giving up smoking

[beattie819]

After being a heavy smoker for forty years, I have now not had one since Christmas. Never thought I could do it. Today is a bad day, I am puffing like mad on my nicorette inhaler! I have half a cigarette upstairs, but I wont light it, as I would be letting myself down, and also my family. Dunno why I am posting this on here, its not a question. I think maybe I just need a bit of encouragement from ABers who have given up. How long will these odd days of real bad craving last. Thank you.

[DanFlo]

Stick with it, i know it's VERY hard, just keep thinking of the money you will save, the health benefits, being able to go for a drink, stay at hotels, get in the taxi, go to the theatre and not have the urge or the stigma of having to go outside and light up. There's also the chance of being caught of dropping your nubend of the floor and being fined for �50.00....GO FOR IT!!!!!

[Velvetee]

Have you joined that Government Stop Smoking scheme, via your GP surgery? If so, they may have helplines, where you can get advice on things to do to help.

Mabe you just need to keep busy to keep your mind off it. Sorry, I can't really be of more help. I've never been a smoker myself.

[MrBounty]

Go on......take the tab.....you know you want to! ;)

[joannie10]

well done!! Can't give advice as never been a smoker either but know people around me who have quit - the once who have succeeded are the ones who have totally stopped just like you are doing. Maybe get out the house for a wee while or chew on a cucumber stick or something - good luck! You can do it!

[eash]

I got my mum to give up with the NHS programme but as soon as her patches ran out (as she got them cheaper by getting them on prescription) she started again. I was like what's the point?
Never been a smoker myself so do not understand the addiction....

[Nosha123]

My Hubbie used to be a 20 a day and gave up about 5 years ago - and I was amazed he could do it! And very proud too!
Your family will be so proud of you if you just keep going!
Hubby found hypnotherapy helped.... it wasnt like being hypnotised and 'going under' at all then waking up fine.. but the whole 'therapy' process really helped him deal with the cravings... Your body is telling you it wants nicotine.... your mind needs to overpower it!
Hubby is not a believer in all that alternative stuff - but it worked for him!!!

[rcl1]

I gave up for 2 and a half year with the help of nicotine patches.

Sadly had a bit of a bad year last year and started again.

Back on the patches now and havent had a cigarette since 9pm 02.01.09 (not that I am counting).

Its both easier and harder than you think to quit. Everyone is different but for me, i always enjoyed smoking and only gave up for financial reasons so it wasn't so much cravings for me, just the fact that i always wanted one, and that 'want' never went away.

Best advice would be stay away from smokers until you feel strong enough to be around them without being tempted.

Best of luck to you.

[jkkerr]

Well done for getting this far!

I'm on my 8th day of no fags (after 13 years of smoking heavily). Never thought I would get this far either, but think about:

a) the cost
b) the cancer (and shortness of breath/permanent cough in the meantime)
c) receding gums

I'm using 24 hour patches and lozenges as prescribed by my GP - would recommend seeing yours as they have definitely helped me. Haven't even had any headaches or bad moods.

Good luck

[carmalee]

been there, done that and got the teeshirt on this one - yes it is hard but what helped me was the sheer stupidity of having my life ruled by a small amount of poison wrapped in a piece of paper. - think about - it's plain daft isn't it.? have a glass of water and go for a walk (bin that stubby upstairs too) also decided that if I was marooned on a desert island (I wish) would have to give it up. Of course another big thing is cancer has a way of focussing one's priorities- don't let that be a decision maker for you. Keep busy, drink lots of water - the worst is over because after three days something good happens in your cigarette free body, after three weeks something else and after three months something else. Can't remember what they all are but do remember there are all so, so good and you've already reached two milestones. Good for you - been twelve years for me now and I would be terrified to start again - can't bear to be near a smoker. You'll do it.

[coccinelle]

At this stage your body isn't craving the nicotine it's craving the long lost friend. Well, those long, lost friends can stay in the packet you don't need to burn them away.
Remember; one hurts and you're back to where you were and all the good work down the drain.
Think positive, imagine walking from a smokey, stinky room onto the top of a fresh, snowy mountain, i know where I'd prefer to be... Keep it up. it's hard but it gets much easier until you wonder why you ever smoked!

[zzxxee]

good for you i have cut down loads and would love to give up compleatley im nearly there but not quite

[cab]

Good for you beatie, it is hard I gave up 4 months ago and I am OK really the beginning is worst.
I had to take myself out of situations where I knew I would want one.
GOOD LUCK XXXXXXX

[sara3]

well done.. you're doing great! keep it up, you'll be so sorry if you have to start over again.

and get rid of that disgusting half a fag.. what on earth are you keeping that for?!! :o)

[beattie819]

Thanks so much for all your encouragement. I have binned the half a fag, refilled my nicorette inhaler, drunk lots of water. Great! I know I will do it. Woooowooooh!!!!!!!!!!!

[carmalee]

hopefully almost another poison-free day Beatie819? Downhill all the way now - keep going!

[rondeau]

One day at a time was how I did it. Started with an early morning dental appointment which left my teeth so shiny I thought I'd see how long I could keep them that way. The days mounted up and every time I had a bad moment I made myself think of something else. That was more than ten years ago after almost 50 years smoking. Good luck!