Trying to quit smoking... Options

[Anne]

So, for the past few years I have smoked between 20-25 cigarettes a day. Sometimes on the weekends more. I want to quit and tried cold turkey which lasted about 13 hours.
I am now limiting myself to 10 cigs a day for this week. Next week I will go down to 7, then try 5 etc. I do want to quit.
Not really wanting to do the patch. That just doesn't seem to be something I feel would help me.
Anyway...anyone out there trying to quit or recently quit? Anyone have any suggestions on what to do when you are craving the stick?

[Joost]

Identify your favorite times to smoke and try to change your attitude about smoking during those times. Talk talk talk. Have verbal discussions identify ways you plan on quitting and get support from others. Identify WHY you buy smokes and WHY you light up and WHY you bum smokes (if you do that).

Be proud of every attempt to quit. A relapse is no big deal if you realize you slipped but then resume your smoking cessation plans. It's when you give up trying when you fail.

Never give up trying. You'll figure out how to quit if you really want to quit.

I smoked off and on for 5 years. Quitting isn't the hard part. I could quit smoking for several weeks but I'd keep resuming the smoking because I "wanted to hurt myself." (I hate the smell of smoke). It wasn't until I changed my attitude about my health . . . wanting to live . . . did I become successful about quitting.

I hope you all choose to live more healthy. Never give up!

[sem]

Hi...I want to quit also, and I've tried the patch and even the gum. Now, like you, I think cold turkey is the only real way I can do it. I just smoked my last cig and am going to see if I can just "suck it up" and be strong!
Good luck to you! Let's try to quit...both of us!

[bonniegeen]

Hi all...I agree with Joost that it helps to avoid smoking especially at the habitual times you normally did. (For me, RIGHT before bed, in the car, after eating, with morning coffee). It really is more of breaking a habit than beating an addiction, in my view.
I had quit for months when our state raised the tax and it began to cost me over $3 for one pack. I just could not justify spending that kind of money anymore. Part of what helped me was to start a bank with my "would have been" cigarette money. You all know how even if we are low on funds for gas, food, etc. we will be sure to find that extra few dollars for smokes. Well, no matter what your financial situation, at least here in the states, by not smoking you could save AT LEAST $90 a month....that's $1080 per year....that's a decent weekend trip to relax and enjoy your smoke free life. That was my motivation...and it worked for quite some time...but 6 months later I had a relapse with my depression and started full time again...but I only smoke the cheap, ditch weed, little cigars that aren't taxed in our state. BUT....during the quit time I really felt good about my accomplishment. Sure I would slip sometimes, but I would bum one smoke and only smoke part of it, and NOT during a habitual time.
Like I said, I think breaking the habit is more than half the battle. Do watch mood swings though because nicotene acts on dopamine, one of the chems in our brain that has to do with a feeling of wellness and satisfaction. Be sure to tell your doctor that you've quit so he can help with a med adjustment if necessary.
Best of luck!!!! You CAN do it!!

[Joost]

Acupuncture
An acupuncturist uses points in the ears to help you overcome your cravings for a cigarette. He or she may leave a stud in your ear, which you can press when you feel that you need a cigarette. Although conventional medicine does not understand how this works, some people have found that it has helped them stop smoking.

[sem]

How to quit smoking
• Set a quit date.
• Ask your friends and family for their support and help.
• Remind yourself of why you are quitting.
• Choose a nicotine medication and find out how to use it.
• Find and use strategies to deal with cravings for cigarettes.
• Change your habits so that you are not tempted to smoke.
• Keep low-fat snacks handy.
• Invent rewards for not smoking.

Using reward systems-such as saving up the money you would have spent on cigarettes to buy yourself a treat-can help you stay off cigarettes in the early weeks.

[Joost]

Something I followed while trying to quit smoking:

On the Day You Quit
- Get rid of all your cigarettes. Put away your ashtrays.
- Change your morning routine. When you eat breakfast, don't sit in the same place at the kitchen table. Stay busy.
- When you get the urge to smoke, do something else instead.
- Carry other things to put in your mouth, such as gum, hard candy, or a toothpick.
- Reward yourself at the end of the day for not smoking. See a movie or go out and enjoy your favorite meal.

I hope it helps.

[Aks1]

How to quit
There are many ways to quit smoking, from complementary therapies to nicotine patches, tablets and gums, to self-help groups, hypnotism and how to books. The main thing is to decide to stop and then to set a quit date. You should also choose a time when you will not be stressed. Most people find that setting a date and then stopping completely rather than cutting down gradually works best.
When you quit, be prepared to feel symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as irritability, sleeplessness, tiredness, hunger, coughing, and inability to concentrate, as well as cravings for cigarettes. Most of these symptoms will soon disappear. You can fight them by getting more sleep, avoiding stress, and also simply by pampering yourself.
Smoking is a habit, so changing your daily routine for a while will help you break for the habit. For example, if you are used to having your first cigarette with your coffee in the kitchen, switch to tea and have it in the living room. In your first weeks as a non-smoker, avoid situations where you would normally smoke, such as pubs, and instead go to places where smoking is not allowed, such as the cinema, or shops.
Most cravings for cigarettes pass in about three minutes, so while you wait for a craving to pass, do something else such as making a cup of tea or polishing your shoes. Many people reward themselves by adding up all the money they are saving by not buying cigarettes and use it to buy themselves treats. And if you slip up and have a cigarette do not get angry with yourself, just resolve to quit again. It take most people three or four tries before they can finally quit.

[empty_promises]

Hi, my mom made a deal with me, where if she quit, i would quit. She read a book, i think it was called the easy way to quit smoking. but it didnt work for her, so i guess she wants to get this new medication that makes you throw up everytime you smoke a cig. She wants ME to do it first, to see if it works. And... if it does i'll let you know.. but it doesnt sound too appealing.