smokers that are quitting or have quit for motivation
hoteyes2009
Posts: 5
I have been struggling giving up smoking and my husband has been very supportive but I can't help be in a negative mind frame about it nor can I stick with my diet and healthy living like I've wanted. Please add me if you have any advice to help me!!
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Replies
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Hey
I wrote a few tips for general diet/fitness/health advice here:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1198789-how-to-stay-motivated-while-being-depressed-after-a-relapse?page=1#posts-18769318
And while I did not quit smoking entirely yet, I reduced (from 100 cigarettes week to ~15 a week). I'm just a 'social smoker' now.
If you are actually addicted to nicotine, I heard that it takes 3 days to endure the nicotine withdrawal. But I cannot give any more advice here, as I am not addicted to the nicotine, I just like smoking itself a lot. I have no problem going without a cigarette for a week or so.
What helped me; Figuring out which moments make me want to smoke.
I used to starve myself and smoke to ignore my hunger. I quit smoking at home totally.
I used to smoke when I was stressed out. Now I do yoga and try to actively relax my body.
Besides this, I heard that you should try to do some sports every time you crave a cigarette, be it some crunches or something like that, because by time, your brain interpretes this craving that you had for a cigarette for a craving for sports, so it'll help you being active.
And well, to the healthy living itself, just look into that thread, I don't want to repost it. But maybe it's helpful for you. Good luck!0 -
I'm not much help. I stopped smoking because I'm too poor. Here's my best motivational saying:
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For me, being married to someone who wanted to quit was enough. But that was sort of like an ultimatum. But it certainly motivated me!
Another resource, and this is a genuinely good one, is the book Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking. It wasn't great for me, because I knew my smoking days were over, but it is pretty convincing and brings up some really excellent, really common sense arguments against smoking.
Best of luck! If nothing else, at least cut back to only a few per day and that will be healthier than whatever you're doing now!0 -
Quitting smoking was three of the most difficult, cold turkey days of my life. It was also only three days!
It is also the most important thing you can do for your health. Weight loss, exercise? They pale in comparison to the benefits you get from kicking tobacco to the curb! I'm not telling you anything you don't know, but if you're serious about quitting, and want a friend who can help you through it, I'd be happy to help. It's not an exaggeration at all to say that you won't believe how much better your life gets once you're done with it!0 -
I'm here. Feel free to add me. I'm in the "I need to quit" phase. I've cut down by about half.
Quitting's hard. You feel a lot of people pass judgment when you slip. Just gotta pick a date and do it. I quit for a long time and started again about a year ago.
It was easy that time. Not sure why its so hard now...0 -
I'm not sure I can help, but I can relate big time. Quitting chewing tobacco was the hardest thing ever. I am happy I did now, however.. and a big however.. I used Nicorette to help me stop. I am now addicted to the damn Nicorette spray. I am happy that I no longer take on the chemicals of chew, but Nicotine, still no good. But I did find it really helped me quit, just didn't intend that I would like the spray more than chew.. sorry, I guess I am no help what so ever...0
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one of the hardest thing i've ever done is quit smoking. it's tough. i realized about 5 years ago that i needed to quit when i started to need a smoke on my way to work.
there are a lot of methods to quit smoking. ween yourself off, use patches or gum. pick a date a couple of weeks in the future to really quit and announce it to everyone. whatever.
you'll fail. it'll suck. but just like having one bad day of eating doesn't make you fat again, one day of smoking won't make you a smoker again.
i smoke rarely now, like a cigarette once every two months. and they generally make me sick that i don't even want a second one.
learn to recognize your triggers. one for me was drinking with friends. fortunatly i don't have a lot of friends that smoke. but if i'm out with people, i'll say a bunch of times to everyone "man i'm glad i quit smoking." that way, if i bum a cigarette off of someone, i'll feel really guilty and not do it.
ETA, that while i decided to quit 5 years ago, i had several relapses. it's not until about a year and a half ago when i started to really take fitness seriously that i finally quit.0 -
I quit smoking about a year and a half ago (wow time flies). I just came home from work and told my husband I was done smoking. The first 3 days were the worst and the rest of the week wasn't much better. I found that my brain was foggy, I was tired and grumpy. But it got better, really quick.
I found that I needed to replace my smoke time with something else. If you are striving for a healthy lifestyle, go for a walk instead of a smoke. That is really what kept me in check for the first little while.
And I guess the last is to remember that this is hard on your body, very hard on it. So treat yourself kindly for a while there is a lot going on physically and emotionally.0 -
I have just quit after smoking for 50 years - my last one was the beginning of November. I found after many attempts, the only way for me was to seek medical help to quit, so my doctor prescribed Champix for me and with the help of my local anti-smoking clinic, I have finally stopped. Unfortunately this did lead to an increase in food intake - and is the reason why I am on here now. As quitting smoking is by far the most difficult of the two, I decided to concentrate on that as I knew that I could lose weight later and I didn't want to be battling with two things at the same time.
Good luck0 -
Hey, I am 9 days away from being 3 years traditional cigarette free. I stopped with the ecig and was not planning on stopping smoking actually, I just loved it to much, but was in the beginning stages of emphysema and it scared the crap out of me, so I ran to the mall and picked up one of those kits
Like I said, I was not planning on stopping all together, but then one day I realized I had not hit my ecig in about 2 months.
If you want to go that route, it does take about 3 days to get used to it because of all the other addictive additives in traditional cigarettes that keep us loyal to our brand that are not in the vapor. There is only nicotine in them. So once you get past the first three days, its smooth sailing.
I smoked for 27 years and tried hundreds of times. I used the patch, the gum, cold turkey....nothing worked until I got the ecig. I higly recommend them for anyone that smokes, simply because it is cheaper than smoking and they do not stink.
Good luck, you can do this. If you decide that cold turkey is not going to work for you, I recommend the vapor ones they have out now, they are the most like real smoking.0 -
Quitting smoking was three of the most difficult, cold turkey days of my life. It was also only three days!
It is also the most important thing you can do for your health. Weight loss, exercise? They pale in comparison to the benefits you get from kicking tobacco to the curb! I'm not telling you anything you don't know, but if you're serious about quitting, and want a friend who can help you through it, I'd be happy to help. It's not an exaggeration at all to say that you won't believe how much better your life gets once you're done with it!
For me too! Days One and Two were g-d awful. Day Three started out a little better but got progressively worse. By Day Four I knew I could probably do it, this whole non-smoker thing, and then I was off. It's been 2 years.
Honestly OP, focus on one thing at a time. Forcing yourself to quit smoking, eat healthy AND add exercise all at the same time is not going to work the way you'd like for *any* of the three things.0 -
I want to second the recommendation of Allan Carr's Easyway book. You can get it for really cheap used on amazon. This helped me quit after two previous failed attempts and I've been without tobacco for over two years. I've been in all the situations where I'd formerly have been smoking without feeling tempted. I know two other people who were much heavier smokers than me who quit with this book and have stayed quit. Good luck!0
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I want to second the recommendation of Allan Carr's Easyway book. You can get it for really cheap used on amazon. This helped me quit after two previous failed attempts and I've been without tobacco for over two years. I've been in all the situations where I'd formerly have been smoking without feeling tempted. I know two other people who were much heavier smokers than me who quit with this book and have stayed quit. Good luck!
the Carr book is seriously like what a lot of people have already posted. It basically describes the unbelievable benefits of not smoking, which don't seem obvious while you're a smoker, but do after you quit. I had cut down so much by the time I quit that I didn't feel a lot of the benefits, but I will say that I no longer get dizzy when I bend or squat down and then stand back up quickly.0 -
I quit almost two years ago now. I quit cold turkey from about a pack every other day, with two relapses. I was a mess for a week, and I would be again for a few days after I slipped up. The last time, I could really smell the effect it had on my clothes and bedding and everything I touched and I just lost the desire entirely. It was nice seeing the little bump in my checking account, too. You can make it through this! Feel free to add me if you want. 0
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I had been a smoker for 20 yrs (ack!), tried the patch, gum, Champix, Zyban, inhalers, cold turkey, hypnosis, Alan Carr....despite these things being worth exploring and trying as they will work for some folks, they did not work for me. I finally got myself an e cig about a year ago and have not had a cigarette since. I am still weaning myself off the nicotine, and have done a pretty good job of hitting my half way point. I started noticing health benefits within 2 months of stopping tobacco. Whatever you decide to do, just keep trying!0
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I started smoking at 13 yrs old and quit at 38 (almost 39). Nov 8th, 2013, I smoked the last regular cigarette, switched to e-cigs and smoked the last of those Dec 8th, 2013. I agree with all of those who said the first three days was the worst. After that, it was one of the easiest things I've ever done...surprisingly enough.
I don't even crave them now, rarely even think about it and didn't even have any trouble being around a smoker for the holidays.
ETA: I did gain weight, though so watch that snacking as a substitute! I went up 25 lbs in under three months... and am now working on getting rid of that plus some.0 -
I smoked for 12 years, had to have two on the way to work, two at break, 4 at lunch, 2 at second break, and two on the way home. Then at least another 4 during the evening, and DEF after eating dinner. I wanted to quit, I would look at my friends on break, say, look, they are standing there, not smoking, I can do that. So, I started with cutting out on break. Only lunch. Then I cut the drive to work, boy was that hard! Then I cut to two at lunch, and only one on the way home. Then only one after dinner. Then cut the one on the way home, then, no smoking at home, including weekends. Then I stopped all together. It's been 11 years now. I smell it now, I cringe and say thank goodness I quit!! You can do it. You can. Just cut it back. Trust me, you can. Good luck.0
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After 20+ years of smoking I quit on June 11, 2012. I went cold turkey and out of the 100+ times I tried to quit this time it was easy. The reason it was easy is this was the first time I really WANTED to quit.
For me the first two weeks were extremely difficult, I was in a bad mood all the time, you could have told me I won the lottery and I'd would have gotten pissed about it. Luckily I have a very understanding and supportive wife.
I found it helpful to write a little blog about how I was feeling and the things that would go through my head. This blog was for me and me alone. I wrote it so if I ever thought about smoking again I could read it and remember what it was like to quit.
Good luck!0 -
I still remember the day I quit for good....10/10/2009. Yes, I had tried a million times and many ways before. I guess for me it was that my health was on a steady downward slope, I ate too much, drank too much and smoked too much...it all sucked! I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and I could barely walk to the end of my driveway without being exhausted. I think looking back on it, that was really my "rock bottom". I picked the day and decided that was it. I knew that for me smoking and drinking went hand in hand so I had to stop both at the same time. At 4am on 10/10/09 my husband was carted off to the hospital via ambulance, was in a coma for 3 weeks, almost died of sepsis in the process.....the withdrawal period from cigs and booze were the least of my problems. There was no smoking allowed anywhere on the hospital property and they certainly didn't sell alcohol in the cafeteria. I had no choice. I don't wish any of that on anyone to help with quitting but it really helped me to realize we were a couple of very unhealthy sad sacks. Fast forward to today...I still have not drank or smoked. Our diets have turned to clean nutritional foods, we have both lost weight. I still have about 50 more to lose but I am so much closer to excellent health. My blood work is perfect, hubby still has some challenges but for the most part we are doing great. Why do I not back slide? I lost my only brother at age 56 to a massive sudden heart attack on 4/17/2011. Appreciate the fact that your health is in a delicate balance each and every day. Whatever the vice, understand what it is doing to your ongoing health, when you are ready and ONLY when you are ready will it be possible for you to make the necessary changes using whatever method works for you. The main thing is don't give up trying!!0
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I quit smoking 5 months ago! After 28 years! Its a difficult addiction! Add me and we can do this together!!!0
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I smoked smoked for 30 years until I got an ecigarette in may 2013 and have not smoke again since. Dont even want a cigarette. I am working on cutting back on the nicotine and will eventually stop these. I am so glad that I quit, even though some peeps say that I still smoke... It still has to be better than tobacco.0
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Another three days of pain cold turkey quitter here.
It's been over four years now.
The trick for me was telling everyone I was quitting. I was too proud to fail when everyone at work, home and certain random strangers all knew I was going to quit.0 -
Been cigarette free for over 3 years. It took me many tries to kick the habit, but best decision of my life. The thing is, you really have to wnt to quit, it can't be just a thought of "I like smoking, but it is bad for me". you need to have the mindset of "I hate disgusting cigarette's and I never want to smoke again" The first few times I tried, I didn't actually want to stop, so I ended up falling right back into it. When I finally decided that I was over it, I stopped, and have never look back. It is tough, but put your mind to it!0
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****** E-CIG!!!! ******
I have tried everything else so I never expected THIS to be the solution. I have had several friends quit using this but I was still so against the idea.
"It's just not the same...I like the feel of a cigarette in my hand...It will never work for me...It's too expensive." I had every excuse under the sun. Then my close friend (who also quit this way) got me one for Christmas.
I got this top:
http://www.mtbakervapor.com/accessories/iclear-30s-dual-coil-clearomizer/
with this bottom:
http://www.dhgate.com/store/product/k100-mech-mod-vape-mod-e-cig-mech-mod-tube/180384854.html
First I thought "Well, I have to use it because it was a gift and she is around me all the time." So I figured I would sort of switch off. Pretty quickly I found I wasn't smoking the cigarettes in my purse. I still have trouble at the bar when everyone around me is smoking and there is alcohol involved but I have noticed the smell of regular cigarettes is now bothering me anywhere else and I can smell it a mile away even if the person is not currently smoking. I can't encourage you enough to try this!
Here is a list of reasons why:
While the initial investment feels like a lot, it's the cost of cigarettes for +/- 1-2 months depending on how much you smoke and which e-cig you buy. After that, it's a tiny fraction of the price. 100% pays for itself in +/- 2 months.
It tastes good and it's fun to find new flavors to try...which makes you more fun to kiss. Not only does it not smell bad but it actually smells really good....which makes you more fun to be close to.
It makes it very easy to quit. It weens you off nicotine because you can gradually lower the amount in the juice. You don't even notice it's happening until you notice that you are not only not smoking regular cigarettes but you are not even craving them!
You can "smoke" inside without bothering anyone! This is not always the case as every building/home is different but I "smoke" in my office at work and it does not bother anyone. I "smoke" inside my house and it doesn't linger or smell bad. It's ok at most bars and a lot of other public places. Use your judgment but what is the worst that can happen? They ask you to go outside? Hasn't happened to me yet!
Number 1 reason? It's not going to kill you!! You are not short of breath anymore, coughing, sore chest, whatever your smoking symtoms - they are gone! Here is a blog with links to a number of studies you might find useful when deciding. Are they safe for you and those around you? (yes) Do they work? (yes):
http://onvaping.com/the-ultimate-list-of-studies-on-e-cigarettes-and-their-safety/
I suggest finding a local vape shop. Go in and talk to the person behind the counter. Ask how they work and what your options are. Most of my friends found they preferred a mechanical mod or "mod". Then get some recommendations on types, go online and read some reviews, and then price shop on the many available websites.
Here are a couple good ones, in case you take my advice...
http://www.madvapes.com/ (Everything is cheap)
http://www.mtbakervapor.com/ (Cheap juices; highest quality for lowest price; also give you option of adding more flavor shots)
http://discountvapers.com/ (Cheap supplies)
http://vaultsmokeshop.com (Stock hard to find supplies)
https://www.vaperite.com/ (Organic Juices)
http://www.fasttech.com/category/1499/consumer-electronics (Free shipping always)
www.hoosiervapes.com (Chat available 24/7/365; sell individual replacement parts)
http://www.vaporrater.com/ (Juice reviews)
Last tips...they usually let you taste all the different kinds of flavors in the stores before you buy them, always read the juice reviews, buy online, keep an extra battery and don't forget to charge it, always keep enough juice on hand, ALWAYS go for the pen before going for a cigarette - you will likely find you don't actually need one, DON'T GIVE UP!
-Good luck
*disclaimer: sorry this post was so long but I really hope it was useful.0 -
Once upon a time smoker here, I cut down to smoking about 1 cig a day before quitting altogether, luckily I became disgusted with the smell on me which was a big motivator. My advice would be to not hang around people smoking initially during the 1st couple of weeks of stopping, and not going out drinking, being in a bar environment seems to be a major trigger.
It's really cool that you want to stop congrats! Your body will thank you! 0 -
Most studies about smoking suggest it takes on average seven tries to quit. Many smokers find they can last for longer with each try, and eventually can kick it altogether. You can increase your likelihood of successfully quitting by using nicotine replacement therapies, e.g. patches, gums, e-cigarettes. This is at odds with the Alan Carr method which basically recommends going cold turkey, but if that doesn't work for you then NRT is another good option.
Nicotine on its own isn't dangerous, although it does have a small effect on your metabolism. Even if you can swap smoking for an e-cigarette that contains nicotine you will do your lungs and the rest of your body a world of good. The nasty stuff in cigarettes is all the components they add in to make them more addictive, burn faster, taste better etc.
I used to work on a government stop-smoking programme that focussed just on patches and gum, but having seen my boyfriend's success quitting a year ago with the aid of an e-cigarette I would highly suggest getting something like that. He was smoking 1.5 packets a day and has had a total of 10 cigarettes since switching to the e-cig, and he avoided all the cravings that usually come when you go cold turkey.
If you can aggord it (or your insurance supports it?) then see if you can get some quit counselling. It further increases your chance of being successful.0 -
I've quit and relapsed a few times and have tried cold turkey, Wellbutrin and other methods. This last time I quit on 6/9/2008. I used patches to help. Remembering the date, time and where I was when I quit has been helpful for me, too. The fact cigs were 35¢ a pack when I started and over $3.00 when I quit (over $5.00 now) is a powerful motivator as well.0
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I quit six weeks ago (again) and did it with an e-cig. I carried it around in my pocket and every time I had a THOUGHT about smoking I took a puff. The thoughts gradually went away, until one day I realized I hadn't puffed at all. I've quit a few times in the past, and this was the easiest.
It feels SO GOOD to breathe deeply.0 -
Just another poster who quit with an e-cig.
My quit date was 9-10-11, been free and clear since.
If traditional methods fail you then an e-cig might be worth at least exploring the idea of. My tip is stay away from cig-look-alikes if you're a more moderate or heavy smoker trying to kick the habit. I can only imagine they work for light smokers, or people who don't know better that much more efficient technology exists.
A good over-all site= e-cigarette-forum.com
It's surreal that I ever smoked now, and in the same way surreal I was actually able to stop! For me, e-cigs where the last option. I loved the habit itself, so patches, gum,I cold turkey, didn't work. It didn't help address the actual ritual of use issues I had. I am very thankful for this technology. As a bonus, it helps to make cigarettes taste downright awful.0 -
I want to second the recommendation of Allan Carr's Easyway book. You can get it for really cheap used on amazon. This helped me quit after two previous failed attempts and I've been without tobacco for over two years. I've been in all the situations where I'd formerly have been smoking without feeling tempted. I know two other people who were much heavier smokers than me who quit with this book and have stayed quit. Good luck!
Completely second this ^^
I have been cigarette free for almost one and a half years. I used to smoke a pack a day for twenty years! Read the book, then realize how easy it actually is; you will keep wishing you had done it sooner!0
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