Better health

By Rusty

January 2, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

My wife gave me the ultimatum. ‘me or the smokes..what’s it gonna be?

By Denise B.

January 2, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking over a year ago using the pill Chantix. It worked better than expected! The urge was completely gone after a week… it was the habit that was harder to overcome. I used the pill for one month and have not touched a cigarette since.

By Deb

January 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It took 3 times using the patch to finally make it, and I say “make it” loosely. If I were told I’d die in 6 months, I’d go straight to the convenience store at the end of the street. It’s a never-ending battle I have resigned myself to keep fighting. It’s been 3-1/2 years!

By Jeff

January 2, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Haven’t quit yet, tried many times, and have done well, except for when it’s a night going to the bar. A beer seems to be my weekness for smoking. Any suggestions? I dont go to smoking bars anymore and it’s still nearly impossible!

By Denise B.

January 2, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking over a year ago using the pill Chantix. It worked better than expected! The urge was completely gone after a week… it was the habit that was harder to overcome. I used the pill for one month and have not touched a cigarette since.

By Denise B.

January 2, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking over a year ago using the pill Chantix. It worked better than expected! The urge was completely gone after a week… it was the habit that was harder to overcome. I used the pill for one month and have not touched a cigarette since.

By Denise B.

January 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry there was a computer issue… didn’t mean to send the same thing 3 times!

By Jack the Butt

January 2, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

After smoking a pack a day + for 39 years I quit cold turkey after having bypass surgery. It’s amazing how you can change your habits after waking up when you didn’t know when they were about to put you under if you ever would or not.

By Wayne Troutman

January 2, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I quit cold turkey at the age of 64 in February of 2005 upon release from a local hospital. I had been taken there near death with congestive heart failure and severe pulmonary problems, all of which were complicated by Type 2 Diabetes. The time I spent in intensive care was sufficient to frighten me into the determination to finally give up tobacco. Whenever I get the urge to light up again, all I need to is call upon the memory of the first time I came aware of my surroundings in ICU having been intubated, had various intravenous needles in my arms and had other indignities performed upon my person to preserve my life. That’s as near Hell as I ever want to be — ever.

By david

January 2, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

After 35 years of smoking, I decided to quit but enlisted my physican’s assistance with an Rx for Wellbutrin. It worked for me. Well, that and a lot of deep breathing exercises. I haven’t had a cigarette in 4 1/2 years and now really hate the smell of ashtrays and second hand smoke. Quitting was good for me. But, like an alcoholic that goes day-by-day without a drink, I classify myself as a smoker who goes day-by-day without a cigarette. Good luck to those who want to quit.

By smokin' joe

January 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

It’s easy to quit…I’ve done it about a hundred times!

By Meredith

January 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking over 10 years ago using Hypnosis. I went for 3 sessions and it worked beautifully. No cravings, no weight gain. I never missed smoking at all - the cravings went away completely.

(I had smoked a pack a day for almost 20 years. The patch and gum did not work for me).

By Mel

January 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

It was easy for me - I got mugged, got my nose broken, and ended up spending a week at Mom’s house with a nose stuffed full of gauze. Since I couldn’t smole there, I decided that if I could avoid smoking for a whole week, I might as well quit for good. It worked! I have not smoked a cigarette in 22 years. Sometimes, I still get cravings, though…

By BossLady

January 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I have a prescription for Chantix and thanks Denise for your positive report. My employer is going to pay for my filling of prescriptions because she (1) is a good person and (2) she believes that since I have basically good health, then I should not ruin that with cigarettes. I am unable to smoke at my “friend’s” as he had heart problems, my job and my home with my grandchildren. I have no choice at this point.

By Nana

January 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

I tried to quit for so many years and finally have quit with the help of the patch. The patches are not cheap however the store brand patches are just as good as the name brand and work just as well. They’re a lot cheaper than cigarettes. I also found that you could use one patch a day using a new one for 2 days then using both of those patches on the third day, saves some money that way. If the patches are worn at night dreams are very vivid. Good luck to anyone who quits or tries to quit it’s a nasty habit, a costly habit and a deadly habit. Even if you fail at first keep trying!

By lynne

January 2, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I smoked for over 30 years and used Chantix to quit - today is my two month anniversary as a non-smoker. I had a chronic cough that disappeared within a week of quitting; didn’t realize how much it must have annoyed my office mates until everyone started commenting on the fact that I wasn’t coughing any more! I can’t believe how much better I feel.

By Jane

January 2, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Put them down and didn’t buy anymore

By Rusty

January 2, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I completely sympathize with anyone trying to stop. I’m at 7.5 years and I still have the urge occasionally. I just have to remind myself how many DIFFERENT ways that they can kill you. Not to mention how smokers smell to non smokers. It’s disgusting. You know what they say, ‘the only thing worse than a smoker is an ex-smoker.

By Michael

January 2, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Rusty,

I think you are missing the point of the article. We are not looking for reasons to start smoking or reasons to increase smoking. Pay attention Rusty.

By joe

January 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

i made all the illegal aliens in metro atlanta go back home, and shipped all the liberals to a deserted island in the middle of the pacific ocean to die. i no longer feel the need to smoke.

By Rusty

January 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Michael, dude I said my wife not yours.

By msteven

January 2, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

One week about six years ago in April, I purchased a pack of cigs. for $4.00. I lost the pack after only smoking 1 cigarette. I bought another pack. smoked 1 out of the pack. I lost that Pack too!(actually a friend of mines hid the first pack. the second I Never found. So after two packs of cigarettes a total of $8.00 and only smoked one out of each pack. I refused to search for the lost packs. One voice said “Well I aint gonna look for the packs and another voice said “Well I aint buying you Another Pack!” Its been 6yrs. I guess the voices won out because I havent smoked since that week!

By David

January 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

I quit 10 years ago. I was in a Mexican restaurant and was out of smokes so I took a couple jalapeno slices and popped them in my mouth and sucked on them till my eyes watered. Those jalapenos made me forget about the craving for a while. I asked the waitress to bring me a cup of them to go. I ate them when ever I had a craving. I don’t smoke any more after that but I do get a craving for spicy food every now and then.

By David

January 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

I quit 10 years ago. I was in a Mexican restaurant and was out of smokes so I took a couple jalapeno slices and popped them in my mouth and sucked on them till my eyes watered. Those jalapenos made me forget about the craving for a while. I asked the waitress to bring me a cup of them to go. I ate them when ever I had a craving. I don’t smoke any more after that but I do get a craving for spicy food every now and then.

By Trinahun

January 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

The patch is great. Also, you can cut them in smaller pieces and cut down as you go. I did. But if you don’t mind a long time winging yourself you could follow directions and make it easier on a especially long time smoker. I enjoyed my cigerettes who didn’t? But I enjoy not smoking more. Wish I had quit a long time ago. Or never started. I see kids lighting up and I just say they don’t know what their getting into. Good luck people, keep trying!!! It will happen when you truly want to quit.

By Marty

January 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I moved from Seattle to Atlanta and had bee “trying” to quit for more than a year (since the birth of my daughter) with no luck. But to me, something about the humidity did something to the smoke; I would go outside to smoke, and would come back completely stinking, but much worse than I was used to , I smelled like the inside of an old beer can that had a bunch of old butts in it. Two months in Atlanta and I was done, cold turkey.

By Exsquid

January 2, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking on the Great American Smokeout in 1996 while in the U.S. Navy. Didn’t have another cigarette, but replaced it with Skoal. Essentially, I was a slave to nicotine. Dipped about a 1/3 to 1/2 a can per day until December 6, 2003. That was the day my mother died. She was a smoker for 60 some-odd years. After seeing the way smoking killed her, I thought that I’d be crazy to continue my current behavior. My mother was probably a text book case of Chronic Obstuctive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It literally sucked her breath away with each passing day, until she finally was on oxygen 24/7 and rarely left the house. I caught her smoking 2 months before she went to the hospital for the last time.

Do whatever you have got to do, just free yourself freom the slavery of nicotine addiction. It’ll be the best decision of your life.

By Grand Poobah

January 2, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I am annoyed by the measures quitters take. You cant smoke anywhere now. Even a strip club is non smoking, and their employees are using the craziest methods I ever saw to quit. This one stripper was wearing the patch as a pastie.

I’ll be here all week.

By Kevin

January 2, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Still the most difficult thing I’ve EVER attempted. Started taking Chantix 3 months ago and still have an occasional smoke when drinking or playing golf. Maybe 20 cigarettes in 3 months. I’ll never call myself an ex-smoker but a smoker whose smoke free for xx number of days.

By Don in Ga.

January 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

I stopped cold turkey at 5 minutes to five pm on June 25th, 1963. Huh? Yes, put my last butt out just before I left the office and made a mental note to buy a pack on the way home. But, I forgot so upon arriving home I settled onto my chair in front of the TV and reached again for that smoke. Oh, I need to go out and started to but the wife called, “dinner” so I’ll wait. After foor I reached again….then something on the tube caught my attention and I sat down. Later, my wife woke me to go to bed. The next morning I decided to try to stop….and I never again “needed” another smoke. This helped me to stop drinking that same year since I “needed” a smoke when I drank. STRANGE but true. 44.5 years ago!

By ron

January 3, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I was a two pack a day Pall MALL smoker.One morning I was out of cigarettes and decided it was time to quit.That was it.I’ve never had another smoke and I’ve never wanted one.I’ve mentally kicked my a$$ many times since for smoking as long as I did.I listened to people tell me how hard it was to quit and I believed them.It is not hard to quit smoking once you decide you don’t want to play games anymore and you really want to quit.I haven’t smoked for twenty years and there’s no reason the rest of you can’t join me except that you don’t really want to.

By SKINFAN

January 3, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I quit smoking in December 2006. It took me almost dying to realize that smoking was going to be my end. Mine alone. I have kids, I have a wife, friends, family, co-workers, a life. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes after an episode of my body, my heart, and my brain going absolutely nuts on me. This is a result of years of smoking, inactivity and poor diet. Truly bad choices. Since that life altering event, I have changed my lifestyle. I exercise. I watch my diet. I take my meds and realized that life is far more important than smoking to be cool. It’s why we started. We were told that it was leading cause of death, but we smoked anyway. We now realize that it damages your nerves, your libido (sex life), your organs. So if this helps anyone to stop, I’m glad. If you need help to stop get it. Friends, help your friends stop. Family, help your loved one stop. But stop. There are companies getting rich off our deaths. I’m not helping them anymore.

By Ginger

January 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Today is 3 years smoke free for me. I used Commits for longer than intended but finally got away from those too. It was and still is very hard. I would love to smoke one from here to Newton right now but I know I can not. It was way to hard to quit, to have to go through it again. Now if my husband could quit I would be very happy. And no, I don’t nag, I know that it will have to be in his own time. Good Luck.

By Woody

January 3, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Question: How did you quit smoking?

Answer: By never starting!

By shane

January 3, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I smoked from age 15 till 29 - I quit over 7 months ago now using the Chantix pill. I had tried wellbutrin a couple of years ago, but I found that it altered my personality and turned me into a zombie so I didn’t follow-thru with the program. I gotta say, Chantix was incredible - it didn’t change my brain chemistry like the other stuff does and it just made quitting sooooooooooo much easier. I recommend it highly to anyone who really wants to quit and be done with it. Like most folks posting here, I had quite a scare in my late twenties and really changed my lifestyle. I wasn’t even 30 and I was having severe heart problems! I workout regularly now, eat better (not neccessarily right, but better), and I gave up the smoking. I’ve never felt better.

By L2theP

January 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I used prayer, prayer and more prayer…I kept getting on my knees and finally after a few weeks, it worked! I have been smoke free for almost three years now! Yippee Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

By Cannibus

January 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Okay, so what’s the trick to stop smoking the self-rolling kind? I can’t stand the pre-rolled cigs, but a good toke after work helps to take the edge off, relieve that bit of stress/pressure……..and it really is my only release. So what do I do?

By Orlando

January 3, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I am not a smoker, but i applaud each and every one of you for doing it. my dad smoked for 30 yrs and finally stopped, and if he can do it, anyone can..

By Michelle

January 3, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

I used Lent to help me. So, I had Lent, the patch and Wellbutrin. It’s been 6 years and I can FINALLY say that I hardly ever have cravings any more. I enjoyed smoking, but after both of my parents were diagnosed with Lung Cancer, I KNEW I had to quit. They’ve since both passed on and I most certainly hope that I quit soon enough to make a difference.

By Bud

January 3, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I guess I’m lucky. I decided to quit smoking on Labor Day, 1977 and never had another cigarette. It wasn’t difficult for me.

By Brandon

January 3, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I quit smoking cigarettes by starting to smoke cigars. I went from a pack of cigarettes a day to smoking 3 cigars per day. I then cut that back to 2 cigars, then 1 cigar and eventually I just quit. It’s all mental. Your mind is way more powerful than what most people give it credit for. You can quit. You just have to want to.

By Howie

January 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

A Copenhagen user for 28 years, had tried to stop cold turkey with no luck then tried…..Chantix!

Can not say enough about this product. If your serious, you should see your doctor for the prescription.

I had a “dip” from the moment I woke to the second I went to sleep, the amount of nicitine I was putting in my body I could have been chain smoking Reds all day long for 28 years.

Non tobacco user since March 22, 2007!

By Denise Niecy L.M.

January 3, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I quit smoking the first time when I got pregnant and knew I could not smoke while pregnant, I stopped for seven years and started again after a painful divorce. This time I quit cold turkey because cigarettes are so nasty and harmful and it was time to quit for real. It has been two long years and I am so BLESSED to be able to do so. It can be done if you are serious, just do it a day at a time. The rewards are great and you save money and smell better also.

By Scott Sund

January 3, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

First of all, it’s more habit than physical and more of a mental addiction than a physical one. You must realize first and foremost, if you really want to quit, it’s just a self motivated behavioral change. YOU have to change your behavior. It only takes about 2 months and you will never be a smoker again. I used a nicotine supplement (smokeless tobacco) to get me through the first two weeks. After that, it was easy - REMEMBER >> A Behavioral change. That’s it!!

By hehehe

January 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Cannibas, I hear ya!!!

By kathy

January 3, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Feb2007 I was traveling to Germany to see my first grandchild.It was A ten hour flight,I have wanted to quit for many years and when I saw a picture of that baby boy I knew I wanted to be healthy and on this earth for a long time in my grandchildrens lives.I prayed all the way to the airport for God to take the desire away from me,I threw my lighter and pack away ,boarded the plane, stayed two weeks in Germany with my grandson, have not smoked sence It has almost been one year.Thank You Lord

By Mark

January 3, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Day 3 for me now…Im 47, and have smoked over a pack a day for a majority of my life..I have attempted to stop, after a distinctive pain in my left shoulder area has appeared, and is aggravated by every cigarette I smoke. I have been trying to quit for about a year now, all to no avail. I have had Chantix, patches, gum, you name it, I have tried it…I have a very week will power, but now, I feel really strong, and think I can do it this time…reading all these blogs certainly help, thanks everyone, and wish me luck ! ! ! !

By ron

January 3, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Mark,Put the price of a pack of cigarettes in a bowl each day and at the end of the month treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted.Mine was a new scope for my rifle.The rest of the month for you is a cakewalk.

By tb

January 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

my doctor suggested a combination approach of zyban and the nicotine patch. this was to not only lessen the psychological pleasure from smoking but also to combat the actual addiction. i was able to quit after only a few weeks on the zyban and never did use the patch! after 10 years of smoking, it was actually much easier than i had expected…most important factor is that you have to WANT to quit.

By Total Recall

January 3, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Day one. I haven’t had a cigarette since 8:30 last nite. Its been alright, i’m wearing the patch. When I’m not busy is when it hits me the hardest. I try to keep doing stuff. I do feel more clear headed and more awake then when I did smoke. I’m also nursing a cold. Everyone knows how it makes a cig taste like a$$ so I opted to try to stop during this time. Ive quit before, once for 6 yrs, once for 4 months. I dont want to do this any longer, it STINKS! I want to do the chantix but do not want to spend the $$. If the patch doesn’t work for me, then I guess I will do the pill. Good luck to all trying to stop for this new year:)

By Exsquid

January 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Keep hanging tough. Day one is the toughest and it gets easier every day. You’re already three days closer to quitting for good, which is infinitely closer than you were on 12/31/07. Just put off having that next cigarette. HANG IN THERE!!

By One

January 3, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

One note………..smoking and drinking usually go hand in hand. So if you’re trying to stop smoking, you may want to limit your drinking until the nicotine urge is completely out of you. And don’t even think about going to a bar, at least not for a while! Good luck!

By catlady

January 3, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

My mom and dad quit by walking away from it completely. Cold turkey, no patches. My mom died of lung cancer 10 years later. They both said they just “didn’t want to do it anymore.”

My mother in law quit the day she was told she had lung cancer. She lived about 8 weeks after. It is miserable to quit, but more miserable to quit by slowly suffocating.

Please folks, if you smoke, give it up today for the ones you love.

By stephanie

January 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking for two weeks with the help of Zyban, but I could not sleep. So now, I am currently trying to quit again. Does anyone have any suggestions??

By terri

January 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Quitting is very hard. It’s been two months for me. I used Chantix a prescription aid. Drinking and smoking does go hand and hand. It’s hard for me to have a cocktail and not think about a cigarette. My sister died from lung cancer in 2006. So quitting and staying smoke free is my gold for 2008.

By Paula

January 3, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I smoked for a good 30 years and could never quit for more than 2-3 days at a time. Finally in 1996 I was sucessful using Nicorette. In truth I used more of the gum than recommended and for a longer period but I haven’t smoked since. If you are having trouble quiting try Nicorette. Good Luck! If I could do it anyone can!

By Ben

January 3, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I was hiding my smoking from my son and he almost caught me shortly after he turned 4. It was at that moment that I made up my mind that I had to quit because I didn’t want to be the reason he ever picked up a cigarette. After a while I discovered that I could drink beer without smoking and have not looked back since.

By Ben

January 3, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I was hiding my smoking from my son and he almost caught me shortly after he turned 4. It was at that moment that I made up my mind that I had to quit because I didn’t want to be the reason he ever picked up a cigarette. After a while I discovered that I could drink beer without smoking and have not looked back since.

By Alex

January 3, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I quit by just throwing away the pack that I had opened that morning. Then I just never bought another pack or smoked another cigarette. The last year that I smoked I was up to 1.5-2 packs a day and 3 packs a day on test/project days. That was during my freshman year at GT. I quit when I realized I’d smoke forever if I didn’t stop, and it would eventually take everything away from me that I love. Seeing my mom not be able to laugh without coughing helped my decision.

The only way I could quit was by stopping cold turkey and walking away from it. You can only quit if you want to quit. I am the only person in my group of friends that has successfully quit. It’s been 8 years now, and I still get cravings.

By ALI

January 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Like everyone else I tried to quit a couple of time before I really quit. One day I just decided I was done and after 15+ years that was it I had quit smoking. A few months later I had the irge; it was the holidays and all the stress so I grabbed a pack beratting myself the whole time. Only I couldn’t smoke! My body would not let me; it tasted badand I could not inhale. I was so excited to realize Ihad finally kicked the habit.

By muffin

January 3, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Zyban saved me. Just like i was told, it took 8 days to regulate in my bloodstream and it was as if a wave of calm settled over me and the craving was gone. i did stay up until 3:00 a.m. smoking the last 13 cigarettes i had in my purse but when i got up i was finished. it’s still a bit of a struggle sometimes but only when drinking is involved. and there is a metabolic slowdown when you get smoking so exercise!! it makes you feel better and not want to smoke anyway. I say take the Zyban as long as you can as long as you don’t drink a lot it won’t hurt you. and there’s no tapering or withdrawals. you just stop taking it.

By Gwinnett Dad

January 3, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I spent three days in bed afraid if I got out of bed and got dressed that I’d go buy a pack of cigarettes. After the physical addiction passed, however, I was left with the mental obsession. I found that I missed the deep breathing so common to sucking on a cig, so I’d use two fingers to constrict air flow to my lungs, and suck just as I used to do with cigs. I did that a lot for weeks, months. I no longer have to do so. My smoke free day is 2/17/2000, and for that I’m very grateful. Please note, however, that I had to quit triggers such as drinking alcohol first. Maybe, for some, that’s an order that they can’t go through with, and if so, I sympathize.

By RK

January 3, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I quit at 1050 p.m. in a bar in Bonaire, GA. in 1978. That’s kind of hard to do as any smoker who consumed alchohol would tell you. Did not smoke but a few years, but no one enjoyed them any more than I did. Took up running to “cleanse” my body and never looked back. Would drink a beer after I first quit and refrain form smoking then, and the rest of my waking moments were a piece of cake. Unquestionably the best thing i ever did in my life, and I have had a full one. NOTHING will irritate you more than a cigarette after you become “holy”.

By Kim

January 3, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

I quit in July 2007, after watching my father in law die from cancer. I quit using Chantix. This drug is a wonderful thing, but you still have to want to quit. It will not do the quitting for you!! Within 3 days of your last smoke all the nicotine is out of your body, and the rest of it is the habit you need to get rid of. Try doing puzzles to keep your hands and mind occupied. Also lots of cold ice water helps with the cravings too. There is a smoking cessation forum on about.com, that has a lot of good advice to help with the cravings, and a lot of great people on there to learn from. I will be 6 months quit on the 8th of this month, and it just gets better every day!! Good luck to all who are quitting. It may be hard and awful at times, but once you pass the first month, and you start to get your sense of smell back, you will never want to smoke again.

By Crossfield

January 3, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Started getting ‘the mind right’ in Oct. ‘06. Then on Jan. 15 of last year, I sensed I was ready. Did it cold turkey. After 37 years, I was done. Getting the mind right was the hard part. Once that was done, quitting was was a tiny last step.

By AW

January 3, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

I had a heart in January 2004. As they were wheeling me out the front door, I looked up at my wife. The look on her face was something that I never wanted to see again. I haven’t smoked a cigarette since.

By Capt

January 4, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

I had a heart attack and then open heart surgery….that did it for me..

By C Bohmer

January 4, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

In 2000 I was very, very sick and was diagnosed with Asthmatic Bronchitis. I asked the doctor what that was and his response was, “it is something you will continue to get unless you stop smoking!” I have been too scared to smoke since.

By Anon

January 4, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

HYPNOSIS! As earlier poster noted, you have to have the mindset - you have to WANT to quit. You must be able to visualize yourself not smoking. You must decide that you want to quit NOW. Then try hypnosis. I got hypnotized, went to a party that night and drank wine and smoked, woke up the next morning disgusted by the smell and taste of cigarettes, and quit! It may help to get your carpets and drapes cleaned right away so your home doesn’t smell like smoke anymore. I cannot imagine quitting if someone else in the home is still smoking. Though I could go out and be around smokers and be ok. I would sometimes dream about smoking! And wake up horrified that I had smoked. It’s been about 25 years now . . Try hypnosis! Good luck!

By SP

January 4, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

I used to smoke after sex. Then I switched to the rhythm method. The smoking stopped.

By DYJ

January 4, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

My husband has come up with a good method for our friends who smoke (but supposedly want to quit)…Every time you light up, he punches you in the stomach. It’s a little “Clockwork Orange” but I bet it works. A friend of ours tried everything and hypnosis finally worked.

By DYJ

January 4, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

My husband has come up with a good method for our friends who smoke (but supposedly want to quit)…Every time you light up, he punches you in the stomach. It’s a little “Clockwork Orange” but I bet it works. A friend of ours tried everything and hypnosis finally worked.

By Ray

January 4, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Two pack/day smoker for 25yrs. Threw that pack of Salems in the ocean 30 years ago and haven’t touched one since. Best gift I ever gave myself!! Just do it and quit whining.

By phyllis neal

January 4, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

one day i was sitting in the doctors office, and i started looking at a readers digest. they had a little comment in there about prayer, they said if you have been praying and its been a while the same prayer ask god a different prayer. i did one day months after i had read this. i leave the house to go buy smokes and i end up doing and going every where else that day. i get back in the house and had not bought those smokes. i say well im tired i will take a nap and go to the store when i wake up. i never did buy them again . this august 2008 will be 4 years. and yes i was a serious smoker for almost 35 years

By zeke

January 4, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Quitting is more metally challenging than anything. I quit by going cold turkey and drinking lots of water to flush out any nicotine in my system. Just kept a positive mental attitude and got through it.

By Molly

January 4, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Quitting is incredibly hard, more mentally than physically. I smoked for 35 years, 1 1/2- 2 packs a day. I finally started the patch for the second time, after trying the nicorette gum which I could not tolerate. The patch helps that craving be less severe. What helped me a lot was sucking on a straw, and blowing air in and out as though I were still smoking. Also, lots of ice water as noted by others. Also, I got into eating chocolate now and then, and chewing gum. I have gained some weight but all the experts say a little weight is less harmful than smoking and after a year or so, it will come off. I am 2 days shy of being 3 months smoke free. I still dream of smoking nearly every night and wonder when that will cease.

By Betty Howery

January 4, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I quit smoking in August 1974 after smoking for 10 years with a pack and a half habit. One day, I happened to stumble across the Christian TV show 700 Club where a gentleman (name unkown) challenged the viewers to trust God with their “vices.” At the time I didn’t believe in what he was saying and was not a church-goer, but for some reason I was drawn to listen and it was as if he was talking directly to me. He said “Put your hands on the TV as a point of contact and I will pray for you.” I did and felt no difference after the prayer. Prior to this date, I had attempted to stop smoking several times by not buying cigarettes and had not had a cigarette for a couple of days, but my cravings were very strong. About a month later a friend stopped by and upon leaving forgot a pack of cigarettes which were placed on the same TV. Out of desperation I grabbed the pack and lite-up and with the first “drag” I blacked out and a “replay” of that man and his prayer was experienced in my head. I took the pack and shredded all the cigarettes and have not smoked or experienced any cravings since. August 2007 marked my 34th year of being smoke-free and I’m now a true believer in the power of prayer though I’m still not into church-going!

By Mark

January 4, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

www.silkquit.com

They have a great meter that keeps track of your quit. You’ll be amazed at the # of cigs not smoked, and the $ you have saved. And it’s free and safe from ad/spy ware.

By Mark

January 4, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Sorry. It’s www.silkquit.org

There you can download the meter….

By Jack B. Nimble

January 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

After 30 years of 1 pack a day, I laid them down and walked off. - I didn’t look back.

By mike

January 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Being a neat/clean freak, i deliberately left the ash trays full of butts and would look at the filth and envision my lungs the same. i also would smell the ash trays in the morning and that discouraged me from lighting up. Finally got totally fed up with trashing cash by buying a pack, smoking one and trashing the rest (then going out later that eveing looking for the pack i had trashed earlier… total insanity)

By Roy

January 4, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

OK, I’ve smoked 1 pack a day for 30 years and it’s day 3 now without a smoke. A serious cold with congestion was the catalyst, and I guess if that’s what it takes; all the better! But smoking just wasn’t tasting the same, not to mention being scared of cancer and COPD. Here’s the strange part…I don’t miss it like I though/feared I would, go figure! Good luck to all who want to quit this habit, and Happy 2008!

By S. Washer

January 4, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I smoked for 14 yrs when I found out I was pregnant. That day my husband and I put them down and never smoked again. I’m not going to lie and say it was easy, to this day, 5 yrs later, put in the right atmosphere (bar, party, etc) other people smoking you think about it. But we both know that one time and we’ll be hooked again. It’s hard to do, but anyone can if they really want to.

By mel

January 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I just did. I also started praying more, reading the Word and attending church more often.

By Mary

January 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I threw the whole new pack out and have never smoked again!

By Mary

January 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I threw the whole new pack out and have never smoked again!

By Mary

January 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I threw the whole new pack out and have never smoked again!

By Lulu

January 4, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I had a habbit attached to every cigarette I smoked. I smoked when I drank my morning coffee, on the way to work, at work, (1975) on the way home, while on the phone, after dinner, when drinking beer, etc. I stopped one habbit at a time until there weren’t any left.

By Getaway

January 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

New Year’s resolution. At 11:20pm on the 31st I bought a pack, at 12:00 I wadded it up and threw it away.

Someone said I couldn’t go from a pack a day to cold turkey and make it stick. That was 1984 and I haven’t smoked since.

By Stacy

January 7, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I quit about 12 years ago, but it took approx. two years. I did it by tapering off, and luckily it worked for me. I was ‘bumming’ cigarettes from friends, but started feeling guilty, so what ended up really working is buying another friend’s “flavor” (menthol) which was not what I smoked and when I NEEDED a cigarette I would have to drive to HER house and smoke one. From the time I would get in my car and drive to her house, it would take ten minutes, so it was a pain to do this. Immediately I cut down, and after a few months I was down to only a couple of cigarettes a month. This made it easy to just stop. When I was ‘bumming’, I had cut down, but I would find myself still smoking quite a bit although not a pack or more a day; when I started buying the opposite of what I smoked and then had to drive to get one…..that really did it, I just quit.

Now I’m the worst ex smoker. I can smell it on people when I walk past them in a store and I get have to carry nose spray because I can’t breath if I’m in a restaurant if it’s smokey. It’s horrible!!! I can’t believe I use to smell like that….and my kids, I really sent them to school smelling like an ashtray. I’m ashamed. I feel so much better! Good luck to everyone, maybe this will help you!

By Dennis

January 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

On January 2nd 1985 at 1130 in the morning I put out my last cigarette and have never had one since that day. We had just bought a new house in the Kansas City area, and I did not want it to smell like smoke. It is to cold up north to go outside and smoke so only one thing to do, quit. Each day got easier, but I still feel that if I had just one cigarette, I would be hooked again.

By Jeff

January 7, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I read the entire book “Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking” on a flight from ATL to California for a log weekend. I took no cigarettes - used Nicorette for 1 day then went cold turkey. No nicotine since - 7 months. Halleujah

By Tabitha

January 7, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Quitting smoking was the hardest thing I ever did for myself. I tried at least 20+ times to quit. I honest think I tried 4-5 times a year. I tried all the patches, the gum, I would quit on loved one’s birthdays, New Years, certain anniversaries, when I got a cold. I finally got tired of quitting and realized it would be much easier if I just went through the hard part and continued on with it. I also realized I can’t “just have one”. It’s much like being an alcoholic for me. It’s all or nothing. It’s too bad it took me 15+ years to figure that out. I have been nicotine free for 11 months and will NEVER be a “smoker” again!

By David

January 7, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Four words…Skoal Wintergreen Long Cut.

But then I discovered it’s twice as hard to quit dipping.

There is only one way to quit. That is to quit. I did. I am tobacco free.

By James

January 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Started when I was 16, then smoked for about 20 years, pretty heavily. When a friend died from cancer, and left behind a 13 year-old daughter, I swore that wouldn’t happen to my daughter (then age 1). I took a free course from the American Lung Association, then just quit. Either you really want to quit or you don’t, you just need to make up your mind. Haven’t even wanted a cigarette in over 20 years.

By Stephen

January 7, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

smoked and dipped for 20 plus years. My wife got pregnant and I didn’t want my children to ever know me as a smoker. My wife and I quit together. I used nicotine lozenges. They worked great. I have been smoke free for a little over 3 years.

By Sagegirl

January 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

My daughter suffered from severe ear infections and persistant colds. She never liked being around my smoke. It was clearly an obvious issue with her health. When she was six, she asked me to stop smoking, so I did. Being the stubborn sort, I went to the store for the last time, bought 2 final packs, opened both, layed them on the coffee table and dared myself to light one up. I was tempted many times, but after 2 weeks I knew I had made it. They went into the garbage. That was more than 25 years ago, and now I can’t stand to be anywhere near the things. So to all you out there that don’t believe in the cold turkey method.. BELIEVE. It will work if you want it too bad enough.

By gman

January 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I smoked for about 10 years. Smoked Marlboro lights at about pack and a half a day. Switched to regulars for a week, but still smoked a pack and a half. I was so miserable at the end of that week that I said “I quit”. I can’t stand the smell now. It wasn’t a total victory though. Must have gained lear 80 pounds afterwards.

By Mary Mary

January 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I smoked for almost 30 years. Carlton Menthol 120’s, up to 3 packs a day before I quit. All pictures before 2000 show me with a cigarette in my hand. I watched my mother’s health deteriorate, bones melted, bladder burned out, unable to walk ot go to the bathroom herself for almost six years. She died on a respirator. I didn’t know that hurt - it does, a lot. That was it for me. I did Zyban (Wellbutrin) and the 3 step patch. Everyone thought I couldn’t do it - that was 8 years ago, this March. I’ve never smoked again. I don’t know why, maybe it was the motivation of watching my Mom die, but it was not difficult. I had one bad afternoon where I cried and screamed and really wanted a cigarette - but that was it. I don’t miss it, I don’t have cravings and I know I’ll never touch another one. The big key for me was the first day smoke free, when I washed my hands and they smelled good - like soap instead of an ashtray. Hope this inspires someone!

By Rebecca

January 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

I tried all the products. I failed. I made a decision to stop no matter what. I woke up and didn’t smoke the first,and today I still don’t smoke. It is not as hard as people make it.

By Jim Strotman

January 9, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

I quit because I got real angry with myself. There was a poster that I was forced to look at daily that read: “Intelligent People Don’t Smoke”. It really got to me. Then, this certain doctor advised me, “Jimbo, anyone can quite smoking, but it takes a real man to deal with cancer and heart disease. I’m now 73 and don’t take any drugs for heart or blood pressure and I account it to not smoking.

By estoy2u

January 9, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I started with Camel’s,Luck Strike,Chesterfields,Marlboro, Salem and ended up with Carlton Menthol 120’s. My job prevented me from smoking during the day until lunch time. Then after changing jobs, I just never smoked until lunch, and I was never a regular smoker in my car. At the house it was never in the bedroom, just den and kitchen area. In fact a pack would usually last three days unless I was on the phone, in a bar or having a drink at home. Soon most of my friends stopped smoking, and when I would visit, I would have to go outside to smoke. My solution, I bought several packs of the aqua cigarette filters and used them to smoke no more than two Dutch Treats Menthol cigarettes. When I was around someplace where I couldn’t smoke, I stuck one of the used filters in my mouth. Eventually I just lost the taste of having the filter in my mouth and quit. Ironically, I still have the last pack of Dutch Treats that I bought stored in a used iced tea container in the refrigerator in the garage. In fact I just went downstairs to see if I spelled DT correctly. It worked for me, that was in 1986. Incidentally a teenage friend suggested that I take a drag from his cigarette to see if it would help the headache I had. It did, later I was to discover that i was prone to have migraines..when I stopped smoking, the migraines came back, not as frequently, but they are back. I deal with them, but not with a cigarette.

By estoy2u

January 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I started with Camel’s,Luck Strike,Chesterfields,Marlboro, Salem and ended up with Carlton Menthol 120’s. My job prevented me from smoking during the day until lunch time. Then after changing jobs, I just never smoked until lunch, and I was never a regular smoker in my car. At the house it was never in the bedroom, just den and kitchen area. In fact a pack would usually last three days unless I was on the phone, in a bar or having a drink at home. Soon most of my friends stopped smoking, and when I would visit, I would have to go outside to smoke. My solution, I bought several packs of the aqua cigarette filters and used them to smoke no more than two Dutch Treats Menthol cigarettes. When I was around someplace where I couldn’t smoke, I stuck one of the used filters in my mouth. Eventually I just lost the taste of having the filter in my mouth and quit. Ironically, I still have the last pack of Dutch Treats that I bought stored in a used iced tea container in the refrigerator in the garage. In fact I just went downstairs to see if I spelled DT correctly. It worked for me, that was in 1986. Incidentally a teenage friend suggested that I take a drag from his cigarette to see if it would help the headache I had. It did, later I was to discover that i was prone to have migraines..when I stopped smoking, the migraines came back, not as frequently, but they are back. I deal with them, but not with a cigarette.