Quit Smoking

[Miss Critter]

I've never smoked (though Mr. C does, and has 10 million "reasons" why it's never the right time to quit). According to testimonials at my acupuncturist's office, that method's been effective for some people. I love Dr. Wu at Healing Art Acupuncture (across from Sandestin) 650-0060. After a session, I always feel much more "centered" and calmer. Mr. C hasn't tried it yet; I think he's afraid it will work, and he'll lose his beloved addiction. He tried Chantix and became a monster. Crawly skin and freaky dreams and really bad temper. I thought the smoking was better than divorce (or worse) so he discontinued, but I do know of several people it was successful for.

Whatever you choose, CHOOSE SOMETHING. And don't stop trying until you've quit. There's a special place in hell for the tobacco companies, imo. They're no different from any other pushers of addictive substances, and don't give me the bullsh*t "it's legal" argument. It shouldn't be. Not one redeeming quality to those disgusting things.

 

[Rudyjohn]

hey, it sounds as tho you've tried a few times. My doc told me once that each time you quit, it gets a bit easier. It's true. There will be a "final quit" here soon for you.

Nicotine is more addictive than anything - has a stronger hold than heroin or crack. I've been smoke free for 10 years and I still think it was the hardest thing I ever did. I even remember my last cig and exactly where I was. I still dream that I'm enjoying a cig.

Oh, another thing (for me anyway) I can never have an alcoholic drink again. The 2 go hand in hand for me. My friends who've never smoked don't understand why I only order "virgin" drinks when we're out. I've worked too hard to mess it up. Anyway, it's to my advantage on both - no nicotine/alcohol.

Hopefully your sweetheart doesn't smoke. It's much easier not to have it in the vicinity.

As elgordo said, that monkey is gonna be a holy terror.

I wish you much luck!

 

[wrobert]

I've never smoked (though Mr. C does, and has 10 million "reasons" why it's never the right time to quit). According to testimonials at my acupuncturist's office, that method's been effective for some people. I love Dr. Wu at Healing Art Acupuncture (across from Sandestin) 650-0060. After a session, I always feel much more "centered" and calmer. Mr. C hasn't tried it yet; I think he's afraid it will work, and he'll lose his beloved addiction. He tried Chantix and became a monster. Crawly skin and freaky dreams and really bad temper. I thought the smoking was better than divorce (or worse) so he discontinued, but I do know of several people it was successful for.

Whatever you choose, CHOOSE SOMETHING. And don't stop trying until you've quit. There's a special place in hell for the tobacco companies, imo. They're no different from any other pushers of addictive substances, and don't give me the bullsh*t "it's legal" argument. It shouldn't be. Not one redeeming quality to those disgusting things.

My Mother quit two different times with hypnosis. Sadly she is back smoking though denies it. But hard not to notice the cloud when you walk in her house.

 

[scooterbug44]

Good luck! It will make us all very happy if you can quit!

 

[NoHall]

Best of luck to you, and keep us posted. I'm going to print this out for my dad, who is going in for a stress test Friday...

 

[Bob]

go to pathology at a local hospital, and take a lung gander

 

[maxman]

Stop The Madness

My partner is doing the patch and smoking one cigarette a day. It's better than a pack a day.That's his method for now. I support him but don't push him. He's been at this since 4/1. We've gone through the ***** cycle and he's better to live with now. His doctor told him he had to stop, after some blood work he had done. Make up your mind to stop, take inventory , and take note of everything that has been said here. There is no better time than NOW. Don't be afraid of the process of quiting, the benefits far outweigh the fear of what you think you're going to go through. Keep yourself busy and when you have the urge go do something physical. You friends that can help, just like any other addition. Good luck.

How did you do it or what finally worked for you? I've got to quit smoking and there's no time like the present.

 

[Jdarg]

Once I made it about 2 weeks, i couldn't fathom having another cigarette- it would mean starting from square one again, and I wasn't about to do that! As everyone says, it is the worst addiction, the hardest to kick, and one day you will be glad to be on the other side!

 

[Bobby J]

I had a buddy one time tell me that in order to quit you have to stop abruptly. I truly do not believe there is any other way. Get it in your head to Go away and STOP.

I also like this one: A person will quit doing things that cause them problems when the pain of not changing is greater then staying the same.

Of course this all pertained to other drugs and alcohol but it is all the same.

 

[ShallowsNole]

Smoke free 10 years Memorial Day weekend!! I began smoking in junior high school, but it was more of a casual take-it-or-leave-it thing until I was about 20 or so. I was careful not to smoke around people I knew that didn't like it and never, ever on a date. But suddenly I was smoking a pack a day. I had quit numerous times for weeks, even months, prior to the last time, including cold turkey when I was pregnant. But I always thought I could have just one, and each time, that's all it took. I distinctly remember the second sleepless night with a three-week old colicky infant, and the realization that I was no longer pregnant, wasn't (couldn't) nursing, and by golly I wouldn't hurt my baby if I smoked just one or two. I remember packing son into the car and driving to the Tom Thumb at 331/98 for a pack of Marlboro Lights. Fuzz was intensely disappointed with me, but I reassured him it was only temporary and I would quit again. And I did, but it was six years later.

What worked this time?

Picking a quit date when there would be low stress. For me, it was a three-day weekend, and I slept through most of it.

Wellbutrin (Zyban) and Nicorette. And, drink LOTS of water.

Also, I used a crutch - I took a drinking straw, cut it in half and stuffed tissue in it. It was the perfect size/weight to simulate a cigarette. I would hold it while driving, and I admit acting like I was smoking it, but actually practicing deep breathing. I quit the Wellbutrin after two months, the Nicorette two weeks after that, but it was also four months before I stopped carrying the straw around.

I found a support group on the internet. That helped me to know that others were feeling the same things I was feeling.

Finally, and this is the scary part to face: I knew that I could not give in. Not once, not ever. But I had to take it one day at a time. Most days I don't think about it, or even actively remember that I used to smoke. However, I know that sneaking one socially would wake up the nicodemon, and I'd be heading to the 331/98 Tom Thumb at 2:00 am again.

Good luck, and like jdarg, I'm here if you need me. And if you slip, just climb back on the wagon again. Love you SWGB...