I want to quit smoking...

[You Go Girl]

and I feel as powerless as any addict over any substance.

 

It's my only vice.

 

My father died a long slow death of COPD. It was painful to watch when he didn't have enough oxygen circulation to make it to the bathroom and back without being exhausted. It also created incontinence, and he was embarrased and ashamed. So I know my future if I don't change. I already hack in the mornings.

 

I know of two other people who died of COPD recently.

 

I know I stink. I know my clothes stink, my car, my hair, my teeth are yellow, my lungs must be black. I know it is ridiculously expensive method to slowly kill myself.

 

But I feel powerless to stop. Somebody slap me upside the head or whatever is needed. Advice from those who quit most welcome.

 

I have just signed up for american lung association online quitting program that includes homework assignments and further education and motivation.

But I still feel I have zero willpower to refuse myself another cigarette whenever I want it.

My triggers are almost anything.

e-cigarettes have done nothing to help me.

A friend told me that a good talking to myself and cold turkey is the only way to quit.

[wuggle]

You will only stop smoking when YOU are READY to stop smoking, From reading your post that sounds like it could be now.

 

I assure you you are NOT powerless to stop smoking, once you have got your head round it you will be able to stop instantly. I smoked for 20 years, then stopped 8 years ago. Only a few days of physical symptoms and they were easy to ignore.

 

Please buy the book, "The easy way to stop smoking" by Allan Carr. I know the title sounds cheesy but I give you my word it is a good book. It makes you realise that you have been lied to your entire life.....

[Arabella]

I was a pretty heavy smoker for some time and suddenly, I got sick. It was a horrible bacterial infection in my throat, caused by my weakened immune system due to smoking. I was in agony for over month while the antibiotics took care of it. I was only 21 years old.

 

Didn't need any further encouragement. I never wanted to feel that miserable again. Haven't touched a cigarette again in the past five years.

 

Morale of the story... as the above poster said, when you are ready to quit, stopping is very easy. All it takes is the right kind of motivation.

 

Think of your father. Think of the other people who have died of COPD. Do you want to end up like them?

 

 

Arabella

[You Go Girl]

I was a pretty heavy smoker for some time and suddenly, I got sick. It was a horrible bacterial infection in my throat, caused by my weakened immune system due to smoking. I was in agony for over month while the antibiotics took care of it. I was only 21 years old.

 

Didn't need any further encouragement. I never wanted to feel that miserable again. Haven't touched a cigarette again in the past five years.

 

Morale of the story... as the above poster said, when you are ready to quit, stopping is very easy. All it takes is the right kind of motivation.

 

Think of your father. Think of the other people who have died of COPD. Do you want to end up like them?

 

 

Arabella

 

Yeah Arabella, I am recovering as I type this from bronchitis I caught a month ago after a chest cold. A chest cold in August!

I'm also smoking....

[You Go Girl]

You will only stop smoking when YOU are READY to stop smoking, From reading your post that sounds like it could be now.

 

I assure you you are NOT powerless to stop smoking, once you have got your head round it you will be able to stop instantly. I smoked for 20 years, then stopped 8 years ago. Only a few days of physical symptoms and they were easy to ignore.

 

Please buy the book, "The easy way to stop smoking" by Allan Carr. I know the title sounds cheesy but I give you my word it is a good book. It makes you realise that you have been lied to your entire life.....

 

I am writing this book down.

Just how have I been lied to my entire life? That intrigues me!

Really? My post sounds like I am ready? I keep thinking about it the last few weeks, really hoping that if I think about it enough I will get to the point I will do something about it.

How do I sound ready?

[Thorgs]

I think recognizing that you want to quit is a big step. The next step is just as hard...not picking up that cigarette. I too am struggling with this as I am bored a lot and have nothing to do lately so I turn to smoking. I hope to quit soon and I hope you do too.

[You Go Girl]

I think recognizing that you want to quit is a big step. The next step is just as hard...not picking up that cigarette. I too am struggling with this as I am bored a lot and have nothing to do lately so I turn to smoking. I hope to quit soon and I hope you do too.

 

Not picking up the cigarette is definitely harder than acknowledging I finally really want to quit, which yes, has taken a long time to arrive to.

 

Bored? I don't have that problem. But habit! Reaching and lighting a cigarette without the conscious decision to do so. It appears to be subconscious.

I seem to have a dependency psychologically. As if taking away my cigarettes, or refusing myself one, just the thought creates anxiety. I am working through that anxiety by trying to think like a non-smoker. Kind of like the saying that battles are won in the mind long before the battlefield. Non-smokers go hours everyday without a cigarette, and they don't die from a lack of smoking, so neither would I. Ironic, isn't it.

The thinking that *I NEED* cigarettes is the biggest battle. That I can't cope without them. Humph. That somehow they help me get through life, that cigarettes are my friend, that they are there for me even in the most stressful of times, that they never abandon me... Same as any other addict. Bad as a heroin junkie.

[wuggle]

I am writing this book down.

Do. Trust me it is a brilliant book, written by a man who really wanted to make a difference.

 

Just how have I been lied to my entire life? That intrigues me!

The book will explain far better than I could. But basically it asks you to think about why you smoke and just sort of discusses in a non patronising way the lies that 'fellow' smokers have fed you and the lies you tell yourself about smoking. Things like the classic lie "I smoke to releive the pressure of xxxxxx", which is basically just a lie you agree to to justify the habit\addiction.

 

 

Really? My post sounds like I am ready? I keep thinking about it the last few weeks, really hoping that if I think about it enough I will get to the point I will do something about it.

How do I sound ready?

I think you might be ready, partly based on the fact that you have just posted to an international forum stating that you might be. This is a start, and all you need. When you question this habit\addiction you are already on the road to defeating it. Sure you can just 'put it on hold' or 'tackle it another day'.

 

When your ready, you will kick the habit Buy the book. Please

[skydiveaddict]

Ironic, isn't it.

The thinking that *I NEED* cigarettes is the biggest battle. That I can't cope without them. Humph. That somehow they help me get through life, that cigarettes are my friend, that they are there for me even in the most stressful of times, that they never abandon me... Same as any other addict. Bad as a heroin junkie.

 

 

I am convinced it's mostly mental. When ever I get deployed I smoke like a fiend. I think because most every one else does too. But when I get back home, I lose all desire for them. sounds weird I know but it's true

Edited September 5, 2010 by skydiveaddict

[You Go Girl]

Well for an addict like me, skydiveaddict, I think it's trifold--habit, nicotine addiction, and mental, mental being the biggest hurdle.

 

It is interesting to disect the mind of an addict. The foolish lies they tell themselves. The crutch-thinking that there will be some kind of meltdown without whatever they are addicted to handy. For instance, when I run out of cigarettes, I used to panic if I couldn't drive to get some more immediately. That has lessened. I ran out a few times and just kicked back and noticed that I wasn't dying.

Trans-continental flights are interesting. Smoking is not an option. There is no point in yearning. It would only be some kind of twisted self-torture. Interesting--I found I didn't die without them then either.

Now I'm thinking the habit part of it all is my biggest problem. I can get my head around the twisted psychology by disecting how ridiculous it is. That's probably progress.

[The Collector]

Good luck. If you really can't do it, I'd recommend switching to roll-ups... they are much cheaper, don't make you cough as much, and your fingers don't go yellow and your clothes don't stink. Taste better too imo, especially with liquorice papers.

[Disillusioned]

My late Uncle Richard smoked since WW2, then back in 1987 he sat down at his table to eat breakfast and read his newspaper... and he wondered why he ever started smoking in the first place. He never smoked again after that.

[TRaczaj]

 

But I feel powerless to stop.

 

I know how you feel. I was there once.

 

I quit in January after having one Acupressure treatment. Acupressure makes it a lot easier to quit cold turkey.

 

And I tried so many other methods before that too. I tried the gum and it gave me mouth sores. The lozenges made me feel sick (and they taste like crap.) The patch was working pretty well for me for a while. But not well enough because I didn't quit using it. Zyban didn't work for me... and it kept me awake for days. Chantix turned me into an evil... person.

 

And I'll admit, I just couldn't do it cold turkey with no help. My will is not that strong.

 

So I heard about this Acupressure Therapy... I knew a few people who quit that way. So I thought what the hell? I called and made the appointment and the lady I talked to told me they usually set appointments about a month away, because then it gives you time to get used to the idea of quitting. And in the month leading up to my appointment it really did start to sink in, that I was quitting soon and it helped the mental battle.

 

Then I went for the appointment... My friend drove because they recommend that you don't drive yourself (probably better because I was pretty dizzy after.) So, my friend (an occasional smoker) and I stood out in front of the treatment center and smoked. I actually saved the butt of that cigarette because it was my last one ever. I know that's probably cheesy in most people's opinion.

 

Acupressure is a laser treatment. It's actually really relaxing. I fell asleep while it was being done to me. The whole thing took about twenty minutes. I felt almost stoned afterwards.

 

So, that was it for me. I haven't smoked since. I won't lie though, it was hard the first few days. I had triggers to deal with. My big thing was driving... I used to smoke every time I got in the truck to go somewhere. So the first couple days it was rough driving anywhere. And driving was a trigger I couldn't avoid. Another trigger was being on the computer. That I could avoid for a few days though, and I did. And my breaks at work... I still went outside with all the smokers at work at break time because those are the people I've gotten so used to socializing with on breaks. It was weird standing out there and not smoking though. And it was Winter time so it was freezing out too.

 

I did eat more the first couple days too... But that did last long. I didn't gain any weight when I quit either.

 

So, this might be something for you to look into. I hope this helped.

 

Good luck...

Edited September 10, 2010 by TRaczaj

[denise_xo]

 

Please buy the book, "The easy way to stop smoking" by Allan Carr. I know the title sounds cheesy but I give you my word it is a good book. It makes you realise that you have been lied to your entire life.....

 

I really second this, the title sounds extremely cheesy but the basic message is excellent and extremely helpful. I know tons of people who have used it.

 

You will quit when you're ready, it's a process to get there. You have to look at it as liberation rather than deprivation. It's definitely within your power.

 

Someone I know did hypnosis and that cured her for good.

 

What are e-cigarettes???

[hopesndreams]

Smoking is like wearing a tight pair of shoes. You smoke and the shoes become more roomy and comfortable. You know it's time for another smoke when the shoes become tight again.

 

If you quit smoking, eventually your shoes will be comfortable, always! It's the smoking that makes your shoes become tight in the first place.

[You Go Girl]

Well I haven't even thought about quitting the last few days, so zero progress, although it's always in the back of my mind everytime I look at a cigarette, cough, look at the ashtray, or go buy them, etc.

e-cigarettes are interesting and don't seem to work for me at all. They are this tube that looks like a cigarette, but contains no tobacco, but does contain nicotine. The smoker puffs on the pretend cigarette, gets the nicotine, and steam is released when they exhale.

It looks like a kid's toy, although it certainly is not.

Like those candy cigarettes that used to blow 'smoke' in the form of sugar. I thought they were illegal then I saw they still are being sold in Mexico.

Thanks everyone who is chiming in.

Life's a little stressful right now as my D is final in less than two weeks. This may be the best time to do this, or I may find myself too scatterbrained.

Acupuncture sounds interesting...and scary!

[witabix]

Only just saw this thread YGG.

 

Its tough but I think the only way to do it is to go cold turkey.

 

I stopped last Monday. Have been going a little spooky all week. But now six days smoke free later I feel better. A little anyway, its a long journey from 20/30 cigs a day to none. But it is doable (That is NOT a word! But no underline).

 

Come on YGG, go for it.....:bunny: I know you can do it....

 

All together now

:bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny:

COME ON YGG, QUIT THE SMOKING!! YAAAYYYYYY!!!!

:bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny:

[TRaczaj]

Well I haven't even thought about quitting the last few days, so zero progress, although it's always in the back of my mind everytime I look at a cigarette, cough, look at the ashtray, or go buy them, etc.

e-cigarettes are interesting and don't seem to work for me at all. They are this tube that looks like a cigarette, but contains no tobacco, but does contain nicotine. The smoker puffs on the pretend cigarette, gets the nicotine, and steam is released when they exhale.

It looks like a kid's toy, although it certainly is not.

Like those candy cigarettes that used to blow 'smoke' in the form of sugar. I thought they were illegal then I saw they still are being sold in Mexico.

Thanks everyone who is chiming in.

Life's a little stressful right now as my D is final in less than two weeks. This may be the best time to do this, or I may find myself too scatterbrained.

Acupuncture sounds interesting...and scary!

 

It wasn't acupuncture I had, It was acupressure. Basically the same thing, but with lasers instead of needles.

 

Since you're going through the big D right now it might not be a good time to quit. But, you can see that as one of many positive changes in your life after the D is final.

[Miko]

Might I share my recently gained wisdom on quitting smoking.

 

1. Pick your day and go to a friends house ALL DAY. I mean wake up there, stay all day, and stay the night. That's the trick for day 1.

 

2. Be aware that the reduction in withdrawals is NOT linear. For me, days 1, 3, and 7 were pretty bad. Don't get too comfortable and think it's over by day 3, it's not. The big hurdles are Day 1, Day 3, Day 7 and after 3 weeks it's SOOOOOO much easier.

 

3. Cold turkey is the only way to go. I'm serious.

 

4. When you have the urge, you will try to rationalize to yourself that 'maybe I'll be happier smoking' and a bunch of BS like that. Remember that when you decided to quit, you were of sound mind and that it IS what you really want.

 

5. Do NOT take 1 puff. I quit cold turkey 100% for 4 months, then I took one puff and a month later I'm smoking a pack a day again. Now I've got to go through hell all over again...stupid.

 

6. VERY IMPORTANT. Quitting smoking, in my experience is not 'breaking' the habit of smoking, it is the CREATION of a new habit. The habit of saying no and changing the subject in your own mind. It's laying one habit on top of another. Don't expect to never want a smoke again, but know that as your old habit fades, your new habit of saying no will become stronger than it.

 

7. WORK OUT, I can't imagine quitting without hitting the gym to burn all that extra energy.

 

Good Luck

[You Go Girl]

Only just saw this thread YGG.

 

Its tough but I think the only way to do it is to go cold turkey.

 

I stopped last Monday. Have been going a little spooky all week. But now six days smoke free later I feel better. A little anyway, its a long journey from 20/30 cigs a day to none. But it is doable (That is NOT a word! But no underline).

 

Come on YGG, go for it.....:bunny: I know you can do it....

 

All together now

:bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny:

COME ON YGG, QUIT THE SMOKING!! YAAAYYYYYY!!!!

:bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny::bunny:

 

Haha, Wit, you're kewl. Knew that from your heavy thread. All those silly bunnies jumping around the screen! Staring at them makes me smile and feel a little crazy!

Good for you...6 days...you shoulda told me and I could have suffered through it with you, some kind of competition!

I might have lost though

[You Go Girl]

4. When you have the urge, you will try to rationalize to yourself that 'maybe I'll be happier smoking' and a bunch of BS like that. Remember that when you decided to quit, you were of sound mind and that it IS what you really want.

 

 

Good Luck

 

THere's the rub right there...everytime I try to put them down, I pout and justify picking another one up again.

My bad devil on my left shoulder has the psychology nailed down...the little angel on the right can't even be heard.

In otherwords, I lack self-control. Humph.

You went 4 months and blew it, and now you feel it's back to square 1? You don't even feel more confident this next time around that you know you can do it?

Your points are all good. Going someplace where I can't smoke the first day is an excellent idea.

I think making myself stand outside in a blizzard naked to smoke might just work...but it's only sept., and besides, I'd probably get arrested.

 

The last few days have been extremely stressful for me, several things unfolding all at once. Very unusual pressure and stress, that came out ofthe blue, this stuff aside from the D. However, even though I'm going through the D, I figure, if not when my life is changing, then when?

And, I must admit, especially after I have chastised others including tbx on his addictions. If I can't kick an addiction, then how can I chastise others for not? I'm a hypocrite.

First thing first, it's darn cold outside tonight, I think I'll make myself go smoke outside in the rain if that devil on my shoulder insists.

And yes, I'm starting to finally GET IT, there is only one way to quit, and that's to quit, none of this but I'll sneak one on myself here and there...it only leads to a bunch more.

[witabix]

Just quit one day at a time then.

 

One full week smoke free for me tomorrow.

 

Still getting the urge, but fighting it.

[You Go Girl]

The weather is turning. Smoking inside is going to stink up the place, the curtains, the furniture, the carpet, everything.

I'm not going to go outside to smoke, I've decided I'll just quit instead.

I'll air the place out because I've smoked in here the last few days, and then that's that. No more!

We'll see if I stick to that.

[witabix]

The weather is turning. Smoking inside is going to stink up the place, the curtains, the furniture, the carpet, everything.

I'm not going to go outside to smoke, I've decided I'll just quit instead.

I'll air the place out because I've smoked in here the last few days, and then that's that. No more!

We'll see if I stick to that.

 

=======~

...........) ==

..............==

...............==

You smoke another cigarette and the Bunny gets it.

 

Save the Bunny! Don't smoke!

[You Go Girl]

You would KILL the bunny? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THe bunny is innocent!