STORM2K

Today is the day that I am quitting smoking. I made the decision last week that when my stash ran out, there will be no more. I have many many reason for quitting and it's finally time to take that step. I know it's going to be extremely tough and I'm prepared. I'm going to the store today to buy some things that will help, like candles (aromatherepy), sugar free gum, and even a special treat for myself that I would have otherwise spend the $ on cigarettes. I'm going to need tons of support too.

Just wondering if anyone else is thinking of quitting or has recently quit?

Good luck..I honestly don't know to many people that still do smoke...

Go for it, Holly!

I'm with you in spirit. No point saying I'm with you in regards to quitting because I've never smoked anyway.

But I'm all here for supporting you. You go, girl!

I could be wrong, but it seems that in certain parts of the country, there are more smokers than other places. I think LA has a high number of smokers because I do see it all the time, and many many members of my dh's family smokes (my dh doesn't). Other places that I've traveled, like in the Northwest (Montana, Wyoming, Alaska), I didn't see many smokers anywhere.

I'm going to try cold turkey. If I feel that I can't handle it, I will either try a NRT or contact my doctor for a prescription like Zyban. I'm one who avoid meds like the plague, but I think the benefits would outway the risks.

I've done this before and last one week cold turkey. At that point, I would start convincing myself why smoking may not be so bad and I started back up. So this time, I know what to expect after that first week and be prepared for it.

You know Holly, I know someone who was a VERY heavy smoker. She has emphysema. Anyway, she tried the Zyban and quit for 5 weeks. She was completely miserable, would break out in tears because she wanted a cigarette so bad. She went back to the cigarettes. A few months ago her doctor told her she either had to quit or she would be on oxygen within a year. So she had that new lazer procedure done. Cost $450. She said she felt no different when she left the place - but hasn't has a cigarette since! She hasn't had the withdrawal either - which to me is absolutely amazing.

Go on Survivor! Last time there was a contestant that went to the final 4 or 5 (Shane) that quit 3 packs a day and several strong latte's a day, cold turkey. He was a major mess though. I don't think you'll be that bad!

And get this, after he was voted off, he went back to smoking. I couldn't believe it! After all that......

But more power to you!

Thanks for the info sunny. I've seen a commercial for the laser treatment but am not sure where it is available around here.

Like I said though, I am going to go cold turkey and most successful quitters that I know went cold turkey. I just don't want to get hooked on a gum or patch in place of smokes. I want to be nicotine FREE with no dependence on anything.

Survivor? No thanks but it is a shame that he went back to it. I've tried quitting before too and failed. Most successful quitters had several failed attempts before finally succeeding.

I know! I wish Shane hadn't taken up smoking. After what he went thru to quit too. Jeff Probst was still shocked at someone that addicted to nicotine and caffeine, going on Survivor (at the reunion). I know I was! I'm addicted to caffeine and I'd be a mess from that alone. Can't even imagine giving up smoking like he did. In the blazing sun, bugs everywhere, hot temps, very little drinking water! Yikes!

Good luck Holly.

Unfortunately I failed, but I used to smoke 2-3 packs a day, I'm now down to less than a pack a day but I also must quit. I've had this pack for 2 days now, but as soon as it's done I'll join you Holly....Good luck!!!

Angel, sounds great. sounds like you cut your ciggs by less than half which is huge. I smoke about 1.5 packs each day, sometimes 1 pack.

I wish you the VERY best, Holly!

Go for it!

Good Luck!

Good luck HollynLA. Me and my mom are planning to quit together sometime before Thanksgiving. Her mother, my grandma just passed on Monday So I figure now is not the best time. My mom has been coughing alot latley and I am afraid he has emphysema. My grandma suffered from lung problems before she died and was also a smoker years and years ago. I told her today thats it, you have to quit, and she said will you? Of course I will if thats what it takes. So I suggested that we take some knitting classes together because we both would like to learn, and it will be something to keep our hands busy. So I will let you guys know when we make the plunge. I am nervous just thinking about it, it has been half of my life I have smoked and 37 years for my mom. I plan on doing it cold turkey as well. That is the way my dad did it about 15 years ago, and he is still going strong.

I really hope it works out for you Holly, keep us posted on how its going for you. I wish you the best of luck. It is a nasty habit and can be hell to quit. I know we all will feel much better without it.

Good luck!

Actually, I stopped back on June 22 when I went out to see my father in CO. I used nicotine lozenges and I only had 1 cigarette while I was out there. I was out there for 4 days. I figured that if I didn't continue this I'd be pretty dumb - I'd be giving up a great opportunity. The lozenges do help alot. I still have a pack and 1/2 left, and I do "treat" myself with one or two during the day. However, I've made it past all of my normal smoking times of the day, like the morning, on the way to and back from work, etc. so I feel that I'll be fine when I'm done with my last ones.

I quit cold turkey when I was 27 after smoking since
I had two+ packs/day from age of 16. The biggest
challence is not being around another smoker which
dearly tempts you. I have been quit for 30 years.

Eddie Semper Fi

Holly---

The best of luck to you. I quit the second time when I had spent 7 weeks in the hospital and couldn't smoke. Why go back after that?

The first time I quit I used a different approach than most. I kept a pack of unopened cigs on the coffee table. Everytime I wanted one, I would cuss the pack (even if I had to go somewhere away from my kids). I used foul language I would never use normally and kept reiterating that I was stronger than those SOB's. It helped to express my anger. I stayed clean for 9 years. Won't talk about why I went back. I also played a lot of solitare (before computers) to keep my hands busy.

One "heads up." Don't go overboard with the sugar free gum---it can case you to have loose bowels. Also, drink a lot of water to wash toxins out faster.

Again--good luck.
MomH

I quit my job today ... continued smoking.

I've tried to quit a few times. One day I'll win!