Quitting smoking

[jeanette1976]

Has anyone managed to quit smoking without the use of patches, gum or medicine? If so, how did you manage to do it? ( i don't chew gum anyway)

I smoke on average, 5-7 per day, but about 20 on on a weekend when I'm having a drink.

I've smoked since I was15 and I'm desperate to stop before my 30th birthday in 3 weeks, especially as I'm afraid of the damage I may already have done.

Many thanks.

[Amara]

Congratulations on your decision to give up smoking, it will be one that you don't regret. There are some tips to help you: Firstly get rid of all cigs/lighters/ashtrays etc. Remember the craving only lasts for 4 minutes so don't give in to it. Plan activities to busy yourself at tempting times, ie after dinner. Avoid places where people smoke like Pubs. save the money and treat yourself to something nice at the end of each week/month. Take one day at a time and don't look into the future, congratulate yourself at the end of every day and feel proud. Look on this as a positive and liberating experience and believe that you can do it. Best wishes - Amara xx

[Kay]

Have you thought about hypnosis jeanette? It worked for my sisters friend after just 2 sessions and she's smoked for 40 odd years! You would need to fine a reputable one tho' ask your GP. My cousin needed a triple bypass about 2 years ago (Very heavy smoker)and had to give up the fags,she was prescribed an Inhilator by Nicorette like a plastic fag with a cartridge inside which gives out tiny amounts of nicotine. The consultant told her its not the nicotine thats as harmful but the tar and chemicals they put in fags these days. She's never craved a fag using the Inhilator. Kay.

[sair5412]

Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking book. Available from all good book shops. Amazon.com or ebay would prob have cheap copies. I was given last year after one person bought it and it was sent around family and friends and we ALL gave up. I have smoked 10-20 a day since I was 15 (I am now 26). It's brilliant. You just don't WANT to smoke and other people smoking actually makes you feel sorry for them, rather than feeling that you are missing out. If the book costs you a tenner, then that's only the cost of 2 packets of 20 fags. So try it, you'll never look back!

Good luck.

[jeanette1976]

Thanks everyone, its wierd because I've always HATED the smell, taste and everything... so i don't even know why i do it... I wash my hands after EVERY cigarette and immediately try to get the taste out of my mouth! To add to this, I deteste it when anyone smokes when i eat!

And yet I still smoke, weird! One time I tried to get over the most difficult part... when drinking... so I ended up sitting in a club with my drink and a pint of ice cubes to keep sucking on. I may look silly but who cares... at least I'm not smoking.... having said that... easier said than done!

[Kay]

Ward~Minter, I agree with everything you say as to what smoking does..eeeuuuw but smoking is not a lower class thing.Take King George 6th for instance, he died of lung cancer at the age of 56 and he smoked up to 40 a day.

[jeanette1976]

Hahahahahah! Thanks Ward-Minter... all I need now is to chew some gum with my mouth open.... (Food & Drink) and I will DEFINATELY look like some two bit hooker! You're really funny... but the sad truth hurts! Hahhahahaahahah!

By the way, yes, I totally agree with you about Thursday's Child being a cool song... with regards to other question. XXX

[rugeleyboy]

can i just say!!.............i am a reformed smoker!!

i gave up without patches ,chewing gum and the like.... i convinced myself i was giving up smoking and i am so stubborn i just gave up, my friends and family couldnt believe i would do it, but i did!!

i have never had any extra money from quitting and my mates still smoke in front of me!!

my only advice i can give is..............only give up if you truly want to give up!! otherwise your demons will light one for you!!

[Goodsoulette]

I smoked for years and gave up 5 years ago. I decided I didnt want to and got to the end of that day, with a few tears shed along the way. When you get past that mark everytime you feel like a cigarette you just say to yourself that would be a waste of the day you gave up. It worked for me, and I have have a very addictive personality.

After I gave up smoking I gained more confidence and spoke up for myself cause I felt like I was capable of anything. Its not easy but very achievable.

I am a big anti-smoker now, dont go giving yourself a date to give up, just do it now. Smoking is very very antisocial now, it does make you smell bad, it also effects your personal smells and taste to.

[rugeleyboy]

ward minter..............i have never really read much from you before, oh dont get me wrong, i knew you was here but my brain didnt digest what you said...........but this weekend, i think your opinions are straight,hilarious,cringworthy and above all spoken from the heart!!

i shall enjoy your input more often from now on!!!

[Katie~77]

Pregnancy worked for me!!!x

[CLOWN TICKLE]

40-0 overnight, went to bed early, never bothered since

[Kate77]

I like you smoke! tut tut
but not a lot!
on averege about the same amount!
i am now 29 but have only been smoking for about 8 years.
I gave up last year and didnt smoke for 6 months - through will power. when i had a drink it was a bit hard for me though.
after about 3 days of not smoking you start to feel a bit better. take each day as it comes and if you have a relapse dont worry about it.