giving up smoking.....

[Nini74]

Ok, so i know there's a lot of you who hate smokers and i really don't want anyone coming on here telling me that i was scum before i made this decision - but i'm trying to give up, and have just started a course of champix (i'm on day 4) and so far my actual quit date has been set for next wednesday. it occurred to me that i may need a little support from friends on AB over the next few weeks so if any of you have any positive vibes to send my way, any advice or support would be gratefully received xxxx

[zingara]

Isn't it crazy, how that little white roll of paper, full of rubbish, has had so much control over you for so long! yet so quickly you could just break it into pieces. After many years of having given up myself, occasionally, the thought of having a cigarette pops into my head, it soon passes and then I don't think about it for a while. To think of actually putting one in my mouth now repulses me, the smell, the taste, yuk! Nini74, I wish you all the best of health, and forth coming wealth . Be very proud of yourself, Stay strong, and it may help to find something to occupy your hands. All the best to you.

[Nini74]

cheers all - still smoking at the moment - when i said i was on day 4, it was of the tablets. have cut down an awful lot already, just need to break out of the ones i have as habit, not because i need them. my quit date is wednesday so i'll keep you all posted. thanks for the support xxx

[MarkRae]

I had hypnotherapy over 15 years ago, and haven't had a cigarette since.

[B00]

5 weeks and one day so far for me.

I'm managing on an E Cig, s'not easy but bearable- just!

[ladybirder]

I did it with no support whatsoever in 1984 and now hate the things. Mind you it was about my 6th try, but I did it.

[maggiebee]

Was a smoker for 43 years and went cold turkey 6 years ago. Best thing I ever did healthwise and pocketwise. You can do it, just stay positive. And..... give yourself a regular treat as a reward.

[Jeza]

Well I'm off outside, for a fag you understand.

[mojay]

I did similar Maggie - about 50 years for me and I couldn't cope with patches etc - so did cold turkey 5 years ago

[askyourgran]

I understand Jeza especially if you light it with a match, gizza drag.

[ladybirder]

One of my friends was amazing, smoked all her life, tried many times to give it up and failed. Then, a couple of years ago, she woke up one morning and thought I don't want to smoke anymore, and stopped, just like that (not like that:-)) no struggle, easy, and never smoked since.

[tara20]

Mr.T stopped in January after over 40 years smoking. Over the years he tried several methods and tablets, but had always reverted to the weed again.
This time he tried Niquitin mini tablets (take one if you feel the need) and has never looked back. Being a heavy (40a day) smoker, he used the 4 mg tablets, but there are also 1,5mg. Now it's maybe only 1 a day if at all.

[B00]

The depressing thing though is that i formly believe that once you've been a smoker, you'll always be one.

What I mean is, I know many people who've given up for years, even decades and eventually caved in, my dad for one, 29 years he quit for, then started again!

[B00]

formly? I meant firmly!

[ladybirder]

Now then B00, I must be the one that proves the rule because there is no way in a million years that I would start smoking again. I HATE it. Hate the smell of the smoke, hate the smell of a smoker especially the breath, the clothes and if they smoke in the home it stinks. I know you shouldn't say never but I can in this instance. Giving up is the best thing you can do for your health and your wallet. And no, I don't feel strongly about this at all:-) Much.

[Nini74]

well I never knew there were so many former smokers and people who'd recently given up on here! well done all of you!

I'm on cut-down mode at the moment (had 6 today as opposed to probably more like 12 I'd have had so far today - I would probably be due to have another 2 tonight before going to bed, but i've decided i'm not going to have anymore tonight). My main problem is the "habit" ones - before work because I know no chance of having one until lunchtime, then at lunchtime etc. I'll work on it though, and wil keep you updated. I appreciate the encouragement xxxx

[Alfsmum]

I am new here today and saw your post. I am trying to give up too. I lasted 4 days last week before sucumbing and getting some fags. I know I can do it if I don't give in and run off down the shop.
Anyway good luck to you.

[Canary42]

Gave up 28 years ago - never regretted it. Good luck Nini, keep it up, you'll feel better for it.

[SpikeyBush]

Must be easier nowadays to quit, what with the bans that are in place.

When I stopped, colleagues still had to empty the ash out of the telex keyboard on a regular basis, all puffing away in the office.

[Zeuhl]

some tips from an ex.

1. don't think of it as 'giving something up' Denying ourselves things is never good. Consider it a positive step and consider all the things you gain. You used to get something from smoking (mostly bad), now you will get a lot of good things from being a non smoker again

2. Resist the temptation to buddy up with another giver-upper. Supporting each other's stopping can easily and suddenly flip over into supporting each other going back.

3. You were a non smoker for years before you started and probably managed fine. You've simply decided it suits you to do that again.

4. identify your smoking's areas of 'secondary gain' ie any little added things smoking gave you that you enjoyed and make sure you still get them or a replacement eg if smoking gave you a break at work, still take them - just avoid the smoking. if smoking gave you fun chats with cronies down the pub - go out and chat - just don't smoke. You won't be tempted. In fact you'll start to notice you feel sorry for those who HAVE to gather in such places when you can choose to or not.

[DaisyNonna]

Easier to do it cold turkey than try to cut down. Tried both.