Ex-smokers! I need some advice to help me quit

Levity14

I used to smoke a pack a day. Anytime I wanted to quit I would go hardcore and just break. - Here is what I did to make it work and I still do this every now and then I feel a twinge of wanting a ciggie. - I have been smoke free for 5 months now. Any time I want to smoke. I just tell myself not right now, later. Just kept saying not right now, not right now. If I wanted one I would have one - only one at night. - But sometimes I would say not right now at night too. . .pretty soon I was not wanting them at all. Try doing this for 3 weeks. just saying not right now.

You know they will always be around -easy to get a hold of - just a short drive away from a fresh pack - you just don't want to have one RIGHT NOW! LOL

I know its odd- its just what worked for me.
Now I am 5 months out from smoking and I feel great. I can smell everything so much better, I never reek of ciggies. My cardio is awesome. - My skin is better. There are so many pluses! !!! Hang in there!

artsiefartsiek

I quit cold turkey 2 years ago this month. It was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. Be clear, it is an addiction, not a habit. You body wants you to keep smoking so it is really hard to stop. NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

I thought about smoking like I did an ex boyfriend. Everything I did, everywhere I went, there were memories of me smoking. Every time you wanna run back for a "hug" you have to remind yourself why you broke it off! Even months after, you will do something like going to a wedding and realize that the last wedding you were at, you were smoking...the craving comes right back.

I hope you are able to do it. For me, running my first 10k was worth it.

liroez29

I tried quitting so many times! I tried the gum, lozenges, and the patch! None of it really helped me. I finally tried a prescription called Chantix, this was my miracle!!! It worked so well for me! I took the medicine and continued smoking while on it for over a month, and then one day I just realized that I didn't like smoking anymore, and i was just doing it to do it. So that day I decided I would try and quit, I have not smoked since and it will be 2 years on April 19th! It is the only thing that helped me finally quit. Good luck to you! I know how hard quitting is!:flowerforyou:

kammy92

An e-cig is the only thing I tried that worked! Today is my 6 month smoke-free mark!!!!!!!:bigsmile: :bigsmile:

minnesota_deere

how about its a gross habit, yuk, what are you thinking?? JK, smoked for 18 years, loved everyone, wish i could still smoke but can't even get near a ciggy without gaging!!!! i can smell a person smoking from 100 yards away, makes me gage. anyway i bought the patch and used only the 14mg when i had a craving and it just tapered off from there and became gross to me, 7 or more years now without them lost count. oh and i quit going to bars and drinking to, got rid of my smoking friends (losers anyway) and found new non smoking ones. i think that is really how i quit, was getting away from other smokers, same as choosing to eat healthy, its your choice and what you need to do to overcome it.

beckie1185

I quit smoking Feb 29th of 2011. I was deathly ill at the time with the flu, and was physically incapable of smoking for about 3 days. Once I got better I decided not to start back up again, and for some reason, I didn't even want to anymore. Something inside of me clicked and I realized how gross it really was and how horribly unhealthy. It was such a great decision, too! I feel so much better after almost a year being smoke free!


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ahavoc

I smoked for 5 years, quit for 5 years, smoked for 9 more years, and now have quit for 21 years. Here's the deal. You'll always want one, you just have to say no. It gets easier with time. Make it difficult to smoke in the first place. No smoking in the car, no smoking in the house. Then quit.

FIrst it's getting through the first hour, then the first night, then the first complete day. Then it's getting through the first week, and then the second, and slowly, it happens.

If I could do it, than you can definitely, but be realistic.

I know for a fact that if I smoked a cigarette today after all this time, I'd be right back to a pack a day.

jhajnal

First of all, I just want to say congratulations on your amazing weight loss! i can't wait until I reach a 40 lb. loss! Way to go!!!!

Secondly, I quit smoking back in May. I haven't had even a puff since. At my job, they were going to start charging $10 more per week if you smoked. My husband is going to school and we don't have much money so if I had to pay an extra $40 a month, that would not be good. They offered to pay for a quit smoking type program. I got on Chantix (which is usually $150) and they paid for it in full. I was taking it for 2 months and like I said, I haven't smoked since. When the offer presented myself, I figured I could at least give it a try since it was free. Also, I have a 5 yr old that I wanted to quit for. When you are a smoker and you see your kid
"pretend smoke", it breaks your heart.

Good luck on your journey!

jodymcadam

Congrats on losing 40lbs!! I quit smoking almost 5 months ago. I used the patch, and I read Allan Carrs easyway to stop smoking book. I'm not going to lie, I replaced one bad habit (smoking) with another (mindless eating). But here I am 5 months later, and I'm getting back on track. I told myself that I'd rather be a little chunky than sick (and poor!! omg smoking is expensive) from smoking cigarettes. Its totally a mental thing. If you're ready to quit - you'll quit, and when you finally do, you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Good luck - I hope you succeed.

riannenrings

The Easy Way To Quit Smoking by Allen Carr. Saved my life. $6 on ebay. price of a pack of smokes. i've struggled with being a non-smoker and wanting to smoke only a handful of times and its been almost 3 years!! what do you have to lose?

mahall270

determine that it is a habit and change those habits. if you are used to smoking after eating, find something else to occupy your hands during that time . It takes 21 days to stop a habit. It can be hard, but it can be done. Good luck! I really hope you succeed!

Lewisvirginia83

I just quit Oct. 2011!!! I feel much better and I can exercise longer...lol. I used an electronic cig. You need to do your research on them to find a really good one. I used Modern Vapors and I LOVED it! Google it and see what you think

benfisherca

I enjoy smoking but kicked the habit with an ecig, some cool info at smokingalternative.info

cindycolorado

Unless you weigh 600 lbs, quitting smoking is job ONE!!. I used Chantix. Made smoking so nauseating. I gained 30 lbs, but now is starting to come off. I spent alot of time online to keep my fingers off the cigarettes. It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family! Get a quit smoking meter at silkquit.org. It'll save you a ton of cash!

lauehorn

Hey there,
When I started this journey I told myself I'd lose the first 14lbs and then give up smoking. Well I've now lost 40lbs and I'm still smoking. I just can't seem to kick the habit.

Any advice on things I can do to make it a little easier?

Don't make such an extreme goal right off the bat. Take it one day at a time. Today, I will not smoke. When you want to smoke, find something else you can do... grab a mint, chew gum, get some tea, call a friend to talk you down, etc. Find something to help distract you. Also, if you have family (kids) that are part of your motivation, keep pictures near by or in your wallet to look at that remind you there is something more at stake than just you. Motivation is key. Find the resolve to really, truly want something else more than smoking, and you'll be better able to tackle the struggle. Also, there is no shame in seeing your doctor about some of the ways you can cut back over time and nicotine supplements to help you in that battle. You don't have to quit cold turkey. I've have friends do it both ways (I did the cold turkey... HARD) and the key is finding what helps YOU be successful. If and when you "fall of the wagon," ask yourself why you did, acknowledge that you are human and then get refocused on the goal. I mean, just because you trip on one step, doesn't mean you should just throw yourself down the stairs, right?

Good luck to you! It can be hard, but you can do it!

teevee1963

My cousin, a life-long smoker, developed COPD and told me that on bad days it's like breathing in and out through a straw; that scared the heck out of me (I smoked for 30 years.) I decided it was time to quit and replaced the cigarettes with water and gum. Also, avoid your trigger times if you can - going out at break time at work, etc. I only gained 5# (that was a fear of mine) which I eventually lost. Been smoke free for just about a year now and so happy I quit. You're stronger than a cigarette - you can do it!

223lola

Dont ever say you are quitting, tell yourself Im gonna choose to stop. Quitting is so final so if you simply just stop then theres no guilt if you happen to have one. It worked for your diet you didnt quit eating, you simply made better food choices. If youre down 40 the smoking should be a breeze for you bc youre in control

laddyboy

My 31 yr old nephew needs a double lung transplant because of his addiction to smoking. He will probably not live more than a year if he doesn't get a transplant.

That would be all the motivation I need. I hope you quit.

sarahsmom1

My husband25 years, mom, 50+ years dad 50+ years and myself 20 years all 1-2 packs a day all quit. We just did mot buy them any more. Thats it ,if you dont buy them you cant smoke them

gsdx7

Working on 4 years smoke free, I used Chantix with no side effects. Good luck!

MrsGriffin67

I use a Boge Leo e-cig...I love it! I've been tobacco-free 226 days!

1CALIJIBARO2

U can kick the "HABIT". it's just that simple. U r not ready & willing yet........U need to let go......."NO DISRESPECT TO U" (I mean it SINCERELY)....

I said many of times that "I WUZ GUNNA QUIT"...But I never did.
I stopped bcuz I was entirely ready & had no "RESERVATIONS" this time around......it's been 7yrs since my last cigarette... I don't miss it at all ......

YES U CAN DO IT......U DESERVE LIVING A BETTER LIFE........U OWE TO YOURSELF & NO ONE ELSE....

MUCH LUCK.....

Mario

Missjilly1025

Make the decision - really make the decision and just do it! It's not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Once I made the commitment it really wasn't all that hard. Sorry, if that wasn't the answer you were looking for.

MelissaAnn1983

Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and LOTS of water!!! Mind over matter! If you always smoked after eating stay busy. TRY not to do the same things you did. Every time you get the urge to smoke just remember how long it has been. It had been 4 years for me since I quit!

Jill_newimprovedversion

after a few pages of replies, I APOLOGIZE in advance if I'm repeating this advice.

I was a HEAVY, 3 pack of 100's menthol smoker, and started at age 10 (yes, I'm serious)
I didn't quit even when I had a full blown case of whooping cough and was coughing up BLOOD.
When the doctor told me I'd have emphysema within a year if I DIDN'T QUIT, I laughed and said,
"Yeah, so...at least I'll know HOW I'll die....." My then 5 yr. old turned to me and said "Mommy, you won't be alive to see me have children."
THAT was a brick upside the head- and I said to her, "YES I WILL." I tossed every cigarette away (even my *secret* stashes), threw out all the paraphernalia
cleaned out the car/ashtrays ( or ask someone to do it for you)
.........Residual SMELL is a huge trigger for cravings........

and did a LOT of walking when the cravings hit.........and drinking TONS of water (FLUSHES nicotine outta your system)

Best advice I got though.....
Disassociate all the triggers you can think of that make you want one out of habit......
EX- if you smoke and drink coffee, switch to tea for a while.
If you generally light up after a meal, GET UP from the table IMMEDIATELY and go for a walk.
If you drink alcohol, and that's part of the social scene- AVOID it for a while. REAL friends will support you.


Best wishes to you- it's a very hard journey, but a VERY WORTHWHILE ONE!
It's been 25 yrs since I quit......and I don't regret it at all........I now have 5 grandchildren I have the energy to chase!

PattyfromToledo

Find someone near you that does accupuncture.... no withdrawl, no cravings..wonderful and stress free way to kick the habit. smoke free for seven years now?

catshanle

My doctor put me on Welbutrin for my nerves and I was a smoker for 35years. I just put the cigs down and haven't smoked in over a year now. Feel so much better without them. But you must really want to quit or nothing will work!

SharClark40

I used Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking (book). It was the EASIEST thing I ever did. I had tried with patches and gum previously, tried cold turkey, tried weaning myself off and I ALWAYS went back. But this book changes the way you think about smoking. I wasn't crabby, I wasn't sad - I felt AMAZING! I was free at last and I KNOW I will never smoke another cigarette again. My suggestion is to spend the $15 on the book, try it FIRST. If it doesn't work, then spend $100 and more on other ways. Everyone is different and will respond to different methods. However you try, GOOD LUCK!!

18mojo18

I have smoked since I was a teenager (I'm 52 now) except for when I was preggers with my 2 boys, otherwise I smoked and pretended my kids couldn't smell it on me. Then the last two months of 2011 I got bad bad bad bronchitis real bad like it wouldn't go away bad and almost pneumonia. I decided then that when my pack was gone, I was quitting. My friend gave me some lozenges to help with cravings but I thought why am I quitting smoking if I'm just going to keep putting nicotine in me so I did it cold turkey. I put the cigs down on Jan 2, 2012 and I've been quit since then - not saying it has been easy OMG its soooo hard but you can do this!

I made myself little signs and stuck them all over my house, bathroom, car, etc. that reminded me of:

4 D's:
1. Distract yourself
2. Deep breathe
3. Drink water
4. Do something else

Tips (remember urges pass in just 5-10 minutes)
1. Take 10 slow deep breaths, hold the last one, then breathe it out slowly
2. Relax all muscles
3. Imagine a soothing pleasant scene
4. Walk to get away from it all for a moment - change of scenery
5. Light incense or candle
6. Wash hands or take a shower
7. Try carrots, raisins, gum, or toothpicks

I got a book from Half Price Books called simply "Stop Smoking!". It's little, fits in my hand and I carry it every where. It talks about herbal and aroma related remedies. I found I'm a very easily distracted by smells and scents so I bought a tiny bottle of lemon oil and when I feel the urge to light up, I open my little bottle of lemon oil and breath in the yummy intense smell - a few sniffs of that and its almost miraculous how the urge goes away! Any pungent aroma like that triggers my ability to push it out of my mind. I guess I respond well to all the herbal types of remedies. I've increased my exercise and I wash my hands a ton and I can't believe how amazing my hair & car smell!

Sorry this is a long bunch of advice and I never thought I could do this cold turkey but I felt like I could not let smoking and nicotine control me - I was going to control it. Plus in one year, I will save approx $1,500 based on the number of smokes I go through - that's vacation money dude!:blushing:

mewaybright

Well I quit a long time ago and went cold turkey but things that helped me were changing my habits, changing my diet, carrying carrots and celery to chew when the urge was just way out of hand. I didn't throw away my cigarettes so I wouldn't panic over not having any cigarettes, I just put them up on top of the fridge.

You have to carry something to keep your fingers busy as well. If you sit at the table and drink coffee and smoke... then change how you drink your coffee... none of the changes are permanent, just until you kick the smoking habit. f course with all the pills, patches and other stuff to help one quit smoking it should be far easier than when I quit. Although I did make a commitment to quit and stuck to it... I haven't had a smoke in over 24 years.

If this helps awesome... but no matter what I wish you to be a successful quitter...