Giving up smoking

[Meg888]

After deciding a few months ago that January'11 was the right time, I gave up smoking a few days back.

I've not gone for patches or gum or anything, yet surprisingly I dont have any cravings whatsoever. In fact, I feel like I've never been a smoker! I have smoked approx 20 per day for well over 20 yrs, and I was really dreading giving up, thinking I'd be stressed & craving etc - but I'm not. Have I yet to reach this stage? I know of one other person who smoked 40 per day for almost 30 yrs and when he gave up it was the same for him - no cravings?

thanks in advance.

[rowanwitch]

Well done...it may be you haven't been in a trigger situation where it might be difficult e.g socialising, etc or under stress but you may just be lucky my mum was the same

[gingejbee]

I've never smoked, but when my Dad stopped years ago, it was the same for him - no problems, cravings etc. So, well done and KEEP IT UP!

[milly143]

Up until about 18 months ago my Dad was a VERY heavy smoker. He won't admit how many a day but I'm sure it was probably around 60. One day, during a period when he wasn't well he went into the kitchen, lit a cigarette and thought to himself, I don't want this. He put it out and it stayed in the ashtray for a week. He hasn't had a cigarette since. Every now and then he says he gets the odd craving and will have a puff of mine but he almost chokes to death and doesn't want any more.

It's been on my mind alot recently to quit but there is something stopping me and I can't put my finger on it. I think it's probably fear of 'what else'. Saying that, the bf has said he will propose if I quit for 3 months.....although I'm not sure basing a marriage on the fact I don't smoke is quite right. :o)

Well done to you for packing it in!

[ummmm]

Both my Grandad and Uncle smoked about 60 a day. Both gave up no problem...

[ponjee]

i dunno about the cravings and thaat, but GOOD ON U! its good that you've decided to quit :)

[thos]

I used a pretend cig for a month Gave up last January after smoking 54 years .unfortunately have copd lung condition which is not pleasant --so keep up the good work

[flump1]

Hi Meg , well done, keep it up ! I gave up a couple of years ago and while I had help i found it easier than I expected and I wondered why I had not done it earlier !

[arwyn]

My only sucsessful attempt was with the patches but all my failed attempts were cold turkey and as I say failed, the longest being 3 weeks as it always got harder and harder but I do know of people that have had the same experience as you. so well done keep up the good work.

[thebarron]

Well done Meg

[secrets1]

Gosh ! you are so lucky as i have tried everyway to stop smoking,but have always failed,and so i think i will try to go 'cold turkey' like you.

[Meg888]

Thanks folks for the encouragement. I'm quite overwhelmed as one of the reasons for NOT giving up was because I didnt think I'd cope with the withdrawals etc. Lame excuse I know. For all those thinking about it - go for it, it may be hard but tell lots of people and you'll get loads of support.

[arwyn]

meg888 is it getting harder or is it still as easy as the begining? keep up the good work.

[20SilkCut]

Good for you....

i did give up for almost 3 months a few years ago, but was like the bitch from hell. Went back on them again..... :-(

[Zidanerocks]

If you decide to give up again then maybe it would be a good idea to change your username from silkcut to something else. Meg the first few days are easy in my opinion but as you go out and drink or start getting many stressful situations that will really test you also the biggest psychological thing is the fact that your routines and rituals that constantly involved smoking as in early morning coffee, the walk or drive to and from work and after meals sex and before sleep you will feel as somethings missing almost like someone has re edited your life and you're aware of it so be prepared for these moments.