh:

I'm actually not that upset about it, it's been on the books for 20 years.

[rjt65]

I think moderation is key here--so only few dokes a day---versus pack to pack and a half.

Also never thought about it --- dubie additives or pesticides versus cig additives... I am wondering if the pot is not more organic..

if we started the world over maybe it would be best to have dokes legal, cigs illegal!! :eek2:

Could argue for dokes over liquor to I guess---but I do love beer and wine in moderation these days!:grinning:






I used to smoke a couple of cheroots a year. That was all of the tobacco I consumed. My doctor made me give up even that small amount. The trade was that I would start smoking pot to see if it helped my pain. It's probably not the best for my lungs, but I go organic as much as I can, avoiding the pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

Yeah, call me a smoker. I load up as much as I can allow each day, and enjoy a little bit of pain relief. Eventually, it will probably give me lung cancer, but there have been so many bad days with the lupus that I would gladly swap for cancer. It IS very nice to be able to turn off the constant pain for even an hour or two a night.

'Fraid I'm not quitting.

Srbo, everyone has their vice. At least yours is legal. (((Srbo))) Share that hug with your little girl for me.

[rjt65]

I dunno Terry--u probably are right in the majority but I promise i would quit when I was 25... (smoked since i was 15 or so:sad:) So the last time i smoked was when I had summer VK up in Lake george. Tried one 2-3 puffs a few days later than tossed it... and never tried it again.

For me it was the cigs with beer and vodka drinks--hangin out etc...where i smoked most.

I think my OCD tendencies helped--- maybe one of the biggest things that annoyed the crap out of me as a male was toting around the pack or 2 and a lighter--- (us men no pocketbooks)--really helped me realize that benefit of not having to anymore...

So maybe Matticus your promise to your self will hold true...I hope so! g-luck

Please don't "set a date" to quit. If you do you're doomed to fail. Just do it. You have almost 4 months to get over the worst of it, then celebrate your 40th birthday in style.

[rjt65]

Yah a re-direct--- gotta have some vices!:eek2::biggrin2: but better to have stinky coffee breath than cig breath :oops:




Sure! Kick one habit and you are already trying to get me on another. :laugh:

[Kim L.]

I do smoke and drink occassionally. It's nice to have one sometimes, I have to admit that. Even the doctors will tell you that one or two does indeed help relieve anxiety.

I don't know of any doctors who would say that.

[E Blitz]

I've been smoking so long I can't imagine my life without a cigarette in my hand. The odd thing is though, as of late, I have been tossing the idea around of quitting. My biggest hurdle is the fact that I work in a bar surrounded by other smokers. I'm not sure if my willpower is strong enough to mingle with the clientel and not be smoking.

-Eric

[JordanW]

Hey guys, sorry about that, "You'll end up dead!" comment. I just meant that smoking will kill you faster than just living out your life will.

[staropeace]

You cant smoke in public places here in Alberta....bars included.

Isnt it the same in the states.

Lady Pain dont say you would rather have cancer than lupus. I know lupus is bad,but cancer and chemo isnt any walk in the park either. I wonder if you have tried the weed that is now in pill form?

I cant believe they dont have any parmaceutical that will work as well as dope. Surely there must be something that is offered that is better than having to inhale tars and stuff?

In Alberta now,one cannot even smoke near any building entrance. I dont hear too many folks complain really. Since New Years,cigarettes cannot be sold in any establishment that also sells drugs.

[Matticus]

I dunno Terry--u probably are right in the majority but I promise i would quit when I was 25... (smoked since i was 15 or so:sad:) So the last time i smoked was when I had summer VK up in Lake george. Tried one 2-3 puffs a few days later than tossed it... and never tried it again.

For me it was the cigs with beer and vodka drinks--hangin out etc...where i smoked most.

I think my OCD tendencies helped--- maybe one of the biggest things that annoyed the crap out of me as a male was toting around the pack or 2 and a lighter--- (us men no pocketbooks)--really helped me realize that benefit of not having to anymore...

So maybe Matticus your promise to your self will hold true...I hope so! g-luck

I appreciate that man, I think once a person decides something will happen it is pretty much done from there.

Deciding is the key.

[LadyPain]

Lady Pain dont say you would rather have cancer than lupus. I know lupus is bad,but cancer and chemo isnt any walk in the park either. I wonder if you have tried the weed that is now in pill form?

I cant believe they dont have any parmaceutical that will work as well as dope. Surely there must be something that is offered that is better than having to inhale tars and stuff?


Well, Staro, some cancers can be cured or removed. Lupus has no cure. My test results for certain antigens are so high (extreme) that I have been told I will not have a remission. I spend my time knowing that any of several major organs might fail at damn near anytime. I choose to live hard because of it.

My doc and I talked about the synthetic cannabinoids, but considering my luck with chemical pharmaceuticals, we decided not to risk a good thing. If I developed an allergy to the synthetic cannabinoid, my body would most likely also reject the natural ones. There are NO pain pills I can take. From aspirin and acetominophen all of the way through to things like Fentanyl and Oxycontin, I cannot use them. Drug allergies beyond what most people think is possible.

I have tried weed in food and it just doesn't work for me. The effect is not as strong as smoking it, plus when one of the reasons it is being used is extreme nausea and vomiting, consuming it orally just won't work.

I breathe, therefore I smoke. Even a couple of days without pain relief and the pain blooms so strongly that I start to wish for a peanut butter and baby aspirin sandwich.

[Terry B]

I know this is going to sound weird but the quitting is the easy part. It's a lifestyle change. Once you get used to life without your little paper and tobacco friend you're home free. AND as so many others have said, you have to want to quit. I fought it for years (literally) and when I finally did quit I kicked myself for not doing it sooner.

I wish you all the best of everything. You can do this.

[E Blitz]

You cant smoke in public places here in Alberta....bars included.

Isnt it the same in the states.


In Michigan, it is still legal to smoke in bars, restaurants, casinos, bingo halls, and probably a few more that I can't recall. There has been talk of legislation going through the house and/or senate that will ban smoking, but they are getting opposition from the casinos and bingo halls. Personally, I'd like to see it happen.

I did work in a restaurant at one time that banned smoking and we saw an increase in business because of it. There was some grumbling initially and we did lose some clientele, but overall there was an uptick in sales in the months following the voluntary ban. I imagine it will be the same when the bars are forced to ban smoking, a short period of sluggish sales followed by an increase as more non-smokers begin enjoying the nightlife.

-Eric

[devious1]

I know this is going to sound weird but the quitting is the easy part. It's a lifestyle change. Once you get used to life without your little paper and tobacco friend you're home free. AND as so many others have said, you have to want to quit. I fought it for years (literally) and when I finally did quit I kicked myself for not doing it sooner.

I wish you all the best of everything. You can do this.i agree with this. well kind of. quitting isn't exactly that easy, but a big part of what makes it so hard is that lifestyle, the smoker's mentality. if you're still thinking like a smoker it makes it very hard to quit. it took me a while to get over that, but even now i still have some of that mentality left, i still find myself thinking like a smoker once in a while, and i still buy lighters... force of habit i guess.

[rjt65]

Staro - that is left to a state by state law--so some stated yes some no...

than some counties within--for example I am Nassau County, where there was a smoking ban before the state ban.




In Michigan, it is still legal to smoke in bars, restaurants, casinos, bingo halls, and probably a few more that I can't recall. There has been talk of legislation going through the house and/or senate that will ban smoking, but they are getting opposition from the casinos and bingo halls. Personally, I'd like to see it happen.

I did work in a restaurant at one time that banned smoking and we saw an increase in business because of it. There was some grumbling initially and we did lose some clientele, but overall there was an uptick in sales in the months following the voluntary ban. I imagine it will be the same when the bars are forced to ban smoking, a short period of sluggish sales followed by an increase as more non-smokers begin enjoying the nightlife.

-Eric

[JayneH]

I gave up 18 years ago after a trip around the world ... everywhere else we went cigs were around 90 cents a packet - here in Australia - $4.00 !!! I absolutely loved smoking - my giving up was purely a financial reason - I figured that about 75% of the cost of a packet of cigarettes was going in Tax to the government. That really got my goat.
I finished the packet in my bag and never had another. For the first few months I avoided my triggers (my poker nights, trips to the pub that sort of thing) then after that I had no problems. My only slip was about 6 years later I had a couple of puffs of a cigar !!!! (yes I was completely inebriated at the time)

People cant tell people to quit smoking - it is something that you need to want to do for yourself. Whether that be health, family or like in my case finances - if there is a reason it is easier to make the decision and keep to it.

Oh - any my grandfather smoked tobacco until the day he died at 97 years old - he started when he was a kid. So SRBO - you may outlive all of us :smile2:

[brownmouse]

I took Welbutrin to counteract the depressing effects of my anti-anxiety drugs and it really knocked the desire to smoke right out of me. Though I never really was a dedicated smoker. The thought of having a cig before 6 PM always made me nauseous -I really only lit up when I was drinking. I never understood why but then I read about this study:

American scientists found that in tests the more alcohol the volunteers consumed, the greater their urge to smoke.

... they believe that alcohol increases the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine released in "reward" areas of the brain and therefore increases the enjoyment gained from smoking.
Makes sense.

Anyway I'm off my anti-anxiety pills ('cept the odd clonazapan)because-well, a myriad of reasons (and with the help of my psych) but still take a very small amount of Welbutrin so I don't smoke. Works for me.

[devious1]

that has always been a weird irony to me, that cigarettes and the drug ecstasy both have the same effect on you... of course the effects of ecstasy are much stronger, but the results are the same, release of dopamine to the reward receptors.

[mylife4usk]

I'm going on 3 weeks now! Man, it's tough. The worst time for me is when I'm sitting at the computer and this is another problem because I'm addicted to the internet! lol. My Dr. gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin and I think that's the reason I was able to quit this time. I also haven't had a beer or drink which the two definitely go hand in hand. I'm also thinking of quitting coffee.,but not sure about that. So it's just at night now I get the cravings, and they are bad. One thing that I find makes it easier is when I sit down to read I don't usually crave them. SO looks like more reading time for me, yay! Good luck to everyone that wants to quit. AND be careful with Chantix, I heard you get insane nightmares. NO THANKS! My dreams are intense enough as it is. LoL. peace, CJ

[jjaworski]

I quit smoking when I decided to have children. It is perfectly fine to make an informed decision to hurt yourself through smoking, but, it is dispicable to hurt a child through smoking. I felt the only option was to quit before getting pregnant, and now I see returning to the habit as a complete waste of money.

[KLBurnham]

I smoke, and I love it. I know it's bad, but I just am not ready to quit yet. I enjoy it too much. I have cut back to a half pack a day, instead of a pack. :biggrin2:

[Todash]

I just wanted to chime in and offer my support to all those who are trying to quit or even thinking about it: you can do it! If it takes avoiding your triggers, if it takes some Wellbutrin or Chantix, whatever it takes, it's worth it.

And you're so right, JayneH, that it has to be the smoker who really wants to do it. That's very hard to take as the nonsmoking friend or family member. My FIL has been smoking for 40 years, and knowing that he is the one who has to quit on his own does not stop me in any way from worrying about him or picturing what his lungs must look like by now. :(

[mudpuppy]

Okay, so I smoke, but this thread has really helped me. I was a pack a day smoker, now I have cut down to 3 cigarettes per day. Funny thing is I don't even want those three, I'm just smoking them for "fun". What helped me is to keep my cigarettes here in my desk at work, so I can only smoke when I am here. Went all weekend without a cig. My goal is to finish this pack and NOT buy another.

I think my big problem was telling myself I can NEVER smoke again. Of course my goal is to never smoke again, but the finality of that word was causing me to constantly delay the quitting. So now, when I get a craving I can tell myself "wait till tomorrow at noon, then if you want you can have one". I know this is slimy, and I have not truly quit, but I do feel very good about where I am now, and I feel like I am severing the ties to the cigs in a sneaky way, so that the cigs don't even know whats really happening! See, if I tell them my plans then they conspire to stop me, but if I am subversive then they may not even notice I am gone!

[tillyn]

I stopped smoking 25 years ago, should have never started. Found out years later that i have allergies and smoking tops them. I wish everyone could quit , i went cold turkey, it was hard but i was determined. Never looked back. wish you guys that are quitting all the best of luck.

[scotts_girl]

well the hubby is going to try and quit again on the patches and since we found out our insurance will cover it all im going to give a try with Chantix,he always starts up again because i wouldn't stop bad influence me lol but im just sick off it now hopefully i can but reading the self help kit my insurance sent us looks like i may have to stop drinking coffee too dont think i can do that im more addicted to coffee than i am cigs,cant get the chantix till next week my doc is sick so wish me luck

[Haunted]

I'm going on 3 weeks now! Man, it's tough. The worst time for me is when I'm sitting at the computer and this is another problem because I'm addicted to the internet! lol. My Dr. gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin and I think that's the reason I was able to quit this time. I also haven't had a beer or drink which the two definitely go hand in hand. I'm also thinking of quitting coffee.,but not sure about that. So it's just at night now I get the cravings, and they are bad. One thing that I find makes it easier is when I sit down to read I don't usually crave them. SO looks like more reading time for me, yay! Good luck to everyone that wants to quit. AND be careful with Chantix, I heard you get insane nightmares. NO THANKS! My dreams are intense enough as it is. LoL. peace, CJ

Good for you....keep it up, you will be so glad.:biggrin2:

[staropeace]

Three months for me tomorrow. I find I snack a bit too much but once my surgery stuff is done...please god no chemo lol.........I am going to be exercising along with the walking. I dont hurt anymore from smoking....big plus...:biggrin2:

[smooth operator]

I just spent a week in the hospital because my doctor thought I had pneumonia. It turns out my COPD had kicked into overdrive. It was a hell of a week. I felt like a pin cushion when they finallly released me. My blood oxygen level is still not great. I can barely walk without getting tired and breathing hard. And I am hot and dizzy all the time.
I got the patch. I have been smoking for over 30 years. I have to quit!!! I have to quit or die. Keep your collective fingers crossed for me. Willpower is not a great strength of mine, but I am determined to become a non-smoker. I have to.

[Terry B]

Staro, Smooth Operator and all of you quitting - I say kudos to you all. March 17th will be 10 years for me. If you're all wondering if it ever gets better - oh yeah - for sure, for sure!

[scotts_girl]

well this is week 4 for me woo hoo and im feeling fine:biggrin2:im i cheated this sat but it just made me feel sick after a few puffs im liking this chantix and big surprise im still drinking my coffee with no cig in the morning now a lot of my friends and family are thinking they might too now cause they know if i can they can so that keeps me going as well:) this i know i can do:biggrin2:

[LadyHitchhiker]

I want to quit but I don't. :$

[staropeace]

Four months for me...

[LadyHitchhiker]

I started shortly after my dad died. After losing 8 family members in less than three years I was at the end of my tether.

Now I just like it, but I need to quit.. :(

[mudpuppy]

To everyone who has quit or is quitting - You ROCK! I want to join you so badly. I thought I was sneaking around the whole thing by limiting myself to 3-4 smokes per day, but then all of a sudden I lost control and went from 3-4 back to 10-12. My big take-away from this experience: There is no sneaky way to do it. I'll just simply have to never have another puff again. God help me!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matticus]

Good luck mudpuppy.

I've been promising myself I would quit on my 40th birthday for 20 years and that will happen on May 2nd. I really want to and I agree, you just have to let them go.

And I swear to Bob I am not going to waste all the money I save on pills and patches.

[Srbo]

Congrats to everyone that did quit.:smile2:

I have not intenions of quitting.
Not now, anyway.

I love to smoke, soooo...what can I say ? I just don`t wan`t to quit.

Now you can shoot me. :smile2:

[nicos]

Four months for me...
hey Staro that is great!!!! It must be 9 years for me :biggrin2: and I remember the first months.. I did quit it I must not have mentioned that here. I have in mind still that if I smoke even one even now then I have not quitted nothing so it is 9 years and going..

[smooth operator]

Only one month for me, but I smoked for over 30 years, so I am pretty proud of myself. I will be much more proud of myself when I have gone without a cigarette as long as Staropeace has. One day at a time....

[jenboxer77]

I quit smoking 3 years ago. I read a book called The Easyway to Stop Smoking, by Allen Carr! It is the best investment I have ever made! I quit smoking and it was easy! No withdrawl, no cravings, no weight gain! It may not work for everyone, but it worked for me and I am FREE of that addiction!

[deluxe]

Quit smokeing. Here's why... Follow the linksl. WARNING:MAY BE GRAPIC AND DISTURBING.YET PERFECT REASON NOT TO SMOKE.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YjrkBYDDQM&playnext_from=PL&feature=PlayList&p=C283308A7532F428&playnext=1&index=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac6LYMMWAeQ&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_8BerrJg0M&feature=related

Need more reason to quit???

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=smoking%20kills%20people&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1

Hope this helps somebody. Wish i could find better.

[Kim L.]

25 years for me. Keep going, all you quitters, you can do it!

[Terry B]

Congrats to all of you quitters. 10 years for me.

[mylife4usk]

I have 8 weeks and 3 days and it's the hardest thing I have ever done in my life! And that includes give birth. (Get the epidural ladies!)
I did cheat a few times but I don't count that because it was only when I had a drink(I simply cannot drink and NOT smoke), and I did NOT buy a pack, soooooooooo....
ONE DAY AT A TIME. That's all we can do. Hang in there quitters! :)

[pandora]

I used the patch to quit the last two times and one of the side effects are intense, colortastic dreams!!! :oo: At one point during the withdraw period I was searching the house for butts and looking at homeless people thinking I could "bum one" off of them. (Junky status) I hate being a slave to anything so I'll keep trying.

[scotts_girl]

Four months for me...

:biggrin2: thats great 5 weeks here now,cant believe how much energy i have now ,i use to run in marathons now i remember why and i plan to again,great job everyone

[mudpuppy]

^Hey! I used to run marathons too, but I started smoking! Right after the Marine Corps marathon, 2005, I started smoking again. I still smoke but I've been doing some running lately. yesterday I was at the track and I really hit a good stride and I was like "Yes! THIS is why you must quit!"

[LadyLyn]

Oh boy am I ever gonna need anyone and everyone's help here!!! We were buying bags of tobacco that we rolled ourselves so as to save money, within the last two days every single store that sold it around us, has been completely wiped out. We cannot afford to buy regular packs/cartons of cigarettes, my signifigant other and I have been smoking for at least the past 25 years. We have both tried quitting a number of times, and it was not pretty at all. We both tend to have tempers, and this time we are literally being forced to quit because of the lack of product. It has been completely taken off the shelves all around us, we do not have credit cards or debit cards, so getting it off the internet is an impossibility as well.
Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!!!

[LadyHitchhiker]

I just bought my last pack today...

Wish me luck, folks!

[LadyLyn]

I wish you all the luck in the world LadyHitchiker! So far I've only got one day behind me. I'm not doing all that bad at the moment. Certain circumstances make it a bit more difficult at times though. But, one baby step at a time I suppose.

[lisa_marie]

I keep a pack of cigs in the cupboard above the stove. I only smoke when I'm mad at the world..

I questioned myself as to why I can't just store lollipops up there instead of cigs..turns out I might be addicted to that moment. Bad or good, I'm addicted to the idea that when I'm totally upset, I can have a cig that will release it's toxins in my body, and secretly kill me...

I think after typing this, I'm gonna go downstairs and throw those cancer sticks away..maybe take a walk or something, next time I'm mad.

[mudpuppy]

((((Major vibes for quitting success))))

You guys can DO this! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Haunted]

I just bought my last pack today...

Wish me luck, folks!

All the luck in the world to you. You are embarking on a journey, if you persevere, you will never regret. When it doubt reach out!!!

[Haunted]

I wish you all the luck in the world LadyHitchiker! So far I've only got one day behind me. I'm not doing all that bad at the moment. Certain circumstances make it a bit more difficult at times though. But, one baby step at a time I suppose.

One day is great progress--change your routine if you can--deep breaths when the urge strikes. You are fighting a battle with something that has a grip on your body...but this is your body and you will win.

[Haunted]

I keep a pack of cigs in the cupboard above the stove. I only smoke when I'm mad at the world..

I questioned myself as to why I can't just store lollipops up there instead of cigs..turns out I might be addicted to that moment. Bad or good, I'm addicted to the idea that when I'm totally upset, I can have a cig that will release it's toxins in my body, and secretly kill me...

I think after typing this, I'm gonna go downstairs and throw those cancer sticks away..maybe take a walk or something, next time I'm mad.

Sounds like a plan!!!

[alferret]

I smoked from the age of 8 (yes EIGHT) and although over the years I tried to quit I always failed, that was until April 2006. That was when I gave up the dreaded weed and I have not smoked a *** (cig) since. My wife smokes and she is banished to leper corner (the back garden) the smell is putrid and I cant believe I spent the best part of 30 years pulling on these things and smelling like an ashtray. Do I feel better for giving up? Nope, better off or fitter? Nope but I am glad I kicked the habit and all through will power alone :y:

[Scoutabout]

This might have posted twice - I keep getting booted out.
Anyways, this is day 29 for me without a cigarette. I have to say that the drug Champix has been a huge help (check it out). The cravings have been fewer and less potent than I expected. And my sense of smell is off the charts Wolf! It's one month tomorrow and after smoking for 26 years that is a milestone I'm quite proud of. Hang in there guys!!!

[sidthekid27]

Good luck with this! I smoked for ten years before I finally went to a hypnotherapist to take care of it on January 8th of this year. As I was sitting in his office I recall thinking- I was "under" at the time- that it wasn't going to work. I walked into his office a smoker and I walked out a non-smoker. Knock on wood, I haven't even felt tempted to pick up a cigarette since then and just hit two months a couple weeks back. It feels great. Best decision I ever made!

:smile2:

[sidthekid27]

I'm not doing all that bad at the moment. Certain circumstances make it a bit more difficult at times though. But, one baby step at a time I suppose.

Good luck, Ladylyn and all smokers (soon to be ex :biggrin2:)! I know what you're going through. You can do it! Believe me, I had no idea until I quit how BAD I actually felt. I've started walking, I'm going to get into running again (planning on a marathon by this time next year, hopefully), I can taste again, I can smell again, and I don't feel like a walking ashtray. Honestly, think of the benefits. It helps.

[scotts_girl]

hi mudpuppy theirs no way im starting up again i feel to good ,trust me you stop smoking for a couple weeks you will be running your arse off again:) and still be able to breath lol

[Haunted]

This might have posted twice - I keep getting booted out.
Anyways, this is day 29 for me without a cigarette. I have to say that the drug Champix has been a huge help (check it out). The cravings have been fewer and less potent than I expected. And my sense of smell is off the charts Wolf! It's one month tomorrow and after smoking for 26 years that is a milestone I'm quite proud of. Hang in there guys!!!

AWESOME....You are well on the road to being nicotine free. It takes two weeks to get rid of the nico in your body. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I myself used the patch and I am forever grateful. It really took the edge off of that SCREAMING need.

Keep on keepin' on!!! You are over the hump!!!

[scotts_girl]

Oh boy am I ever gonna need anyone and everyone's help here!!! We were buying bags of tobacco that we rolled ourselves so as to save money, within the last two days every single store that sold it around us, has been completely wiped out. We cannot afford to buy regular packs/cartons of cigarettes, my signifigant other and I have been smoking for at least the past 25 years. We have both tried quitting a number of times, and it was not pretty at all. We both tend to have tempers, and this time we are literally being forced to quit because of the lack of product. It has been completely taken off the shelves all around us, we do not have credit cards or debit cards, so getting it off the internet is an impossibility as well.
Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!!!

me and my hubby were the same way, you have to really be both ready to quit a lot of it is your mind set,the patches never worked for me ,so this time im using chantix and its working great been cig free 5 weeks:smile2: and your insurance prob covers them because its good for them too if u quit too,but its a one time deal mine will only cover it once so its now or never,trust me its not worth all that stress just to find cheap tobacco you will be much better off health wise and money wise:biggrin2:

[Never]

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but have any of the former smokers out there noticed how bad the world smells after you quit? I smoked for 15 years and quit about a year and half ago. I couldn't believe the odors and fumes coming from everything that I'd never noticed before.

Car exhaust in heavy traffic was the worst. BO and bad breath was a close second. Anything damp and molding / rotting and general nastiness would come after that. And it's everywhere in a city.

That was my biggest disappointment when I quit. I got my sense of smell back and found out the world stinks and in a lot of cases is quite nauseating. I've become a little more desensitized to most of it now, but I think I was happier in my ignorance.

[LadyLyn]

Thanks to everybody for the wonderfully encouraging words and well wishes. I went to my doc last night and he put me on the patch. He said if this doesn't work, then we'll try the chantix, but I'm hoping to not have to. So far, I've been doing pretty damn good actually. I even went out to eat tonight and did not feel the need to light up at all afterwards! (That's pretty impressive for me)
I think I've finally reached that point in my life where I really want to quit this time, so therefore it will work. I'm not saying I may not slip here and there, but so far on the whole I feel pretty optimistic about the whole thing.
Anybody else out there trying, just keep on going one day at a time!

[sidthekid27]

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but have any of the former smokers out there noticed how bad the world smells after you quit? I smoked for 15 years and quit about a year and half ago. I couldn't believe the odors and fumes coming from everything that I'd never noticed before.

Car exhaust in heavy traffic was the worst. BO and bad breath was a close second. Anything damp and molding / rotting and general nastiness would come after that. And it's everywhere in a city.

That was my biggest disappointment when I quit. I got my sense of smell back and found out the world stinks and in a lot of cases is quite nauseating. I've become a little more desensitized to most of it now, but I think I was happier in my ignorance.


I was hanging out with a friend of mine one afternoon about a month ago at her apartment. She smokes and time was when I'd sit there and we'd shoot the bull and talk. She lit up and I could not believe that I had never noticed how TERRIBLE it smells. I feel really terrible for all my smoker friends now. I've turned into a real pain in the a...

The dreaded EX-SMOKER...

[Laura666]

I wish you the best of luck, I have tried and failed many times. I quit drinking and doing drugs but I can justify the hell out of a cigarette. Maybe someday, but NOT right now.:bat:



Same here..I quit drugs..prescription addiction and other..but cannot seem to stop this smoking...I guess its about a vice I don't know

[Laura666]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:


I admit to feeling the same...its the last in a lifetime of vices and I cannot and do not want to quit I guess...

[LadyHitchhiker]

AWESOME....You are well on the road to being nicotine free. It takes two weeks to get rid of the nico in your body. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!


Two weeks??? Ugghhhhhhhhh I just had my last cigarette last night!

[Haunted]

Two weeks??? Ugghhhhhhhhh I just had my last cigarette last night!

One step, one hour, one day at a time. Hang in.:biggrin2:

[Scoutabout]

Thanks to everybody for the wonderfully encouraging words and well wishes. I went to my doc last night and he put me on the patch. He said if this doesn't work, then we'll try the chantix, but I'm hoping to not have to. So far, I've been doing pretty damn good actually. I even went out to eat tonight and did not feel the need to light up at all afterwards! (That's pretty impressive for me)
I think I've finally reached that point in my life where I really want to quit this time, so therefore it will work. I'm not saying I may not slip here and there, but so far on the whole I feel pretty optimistic about the whole thing.
Anybody else out there trying, just keep on going one day at a time!

Just be careful Lady - I had a bad reaction to the patch - heart palpitations and a minor freak out session. It was very scary. In the end it was nothing serious but I have to say Champix has been way better for me. Good luck!

[Kim L.]

Two weeks??? Ugghhhhhhhhh I just had my last cigarette last night!

The benefits start almost immediately--for example, the cilia (little hairs) in your windpipe start working again to prevent gunk from going into your lungs (ingredients in smoke paralyzes cilia). Your heart rate slows. Your stomach lining is less irritated.
And congratulations! Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.

[scotts_girl]

Good luck, Ladylyn and all smokers (soon to be ex :biggrin2:)! I know what you're going through. You can do it! Believe me, I had no idea until I quit how BAD I actually felt. I've started walking, I'm going to get into running again (planning on a marathon by this time next year, hopefully), I can taste again, I can smell again, and I don't feel like a walking ashtray. Honestly, think of the benefits. It helps.

planning on running in marathons again here too:biggrin2:
[Double Post]
This might have posted twice - I keep getting booted out.
Anyways, this is day 29 for me without a cigarette. I have to say that the drug Champix has been a huge help (check it out). The cravings have been fewer and less potent than I expected. And my sense of smell is off the charts Wolf! It's one month tomorrow and after smoking for 26 years that is a milestone I'm quite proud of. Hang in there guys!!!

im using chantix here too this is week 6 for me and im feeling fine:biggrin2: your so right about smelling everything lol its nuts and as i love to cook the taste off food omg i can taste everything cant believe iv gone all these yrs missing out on all this,its worth it everyone hang in there

[-The Road Virus-]

I quit smoking about 2 years ago but I still buy them sometimes and smoke one a day, I don't want to though. Smoking is a horrible habit to begin and only leads to a shorter life and doesn't even really do anything helpful when you do smoke one. From now on, I'm just exercising.

[Haunted]

Just be careful Lady - I had a bad reaction to the patch - heart palpitations and a minor freak out session. It was very scary. In the end it was nothing serious but I have to say Champix has been way better for me. Good luck!

I found from hearing about others experience with the patch to wear only for about 18 hours. Take off before going to bed, put on upon rising is enough to keep the urges down. Others I talked with said they experienced nightmares if they left the patch on during the night. Powerful stuff but it can be controlled as I stated earlier.

[LadyHitchhiker]

My sense of smell is a lot better. In some ways that's good and in some ways it is NOOOOOOt like the guy I work with at the gas station that I think doesn't take showers. Talk about b.o. I mean it was bad before, but now that I can smell more? Bleh!!!

[CorbinKale]

Price of cigarettes is insane! :eek2:

If you are easily offended, do not watch this. http://www.hulu.com/watch/67803/onion-news-network-prison-economy-spirals-as-price-of-pack-of-cigarettes-surpasses-two-hand-jobs

[staropeace]

How time flies. Remember when I said I had given up again after an attempt that didnt work.....it will half a year on the 11th for me. Not had a smoke since.

I thought once the cancer and surgery stuff scare was over,I would start to try to talk myself into smoking again. It didnt happen this time. I cant imagine going back to hacking in the morning....and seeing blossoms of black before my eyes cause I wasnt getting enough oxygen while I walked.

[Matticus]

I am coming up on my day...a week left this Saturday.

I've smoked since I was 15, I would say 40 is time to stop.

[staropeace]

Matt do not think of it as denying yourself a pleasure or reward. I bet it stopped being a pleasure a long time ago and just became a habit.

There is nothing so fine as being able to breath without wheezing. In just a few weeks,you will feel so much healthier. Walking is what helped me more than anything else. I walked miles in the snow every week on the city streets even with cancer.....and never felt so good in my life,since childhood.

[Kim L.]

I am coming up on my day...a week left this Saturday.

I've smoked since I was 15, I would say 40 is time to stop.

Good luck, Matticus! You can do it!

[Sarah Smiles]

My Mom And Dad Jus Quit Smoking Not Too Long Ago I Was So Happy And So Are They.

[Matticus]

Matt do not think of it as denying yourself a pleasure or reward. I bet it stopped being a pleasure a long time ago and just became a habit.

There is nothing so fine as being able to breath without wheezing. In just a few weeks,you will feel so much healthier. Walking is what helped me more than anything else. I walked miles in the snow every week on the city streets even with cancer.....and never felt so good in my life,since childhood.

That is so true. I am going to focus on the rewards as opposed to the drawbacks. One would be the health and feeling good, the other the money.

That seems to work for me. I quit biting my nails after a life time last year. Every time I want to do it now, I just remind myself how much I love peeling stickers and opening pop cans. :laugh:

[Terry B]

Wow Star - that is so fantastic and Matt - well done. I used to think the rest of the world was denying my right to do whatever I wanted and thank God I got over that. I just celebrated 10 years and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Congrats on all you "quitters".

[MrsSmeej]

I'm going the Chantix route, too. Week 2. Not enjoying the benefits of quitting yet... It is easier than cold turkey though.

Good luck Matticus.

[smooth operator]

I smoked for 35 years - menthol for at least 30 of those years. I quit on February 6, 2009. I used the patch for the first 8 weeks. Now I am on my own. I never thought I could quit. I really had little choice - it was quit or die. It is still hard sometimes, but I am holding steady. I just keep telling myself that I am a nonsmoker - I am beginning to believe it.

[Kim L.]

I'm going the Chantix route, too. Week 2. Not enjoying the benefits of quitting yet... It is easier than cold turkey though.

Good luck Matticus.

Yay, Mrs. Smeej! You can do it!

[joemama73]

I'm going the Chantix route, too. Week 2. Not enjoying the benefits of quitting yet... It is easier than cold turkey though.

Good luck Matticus.
I used Chantix for 6 months, its been a year in may, best thing i ever did for myself. Good luck and enjoy the dreams:sleepy:

[Terry B]

Best of luck MrsSmeej - you can do it!

[Zgirlie]

I have smoked roughly a pack a day since I was 18. (I'm 32 now.) I tried to quit last January and it didn't go very well. I tried the patch (they don't stay lit) and got acupuncture and within 2 weeks was smoking again. Part of me doesn't want to quit. I guess the ciggies are like old friends.

I have heard differing things about Chantix. Some success stories and some, like my friend Cammy, who freaked out on the stuff and ripped the curtains off the rods and threw them at her husband.

Nicotine is also a stimulant. I have ADHD and in addition to the cigs, I also drink at least a can of Monster Energy a day. I found that when I quit smoking, my brain was all fuzzy and I couldn't think. Most of the meds for this are stimulant-based. I was wondering if there was someone out there who knows about some naturally-occurring stimulant that I can substitute for the nicotine, because last time I was on prescription drugs, I was a zombie and hated it.

[Agincourt Concierge]

fortunately, I never started the habit to begin with.

I'm with you on this one..... ;)

[Scoutabout]

For you Canadians I think it's called Champix up here. Saturday will be 2 months quit for me and that drug has been a godsend. Good luck to all members of Quitters Inc.

[cnic419]

I've tried and failed so many times, but soon I won't be able to afford it!

[poisonbat]

Chantix is not covered under my medical insurance. I broke one of my teeth chewing the nicotine gum. The patch never helped at all, just made me nauseous. The lozenges gave me blisters in my mouth. Sooooo I am still smoking. I am trying the weaning off method. It is my only option besides cold turkey. :glare::bat:

[Terry B]

Chantix is not covered under my medical insurance. I broke one of my teeth chewing the nicotine gum. The patch never helped at all, just made me nauseous. The lozenges gave me blisters in my mouth. Sooooo I am still smoking. I am trying the weaning off method. It is my only option besides cold turkey. :glare::bat:

Part of the help I got was mentoring. If you (or any of you quitting or thinking of quitting) ever need to just talk it through, vent or yell at someone, please feel free to PM me. I'm even willing to give out my email address as a way of keeping in touch. Yes, the AA method of smoking cessation does work.

[lsparrow]

For you Canadians I think it's called Champix up here. Saturday will be 2 months quit for me and that drug has been a godsend. Good luck to all members of Quitters Inc.

i started champix a few weeks ago you still smoke the first 10 days then you stop i have to say that so far it has worked for me brilliantly yes i have dreams but they are more strange and surreal than nightmarish i do still crave a smoke sometimes but i just do something else like read a good book (reading cell at the minute really enjoying it) or i log on here and next thing you no an hour has passed and ive forgotten all about ciggies i feel so much better without wheezing and stinking of stale smoke now i just have to tackle the extra poundage that appears to have crept on in the last few years sigh... when will it end

[Haunted]

i started champix a few weeks ago you still smoke the first 10 days then you stop i have to say that so far it has worked for me brilliantly yes i have dreams but they are more strange and surreal than nightmarish i do still crave a smoke sometimes but i just do something else like read a good book (reading cell at the minute really enjoying it) or i log on here and next thing you no an hour has passed and ive forgotten all about ciggies i feel so much better without wheezing and stinking of stale smoke now i just have to tackle the extra poundage that appears to have crept on in the last few years sigh... when will it end

One thing at a time. Kick the nicotine then think about weight control.

Well, there is an end but don't know whether you want to consider that alternative.:biggrin2:

[Matticus]

Tomorrow is my last day of smoking...forever.

When I lay my head down to sleep, it will be all over and I'm really looking forward to it. My wife and I are committed to quitting together.

And no extra snacks!!

[Jax]

I've smoked on and off since I was about 15, and I'm 33 now. I quit again in October of 2008, and for the most part it doesn't bother me, but there are times when I crave one really bad. My husband and I don't go out much, but last weekend we went to a surprise party for one of my friends birthday, and everyone was drinking.....that was rough for me. In the past that's when I smoked the most. Alcohol and ciggies just go well together. I did cheat and smoke, but I also felt really nauseous afterward so I don't think I'll smoke anymore. Hopefully not.:umm::dunno:

[TowerGirl]

The best of luck to you both. :grinning:

[Kim L.]

Tomorrow is my last day of smoking...forever.

When I lay my head down to sleep, it will be all over and I'm really looking forward to it. My wife and I are committed to quitting together.

And no extra snacks!!

How's it going, Matticus? You can do it?

[Kim L.]

:blush:
I meant you can do it, Matticus! You too, Jax!

[sheba41]

I must quit too......realy...for my health. I think about it alot.....that I do..:down:

[Haunted]

Tomorrow is my last day of smoking...forever.

When I lay my head down to sleep, it will be all over and I'm really looking forward to it. My wife and I are committed to quitting together.

And no extra snacks!!

Hope things are going well.:oh:

[Charms7]

I know when I quit smoking over eleven years ago after having smoked for thirty-one years, there was an inner adjustment I needed to make, more than mere will power, I had to think of myself as a non-smoker. Nothing anyone did could influence me to want to pick up another cigarette. It worked for me.

[smooth operator]

It has been a little over three months for me. This past week was rough - I really wanted a cigarette a few times. But I managed to overcome the urge. Next thing will be losing weight. Now that I know I actually do have willpower, maybe I will be more successful.

[Matticus]

How's it going, Matticus? You can do it!!

I am not doing as well as I would like to tell the truth, but we are making it happen one day at a time. :sad:

The issue is priority one now for sure.

[MrsSmeej]

I know when I quit smoking over eleven years ago after having smoked for thirty-one years, there was an inner adjustment I needed to make, more than mere will power, I had to think of myself as a non-smoker. Nothing anyone did could influence me to want to pick up another cigarette. It worked for me.

That's it in a nutshell Charms. At the moment, after three weeks of not smoking, I find that I still think of myself as a smoker who isn't smoking. :glare: Thirty two years of identifying myself as a hard core smoker have proven hard to get over. :oo:

Don't beat yourself up Matt. You'll get there.

[Gillie]

I am not doing as well as I would like to tell the truth, but we are making it happen one day at a time. :sad:

The issue is priority one now for sure.

Hang in there - It's probably the hardest thing that I have ever done. I quit for the 2nd time in 2003 and it was by far harder that time than the first.

There are still times when I crave one and I still like the smell of cig smoke. :smile2:

If I still want to smoke when I'm 85, then I think I might have one.:biggrin2:

[Terry B]

Hang in there Matticus. You can do it!

[Kim L.]

I am not doing as well as I would like to tell the truth, but we are making it happen one day at a time. :sad:

The issue is priority one now for sure.

One day at a time (or one hour at a time or one minute at a time) is good--keep going.
I used to tell myself, in 15 minutes you can have a cigarette, just get through the next 15 minutes. and when I'd gotten through that 15 mintues I'd do it again. It will get easier (promise).

[Wendy Capps]

Thanks Jordan for this post. I myself started smoking Pall Malls at 11 yrs. old. Stole them from my parents. Stupid!!! Anyways I got allergies, caught every cold, virus that came around. I am just glad I found the strength to quit in 1984. Then one day out of stupidity while camping on the Shennandoah River, everyone was asleep. I was watching the river roll by and I noticed a pack of Kools on the picnic table. I picked the pack up fighting myself forever. I finally gave in I lit it up, it was like the first one I ever stole! I felt so dizzy and sick!!! It was enough to make me quit forever. Beware However, after about 6-12 months your taste buds will come back. Food tastes better than ever, and that's how people gain weight after quitting.Here's a video I did on quitting smoking, I hope that you all enjoy it.

http://www.vimeo.com/2758391

[poisonbat]

Thanks Jordan for this post. I myself started smoking Pall Malls at 11 yrs. old. Stole them from my parents. Stupid!!! Anyways I got allergies, caught every cold, virus that came around. I am just glad I found the strength to quit in 1984. Then one day out of stupidity while camping on the Shennandoah River, everyone was asleep. I was watching the river roll by and I noticed a pack of Kools on the picnic table. I picked the pack up fighting myself forever. I finally gave in I lit it up, it was like the first one I ever stole! I felt so dizzy and sick!!! It was enough to make me quit forever. Beware However, after about 6-12 months your taste buds will come back. Food tastes better than ever, and that's how people gain weight after quitting.

I have been watching this thread, I want to quit, but I am trying so damn hard to lose the weight that I am unwilling to put back on the pounds after quitting. I know that it is so very bad for me. I feel the guilt as I put out my smoke before going into the gym. Why am I doing something so very healthy for me while killing myself with cigs? I have tried many times before, even quit for some time, but I always pick it back up. It is hard because my husband smokes too. It is not an excuse, just a horrible temptation. The only thing that I can say that I have done is cut back. I replace every other cig with a piece of nicotine gum. I know that this is not how you are supposed to quit, but I have gone from smoking a pack a day down to 8 or 9. Any and all help is appreciated. My husband will NOT quit, he does not have the desire. :down::bat:

[joemama73]

In two weeks it'll be a year, THANK YOU chantix :grinning:

[scared1]

Wow! That sends a serious message to smokers and would be smokers. Great video:wow:

[Wendy Capps]

I have been watching this thread, I want to quit, but I am trying so damn hard to lose the weight that I am unwilling to put back on the pounds after quitting. I know that it is so very bad for me. I feel the guilt as I put out my smoke before going into the gym. Why am I doing something so very healthy for me while killing myself with cigs? I have tried many times before, even quit for some time, but I always pick it back up. It is hard because my husband smokes too. It is not an excuse, just a horrible temptation. The only thing that I can say that I have done is cut back. I replace every other cig with a piece of nicotine gum. I know that this is not how you are supposed to quit, but I have gone from smoking a pack a day down to 8 or 9. Any and all help is appreciated. My husband will NOT quit, he does not have the desire. :down::bat: I know how hard it was poisonbat. Going to a gym is great. I need to get back to that myself. I would suggest you try to stay away from the hubby when smoking. I made my ex go outside for example, when I was pregnant. Getting down to as little a day as you smoke now is how I started to win the battle. Also here's an idea. Reward yourself. How much are smokes now, $6-7 per pack? Every day you lower your count. Put away the money you have saved (figure it out) and save it and buy something lavish for yourself at the end of a year; or sooner!!!

[Jax]

In two weeks it'll be a year, THANK YOU chantix :grinning:

Good job! That's awesome!!! You should be proud of yourself.:)

[Charms7]

That's it in a nutshell Charms. At the moment, after three weeks of not smoking, I find that I still think of myself as a smoker who isn't smoking. :glare: Thirty two years of identifying myself as a hard core smoker have proven hard to get over. :oo:

Don't beat yourself up Matt. You'll get there.

You'll get there too, MrsSmeej. And I believe in you also, Matt.

[Leighjavu]

Weight is gained after kicking the habit because our bodies used 100 calories per cigarette to process the invasion of all those chemicals. Personally I am planning to
quit over the summer. I was told that its the first smoke of the day that renders the cilia in our lungs paralysed for 24 hours. The rest of smoking for the day lays another coat of tar and stuff in the lungs. yipes!! wish I never started!

[Matticus]

Thanks you guys, I am trying very hard.

I'm down to roughly 5 a day. :)

[poisonbat]

Weight is gained after kicking the habit because our bodies used 100 calories per cigarette to process the invasion of all those chemicals. Personally I am planning to
quit over the summer. I was told that its the first smoke of the day that renders the cilia in our lungs paralysed for 24 hours. The rest of smoking for the day lays another coat of tar and stuff in the lungs. yipes!! wish I never started!

Where did you get this info? I have never heard of this 100 calorie thing before. :bat:

[staropeace]

It may take several attempts....thing is not to stop trying.
I found that with every attempt I made,I learned more about my triggers and the parameters of my cravings. The next time I tried,I dealt with this information gleaned from other attempts.
Know your triggers ...when you are weakest. What sets you off? If a certain place makes you need a smoke......dont be in that place....go somewhere where you have never smoked....cripes.run into a docs office or a church or store. I literally used every trick I knew...I didnt care if folks thought I was the village idiot by my actions. If it worked,I did it. This was my life on the line here. I had to stop listening to nicotine's pretty lies...not fall for them. I had to make the best of things. It wasnt fun being denied a smoke....it wasnt fun being denied a breath either. It is all about balance.
It was half a year for me two days ago. I still crave a smoke.....big friggin deal...I crave a million dollars too,I aint gonna get it though...:laugh:

[Leighjavu]

Where did you get this info? I have never heard of this 100 calorie thing before. :bat:

I am glad to answer, it surprized me at first. Dr.David Reuben's book on "weight gain" ( some of us struggle to maintain pounds, myself due to a high metabolism. I've had every crack thrown at me when I'm on the low end.
The book says pg.18 qoute: About 75% of all the energy we use is devoted to just keeping everything working. We (doctor's,not Me!) call it the REE,or Resting Energy Expenditure. If you smoke, you relentlessly zap your body with nicotine and all the rest of the 3,999 chemicals in cigarettes and significantly increase your REE. That means you have to eat just that much more to keep your weight where it is. Its like an automobile whose motor is running even though the vehicle is parked at the curb.
I would have to dig back in memory to locate the 100 calorie per smoke comment. Probably a hypnotist! I'm still a smoker !! AAugh!!

[Frizz]

I just quit cold turkey yesterday! Whooo-hoo! Doin' pretty good so far. We'll see..... It just isn't worth the money and the damage any more I guess. Congrats to all the people who have quit and I hope to join you soon. :biggrin2:

[poisonbat]

I am glad to answer, it surprized me at first. Dr.David Reuben's book on "weight gain" ( some of us struggle to maintain pounds, myself due to a high metabolism. I've had every crack thrown at me when I'm on the low end.
The book says pg.18 qoute: About 75% of all the energy we use is devoted to just keeping everything working. We (doctor's,not Me!) call it the REE,or Resting Energy Expenditure. If you smoke, you relentlessly zap your body with nicotine and all the rest of the 3,999 chemicals in cigarettes and significantly increase your REE. That means you have to eat just that much more to keep your weight where it is. Its like an automobile whose motor is running even though the vehicle is parked at the curb.
I would have to dig back in memory to locate the 100 calorie per smoke comment. Probably a hypnotist! I'm still a smoker !! AAugh!!

My husband struggles to keep weight on. He has that huge metabolism that works overtime. He also smokes. I have the opposite problem, I gain weight. If I ate as much as my husband I would weigh 300 lbs in a month. :glare: This is really interesting, but also disheartening. This means that if I quit smoking I will literally have to quit eating. I have limited my calories to about 900 a day as it is. I smoke about say 10 cigs, that is 1000 calories. The math does not make since in my head. I also burn about 200 calories at the gym each day.... I guess quitting isn't in the cards for me:down::bat:

[Bryan James]

There's probably some truth to the fact that smokers burn more calories.

Even though I smoke cigs like most smoke a cigar (a very light, short inhale) I still have the morning cough and spit routine. Some of the coughs are fairly violent, so that's expending energy.

Most of the truth lies in the fact that nicotine is not a depressant, even though it feels like one...you get agitated, you have a smoke, and then you feel relaxed, but that's just the addiction talking. Nicotine is actually a stimulant. I think King called it "a great synaptic enhancer."

Also, smokers (even those who don't drag deep) are farking with their taste buds. Two or three days of not smoking reawakens taste bud zones on the tongue and EVERYTHING tastes better, so there's a natural proclivity to eat more.

Whenever I quit smoking (and the fact that I said "whenever" means that I have never completely quit) I go cold turkey. I also stop drinking alcohol. "One thing leads to another."

When I quit, I carry two pieces of Nicorette gum with me at all times, and when I feel the urge to smoke I can reach into my pocket and poke my fingers with the sharp edges of the gum package. When the brain registers pain, it focuses less on the addiction. I almost never have to actually use the gum.

You can also embarass yourself out of the urge. If you feel yourself on the verge of lighting up, "Moo!" like a cow. "Quack!" like a duck. No matter where you are.

When I go cold, I drink at least 1.5 gallons of water a day, and I get three days of anger mixed with a very pleasant surreal feeling.

You can only quit when you are ready though. Set a date a few weeks ahead, stick it on your bathroom mirror, and use positive visualization every day until then. At first when you see the date (weeks before) your addiction is going to cause you to want a cigarette right then. Go ahead and have one...but postpone it by 5 minutes. Increase the time between the urge and the smoke over time.

Good luck. It's tough. I know.

June 1 is my quit date.

BJS

[Kim L.]

My husband struggles to keep weight on. He has that huge metabolism that works overtime. He also smokes. I have the opposite problem, I gain weight. If I ate as much as my husband I would weigh 300 lbs in a month. :glare: This is really interesting, but also disheartening. This means that if I quit smoking I will literally have to quit eating. I have limited my calories to about 900 a day as it is. I smoke about say 10 cigs, that is 1000 calories. The math does not make since in my head. I also burn about 200 calories at the gym each day.... I guess quitting isn't in the cards for me:down::bat:

If you quit, you won't necessarily gain weight. One study showed that about 1/3 of smokers gain weight, 1/3 remain at their current weight and 1/3 actually lose weight. Your metabolism will slow down, as nicotine keeps it artificially elevated, but if you eat less (not quit eating LOL) and exercise more you should be OK. (And it's better for your health to be a few pounds overweight than to breathe in all the junk from cigarette smoke.)

[scotts_girl]

well its going on 3mnths for me:)thxs to chantix and i feel great,cant wait to go home to Scotland next mnth a non smoker there will be shock !!lol as for the weight gain that some are worried about dont please! me i drink lots off water and the first couple weeks twizlers were my snack off choice lol and i work out 3 times a week now also very important the experts arent lying when they say breakfast is the most important meal off the day ,it is!!! u feel sick if u dont eat with chantix so started eating breakfast (when i smoked i didnt) i find now if i dont, i snack more and eat bigger portion hope this helps someone good luck to u all cheers:biggrin2:

[rose key]

When I quit, I carry two pieces of Nicorette gum with me at all times, and when I feel the urge to smoke I can reach into my pocket and poke my fingers with the sharp edges of the gum package. When the brain registers pain, it focuses less on the addiction. I almost never have to actually use the gum.

You can also embarass yourself out of the urge. If you feel yourself on the verge of lighting up, "Moo!" like a cow. "Quack!" like a duck. No matter where you are.

BJS
:rofl:

All this time I was thinking that the Nicorette gum didn't work; and I was just using it wrong!!

Also, thanks for the advice. I can picture myself sitting at my desk in the office, and all of a sudden starting to Moo and Quack! Actually, the embarassment might take my mind off having a cigarette for awhile.:laugh:

Seriously, though, I just ordered those e-cigarettes because I've heard such good things about them. People who have tried everything else and have not quit, have quit with these. I'll let you all know how it works out.

[SusanNorton]

Keep at it, Matt! If I can do it, anyone can.

My husband and I tried weaning ourselves off the cigs, but that didn't really work. We decided on cold turkey and it worked. It was easier for hubby. But for me :eek2: - when I smoked my first cig at 21 I took to it like a fish to water, and was quickly up to a pack (of Kools!) a day.

It's been about 14 years since I've had one, and I have to admit I still miss it sometimes. But, after watching an uncle die slowly from emphysema, I know it's just not worth it.

(((( Matt and wife ))))

The best of luck to you.

[Terry B]

Well done to you all. This is the best gift you can ever give yourself. I've never been sorry for taking the plunge and I know you will feel the same. Keep it up.

[Charms7]

There's probably some truth to the fact that smokers burn more calories.

Most of the truth lies in the fact that nicotine is not a depressant, even though it feels like one...you get agitated, you have a smoke, and then you feel relaxed, but that's just the addiction talking. Nicotine is actually a stimulant. I think King called it "a great synaptic enhancer."

When I quit, I carry two pieces of Nicorette gum with me at all times, and when I feel the urge to smoke I can reach into my pocket and poke my fingers with the sharp edges of the gum package. When the brain registers pain, it focuses less on the addiction. I almost never have to actually use the gum.

You can also embarass yourself out of the urge. If you feel yourself on the verge of lighting up, "Moo!" like a cow. "Quack!" like a duck. No matter where you are.

BJS
:rofl:

All this time I was thinking that the Nicorette gum didn't work; and I was just using it wrong!!

Also, thanks for the advice. I can picture myself sitting at my desk in the office, and all of a sudden starting to Moo and Quack! Actually, the embarassment might take my mind off having a cigarette for awhile.:laugh:

Seriously, though, I just ordered those e-cigarettes because I've heard such good things about them. People who have tried everything else and have not quit, have quit with these. I'll let you all know how it works out.
That is too funny! Thank you for the chuckles and guffaws! But seriously, keep us posted on how goes the progress! I know all of you can succeed!

[tillyn]

No time to go through this, so did you quit?

[Anton177]

I recently started smoking. It's been a month give or take, and I plan to quit in a few months.

Right now, I love it. I'm an uptight person so it relaxes me. It's one of the few things I find myself enjoying.

[Autumnlyn]

I'm getting ready to quit, for the third time...finishing the LAST carton.

What I cannot stand is when I quit all the 'POSITIVE' comments. When I am going thru this it is my own personal HELL. The last thing I need is a chirpy positive comment. It would be so nice for someone to be more empathetic to my dilemma. Say something like "Gosh, it must be rough" or "wow, how hard it is to quit" or "you look like sh!t" would be better when I am feeling so evil.

Okay, enough of my rant...you all have been warned!! LOL

[jenboxer77]

I smoked for 11 years. Tomorrow will be 3 years without a cigarette! I quit cold turkey on the first try and have never looked back! I am totally free of that crazy little nicotine monster!

[Anton177]

I got quite drunk on Tuesday last week and I had quite a few cigarettes. I threw up on the balcony and every time I look over at the spot I have a feeling of disgust at myself. I haven't drank since and I have only had one cigarette on the night times since then. I don't find myself enjoying smoking anywhere near as much as I did - I don't know if that will change. I imagine I will give up soon, there's only one left in the pack... I don't really feel the need to drug myself up now to endure the day anymore - it seems quite pathetic.

[pandora]

Here I go!!!! I'm going to try again!! Tonight is my last day smoking and I'm going to slap a patch on before I go to sleep! I know I need to quit but I don't want too!!!!
I am already "junky status" and I haven't even started yet. Wish me luck!!

[Terry B]

Here I go!!!! I'm going to try again!! Tonight is my last day smoking and I'm going to slap a patch on before I go to sleep! I know I need to quit but I don't want too!!!!
I am already "junky status" and I haven't even started yet. Wish me luck!!

I do wish you luck in this attempt. May it be your last. I didn't "want" to either but I knew I "had" to and have been grateful every day for the past 10 years that I did. It's all mind over matter. You can do this. You can do this.

[pandora]

Here's a little update...

Day 1
I didn't want to wake up! Just wanted to sleep for two weeks and miss the worst of the withdrawls!!! I'm not going to change this "patch" till tomorrow in the morning because my dreams last night where in TECHNO-COLOR!! Whoa!!!! This is crazy! Have no idea what to do with myself so I'm looking for things to clean, taking care of paperwork, etc. I know that sounds great that I'm getting that stuff done, but my mind set is a trip right now. Hard to focus completely on what I'm doing because I will look for my ciggs or want one. Someone let me off this ride!!

[Jax]

When I quit, I carry two pieces of Nicorette gum with me at all times, and when I feel the urge to smoke I can reach into my pocket and poke my fingers with the sharp edges of the gum package. When the brain registers pain, it focuses less on the addiction. I almost never have to actually use the gum.

BJS

:rofl::rofl::laugh::rofl::rofl: That is hilarious!!!

[CorbinKale]

Here's a little update...

Day 1
I didn't want to wake up! Just wanted to sleep for two weeks and miss the worst of the withdrawls!!! I'm not going to change this "patch" till tomorrow in the morning because my dreams last night where in TECHNO-COLOR!! Whoa!!!! This is crazy! Have no idea what to do with myself so I'm looking for things to clean, taking care of paperwork, etc. I know that sounds great that I'm getting that stuff done, but my mind set is a trip right now. Hard to focus completely on what I'm doing because I will look for my ciggs or want one. Someone let me off this ride!!

Don't be afraid to scream.:laugh: That really helped me get through the first three weeks. Hang in there!

[SWNH1980]

I can't remember if I posted in here before or not, but when I moved last October I cut down drastically because there is no smoking allowed inside here. I went from about 3 packs a day...I know :eek2: to less than a pack a day! I haven't been able to kick it completely, but I hope to cause it's getting to be an expensive habit. I do feel a lot better though, and my apt doesn't smell like cigarette smoke anymore! :)

[Kim L.]

Best of luck to everyone. Quitting is tough; I was extremely irritable, and it seemed nothing could make me feel better except a cigarette. Things will improve; keep at it.

[pandora]

Day 2

I'm all messed up!! But still haven't smoked anything or haven't started the mad search for butts or stashed emergency packs. I know that is probably right around the corner, but it is a real battle. I'm a junkie!!!! Now I'm at the point where I don't even want to eat because I used to have a cigg after a meal (the good ole days) and that's not an option anymore. agghh!............................................ .........

[pandora]

Day 3

I hate everything and everyone!!

[rose key]

Good for you, Pandora, I'm very proud of you. Hang tough. (I know, that's easy for me to say, right?) You're doing great!

[CorbinKale]

I have heard that the cravings peak at a series of threes. Three days is the worst. If you can hang on, the craving will let up, then peak again at three weeks. Same for three months, years etc. I hit 3 years last October and it seems true. Could just be the power of suggestion, but it gave me goals and that helped. 26 and 1/2 years from now, I hit my next craving peak! lol

You will be SOOO happy to be free of the control they had over you! You will breathe free in more ways than one.

[aneaglesangel]

Pandora!! I feel for you hon! I am afraid to try to quit until my youngest has moved out. I tried to quit once when my kids were younger. I went for about a day and then I was so irritable and mean I thought I would kill my children. So...I took a drive to the store and bought a pack of cigarettes. I'm so jealous of my friend who quit by marijuana, LOL! (Probably healthier to be a pothead than a butthead, LOLOL!)

Techni-color dreams? You mean everyone doesn't dream like that? Wow! I'm shocked! Though I did have an inkling that I was odd when I described a dream to a friend and they said, "You dreamed ALL that in ONE dream?"

[Srbo]

Once again, good luck to everybody who is quitting.

Must be tough...I never even tried to quit...nor do I want to.

Yet.:smile2:

[Patricia A]

Here's a video I did on quitting smoking, I hope that you all enjoy it.

http://www.vimeo.com/2758391
Thanks Jordan, that was really well done.
I am a slave to the Nic and it was a huge step for me to even look at this LOL, but I have to admit you hit a nerve with a person who's been smoking for 38 years. Again, well done.

[pandora]

Day 8


Haven't had a puff and I still hate the fact that I can't smoke anymore! I miss it but making it so far. Had to take a break on posting everyday cause it's so hard, and got tired of hearing myself whine. Thanks for your support everyone!!
I do love the fact that some of my friends are saying, "Must be hell!!" (it is) "Are you crazy?" (I must be!)......
I'll keep checking in.
Fresh air, BLAH!

[CorbinKale]

Getting past the first three weeks is the hardest part. I gets easier! Don't give in!

[Terry B]

Day 8


Haven't had a puff and I still hate the fact that I can't smoke anymore! I miss it but making it so far. Had to take a break on posting everyday cause it's so hard, and got tired of hearing myself whine. Thanks for your support everyone!!
I do love the fact that some of my friends are saying, "Must be hell!!" (it is) "Are you crazy?" (I must be!)......
I'll keep checking in.
Fresh air, BLAH!

You are not crazy!!!! Keep it up. I used to scream at people when I quit because they were taking away my freedom, my choice, my rights. I am so glad I didn't give in to my silly thoughts and stuck with it. 10 years and feeling great about it.

[Srbo]

Just for giggles, I didn`t smoke the last two days, going on three now...

I`m not quitting, just want to see how it is...

Tell you what: NO PROBLEM AT ALL! :eek2:

I`m suprised, but no cravings, no nothing...and like I said, it`s just for giggles...

[Gillie]

Jordan - excellent video!
Pandora - baby I feel your pain. I only quit 2 times in my 30+ years of smoking. First time for 5 years (started again after major depression):down:. Quit again after my sister was diagnosed with lung cancer 5 years ago (she lost her battle quickly within 4 months):sad:.

I heard on the radio that only 5-7% of people who quit cold turkey remain smoke free - I'm proud to be in that percentile. But do it anyway you can.

[Terry B]

So sorry about your sister Gillie.

[pandora]

Just for giggles, I didn`t smoke the last two days, going on three now...

I`m not quitting, just want to see how it is...

Tell you what: NO PROBLEM AT ALL! :eek2:

I`m suprised, but no cravings, no nothing...and like I said, it`s just for giggles...

It's probably because your the Devil!

[pandora]

((((Gillie))))

[Patricia A]

Just for giggles, I didn`t smoke the last two days, going on three now...

I`m not quitting, just want to see how it is...

Tell you what: NO PROBLEM AT ALL! :eek2:

I`m suprised, but no cravings, no nothing...and like I said, it`s just for giggles...

It's probably because your the Devil!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


I was only able to make it 5 hours before going into smoke or kill mode.

[Srbo]

It's probably because your the Devil!

Nice.

:rofl:

Me and Randall Flagg. LOL :biggrin2:

[Autumnlyn]

Just for giggles, I didn`t smoke the last two days, going on three now...

I`m not quitting, just want to see how it is...

Tell you what: NO PROBLEM AT ALL! :eek2:

I`m suprised, but no cravings, no nothing...and like I said, it`s just for giggles...

Good for you Srbo. I guess that not smoking will save you and your family alot of money. (I remember reading that you were unemployed). Glad to know that not smoking will not be a problem for you. You can giggle all the way to the bank.

[michal]

Well then I guess you'll end up dead.:sad:

We all end up dead, last time I checked.

I'm not a smoker myself, but let's face it - we all have addictions and some are much more harmful than puffing some nicotine.

[Loopy]

Well, in all honesty - I don`t want to quit.

I like it...and you got to die from something anyhow, right ?


Yeah, tell me this and that but...I like it.

I won`t quit, unless IT quits me.

:biggrin2:

I totally agree with this line of thought. I am intellegent and can make my own choices in life (and frequently do) but I still enjoy it. I have bigger worries in my life. IMO.

[Srbo]

Good for you Srbo. I guess that not smoking will save you and your family alot of money. (I remember reading that you were unemployed). Glad to know that not smoking will not be a problem for you. You can giggle all the way to the bank.

Thanks.

All in all, for the whole of last week I had maybe five ciggies...and like I said, I don`t even want to quit, not trying to..
I smoked maybe three ciggies the day MJ died, and two over the weekend...an that was it...

Still not missing it...I don`t know how this is possible...

[Loopy]

It is a case of mind over matter ... your mind is occupied with other things so it does not enter your head that you want one. I do this at work. Spend two or three hours where I am really busy and don't think about it then I think of a coffee and I immediately want one. Smoking, cutting down, cutting out altogether, go at your own pace is the key.

[wisewitch]

I started when I was 15 and quited a year ago... Unfortunately, my boyfriend won't quit so I often take a few cigars from him (to make him smoke less). :down:

[Terry B]

We all end up dead, last time I checked.

I'm not a smoker myself, but let's face it - we all have addictions and some are much more harmful than puffing some nicotine.

Not many as far as I'm concerned.

[pandora]

It is a case of mind over matter ... your mind is occupied with other things so it does not enter your head that you want one. I do this at work. Spend two or three hours where I am really busy and don't think about it then I think of a coffee and I immediately want one. Smoking, cutting down, cutting out altogether, go at your own pace is the key.

Who the he!! are you, David Blaine???? Mind over matter? Sounds self empowering, but so not true. It might be easier for some to quit, but to put a blanket statement out like that makes the people, (like me) who are struggling through it sound like whiny, dribbling idiots.
BTW,...................................welcome.

[CorbinKale]

Who the he!! are you, David Blaine???? Mind over matter? Sounds self empowering, but so not true. It might be easier for some to quit, but to put a blanket statement out like that makes the people, (like me) who are struggling through it sound like whiny, dribbling idiots.
BTW,...................................welcome.

Sounds like you are still holding out. :laugh: Endeavor to persevere!

[staropeace]

Not much more harmful than cigarette smoking....not only to oneself but to others breathing the sidestream smoke.
Pandora I am in my eight month without a smoke....it stopped becoming a treat and became a habit...and became cancer. It gets better. The best thing I found was walking in the snow for blocks and blocks...something with the crispy biting air sorta got rid of that mouthy desperate feeling one gets. You know how you are always aware of your mouth? Walking sorta gives you a natural high after a while too.....good luck

[Terry B]

((((((((((((((Star))))))))))))))))

[pandora]

(((((staropeace)))))
Thank you!!

[pandora]

Good for you Srbo. I guess that not smoking will save you and your family alot of money. (I remember reading that you were unemployed). Glad to know that not smoking will not be a problem for you. You can giggle all the way to the bank.

Oh Autumnlyn.......I LOVE YOU!! They can't kill us with our love for one antha!!!! You took it back fo me, cornbread for just us!!!

[Autumnlyn]

"MY MOMMA DIDN'T RAISE NO QUITTER" - So let it be written, so let it be done.

[constantreader85]

mark twain once said "quttting smoking is easy, i gave it up hundreds of times"

I started smoking when i was 14 ye know to impress the girls, give up for five years and went back on them twice as bad. I want to and i don't want to give them up, if i could cut down. In Ireland smokes are circa 7-9 euro per packet. plus we have to go outside to smoke, smoking is forbidden in any public buildings.

[pandora]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!**fell off**
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/1294697871_81d910dee7.jpg?v=0

[CorbinKale]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!**fell off**

Keep practicing! :biggrin2:

[Terry B]

ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!**fell off**
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/1294697871_81d910dee7.jpg?v=0

no - not that!

[Gillie]

Pandora - don't beat yourself up - you can do this - when the time is right for you. Keep trying.
{{{pandora}}}

[demonhunter]

well i quit 3 months ago and im doing great. the decision for me was very strong to quit. i knew it was more mental than physical and i put my mind to it and didnt waver. the first week was the worse and the first month was irritating but i made it through it with a few nicorette patches when it got too bad and im nicotine free for 3 months. i feel so much better but i eat more now lol. what was happening was the cigs were making me feel terrible. what ever they put in them now is not what was in them just 10 years ago. i was getting acid reflux and shortness of breath, headaches. plus the price went up 20$ a cartoon here in florida. i knew it was time. if you set your mind to it youll quit. you have to focus. we are incredible creatures capable of incredible things. dont sell yourself short you can over come this.

[jenboxer77]

http://www.battelle.org/Environment/publications/envupdates/winter2005/gfx/cigarette.jpg



























Happy trails, to you!! Keep trying!

[pandora]

I'm smoking again!!!! But I will make another attempt, just not right now. I'm a slave !!!!
Thanks for the support jen and everyone that posted for me. When will the right time be to quit??? When I'm seriously gonna fight the impulse to grab the keys and "fly" to the nearest liquor store for my fix!!

[CorbinKale]

Now you have some good information on the enemy's strength. That will help you in your battle planning. :)

[mylife4usk]

The last time I posted to this thread I had 2 1/2 months of no smoking. I broke down though. Here's a tip. If you HAVE to smoke when you drink, just quit drinking, too. I tried again first week of July? and I made it 3 weeks., then I had some drinks with friends and broke down. BUT... here's the kicker. This time I DIDN'T break down and just start smoking again. I think this time is going to stick. I've decided it's ok if I have a smoke or two or three WHEN I drink ONLY. It's a damn good thing I don't drink that often! I have one week now. Good luck everyone!

ps. Ms Mod, I remember Steve had quit smoking, too. Is he still off them?

[sknut70]

CJ!!! I am so glad to hear you did it! Thats awesome!! you can do it

[tiger_fire]

I gave up nearly 6 years ago now and I have to say I still get that caving from time to time and have succumbed a few times. The trick is to not give up just becasue you gave into temptation once, everyone falls off the wagon sometime or another just make sure you don't stay off!!!:biggrin2:

[aliphil]

love the video. keep tryin and it will get easyed. good luck

[Terry B]

The last time I posted to this thread I had 2 1/2 months of no smoking. I broke down though. Here's a tip. If you HAVE to smoke when you drink, just quit drinking, too. I tried again first week of July? and I made it 3 weeks., then I had some drinks with friends and broke down. BUT... here's the kicker. This time I DIDN'T break down and just start smoking again. I think this time is going to stick. I've decided it's ok if I have a smoke or two or three WHEN I drink ONLY. It's a damn good thing I don't drink that often! I have one week now. Good luck everyone!

ps. Ms Mod, I remember Steve had quit smoking, too. Is he still off them?

It's a lifestyle change. If you really want it to work then you need to avoid those same old situations that tempt you. I know it's hard and I know it's not fun but if you want the quitting to work you need to make some sacrifices. Having one or two only when you drink is not quitting. You need to make a commitment. Sorry if this sounds stern but you sound like me years ago when I "tried" and failed and tried and failed. After I watched my father die of lung cancer I made the commitment. Pretending won't work.

[Speedy2]

I slapped a patch on this morning, yeah...I need my crutch. I am really not doing all that well with it. I am trying but I just keep obsessing over it. I need to quit for my health and I see my Mom with COPD and an oxygen tank everyday. She quit 10 years ago and right after she quit she ended up on the oxygen. Now every day is a struggle for her between breathing and the chronic lung infections. I don't want my little man to see me that way, it isn't exactly the way I want to be remember when I a gone. I have my Altoids and my water and I keep walking around to keep my mind off of it but I have been smoking for over 25 years and this really sucks. How can something so small and simple take such a big hold of your life? Sorry, holding forth there for a second.:glare:

[CorbinKale]

I slapped a patch on this morning, yeah...I need my crutch. I am really not doing all that well with it. I am trying but I just keep obsessing over it. I need to quit for my health and I see my Mom with COPD and an oxygen tank everyday. She quit 10 years ago and right after she quit she ended up on the oxygen. Now every day is a struggle for her between breathing and the chronic lung infections. I don't want my little man to see me that way, it isn't exactly the way I want to be remember when I a gone. I have my Altoids and my water and I keep walking around to keep my mind off of it but I have been smoking for over 25 years and this really sucks. How can something so small and simple take such a big hold of your life? Sorry, holding forth there for a second.:glare:

Once I figured out that I was addicted and controlled, I got angry enough to quit. Without my anger at being controlled, I wouldn't have had the willpower.

[pandora]

I slapped a patch on this morning, yeah...I need my crutch. I am really not doing all that well with it. I am trying but I just keep obsessing over it. I need to quit for my health and I see my Mom with COPD and an oxygen tank everyday. She quit 10 years ago and right after she quit she ended up on the oxygen. Now every day is a struggle for her between breathing and the chronic lung infections. I don't want my little man to see me that way, it isn't exactly the way I want to be remember when I a gone. I have my Altoids and my water and I keep walking around to keep my mind off of it but I have been smoking for over 25 years and this really sucks. How can something so small and simple take such a big hold of your life? Sorry, holding forth there for a second.:glare:

Go girl go!!!! I failed miserably!!!! But I'm gonna try again. Man, I hope you make it! The patch really is a lifesaver though, it took that panicky feeling away and no one was hurt during my attempt to quit.
Isn't it crazy how the ciggs consume you. I know I'm a slave.
Sending you all my JUU JUU !!!

[Terry B]

I slapped a patch on this morning, yeah...I need my crutch. I am really not doing all that well with it. I am trying but I just keep obsessing over it. I need to quit for my health and I see my Mom with COPD and an oxygen tank everyday. She quit 10 years ago and right after she quit she ended up on the oxygen. Now every day is a struggle for her between breathing and the chronic lung infections. I don't want my little man to see me that way, it isn't exactly the way I want to be remember when I a gone. I have my Altoids and my water and I keep walking around to keep my mind off of it but I have been smoking for over 25 years and this really sucks. How can something so small and simple take such a big hold of your life? Sorry, holding forth there for a second.:glare:

I hear so much of me in your statement it's scary. I used to literally scream at people when they told me I should quit. When I look back on it I feel so foolish. I smoked for over 30 years and I just knew my life would be over if they took away my little "papered" friend. I did not know how I was going to live without it. Well after being quit for 10 years now I don't know how I was going to live with it. Life is so much better without it. I understand your obsessing and want you to know it will pass. I wish you and the others would use me as a sounding board when you feel like you need to talk or yell at someone. PM me. My shoulder is always available.

[poisonbat]

This is something I need to do also. I just can justify the hell out of a cigarette when stressful times hit. I planned on quitting in July, but the thought of starting school in August kept me from trying. I just knew in my heart that I would fall off the wagon as soon as I stepped onto campus. I have not given up on the idea, it is still in the back of my mind. I just need to do it when it is right for me. I have been using the gum to help cut down. I realize this is not it's intended purpose,:down: but it has cut my smoking in half. :bat:

[thymeoperator]

speaking of commercials, some anti-smoking commercials are so stupid it almost physically hurts me to watch them.

i guess it's like those anti-drug videos you watch in school. they're so infinitely geeky, i had no faith in the people promoting them. i also didn't take drugs, but it had nothing to do with those videos i spent all my time laughing at in health class. and for the record, when i got older and someone did offer me a cigarette, i just said, 'no thank you,' and they smiled and were fine with it. i know peer pressure does exist, but a lot of people just don't care. there i was expecting it to be like a d.a.r.e. video, where they use fake slang to try to get on 'our level' and whatnot!

[Kim L.]

You Can Do It!