I decided that I wanted to quit smoking for good. I have been smoking since high school and I know that it's very bad for me. I have stopped before but it never lasts. Recently I cut down from about a pack a day to about 2 to 4. Now it has been 24 hours since I have had one and boy do I feel crappy!
Last time I went 24 hours I couldn't sleep and i felt depressed. I really wanna make it work this time, anybody got any ideas? All suggestions will be appreciated! Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
Ali, I know exactly how you feel! I quit smoking on Jan. 1st this year! I have not had a single drag for almost 5 months. I was a HEAVY smoker for 20 years and decided to quit cold turkey for New Year's. It sucks....by far this is the hardest thing I ever did in my life. I won't lie to you, I still have the urge to smoke quite often, probably will for the rest of my life, but the first few weeks will be brutal. Anxiety, alot of depression, light-headedness, hunger all the time, fidgety, boredom. It's basically like torturing yourself. That's the basic lowdown.
My advice is to start chewing gum. Helps with both the cigarette cravings and hunger. You have no idea how much smoking supresses the appetite. I am starving all the time and that is worse than the wanting to smoke. If you can survive 2 weeks, then you should be able to do it! Don't give in! If I can do this, anyone can!
Posted by Ali_with_an_i (Member # 27) on :
Wow that's great, you've been smoke free for four months! I hope I can be as strong as you!
Thanks for the advice I'm trying my best, taking it one day at a time.
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
No problem Ali. You can do it!
Posted by kevdugp73 (Member # 5978) on :
Good luck Ali...and great job so far 80's. My Mom smoked for 40 + years and has tried many times to quit. Currently...10 months or so without a smoke...which is really great to see.
Posted by journey (Member # 7316) on :
I don't smoke, but I know a few long-term smokers who successfully quit and recognize how hard it can be. From everything I've read quitting cold turkey is the best way to go. It sucks, but the failure rate is much higher for those who use the patch or chew nicotine gum (or just try to ween it down). Gum and candy (the kind you suck) are good things to have on hand since they help with the oral fixation aspect. Hang in there.
Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
quote:Originally posted by journey: Gum and candy (the kind you suck) are good things to have on hand since they help with the oral fixation aspect.
Without gum and candy, I would have never lasted this long! Chewing on straws helps too. I have no idea how I will kick these new habits though.
Posted by MotleyRulz (Member # 3598) on :
I smoke off and on but I do agree with 80s on smoking suppressing the appetite. I'm hungry maybe 1/2 as much now as I used to be as a non-smoker. I find that I get full a lot easier. That being said, I'd prefer having a big appetite and being a non-smoker.........
Posted by It's Sam, Mr. Hain If You're Nasty (Member # 3150) on :
I used to chew tobacco for about 12-13 years. New Years Eve 1995 I decided to quit cold turkey for my New Years resolution and haven't had a dip for 13 1/2 years. The first few weeks were torture. Sucked on a lot of hard candy. I still have cravings to this very day.
I will admit quitting any form of tobacco product won't be easy but if you have the will power it can be done.
Posted by Stitch Groover (Member # 2895) on :
Good luck Ali! Whenever you get a craving, just come in here and post something, it will keep your hands and your mind busy.
Posted by Ali_with_an_i (Member # 27) on :
Thanks everyone. It's day 3 without any tobacco. I'm eating like a pig and chewing gum like crazy!
It sucks but all of you have said the first days are horrible so I'm going to keep trying and hopefully I can do this.
BTW my husband quit 36 days ago and he is going strong. Lucky guy. Posted by jdocster (Member # 5752) on :
Stick with it!!! 80srocked had some good ideas, gum, straws, toothpicks, try water as well. Really, after you eat and the cravings hit, drink water.
Best of luck to you!
Smoke free for 5 years... - jdocster
Posted by There'll be no morning for us (Member # 5804) on :
How are you doing Ali?
Posted by Mike. (Member # 7179) on :
I agree the first two weeks were terrible for me,i gave up smoking about 8 years ago and have not smoked since. I did it by going cold turkey as well,went through a lot of chewing gum but it did the trick.Have to admit my appetite came back and i did put a bit of weight on because of snacking,but it was easy to shift that a few months later. The thing is you will reach a certain point Ali when you will not want to smoke because of how far you have gone without a cigerette,so keep it up and you will be smoke free before you know it.
Posted by Ali_with_an_i (Member # 27) on :
Thanks again everyone. I am happy to say that I am still smoke free! It has been hard but worth it. My sense of smell and my sense of taste have intensified. I stil crave a smoke everyday, but it's getting better. Thanks for the support everyone!
Posted by There'll be no morning for us (Member # 5804) on :
Great to hear Posted by 80'sRocked (Member # 6979) on :
Awesome Ali! Good for you. I still crave everyday and it's been over 5 months for me. It will get better though!
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