How to quit cigarettes

hippiequeenxo
hippiequeenxo Posts: 6 Member
edited November 16 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been smoking anywhere from half a pack to a whole pack a day for about three years now and have been wanting to quit so badly. As someone with anxiety and bipolar depression quitting is extra difficult since my body treats it as an anti depressants and anti anxiety. Looking for tips and advice on how to quit? What worked for you or someone you know?

I'm trying to get healthy in all aspects of my life. Thanks in advance for all of the help! It's much appreciated.
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Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I just stopped, don't know if there should be more to it.
  • Wii_Player
    Wii_Player Posts: 2,454 Member
    What worked for me was cold turkey, however, I did not have anxiety and bipolar depression. Could doing something else work as an anti depressant/anti anxiety instead? Things like reading, walking, yoga, meditation? You may not be able to do all those things regularly during the day but when you want a cigarette, you could take 5 minutes to meditate and relax your mind. There are all forms of meditation :smile: Even just closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Just throwing things out there to try and help.
  • thereshegoesagain
    thereshegoesagain Posts: 1,056 Member
    I smoked for 30 years and have not smoked for 8 years now. I used hypnosis and the website www.whyquit.com. where I found alot of support. The first 3-3 days were the worst, with lots of sweating and some dizzy spells, but I got through it. I wish you well in your process to become smoke free, you can do it!
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    The same way we stop overeating: ceasing to put things in our mouths. They both literally require nothing more than inaction.
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    moesis wrote: »
    Quiting is no easy task, it requires more than just putting down the smokes. You need to identify your triggers, going out with coworkers, driving, drinking, etc. and figure out a strategy to handle your cravings. When I threw away mine, I kept gum in my car and started walking in the skyway during my work breaks. It does take weeks for the cravings to stop, but knowing how to handle the cravings will help.

    Yes, I suppose it does help that I have no social life outside of spending time with my girlfriend.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    Only thing that works for me is not being able to afford the cigarettes and I don't know anyone who will give me cigarettes.
  • JenniYo
    JenniYo Posts: 10 Member
    Hello!
    I have quit so many times. The last time I messed up I hadn't had a cigarette in 2 years. I am going on 9 weeks since I quit and I have had 2 mess-ups in that time. I have used every replacement under the sun and so far I think going cold turkey has been easier this time. When I would use a replacement, I would think about how I couldn't have a cigarette every time I would reach for it. I found a pretty interesting article about how your body is tricked into treating cigarettes like they are anti anxiety. If you want it let me know and I will dm you with it.
  • Rhody_Hoosier
    Rhody_Hoosier Posts: 688 Member
    moesis wrote: »
    Quiting is no easy task, it requires more than just putting down the smokes. You need to identify your triggers, going out with coworkers, driving, drinking, etc. and figure out a strategy to handle your cravings. When I threw away mine, I kept gum in my car and started walking in the skyway during my work breaks. It does take weeks for the cravings to stop, but knowing how to handle the cravings will help.

    Triggers...that's the big thing. Something causes you to want that fix. It's hard it really is. I quit after 10 years. Then picked it back up and put it back down after three months. It's tough, but both times I went cold turkey and managed the situations that caused me to want to smoke better than I had in the past.
  • Afura
    Afura Posts: 2,054 Member
    edited March 2017
    I smoked for about 8yrs, was off and on around 16 (before laws got super strict), stopped three times and restarted twice, all times cold turkey.
    I found that the first and second time I quit when I drove (when I smoked a lot) it helped to have a pen in my hands and something like gum, or even the pen cap, in my mouth, something to help with the physical part of it, it made the cravings easier to deal with. Socially drinking it was hard not to want a cigarette too, but I did my best (I think I had one or two). I started smoking again when I had a lot of stress in my life, quit again within a few months.
    When I went to pick up a cigarette again, it tasted like an ashtray. I made myself smoke the whole cigarette, almost threw up and that was the last time and urge I had.

    It's not an easy thing, especially with the triggers discussed. Some people find it easier to wean themselves off smoking less, using the patch, going to vaping. Either way, you do have to deal with cravings because you are getting off the substance.
    As you're also dealing with mental depression/anxiety, it would be best to talk to a doctor to see if there is something you can take to counterbalance if you notice that you are having those symptoms come up.
  • JenniYo
    JenniYo Posts: 10 Member
    thereshegoesagain wrote: »
    I smoked for 30 years and have not smoked for 8 years now. I used hypnosis and the website www.whyquit.com. where I found alot of support. The first 3-3 days were the worst, with lots of sweating and some dizzy spells, but I got through it. I wish you well in your process to become smoke free, you can do it!

    The first few days are hard, but that website is amazing. The more you educate yourself on what will happen to your body, the better. Its easier to handle when you know what's coming.
  • cross2bear
    cross2bear Posts: 1,106 Member
    Mark Twain said it was easy to quit smoking - he had done it dozens of times!

    I quit cold turkey about 20 years ago, but I was really a social smoker - only around friends and colleagues, out for drinks, that kind of thing (but i always smoked my own - no bumming!)

    My sister quit using the previously mentioned Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking book - she thought it was brilliant.

    I have two colleagues now who have used the nicotine "vape" thingies - one successfully, the other not so much.

    Someone once told me that if you want to quit, you should watch yourself in a mirror as you smoke - not pretty. You pucker up your lips, your eyes go sorta squinty - anyway, its a thought.

    Good luck!
  • Kevindagul
    Kevindagul Posts: 19 Member
    I've been smoke free for about 11 months now. As someone who used to smoke AT LEAST a pack a day, I know how difficult it can be. Like one of the posters above said, finding out my triggers also really helped me. If getting healthy is also the plan, smoking is definitely not helping.

    This is more of a personal reason why I quit, but I'll share anyways. Last summer I started working on the railroad. It was my very first day on the railroad gang, and I was a labourer. Basically my job was to swing a sledge hammer all day in the heat. Five minutes into my first day on the job, I had fallen way behind of my co-workers from my overall health. I eventually finished my part of the job, but I was soo embarrassed and ashamed of myself I tossed my pack and a half of smokes into the bush. From that day I promised myself I would quit smoking, and get into better shape.

    First couple of weeks were pretty rough though, I was easily irritated and had difficulty sleeping but I got through it by just remembering how embarrassed I felt that first day of work.
  • cross2bear
    cross2bear Posts: 1,106 Member

    [quote="MomReborn; Another helpful device I use for my own anxiety and depression is a Fidget Cube. It is about the size of a small dice, and it has different little activities you can do with your fingers and thumbs. Mine has a switch on one side, a disk that you can rotate on another, and a funny little toggle on top. It's got some other little things on it, but those are my favorite :) It's pretty discreet, so you can mess with it whenever you feel stressed. Good luck to you![/quote]

    OMG I just went on Amazon and ordered two of these - this is exactly my issue sometimes and why I ended up smoking in the first place (maybe it will help with food cravings too!) Thank you!!
  • Heather4448
    Heather4448 Posts: 908 Member
    I weaned myself off cigarettes gradually. My Mom popped a hot cinnamon candy in her mouth whenever she had a craving. A friend used Chantix , but you may not be able to take that particular medication. The only common thread I've found is that everyone tried and failed several times before actually quitting. Good luck!
  • MonaLisaLianne
    MonaLisaLianne Posts: 398 Member
    I quit smoking in 1994 - after almost 30 years of the habit. A few things helped me.

    First I realized what a control freak I am, and that cigarettes were controlling way too many aspects of my life. I wouldn't go to a movie, because it meant 2-3 hours without one. I didn't want to fly anywhere because I couldn't smoke. I dreaded visiting certain relatives in the winter, because I'd have to go outside to smoke. I *hate* not being in control, so hated cigarettes for controlling me. BTW, I didn't tell anyone I was quitting, because I didn't want the pressure or recriminations in case I failed.

    1) I set a date after which would not buy another pack
    2) I made my final pack last a LONG time which probably helped wean me off them a bit
    3) The only one around I could bum from was my boss. How many time can you ask your boss for a cigarette without it being very annoying?
    4) I took up needlepoint, knitting & crochet. Anything to keep your hands busy helps.
    5) Procrastination. If I wanted a cigarette I told myself to do something else for 15 minutes & then if I still *really* wanted one, I'd go buy a pack
    6) I cleaned the kitchen *immediately* after meals, so the old "after dinner smoke" trigger was removed
    7) Baby carrots were a somewhat useful substitute
    8) Almost forgot this one. I was spending about $20 a week on cigarettes. I started a savings stash into which I put a $20 bill every Saturday. Today that would be more like a $50 bill I guess? Seeing the money add up was a great incentive. After 12 months you'd have $600 to spend on something special for yourself :#

    For the first 30 days or so it's pretty difficult. After that it becomes much easier. I never even thought about cigarettes after 90 days or so.

    Good luck! It's well worth the effort.
  • ekim2016
    ekim2016 Posts: 1,198 Member
    I was hacking and coughing and had enough! I quite cold turkey NY Eve 1990 and never looked back. The first week was very rough, but I bought bags of oranges and the peeling, and segments helped my fingers stay busy. Plus all the vitamin C... so that was my trick! Good luck your body and life force will love you more....
  • Mouse_Potato
    Mouse_Potato Posts: 1,513 Member
    I've been smoke-free for almost 8 years now. I used Chantix and it was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done! The one tip I will offer that I think helped me a lot is to try and break the psychological triggers before you quit. Driving was a big one for me, so a few months before I quit, I stopped smoking in my car. Then I made myself wait 15-20 minutes after a meal before I would light up. Once I broke those habits, it was far less traumatic to give up the cigarettes entirely. Good luck!
  • pmastro724
    pmastro724 Posts: 122 Member
    ms_smartypants wrote: »
    I highly recommend this book .....It helped me tremendously ..I have been smoked free for a little over 3 years
    Allen Carr's Easy Way To Stop Smoking

    YES!!! 100% agree! That booked helped me be smoke free 6+ years? Who knows - I stopped counting! DON'T FEED THE NICOTINE MONSTER! HA!!!
  • Joanna2012B
    Joanna2012B Posts: 1,448 Member
    I quit cold turkey 6 years ago. I cried for days, like I lost my best friend. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the most wonderful thing I could've done for myself. I smoked for many many years and suffer from Anxiety, cigarettes acted as an anti depressant for me as well. Now I am a fitness junkie...I traded one addiction for another, but this one is actually good for me. I wish you all the best and feel free to reach out to me if you need extra support. I know how hard it is to quit!! :)
  • brznhabits
    brznhabits Posts: 126 Member
    I'm quitting one cig/habit at a time.

    I first stopped smoking at work (this was especially easy because I did it when I started a new job). I did though keep my breaks and either chat with folks or walk during break instead.

    Then I stopped smoking in the mornings which by the way makes my mornings 15 minutes faster!

    I then stopped smoking while driving to work. Then I stopped smoking while driving to lunch. Then I stopped smoking after dinner. You get the picture. I do still smoke on occasion but I know I'm almost there.

    Money is a big factor for me. I get more and more specific about my spending. I ran the numbers and that makes it easier not to light up more times than not. Put the money in an I-Want-Fund. I want a new car, I want to go to Australia. Whatever.

    Also, the more I exercise/am-active the less I want to smoke.
  • vikinglander
    vikinglander Posts: 1,547 Member
    I was a hardcore cigar smoker, and switched to cigarettes thinking I was going to be able to reduce and quit on my own. Didn't work!

    In the end, I used Chantix and an electronic device called a QuitKey. During the week that I was ramping up the dosage of Chantix, I told the QuitKey whenever I smoked. Then after I got on a full dose level of Chantix, the QuitKey told me when to smoke and brought me down to zero in about 34 days. I stayed on Chantix for another month, then ramped down the dosage over about 10 days.

    Worked like a charm. Never going back. Good luck to you...you CAN do it!
  • danika2point0
    danika2point0 Posts: 197 Member
    Allen Carr's 'Easy way to quit smoking' clinic. I cannot recommend it enough. Best money I ever spent. They have them in a lot of cities in the US and even have them here in Ireland!
  • BiggDaddy58
    BiggDaddy58 Posts: 406 Member
    You really have to make up your mind. That's as simple as it gets. It's also hard.

    Seriously, though, it is a decision. Don't make it anything more than that. YOU control YOU.

    If you want to quit..Quit..I smoked since I was 13-14 years old..quit once for about 4 years..12 hours in divorce court and I started again...I am 58 now..quit cold turkey on my Birthday Sept 28th 2014.

    did not change anything. I went down to the smoking area with my friends at work. I had about 1/2 pack of smokes left..I kept them for awhile..I simply made up my mind to quit and I quit.

    I know it isn't easy, BUT life isn't easy..most things that stop us are excuses.

    I need this to quit..or I have to stop this..or ..whatever..

    Truth is..you don't need to do anything, except quit.

    I wish you all the best.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,329 Member
    This is a post I made a couple years ago now:

    Quitting smoking is the easiest thing on earth. I've done it hundreds of times.

    In all seriousness, I smoked from age 13. Some days, months, years I would be a pack a day smoker, some days, months years I would give up, or only have a few, or only when I was drinking.

    I was 30 when I gave up my last pay every couple of days habit and it was only about a year ago (33) that I finally stopped stealing smokes off my friends when I was drunk. It finally just started tasting awful, so matter how in my cups I was.

    I think for me the key was very similar to weight loss, that if you slip up, it's no reason to think "I've blown it" and go back to bad habits. Many a time I would want a smoke when I was partying, so I'd buy a pack and whaddaya know, keep smoking the next day and bam, I'm back in the habit.

    Forgive yourself the slip ups but don't let them become excuses to give up givving up! Also forgive yourself if you gain some weight from snacking, chew the top off every pen in the house, become a gum cracker, develop an obsession with mints or any other distraction technique :)
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