Crosswords2 mins ago
quitting smoking
13 Answers
Over the past three weeks now, I have had a really bad cold and flu
(Man flu of course) lol
Strange, as I have not felt the urge to smoke as much as normally.
I have tried to quit numerous times with varying degrees of success but this time it seems to be a whole lot easier for some reason.
Anyone else noticed this?
I just been to ASDA to buy some patches. We'll see how I go. I'm having a real hard time of it. It is constantly on my mind.
Could do with some advice from ex smokers on here on how best to deal with the urges, which I know are going to come.
Mike
(Man flu of course) lol
Strange, as I have not felt the urge to smoke as much as normally.
I have tried to quit numerous times with varying degrees of success but this time it seems to be a whole lot easier for some reason.
Anyone else noticed this?
I just been to ASDA to buy some patches. We'll see how I go. I'm having a real hard time of it. It is constantly on my mind.
Could do with some advice from ex smokers on here on how best to deal with the urges, which I know are going to come.
Mike
Answers
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Say to yourself One hurts so never, never have 'just a puff or just one'". I found when I really needed a smoke to go and brush my teeth. This occupied my hand and mouth and gave such a clean refreshing taste I didn't fancy the cigarette anymore. It does get easier and will be one of the best things you'll ever do and you'll deserve a pat on the back.
I stopped two weeks ago (doing the 'Stoptober' thing) using patches and I'm doing really well, no real cravings at all. Exercise helps to take your mind off the cigs, as does any other activity that you don't normally associate with smoking (household chores for example).
My other half bought himself one of those e-cigs last week and hasn't had a real cig or craving since he started using it.
My other half bought himself one of those e-cigs last week and hasn't had a real cig or craving since he started using it.
Suffering a cold can often effect your desire to have a cigarette.
Essentially, you can break down the act of smoking into 3 different types of addiction. There is the biochemical addiction to Nicotine, that sense of relief that you get from your first hit, and the calming effect. Remember the calming effect is a false effect stemming from getting the nicotine hit.
The biochemical addiction is actually pretty short- lived - 5 days or so should see you clear.
Then there is the psychological effect, and it is this area that can be more difficult. You have to change your self image from one of being a smoker to being a non-smoker. You have to change your view of smoking from one of being cool, or hip, or trendy or fashionable to being one of addiction, of nicotine stains yellowing fingers, of coughs and phlegm, and financial hardship.
And then there is the very real issue of what to do with your hands - most smokers often smoke when reading, or when they are at the computer, or having a drink - you have to find a displacement activity to do when in those situations.
Remember that the first week or so is the hardest. Remember that as more time passes, it gets easier.
Remember that you are improving your health and likely lifespan hugely. Remember that you are saving yourself lots and lots of cash - and I found this particularly motivating.
And find some displacement activities - eat a segment of fruit each time you have the desire for a cigarette, or have a glass of water.
Should you make the decision to quit, I am sure many here and in your immdiate life would be very willing to offer encouragement and support...
Essentially, you can break down the act of smoking into 3 different types of addiction. There is the biochemical addiction to Nicotine, that sense of relief that you get from your first hit, and the calming effect. Remember the calming effect is a false effect stemming from getting the nicotine hit.
The biochemical addiction is actually pretty short- lived - 5 days or so should see you clear.
Then there is the psychological effect, and it is this area that can be more difficult. You have to change your self image from one of being a smoker to being a non-smoker. You have to change your view of smoking from one of being cool, or hip, or trendy or fashionable to being one of addiction, of nicotine stains yellowing fingers, of coughs and phlegm, and financial hardship.
And then there is the very real issue of what to do with your hands - most smokers often smoke when reading, or when they are at the computer, or having a drink - you have to find a displacement activity to do when in those situations.
Remember that the first week or so is the hardest. Remember that as more time passes, it gets easier.
Remember that you are improving your health and likely lifespan hugely. Remember that you are saving yourself lots and lots of cash - and I found this particularly motivating.
And find some displacement activities - eat a segment of fruit each time you have the desire for a cigarette, or have a glass of water.
Should you make the decision to quit, I am sure many here and in your immdiate life would be very willing to offer encouragement and support...
I haven't had a cigarette for 3 weeks now, have been using patches. I cut them down myself so have a little less each day for a few weeks, I think the 10 weeks they specify is too much but then that's my personal view.
I have quit a few times before and my downfall was after a few months or so, going out drinking with friends that smoke and thinking to myself 'well I've quit now so I can have just one and it won't matter', that 'one' is invariably very nice so I may have another 'one' or 'two' the week after and after about a month or so I am buying cigs on a Monday morning again.
The cravings will go away in time but I know it's hard at first and certainly not a nice feeling, maybe chew gum or just get up and have a walk around just to 'do something'.
Regarding the e-cigs I had these for about a year, in my opinion it is just keeping the addiction going and they just made it easier to have a real cig in future. They tasted nice though, my favourite flavour was Tiramisu.
Good luck mate and well done on quitting!
I have quit a few times before and my downfall was after a few months or so, going out drinking with friends that smoke and thinking to myself 'well I've quit now so I can have just one and it won't matter', that 'one' is invariably very nice so I may have another 'one' or 'two' the week after and after about a month or so I am buying cigs on a Monday morning again.
The cravings will go away in time but I know it's hard at first and certainly not a nice feeling, maybe chew gum or just get up and have a walk around just to 'do something'.
Regarding the e-cigs I had these for about a year, in my opinion it is just keeping the addiction going and they just made it easier to have a real cig in future. They tasted nice though, my favourite flavour was Tiramisu.
Good luck mate and well done on quitting!
I never mind people smoking around me, but looking at it logically, and expense and health issues aside, it always seems a very inconvenient habit to me. Doesn't keep having to remove yourself from company to light up get on your pip? Just a psychological angle you might want to consider. you never know - mind over matter might help. Good luck. x
It is different for each person. Once you have made your mind up firmly that you will become an ex-smoker you can have a go and continue with the patches. It is not easy and if you give in one day and try a smoke you haven't failed yet, but if you have another one you have just wasted all that effort to the point where you are now.
Depending on how enslaved you were, you may experience depression, headache, even feverlike feelings. Saying that, Mrs.WW just stopped and never had any deep craving, so it is different for each. It is your mind that demands nicotine and can do funny things to you.
After eight years I still think back to the good old days when I used to go outside with a coffee and smoke. I don't mind people smoking around me but don't like the smell of an ashtray or someone who stands close after they had a smoke.
I tried to give up 4 gazillion times and never thought I'd succeed, but did it in the end, so you can do it too.
It is a pity a caring govt. doesn't force tobacco companies to make cigarettes with half and no nicotine, that way one could kick the drug enslavement first and only has to deal with the habit.
Depending on how enslaved you were, you may experience depression, headache, even feverlike feelings. Saying that, Mrs.WW just stopped and never had any deep craving, so it is different for each. It is your mind that demands nicotine and can do funny things to you.
After eight years I still think back to the good old days when I used to go outside with a coffee and smoke. I don't mind people smoking around me but don't like the smell of an ashtray or someone who stands close after they had a smoke.
I tried to give up 4 gazillion times and never thought I'd succeed, but did it in the end, so you can do it too.
It is a pity a caring govt. doesn't force tobacco companies to make cigarettes with half and no nicotine, that way one could kick the drug enslavement first and only has to deal with the habit.
Hey, I'm now on day 2.
Although this flu that I have had for the past few weeks is getting on my nerves, it could in fact be a blessing in diguise. Stay tuned.
Thatcherite: I don't think they would remove nicotine from cigs even if they could. It keeps the gravy train rolling.
Not only that there are pesticides in there too from when the tobacco was grown. Uggh
Although this flu that I have had for the past few weeks is getting on my nerves, it could in fact be a blessing in diguise. Stay tuned.
Thatcherite: I don't think they would remove nicotine from cigs even if they could. It keeps the gravy train rolling.
Not only that there are pesticides in there too from when the tobacco was grown. Uggh
Hi Xud, For what it's worth I gave up smoking in 1960 and haven't had one since. I worked out that it's the first puff of a cigarette that satisfies the craving and the rest of the cigarette simply stores up the nicotine in your body to feed the craving.
Therefore, one morning I went as long as I could without a fag (about an hour without too much effort, mind!) and then lit up. However, I only took one long puff and then put the fag out and saved it for later.
I then had to wait another hour before I allowed myself another single puff.
By doing this and never going below the original timing (1 hour) you can satisfy the craving without building up the stock of nicotine in your body.
After 2 or 3 days you can possibly extend the time to maybe 2 hours, and so on. Eventually you can go a full day without a cigarette and you've almost cracked it.
About two weeks after I had started this treatment, I then went 3 days without a cig and then tried one which really made me sick and very dizzy. I have never touched another fag since so there is another method you can try if the patches don't work.
Best of luck and power to your endeavours whatever you do.
Therefore, one morning I went as long as I could without a fag (about an hour without too much effort, mind!) and then lit up. However, I only took one long puff and then put the fag out and saved it for later.
I then had to wait another hour before I allowed myself another single puff.
By doing this and never going below the original timing (1 hour) you can satisfy the craving without building up the stock of nicotine in your body.
After 2 or 3 days you can possibly extend the time to maybe 2 hours, and so on. Eventually you can go a full day without a cigarette and you've almost cracked it.
About two weeks after I had started this treatment, I then went 3 days without a cig and then tried one which really made me sick and very dizzy. I have never touched another fag since so there is another method you can try if the patches don't work.
Best of luck and power to your endeavours whatever you do.
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