One Week Tomorrow...
- I had my first cigarette when I was about 12 years old. Started smoking regularly when I was 18. I kept telling myself that as long as I stopped before I was 21, I'd be fine. It wasn't until I was 22 that I decided to quit. And I did. Really, pretty easy. That lasted about 2 months, and then I was right back into it. I've quit many times for very short periods of time. It wasn't until the last time that I realized just how ADDICTED I really was. I could not quit last time. I didn't even make it a day. Thatls when I decided I really needed to stop. That was about a year ago. Now, just one month shy of turning 25.... I am 6 days smoke-free. It hasn't been too hard yet, but I also have been avoiding family and friends who smoke (which is most of them). I know that I can't avoid them forever and I'm really nervous I am going to want one. I'm sticking to it this time though. I have watched too many people that I love die from cancer, and I refuse to make my kids watch that happen to me.
- —Guest Jess24
The Power of Habit
- I heard about the book "The Power of Habit" on CNN. Reading this gave me tremendous insight, then I re-read the Easyway to Quit Smoking which didn't work for me the first time, although it came close. This time the added insight has really helped, on my fifth day, longest stretch in 40 years, wish me luck, everyone.
- —Guest sheilaandlucky
I'm a Grandmother
- I'll say it again: I'm a grandmother. The image of one's grandmother is precious. 'Nuff said.
- —QuitterAlly
Kic the Nic
- I'm 27 yrs old and have been smoking since I was 12 yrs old. I'm now 4 days in without a cigarette. I use the herbal kick the nic program, and so far I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms. This is an all natural formula, absolutely no nicotine whatsoever. Give it a try -- so far it's working for me. Oh, I'm also using sunflower seeds for the hand-to-mouth motion.
- —Guest Kay
48 hrs in.... A Lifetime to Go!!
- I have been smoke free for 48 hrs!! I have smoked a 1/2 to a full pack of cigs for twenty years. I've been researching ways to quit for weeks now... Was going to buy a juicer or maybe get on welbutrin.... Then after a boating trip with non smokers I realized what a pain it was to constantly step away to smoke! Also the humiliation! Surprisingly I haven't had too many cravings, however I go back to work tomorrow where everyone smokes and I've smoked there for eight years on every break! I am getting anxiety right now thinking about it!! I pray tomorrow it doesn't suck me back in!
- —Kristen6790
This Forum Helped Me
- I was encouraged by reading what quitters who had gone ahead of me had to say. At times during the first year it got really tough for me to stay quit but each time I was able to overcome by reading the post of others who had gone through or was going through the same thing. It's very helpful when you know you are not alone and someone tells you that they have been there. In summary, I think I've found freedom via this forum and having a made up mind to quit smoking. When I first said that I will never smoke again a couple of years ago, I didn't believe it myself but as I visited the forum more and more I thought hey I can really do this. When people say, if I can do it so can you it is really true but you also have to have your mind made up. It has been 2 years and almost 5 months now since I quit and I'm loving life. I never even think about smoking anymore. I believe that most people you see smoking wish they didn't. I know because I was one of them too. Thank God it's over.
- —blanket1
5+ Months
- Most the people in my life smoke. At the start I asked them if I ever asked for a smoke just tell me no. That has happened twice, so supporting people really do help. When I first quit, I remember being around people smoking and thinking how good it smelled. Now when I'm around people who smoke, I AM SO GLAD I DON"T SMELL LIKE THAT.
- —Guest apy
Don't Miss Smoking
- I have smoked now for close to 20 yrs and am 39 years old. I finally gave up the habit about a week or more ago after reading a topic on habit and the end result. I'm not missing cigarettes at all. I thank God that the burden has been lifted off my neck.
- —Guest Nicolas
You Can do it, too!
- I went to my local cessation clinic where they give you patches and lozenges, whatever you want to use to stop smoking. I felt that the clinic helped as it was good to go along and talk about how you were feeling and coping and most often every single person felt the same way, although we all smoked for different reasons we were all addicts. There is no right or wrong way as long as you stop. I had tried on two other occasions and got to 3 months each time but I drove myself mad with negative thoughts. I can hardly believe I have reached over 7 months with yet another month under my belt. Yes there were a few Saturday mornings that I sat and cried as if I was mourning as that is actually how it felt but you must realise this is addiction in its very finest form. I cannot thank my Partner who also stopped and we encouraged each other through the hard times and still do. It is very important to be positive as if the nicotine monster is just around the corner begging you to come and join him.
- —Guest Siobhan
Each Day is Its Own Reward
- Dear Everyone, I quit smoking after 45 years on February 26th of this year. I went cold turkey and although it was a tough first couple of weeks, I have to say if I can do this any of you can do it. I was 63 in February and had another birthday in April, so it's really never too late. I'm about 105 days smoke free now and have gone back to playing tennis and realizing how wonderful it is to smell and taste things I didn't realize I was missing. I don't know if I really have any "tips" other than to tell yourself that each day is its own reward, that you are not denying yourself something, but giving yourself a chance to enjoy your life without the fear of cancer, putting your family through the horror of what might have been a preventable death, no longer being a source of income for big tobacco or a slave to the product itself. I also have to say that after my first week off cigarettes I had some bad news, smoked a few and then threw them out. It can be done! Just hang in there.
- —AnniLorri
Go With It
- It has been little over a year for me since I quit smoking. I went back recently and read something I wrote ten days into my quit that I think was important for me....Deep breathing helps. Activity helps. But I also really like the advice that you shouldn’t always focus on “distracting” yourself each time a thought about smoking occurs or an urge comes on…. It is good to allow yourself to acknowledge it and let it be and let it go… I like that idea. You actually get stronger faster staring down the craves than always trying to hide or run away from the feelings that come up.
- —Guest Kerry
Drink Water
- All I did was drink plenty of water and I mean plenty there was no craving or nothing just keep drinking water it worked for me.
- —Guest Jason
Avoid Triggers
- 62 years old, smoking since I was 16. Today is June 5th, 2012. I have not smoked a cigarette or introduced any nicotine into my body since Memorial Day ( 8 days ago ). I won't lie, it has been a living hell. I quit under pressure from my family to do so. My intense cravings are finally subsiding, but not completely gone yet. Although I continue to "want" a smoke, I refuse to give in and remain a slave and source of income for the tobacco industry. I know that giving in to just one cigarette will undo all that I have suffered through to quit. My advice to you would be to drink plenty of water, substitute orange juice for coffee in the morning, snack on raw baby carrots , celery sticks, etc. Do your best to avoid situations, foods and drinks that will "trigger" your desire to smoke. Alcohol and coffee are BIG triggers for me. I have resolved to be tenacious throughout my withdrawal. I know the day is coming soon...my desire to smoke will have vanished. If I can do it, YOU can do it!
- —Chris849
Mint Gum
- I stopped eight days ago. Chew mint gum -- it really helps.
- —Guest donnie
Such Great Tips
- Just quit a month ago after 40yrs....I was soo scared...but went for acupuncture. I'm on my way....but it's truly hard.....good luck to all love all the feedback.....it does help....tku.
- —Guest Bonnie
