Readers Respond: Our Reasons to Quit Smoking

For me, it was an increasing inability to breathe properly. I was experiencing early symptoms of COPD, and 45 years old, that scared me badly. I knew the condition would only worsen unless I found a way to quit smoking.

What Was Your Last Straw?

Person Next to Me Died in ER

Was a smoker for thirty years ended up in the hospital for pneumonia. While laying in the bed having fluid pulled from my lungs and breathing treatments the medics brought in a lady they were doing CPR on... she did not make it. The family came to say their final words and then I made my mind up I am done with smoking. It's been a week smoke free. When I get a craving I think of the family in the ER. It passes quick don't want that to be my family because I smoke.

—Guest G.A.D.

I Hated Myself!

I hated myself for smoking. I go to the gym at least three times a week to do weights or to spin. I also run or power walk at least twice a week. My 23 year old daughter told me that I must have the most confused lungs in the world. I hated myself for leaving the gym, sneaking a smoke and hoping no one saw me. I have not smoked for 73 days and I quit cold turkey. My teeth started to actually hurt! Can you imagine? I'm also terrified of getting cancer. Anyone who thinks smoking is their only way of coping with the stresses of life, start exercising. It is a lonely journey but one I am prepared to and proud to take! I am extremely proud that I am no longer a slave to such a disgusting habit. My daughter is also SUPER proud of me. Prayers, plenty prayers!

—Guest trinitothebone

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Mine was that I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I smoked for 40 years and the last 20 years, 3 packs a day. Ouch! I got bronchitis twice in 6 mos, was having trouble breathing walking short distances (that's scary) because I do workout. The money. 3 packs a day @ $6.75 = about $600 month. I put down my last cigarette 3/31/12 and I've been 31 days smoke free, cold turkey. I never did more than maybe 2 weeks smoke free in the last 20-30 years. I feel great outside of my ears still being clogged. Don't know why they are. However, a cigarette will not help resolve that issue. I'm done with smokes. Bye, bye nicodemon!

—TonyP1

Money, Fear of Disease

Expensive $10/pack here locally; fear of contracting a smoke-related disease! I wont lie, I will miss it and it gave me good times and moments over 25+ years BUT Eventually it will kill me. I choose my 20+ years extra living now to quit. ..If I do pull off this quit...then I wont regret my starting to smoke in the first place. And even if I do contract something later- at least I did quit. I would regret it more to contract something ON IT w/out trying. Ahh the memories...I will miss you cigs -- p'out

—Guest Chadyo

My Son

I was out at the park one day, walking with my son (1) and smoking as usual. When I got home I let shorty out his stroller to get some exercise. Everything was good until I saw him pick up a butt and tried to put to his lips...that was all it took for me. Your kids WILL try to be like you because they look up us. I'm done as of yesterday and I've been smoking for twenty tears.

—Guest david coleman

Getting Out While I'm Young

I'm 23 and have been smoking since I was 15. I'm still young and there's no reason to allow cigarettes to have a long term impact on my life. I can be a slave to my cigarette addiction anymore. That addiction "monster" will not beat me. If the monster beats me, then Iam the monster.

—Guest sammy

Severe Cold May Have Saved Me

I had a severe cold and sore throat and couldn't smoke for a couple days. I decided the hardest part was over so I didn't smoke again. That was 10 months ago. I won't take another puff ever because it might not be so easy the next time.

—Guest Gary60

For My Son

I had been thinking of quitting for some time now. I have a new born baby boy, six and half months old and One of my work friends has a son about the same age. One day we were working together and I was feeling out of breath due to my smoking and my friend was fine. It struck me then what damage I am doing to myself and how will I play with my own son when he grows older. I would have killed myself by smoking by then. That day I decided to quit and talked to my doctor about it. I am determined to NOT TO SMOKE EVER AGAIN.

—Guest AB

Still Trying

I am 26 years old and have only been smoking for about 6 years. I decided to give up smoking for lent this year, I had tried to last year and I only lasted about 2 weeks. This year, I thought to myself...there has to be a real problem with me if I am putting smoking before a relationship with God.

—Guest ME

Near Death

The most convincing last straw of all..almost dying. Made a believer out of me forever. I took smoking to the edge of the cliff and almost fell off, for good.

—Kickedthehabit

From the Mouth of Babes

Been smoking since I was 12. Just turned 40. My 3 year old caught me smoking and asked if I could please blow smoke in her mouth too. As I tried to explain how bad smoking is I realized what an idiot I was being. I have been smoke free for 10 weeks. Some days it is still hard but I will never smoke again.

—Guest Maulis72

My Lungs Hurt

I had smoked for 40 years and prayed for help to quit. I came down with a cold/flu so bad that I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like my lungs were on fire. I think I dreamed of being dead and in hell. The next day I put on a patch and have been working the quit since then. That was 365 days ago. Tomorrow will be one year. Thank you Lord.

—Lou1357

It Was Time

I was smoking too much and started to feel it. but was sooo hooked. I keep saying to myself, I can't do it - what if something happens? I didn't have any savings and could not work because of other limits. I waited for disability for 2 years without ever smoking a cigarette, not even one and I feel soooo much better. Now I know I can do anything without smoking a cigarette. and the ashline helped a lot. My coach and I still speak. I will be clean for 6 years and will never ever pick up a cigarette again. I don't want to. I feel way too good to go back. You can do it too. I am nobody special any one can do it but you have to want to stop and have a plan. You can quit.

—Guest sophia

My Last Straw...

...was when I was running out of air to walk up a flight of stairs at the age of 34 and feeling pretty horrible. It was time to quit...

—Elizabeth.K

The Break Up

After smoking more of the 51 years of my life than not,and quitting many times, I quit Feb. 14 2012 for my heart and the love of those around me. This site is a Godsend!

—Guest N.o.p.e.