Advice on quitting smoking

I quit cold turkey and I slept a lot. Two pack a day for 10 years and haven't had a cigarette in 25 years. One day at a time. You can do this!!

I did Chantix. I know a lot of people have really bad side effects from it, but I was lucky enough to not have any until I'd already stopped smoking. About two weeks after my last cigarette, I did have to give up the Chantix, but it got me through the hardest part. It's been 6 years and I haven't smoked since.

Nicotine patches for about 21 days and a total change of environment for 10 days (hospitalization for respiratory problems) worked for me after 2 packs a day for 40+ years. I've been clean for 20+ months so I think I made it. With me it seems to have been more of a psychological addiction than a physical one--your experience may be different. I also got an e-cigarette that I could hold onto at bad times--I'd promise myself I'd use it if I still felt the need after 30 minutes. I never did, but it kept me from panicking. Do without the e-cigarette if you can; if you can't, no shame.

I smoked 1+ packs/day for 15 years and quit cold turkey almost 3 years ago. Chantix and Wellbutrin didn't work for me (negative side effects). Nicotine gum and patches didn't work either. "Cutting back" (ha! we've all told ourselves that one, right?) didn't work.

I finally just stopped. I went to bed early to avoid the horrible evening cravings, ate far too much ice cream, and only paid at the pump when putting gas in my car to avoid the convenience store temptation. The first 2 weeks were the most difficult, but after that it got easier. Like FleaBailey above, I had an e-cigarette I kept for "emergency" purposes and used a handful of times in the car and on grouchy days. Knowing that I had it prevented me from buying actual cigarettes. During my quit phase, I avoided most things that were previously associated with smoking, like beer and sitting outside and gabbing with friends on the phone. I drank a ton of water and more coffee than usual.

Aside from the obvious, I was motivated by realizing how much money I was actually saving by staying out of gas stations. It was also really freaking fabulous to NOT STINK anymore, which increased my confidence and improved my marriage.

Once I was through the worst of the quitting and was left with 20 lbs. of ice cream on my frame, I started the C25K running program (which would have been just laughable prior to quitting) and never looked back. Honestly, I'm probably a little addicted to exercise now, but whatever. I still get my "me" time and feel a million times better.

I have never been a smoker myself, but I have heartbreakingly watched my boyfriend try to quit smoking since 1991. He tried everything to no effect. Finally, two years ago, he took up vaping. He purchased high quality devices, gradually reduced the nicotine percentages in the juice and he never smoked a cigarette again. It has been the best thing that has ever happened to him and to us.

I used chantix as well. My biggest side effects was EXTREMELY vivid dreams of doing the most mundane things in the world. Lol. I didnt even have to use the full packs, and i have been smoke free for over 4 yrs and cant stand cigs now.
Chantix doesnt make you sick when you smoke or anything. You smoke when you start it and pick a date a few weeks ahead to be your official 'quit date.' It starts with not feeling the need to finish an entire cigarette, to wondering why you even lit up in the first place cause you have no desire to smoke. I completly quit a few days before my quit date, while i was in the field w/ my unit (which is when everyone chain smokes like crazy because there is nothing else to do!)
Whichever way you choose, good luck and...

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!

I need with too... Sigh

I quit cold turkey May 1st last year.

I set a quit date a la Alan Carr and geared myself up for two weeks thinking it was going to be really really hard.

On the day, I replaced the urge to get up and go for a cigarette with getting up and doing some chores.

By the end of the first day, I knew I could do it. I was so prepared for its difficulty, it was much easier than I'd thought it would be.

I used sleeping tablets the first few nights, and wasn't a wreck in the slightest.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your quitting. You can do it!

It ain't easy - I've been quit since 1997 - I tried the gum & smoked with it - I finally just made up my mind and quit cold turkey - You can do it! - There is lots of good advice & support here - Eastcoast Jim

I got a vape. 2 packs a day for over 20 years and after about a week of vaping, cigarettes tasted foul and I'd toss them after a drag or two and go get the vape instead.

I feel cold turkey is the best way. I quit 9 years ago and I was smoking 30 a day. I found ways to keep myself busy like going for a walk or reading a book. I found it best to tell myself "I don't smoke anymore" whenever I got the craving for a smoke. I believe you can do it!