I have no motivation to stop smokimg.

Bernadette60614

Oops, as for weight loss:

I didn't gain weight and I think that is because I started walking and working out when I felt that the urge was going to overpower me.

Just don't carry enough money to buy a pack....!

Also, something which is way cool: Finding a pack in a coat pocket, just looking at that pack and saying to myself: I worked too hard to start again.

dcpatri

It's tough. I've been through it a few times. The stars aligned usually for me. For example, one time I got this horrific upper respiratory infection, which made it impossible to smoke, and after I got through the cold I'd gotten through the worst of the cravings. The problem with giving up smoking--it really provides something for you...a break, relaxation, escape from something. You can't take those things away without replacing what it provides.

Some advice that I'd offer--try using a patch to take the edge off of the physical withdrawal.
The day you decide to quit, plan to also launch into something physically challenging (e.g. join a hiking group, grab a buddy to try to jog with, or sign up to learn a new sport like tennis or rowing or something totally outside of your comfort zone). The new thing will distract you and draw your attention. And you'll struggle physically which may motivate you to keep the smoking behind you (so you can breath and not puke while you exercise).
Also, don't hang around with other smokers....for several weeks. Try to not drink alcohol....for several weeks. These two things will be your downfall.

If smoking relaxes you, maybe sign up for a meditation group or read a book about it or download an app. on guided breathing/relaxation. Instead of smoking, take a "breathing" break. The thing I noticed about smoking for me, it was the only time I sat down to just breathe. It sounds silly, but just breathing calms the soul.

I wish you all the best my dear, and do let me know how you do!
You're definitely capable of overcoming this--it's just got a grip on your right now. It's controlling you, but you CAN control it.

lyndabyh

You have to find your own motivation unfortunately. The more people told me to quit, offered reasons to quit etc, the more I smoked. Then a year ago something clicked and I quit cold turkey. I feel so much better I look so much better, and to be honest I didn't gain any weight as I started on MFP around the same time.

I did read The easy way to stop smoking and I think it made a difference. If I hadn't been ready to stop it wouldn't have made me stop but it did reinforce my will power once I decide to quit. I suggest reading it (I got it from the local library) because it certainly won't hurt.

Good luck

JaxDemon

Have you tried Ecigs?

AglaeaC

I've heard that the first week is about fighting the withdrawals, but thereafter it is only about the mind. Nicotine gum or patches are helpful as mentioned above, but it is the same as with weight loss/lifestyle change; it has to be a need from within.

classicbizz

Hi OP

I know how you feel. I used to smoke between 20 and 30 cigarettes a day and found quitting very difficult. I tried to quit a couple of times because it was 'fashionable'. The problem there was, I actually enjoyed smoking and it was easy to go back to it. I have managed to stay off the cigs for 18 months now because I actually want to stay off them. My father had a smoking and weight related heart attack and that shocked me to the core. That was all the motivation I needed. I wanted to stop smoking from there on in. Does that make any sense? Not only do you need to stop smoking you have to want to stop smoking at the same time. I know I must sound like a total hippy but there ya go :-)

I wish you all the best. You will get there.

Lynsey

lioooba

Read Allen Carr's book: "Easy way to stop smoking."
It helped me to stop after 2years.

Just believe in yourself!
xx lio

LovenderNurse

^^^ This works! My husband and I were both confirmed lifetime smokers, as well as a few of our friends. After reading Allen Carr's The Easy Way to Stop Smoking I can proudly say I am smoke free 3 months strong, I smoked for 17 years. My husband for 23. My neighbor 32. It works. READ IT.

goodnamegone

Get the book by Alan Carr and read it while you smoke. Haven't had a cigarette for 14 years, don't miss it at all.

Binkie1955

Teeth implants are about $5600 a piece out here and smoking pretty much destroys gum tissue that keep teeth in your head. (thanks to the radiation exposure caused by the burning of the chemicals that are used in cigarettes to keep the tobacco burning steadily).
so kiss your teeth good bye (along with your life). Gosh, getting motivated about quitting smoking has got to be the easiest thing in the world to do. Just stroll through a gross anatomy lab and look at the cancer victims bodies donated to science and look at the lung tissue. visit a cancer ward. easy enough to decide to die from anything else.

RainHoward

Please post pictures and reasons. I just can't seem to find what I need.

If you can't find what you need within yourself then you aren't ready to quit yet. External forces won't help. You have to change the way you think. And you have to want it.

jjinteso

I agree about the teeth. I just had to have $6500 worth of periodontal surgery due to bone and gum loss due to smoking. It was the most painful thing that I have ever been through. My periodontist would not even do the surgery if I didn't quit. I quit on 4/7 of this year and had the surgery a month ago. Had a follow-up yesterday and everything looked great. I smoked almost 2 packs a day for over 30 years. During the first week of quitting, I gained 5 pounds. So I started my diet on 4/18. I've lost just over 52 pounds since then and don't even miss the cigarettes. I feel great too!!

wild_wild_life

I'm sure this has been said, but do it for the pain your entirely preventable, early, painful, drawn-out illness and death will cause your family. You're not the only one your smoking affects.

AglaeaC

I'm sure this has been said, but do it for the pain your entirely preventable, early, painful, drawn-out illness and death will cause your family. You're not the only one your smoking affects.

Oh yes, check out COPD patient on youtube

Tigg_er

Bump for good info.

tjthegreatone

We estimate that at least 50% of smokers will be killed directly by the cigs. You might be in the lucky 50% but you don't know that.

There are the big three: lung cancer, ischaemic heart disease and COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema) - all of which kill - in long, drawn-out, protracted and deeply unpleasant ways which I cannot possibly exaggerate no matter how hard I try (unless maybe you're lucky, have a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest straight after).

Then the 'smaller' things -
Increased risk of just about every other cancer
Stroke
Peripheral vascular disease do you fancy an amputation in say, your 60s?) Not good
Worse prognosis with many autoimmune conditions (off the top of my head, Graves and ankylosing spondylitis)
Smoker's cough
Predisposition to chest infections
Poor wound healing
Increased risk of post-operative complications
Infertility and stillbirth in women
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in children of smokers
Osteoporosis and large bone fractures in post-menopausal women (potentially fatal)

Not to include the less cosmetically appealing aspects:
Winkling
Dental side effects
The stench
IT DOESN'T LOOK COOL ANYMORE.

Fine, I'll get off my soapbox.

On the other hand nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man. Cold turkey is tough, and most ex-smokers say that they are permanently in remission - I met someone who relapsed after 10+ years tobacco free.

People say that nicotine replacement is excellent, but it has to be coupled with the will to break the habit. The jury's still out on e-cigs, but I think if you really want to stop they probably aren't the way to go.

ValerieMartini2Olives

I quit smoking over a year ago. I never realized how disgusting of a habit it really is. I just got a job at a casino. When I get off work in the morning, I reek. I pull my hair out of my ponytail. There is a giant woosh of smoke smell that comes out. I can't go to sleep like that because I will funk my bed up. Just walking through the casino for orientation made my chest and throat hurt. I have to carry eyedrops with me and use them on breaks because I feel like I have been maced.

I can smell a smoker from a mile away. And I can just look at someone and tell that they smoke. You can see it in their face. Smoking ages you quickly and horribly.

Do you have kids? Grandkids? Think of what you are doing to them.

It is such a vile habit.

floop1207

i was devastated when i found out my son had been smoking. how hypocritical of me! i have not had a cigarette in over 4 months and i'm putting the money aside for a holiday.

no matter what anyone else says, you can quit - but only when you are ready and decide that tobacco can no longer control your life.

chezjuan

I quit cold turkey 7 years ago, and now when I get a chest cold, it doesn't automatically turn into bronchitis and leave me with a lingering cough for weeks. That, and the fact that quitting greatly reduces the chance of getting lung cancer or COPD.

MaryJane_8810002

This doing anything for you?