Trying to stop smoking.

[Frank McGrath]

I have a good friend that married a woman involved in a 12 step program. That program was formed around a Motorcycle club. My Buddy was invited to join the club, but would have to give up booze and smoking. He did that for his new bride. The money they would have spent on cigarettes alone afforded them the luxury of a big screen tv. Not only can he now watch the tv from across the yard, but he and his wife are closer than ever.
Not having ever started smoking, I have no idea what smokers go thru. But I continue to pray for those addicted to anything except kilts. There is no praying for the rabble.

Good luck with your quest. Quitting will only benefit you and yours.

[chasem]

I only smoked a total of maybe a pack of cigarettes back in high school, if that many, so i don't know the feeling of being addicted. My father smoked for years though, and tried to quit several times.

Once, when I was about three years old, he quit after accidentally putting his cigarette out on my cheek. But he picked them up again later.

I know it can be rough, but you'll be glad you did it. Stay strong!

[Colin]

I had tried the patch, Zyban, the gum, etc over the years, but finally quit cold turkey last March. It was actually the easiest way, as with all the other stuff I always found it to be a drawn out experience, but with cold turkey it was really tough and than it susbsided more and more each day.

a good support system was pivotal. Check for online support forums as they do help just to bitch and moan a bit. Best of luck to you, I know how difficult it can be.

[Schultz]

Different things work for different people. Some people can quit cold turkey.

I couldn't have said it better myself. My father smoked for over 50 years. Then, about three years ago, his ticker started giving him some trouble and he had to stop on the way up the stairs one night. He looked at my mother and said, "I'm done. No more cigarettes." And he hasn't touched them since.

Me, when I quit smoking cigarettes, it was pretty much cold turkey, along with my wife. I sneaked a few here and there, mostly because friends were smoking and I did miss it. But I'm at the point now where, even if I'm around friends and I get nostalgic, I remember just how bad the last one tasted and I'm "cured" for the moment.

Nicotine is a tough drug to beat, especially in the short term, but the war inside your mind is a worse fight. My addiction was far more psychological/social than physical (although I did have some physical withdrawal).

Good luck to you. If you really want to quit, you can.

[canawler]

I'll throw my experiences into this discussion. I chewed snuff and leaf tobacco from age 18 thru 32 and tried to quit several times by tapering off slowly. I always thought I had absolutely no will power and this seemed to be confirmed as quitting never lasted more than a day. I guess I knew I needed to quit but didn't really want to. As has been said previously in this thread, you are either ready to quit or you aren't. When I was ready, I set a date and that was it. After the first two days, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Whenever I had a craving, it helped to remember that the nicotine was out of my system within a couple of days so anything after that was all in my head. I've been nicotine free since April 1 2001 and I can honestly say that I no longer have any cravings. Anyway, thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

[arrogcow]

So Dragon, how's the not smoking going? I on the other hand, did not quit when I said I would (see earlier post). However, on Jan 13th I decided to try one of those "group" hypnosis sessions. I am now on day 10 without smoking (havent had 1 since noon on the 13th), no patch, gum, drugs etc., and I haven't gained weight. Looking good so far, and I now have $60.00 in my next kilt fund.

Adam

[McMurdo]

I quit about 3 years ago, and I had smoked from an early age and I am 40 now. I woke up one morning and I just knew that it was time to quit, I put them down and I haven't picked them up since, thats how it worked for me, Dragon I hope you are doing good with it, let us know how its going.

[ckelly327]

Dragon, sorry I missed this thread when it first came up. I really hope that you are still doing well.

My father was just the opposite of you. He learned to smoke cigarettes but later changed to a pipe. The problem was that, like you, he would smoke Half and Half and inhale it. He ended up with throat cancer in his 50's. After the chemo and radiation he couldn't swallow anything solid so the only refreshement he got was pudding or milkshakes. The rest of his nourishment was provided through a port in his stomach where he would pour in proteins and vitamins to keep his body going. During this period he lost about 50 pounds. Even after the cancer was declared to be gone he still couldn't swallow anything substantial. He later died of an unrelated anuerysm but there was still the likelihood that it could have been related to the cancer.

Take care of yourself. It's a very dangerous situation to put yourself in.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Thanks guys. Well, no cigarettes . . . but the pipe is still an occasional smoke for me. At least I'm not smoking cigarettes everyday or using smokeless and/or chewing tobacco. I figure that as long as it's not a must-have-habit, I'll be okay--all things in moderation. So a pipe of tobacco every now and again is alright, so long as I'm not doing it more than a couple bowls a day.