The Power of Support

In all of my quit attempts over the years, I never understood the importance of a good support network. Yes, I had people in my life who wanted me to quit smoking and cheered me on, but their interest in my success dwindled within weeks. It's not that they didn't care, it's just that they didn't understand the process of recovery from nicotine addiction, and how the ups and downs of recovery affect life during that first year of cessation.

When I found the Support Forum here at About.com, it didn't take long to realize that this was the missing puzzle piece I'd been looking for. I got involved and never looked back. And you know, the forum community today is much as it was when I arrived, almost 5 years ago...educational and warmly supportive.

The faces change as people come and go on the road to freedom from nicotine addiction, but the support remains consistent. The give and take of this forum works and is infectious. I often say, and it's the truth - the best of the human spirit is alive and well in our forum! I am humbled and honored to be a part of something that has helped so many achieve freedom from this deadly addiction.

Photo by Erik

Current Forum Discussions:

2 Years Smoke Free
"My first year seemed to be about 3 years long and this second year about 6 months. I guess it all averages out, but to me it is amazing how my perspective has changed."

I Need Help
"I am craving cigarettes like crazy lately. I think about smoking all of the time now. I want to buy a pack and I feel that I could really enjoy them. I know that I am RIPE for a relapse because I have not been here for a while and I have been romanticizing them BIG TIME."

I Just Quit
"I'm Julie and and I'm 54 years old. I started smoking when I was 17. My parents used to be smokers so I blamed them for years that they made me start. Not true, I started of my own accord. Nobody else to blame. Tuesday 14th June 2006 I bought a packet of Nicorette patches and I couldn't believe it when the next morning I saw myself placing one on my arm!!! Even going into the chemist to buy them was a milestone for me."