Stopping smoking

I quit smoking in October. I actually had to stay away from my friends for a while because they are all smokers. I stayed away from the bar scene too. I gained some weight but now that I can breath better I can exercise a lot more. I used to be jealous of my friends and co-workers, and my fiancé when they would be smoking, but I realized that they will be jealous of me when I am not on a breathing machine and they are. I have saved so much money it is unbelievable. My fiancé recently quit too. I wouldn't allow him to smoke in my car. He had to stand outside by himself. I think he realized that it isn't fair for one person to be spending $8 a day on smokes either. Quitting smoking was the hardest thing I have ever done, until now. I think losing weight is going to be harder, but after actually succeeding in doing something I am more confident now. I know that I have the strength to do accomplish things when I put my mind to it. There is nothing like leaving the gym and lighting up a cigarette. I felt like such an idiot. I also thought my entire social life revolved around smoking, but it really doesn't. Once you aren't a smoker you realize that you have wasted so much time smoking. I no longer feel bad when my friends say they are broke, well maybe they should quit buying cigarettes! I feel much better. My skin has cleared up too.

l also have a vape cigarette. It has helped significantly when times get tough, or when I am around smokers. Also, at most gas stations they sell NJoy electronic cigarettes. They feel like a real cigarette and can help when you are around your friends. They are the price of a pack of smokes, but can keep you sane in social situations.

Grab the book "Easyway to quit smoking" by Alan Carr.... I had to read it twice but eventually it gave me the mental perspective to quit smoking without gaining weight.

This isn't a shameless ad, that book changed my life big time. Happy to answer any question or to be added as a friend.

My friend just quit using this book and gave me her copy. Been reading and plans to quit (for good this time) are underway.

WE CAN DO IT!!

Hi there,


I quit smoking Sept 13 2013....and been cigarette free since then. It wasnt an easy journey...but i do feel much better now...health wise - i can run, jog, exercise without loosing breath. I did put on weight.....over 15lb...but now im working hard to get it back off.

Add me if you need support.

I failed but have picked a date and will try again, just have to stay away from my friends for a bit I think, everyone I socialise with smokes so I know I can get one if I want one. When I'm home on my own without any it doesn't bother me at all, it's the social side more than the actual cigs that I struggle with.

When you try again, seek out some folks who don't smoke or some who have recently quit.

My ecig is awesome! I quit smoking and have been happily vaping 0 nic for a long time. Most days I don't even use it- but it is great for dealing with social smokers or on days when I'm having a bad craving.

extol the virtues of NOT smoking to your friends etc, If they are good friends they will understand what your going through, all my friends smoke, I see myself as a pioneer for them to look to and copy, I smoked for 20 years + and gave up 2 years ago, I feel wonderful and would NEVER think about going back to those horrible expensive stinky death sticks! If that doesnt work try getting some new friends?

I am on day ten of being cigareete free. I have a few people in my social circle who smoke and they are making an effort to not smoke while I am around, for the first few weeks anyway. Which isn't too hard as everyone smokes outside now...if your husband is smoking inside then I can only imagine how hard that is.

I also read this book that REALLY changed how I see cigarettes, after reading it I no longer feel like I am giving up something fun and enjoyable, I feel as though I am getting rid of a disgusting addiction. The book is called Allen Carr's easy way to quit smoking, see if it is at your library and check it out! Since you said it was a mental thing, I think the book might help with your perspective; http://allencarr.com/

Don't bother with e-cigs, you'll still be addicted to nicotine which is like poison to your body.

ETA: Lol, I see a few other people have also mentioned this book...it is no exaggeration to say that it saved our lives. I do not know anyone who had read it and continued to smoke - seriously, check it out!! Your lungs, breath, skin, & energy levels will thank you for it!!

Congrats on the 10 days!

Hey there

I had the same problem until I got an electronic cigarette - sure you still have cravings but they're easier to manage. Then you can wean yorself off that by dropping the nicotine levels. On zero nicotine now and preparing to quit totally and feeling quite good about it

I've never been a smoker nor have I ever drank but one good tip I have that has helped me with other addictions (that some people find funny like too much video games) is getting a pen and paper and writing a milestone every single 30 days.

Example is if I play video games 8 hours every single day. I naturally know I have good will power so I would ease into it at my level and my first 30 days would be to not play 2 days in the week or even read about video games. If that was easy or I nailed it, the next 30 I would not play video games 3 days. etc until I'm happy and finally quit altogether. This doesn't just have to apply with video games or smoking by the way! It can help everyone with their junk food addictions or any other addictions!

Hope that helps!

i quit a while back using gum and others used e-cigs or vape .. theyre still using the vape and e-cigs but at least they arent smoking. I miss the social side of it, but i still go to the smoking areas and not smoke, if im out and everyone smokes rather than siting in a venue alone twiddling my fingers lol

Go see your doctor and get a scrip for a smoking cessation drug. You take the pills and smoke for the first week and because of the drugs - they taste like crap. But ultimately when you really want to quit, it will happen.

Ah I see all or nothing type? We're pretty similar then! I quit junk food cold turkey the minute I decided that I am what I eat. Then I've no tips other than the nike motto "just do it!" I will say however that it gets so easy after a certain period that you don't think twice about it. Now when I go to a KFC, a pizza hut or whatever I don't get any cravings, my mouth doesn't water and I can go in there at any time with whoever and have no temptation to eat.

Wish you all the best!