Smoking...

[fliptheswitch]

I started having the odd cigarette a couple of months ago, mainly due to massive stress and my Dad offering me a fag! :-(
I've always been a bit of a 'social smoker', but have always been able to take it or leave it.
Anyway, I've noticed these past few weeks, I've been smoking more and more. It's a mixture of reasons...
The first, I suffer with anxiety (not all the time, just when I'm either tired or have issues going on) and I find that it calms me down a bit.
Secondly, I found that smoking completely stopped my appetite and, during these past couple of months, I've lost quite a bit of weight as I haven't really been eating much. I know that's an awful reason to smoke, but now I'm worried if I try to stop, it'll all pile back on.
Also, I've been using the cigs as a bit of a crutch with the old anxiety issues, so I'm almost afraid that if I do stop smoking, my anxiety will return.

I don't really know what my actual question is, but I do know that I would like to stop. My chest has started to feel wheezy in the morning and, I'm aware that I can now smell cigarettes on my clothes/hair... which is pretty grim in itself.

I went for four days without having one, then my Dad came round and was smoking, so I ended up asking for one. I'm now back on 20 a day, and I would really like to stop this.

I don't think I'm "addicted", just that I've gotten into a bit of a habit.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks :)

[fliptheswitch]

Carakeel, I'm not an emotional person, but reading that has left me with tears in my eyes.
You're right. The main thing people (myself included) associate with smoking is lung cancer, and it's usually thought of as being people who have smoked all their lives. Your personal experience is absolutely awful and has made me feel really selfish towards my two young children.
Thankyou for sharing it with us, I am more determined than ever to quit now.

[RATTER15]

Fliptheswitch, I gave up smoking 50 a day the day I moved in with Carakeel, it just seemed such an insult to her and to her Son Kevin to carry on smoking.

The best thing I ever done.

[fliptheswitch]

Ratter, if you can give up 50 a day (crikey!!) then my 15-20 a day should be easy!
Sorry, I didn't realise you are Carakeel were an item. In that case, I think what you did (giving up smoking) for her and her son was such a selfless thing to do. It really does put things into perspective and, in all honesty, just reading about that has made me realise that I HAVE to stop for the sake of my children and my family.

[coccinelle]

A little tip which works. When you feel like a cigarette go and brush your teeth; this means you're doing something with your hand and mouth, then the lovely fresh taste you have in your mouth means you don't want a cigarette anymore and on top of that you're doing a great favour to your teeth. Keep up the good work...

[Wrongn3mber]

Fliptheswitch it can be done. I myself gave up using niquitin minis for a month, I then went on to start smoking electric cigarettes which are a godsend and satisfy the usual cravings post coital, aftermeals, with alcohol and morning and night times. You also said you suffer from anxiety which I've found to be greatly helped by using l theanine. Google it and do some research as it really is a little miracle worker. Good luck.

[Carakeel]

fliptheswitch, I really didn't mean to make you cry, sorry. But I am so glad Kevin's story has had this effect on you. You will be so proud of yourself if you can quit and it can make such a difference to your children and the rest of your family as well. Hugs to you!

P.S. I am so proud of my ratter for never going back to his old smoking habits! Makes me love him all the more! :o)

[fliptheswitch]

Coccinelle and wrong, thanks for your answers and advice :) Brushing my teeth has helped actually, so cheers for that! I've been brushing and chewing gum all day. I'll have no enamel left on my teeth at this rate!

Carakeel, That's ok. I think Kevins story was the motivation I really needed. I told my friend about it earlier (hope you don't mind, she doesn't use AB) and we both decided to quit together. Two packets of cigarettes have been crushed up and thrown in the bin! It was only after reading your story, that I realised just how serious the effects of smoking can be.

Oh, and P.S that was really sweet :)

Thanks again.

[MarkRae]

I smoked about 20 a day from mid teens until about 15 years ago. I wanted to stop, but it was difficult. So I had hypnosis and haven't had a cigarette since. It was the best £75 I've ever spent.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks for your answer, MarkRae. That is definitely something to think about, if it does become difficult.
I've been all day without a cigarette now, although I won't say it's been easy. I got really stressed out earlier and would have done anything for one... but it was raining and I'd binned mine, so I just had black coffee instead. Wasn't quite the same, but hey.
Thanks again. It's much appreciated.

P.S I reckon hypnosis has probably gone up quite a bit in 15 years! :D

[MarkRae]

I also know people who have had great success with this: http://www.amazon.co....tridges/dp/B001DZEL4M

Apparently, apart from the small dose of nicotine, it also does the "hand" thing...

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks for the suggestion, MarkRae. However, I have decided to go 'cold turkey', as I don't really want the hassle of having to try and quit another 'habit', once I've got over the cigarettes. I will definitely keep it for my 'plan B' though... Thanks :)

Actually, one more thing... what's the "hand thing"? That bit confused me :-/

[MarkRae]

A big part of the whole addiction thing for some smokers is the associative aspect of it, and the Nicorette Inhalator gets round that entirely.

It gradually weans you off cigarettes and you very soon need less and less of the nicotine hit. It doesn't work for everyone, but most people who succeed with it do so in around a month...

[fliptheswitch]

Oh, I see! Sorry, I was being dim... as per.
Yeah, now I understand. It's that 'missing having something in your hand'.

I've not been too bad today. I did really want one after I'd eaten though, which is strange as that was never really my pattern, if that makes sense.
I really fancy a beer, too... but I know the craving for a cig will make an appearance. Hmmm....

[Carakeel]

fliptheswitch, you have made my day!!! Kevin and I are so proud of you and your friend. Quitting with a friend is a great idea and I wish you both every success! XXX

[fliptheswitch]

Carakeel, you and kevin are now in my thoughts every time I get a craving! You have helped someone (two people in fact) on the road to better health :-)
Thankyou again. xxx

[MarkRae]

Please at least give the Nicorette Inhalator a go, especially when you're down the pub...

[fliptheswitch]

Down the pub? I rarely go to the pub.
But yes, that may be a good idea, actually. I will get one tomorrow, and keep it in my bag... on standby. I'll let you know when I'm puffing away on it! lol.