Quitting smoking

[bestillmehard]

I quit back in Nov 07 with my fav SP. We made it a contest and donated what we would have spent on smokes. SP is long retired so I dont know if she stayed smoke free but I have!

 

[Tao]

Got the Champex(sp) all set to take the first pill June 1st, enjoying the weekend saying good bye to my old friend "smokie" after 24 years, wish me luck and good riddence, first time trying to quit.

 

[ChaosTheory]

To everyone in this thread, and those who have chosen not to comment who have quit recently - Well done, I respect and applaude your decision.

I agree.

I have never smoked because in my profession if you have seen thing things I see directly related to smoking you would never light up. all your organs get messed up, directly or indirectly.

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of illness and death.
70% of smokers see physicians each year.

The highest relapse rate is within 3 months of quitting. but that is no problem right? if you need help use it! Zyban, Nictoine Replacement Therapies etc.

I congratulate our success and now that you can continue abstinence. The benefits are huge..i am sure you are breathing and preforming better already..and I am sure your wife/husband/girlfriend/SP/MPA/wallet/bank accounts are happier. you don't want to have to deal with those problems. Especially health wise now and especially when you reach 60s and over.

I love this thread!

 

[kkelso]

I know a friend who did Hypnosis and after that there was no more smoking.
It really works and it was one of his best choices he ever made!

Anyone here have direct experience with Hypnosis to cure addiction? I'm considering it.

 

[shuda]

Breaking the Associations

Big thing, I think, is kind of like re-programming one's patterns. For instance, I used to always get up in the morning and have a smoke with my first coffee, then one on the way to work in the car. Now I get up, have a coffee and check my email instead of reaching for a smoke, and I take a different route on the way to work. It just breaks the pattern.

You are right on here.
I was a two pack a day smoker with more failed "quits"
than Liz Taylor has had lovers.

Waited a year after retiring before making one last try.
Went on Zyban.

No way I could drink beer and quit smoking.
The beer went bye-bye a few years before the last quit.

No way I could dring coffee and quit smoking.
Had may last coffee with my last smoke.

Picked a time when I would be stress free
and could be as lazy as I wanted for at least three weeks.

Picked a substitute.
Want a smoke?
Have a grape, or a strawberry or a whatever.

That was nine years ago
and I have not had a smoke since.

Occassional cravings lasted a long time,
but I now don't remember the last one.

I think you'll have a greater chance of
long term success if you eliminate the
items and patterns that you associate
with smoking.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done,
but was well worth it.
Hang in there and good luck.

 

[Rono]

I am embarrased to say that I started again 3 weeks ago. I have set a date, which is tomorrow to quit again. The 3 month mark is the hardest. I gained 6 lbs.

 

[papasmerf]

I'm a non smoker, I don't understand why its so hard to quit smoking. elighten me please, what is your body going thru when you quit?, what is the physical feeling akin to?

it is like any other addiction.

 

[LKD]

best way to quit smoking is to take up a sport at the local gym or so, start running or join a soccer team... It might be hard to start out with but you will be able to tell the difference of the negative sides of smoking easily.

 

[The Options Menu]

Good luck to the guys that just quit. I still smoke but I quit several times for long periods. The big thing is 'pump yourself up to quit', find a method that works, stick with it, and break those old patterns.

Right now I'm back at the 'pump myself up' stage, but I hope to try again soon.

People here have motioned a bunch of succession aids-- IF YOU DO GO DOWN THAT ROAD REMEMBER THAT NO TWO PEOPLE ARE THE SAME. Apparently Wellbutrin (the anti-depressant in Zyban) and I really don't get along, but I found the patch worked really well. Actually, I found the solid plastic patches with the nicotine in the adhesive worked best as opposed to 'bandage' style ones. The gum never worked for me because I already use that when I can't otherwise smoke, so I associate it with smoking. I get really bad withdrawals, so cold turkey doesn't work unless I take time off work...

My big failing has always been drinking, and I'm a social person who's out a fair bit... Next time...

But good luck guys! (Says 'Mr. 20 a Day When Sober' who's going to smoke.)