EX Smokers, I need help.

[noludoru]

Originally Posted by Aussie Red

Sheesh you can not even smoke in public in many places now and I might point out that fewer people smoke now then ever before and yet the cancer deaths are on the rise.

I understand what you're saying, Aussie, but I am going to have to disagree with you... a lot of people are highly sensitive to cigarette smoke, and when people are smoking in public places that they need to be, it's very hard. Most of the people I've politely asked to move downwind have been exceedingly rude AND blown smoke in my face (purposely). I'm highly sensitive to cigarettes, and have trouble breathing after only a minute or two of inhaling it. If I'm around it too long, it can make me ill for days. For me it's a godsend that smoking is banned in many public places.

Blue, I really hope you succeed, and you have a LOT of support here from peopl who love you. Some of the suggestions I've read sound great, and Chantix hopefully will work with you.

[smkie]

you can do it blue. I been telling you that for a year now.

[Renee750il]

Blue . . . this might give you a little more incentive.

Men who quit smoking tend to find that they experience some, er, enhancement of their natural attributes

[Zoom]

You can do it! I'll give you something to work towards as a rewards hee hee

My dad used Cinnamon Altoids as his substitute and this time around is trying Chantix. His biggest complaint about it is that is cuts his appetite so bad that when he does try to eat, it gives him a stomachache. So maybe eat before taking the pill. But he doesn't have munchy cravings on it.

[Dizzy]

The physical addiction is the easier bit to crack, it's the actual habit side that is the killer I think.

The cravings generally pass in a week or so, and can be controlled with the patches and stuff, but it's the inground cycle of those times when you normally have a cig, people you normally smoke with etc etc that puts you off the wagon.

You need to look at those times that you associate with smoking.

For me, when I 1st moved back to my parents, I stopped smoking. I have never smoked here, and so I didn't have that habit or routine, and I stopped.. But, started working in a pub full of smokers and slowly but surely got back into the loop.

I know people who have carried pens and things to hold like a cig in those situations! So they have the habit side (holding a cig) covered.

Or people who, whenever they have a craving, just say, I will wait 10 minutes... 10 mins pass, they forget, and say the same next time the idea pops in their head.

The hardest thing is saying NOOOO, but once you manage it a few time, and it is HARD!! it becomes easier.

Depends on the person though... some people can do it right out, wake up one day and say no more.. others need to do it in baby steps.

I want to quit. I'd say I am a social smoker, and we have the ban coming in on July 1st, so unlike most of my fellow smokers, I am not intending on standing out in the rain just to get a drag!! Plus, I'd like to spend my money on more interesting things... We'll see.

Either way - good luck. It's never easy - but it's mind over matter - be strong!!

[blue]

Thanks for the encoragement everybody.

I guess my mind is made up now. Last ttime I quit I did it cold turkey and lasted 3 months. My new job isnt as stressfull as the last one so tomorow it begins. Who wants to be my buddy?

[Renee750il]

I'd say you have a whole forum of buddies, Blue

[Spirit2010]

I'm not a smoker but, here are some of my tips, (some that I have learned in health class, and some common sense, that I actually can think of on top of my head) some might not help. lol

Don't start the habit! lol

You need to want to quit! Very important, which I can see that you do.

Um, thats all. lol, When I find more I will shoot it at ya. But for now, good luck! I hope you stop soon!!

[bubbatd]

Unfortunately I'm with Zoom's Dad . I started with Chantix and it really cut down on my desire , then it started to upset my stomach ..... you really have to take it with food and I didn't want food . I'm going to go back and try it again though . Don't start kids !!!!!

[blue]

Originally Posted by bubbatd

Unfortunately I'm with Zoom's Dad . I started with Chantix and it really cut down on my desire , then it started to upset my stomach ..... you really have to take it with food and I didn't want food . I'm going to go back and try it again though . Don't start kids !!!!!

Im going cold turkey tomorow Grammy, you wanna try?