Well, today marks day 10 for me of my second "successful" quit smoking try! (I quit in March of 07, but started up again in Sept of 08). I didn't intend for this to be a New Years Day Resolution, but it just timed out that January 01, 2009 is my quit day!
I know there are more than a few of us that want to beat this habit. We know it's bad for us, that it sucks, that it's expensive (packs are $6+ here in MI!), that we are shunned and made to stand outside, getting glares from nonsmokers as they walk past. We also know that when you like smoking, you really like it, and NO ONE can convince you that you need to stop now. I know, I was one of those.
Quitting only can begin when YOU want to. YOU have to have that in your head that you want to quit, need to quit. Maybe it's a scare in the family or yourself (hello lung cancer, COPD?). Maybe it's because you're tired of shelling out hundreds a month on such a waste of money - really, what does smoking get you? Stinky clothes, stinky car, stinky house, and of course, those glares.
If you've made the choice to quit, then it's time to start. I've found that it's better to work toward quitting, rather than setting a day and saying "I'll quit then!" You'll always find a reason to push it back - you're too stressed, something big comes up, and you "need" that nicotine crutch.
Start with telling yourself each time you light up how much you are tired of being controlled by cigarettes. You're tired of the smell, tired of the taste. Even if you aren't, tell yourself. Look at the nicotine stains (if you have them) - gross. Look at the film on the windows in your car - clean them with an ammonia based cleaner, and imagine that is your lungs (which it is). Do everything in YOUR power to make yourself hate smoking.
Start trying to not finish your smokes. Smoke only 3/4, then 1/2, then a few puffs. Throw them away. Yes you are throwing money away, but that is what smoking is - throwing money, and possibly your life away.
Once you really believe you hate smoking, you're ready to quit. Some folks quit cold turkey. Some go to the doc and try Chantix. I've tried nicotine patches and gum.
My experience with the gum is that it upset my stomach too much. HOWEVER! Nicotine gum is no longer that nasty tasting crud it was. I've had the "Fruit Chill" flavor, and really, it's pretty tasty. It tastes like gum, but I still get the upset stomach from it (I have a wonky stomach anyway). I've heard the Cinnamon is great too. The original - meh.
I like the patches - I've quit both times with them. The first time was with the name brand Nicoderm, this time was with the Walmart brand. I have found I can only wear them during the day, NOT at night. I have gotten a rash from them, for the first hour or so, and it itches, but it goes away (if it doesn't you may be allergic to the adhesive or just sensitive).
My brother has used the Commit lozenges, and successfully quit that way.
Now, the nicotine replacements help with the physical withdrawals, but there is still the mental aspect - the need to have something in your hands or mouth. My favorite solution is sugar free candy for the mouth deal. I load up on a few different types of sugar free candy - namely Jolly Ranchers, Wethers, and LifeSaver mints. I also like lemon drops for a sour taste. I like a variety, because face it - eating loads of Jolly Ranchers each day will get old fast. Switch it up. This phase doesn't last too long, hopefully - try not to change one addiction for another! I just pop a candy when I REALLY feel like I need a cigarette.
Also, it's a great time to change your eating habits for the better. You've quit smoking, and that's a huge leap to getting healthy! Load up on some crunchy fruits and veggies to grab when you've got the cig cravings too. Gaining weight is NOT a must when you quit - I think most of the time weight gain is due to the massive munchies quitting causes - hence the sugar free candy and "good" foods to keep around. Make it easy to find healthy things to munch, because you will want to eat everything around you - at least I do.
Now, once you've quit for a few days, the fun of the "non-smokers" cough comes. This is a lovely hacking that shows up. It's a good sign - it means that your lungs are finally allowed to work as they should, and they are working on clearing out that nasty crud (remember the cleaning of the windows if you smoke in your car?) This will pass. Sometimes it's days, sometimes weeks. If you choose to start an exercise program, I'd suggest actually waiting a couple weeks - give your lungs time to clean out the crud before stressing them, so you don't end up acting like you're coughing to death. I know that if I exert myself those first couple days, it's a pretty ugly sight, and well, I usually cough enough to hurt for a bit. Give your lungs time to get ready to work. This isn't a free ride to not do anything for weeks, months etc. Just those first couple weeks!
Another helpful thing to quit I've found is to total up how much money you spend on cigarettes each week, month, year, and for fun, for however long you've smoked. Write this down and place it wherever you like to smoke - on your door, in your car, whatever. Keep it in your wallet or purse for when you think about buying a pack.
Just as some folks glare at your for standing outside and smoking, these same folks will be your biggest cheerleaders if you attempt to quit. Tell them you want to quit - they will hold you accountable, and will congratulate you on every turn. I was still afraid to have my dad know I smoked - and I've been out of the house for almost 10 years. I told him that I quit, and rather than admonish me for even starting, he congratulated me and was very supportive.
The most anti-smoker is the former smoker. Remember to still be kind to those who smoke, though you'd rather rip the cigarette out of their mouth and break it in half. Remember - there was a time you too like to smoke, and you wouldn't listen to anyone to quit. It's a personal journey, and a hard one. If you make it, you're on top! You've possibly saved your life, you don't stink, you're no longer banned to the outside, you no longer have to furtively ask for "smoking" at the restaurant, IF they even have a smoking section. You no longer are burning money up. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
Remember - you're only a puff away from a pack a day. Don't ruin your hard work thus far for one puff, one bummed smoke. I can tell you that that one bummed smoke will lead to "just a pack" to take when you go out - you'll say you're a "social smoker". Then you "only smoke if you're stressed". Then, well, you're to square one - a pack a day or more.
That's my spiel! Who else has quit or wants to? Post your tips here! Post your desire to quit, the day you finally stopped, any milestone days, whatever! Lets support each other!
I'm going to have this stickied so it's always here for you - it won't get shuffled down. Check in often, and you can do it!!
The Quit Smoking Thread!!!
Self Improvement With Hypnosis
i think if you really want to quit, you have to want it! someone hyponotizing you making you think that you want to quit isn't going to work.
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