I am 22 and I have been smoking for three years. I want to stop for my health but at the same time I don't ...

Question

I am trying to convince myself to stop and I know I can if I really put my mind to it. I am scared because this is the only thing in my life I feel that I don't have control over. Im convinced that it is all in my head and that I can do it. So my question is, do the gums and pills work or should I try to fight this myself cold turkey.

I know only I can decide, but what have you heard, is it easier that it seems?

Answer 1

Honey I am 23 and I just quit 3 months ago I had been somoking for 12 years I started when I was 11 and it was very hard for me... Good Luck!!! You can do it...I'm not going to say that it is easy cause it isn't...I still crave them sometimes but I just have to think that I am alot better with out them...I can breath alot better now and I feel alot better 2...Well good luck I went cold turkey and it has been good so far... My dad tried the gum and the patches and he said that it just made him want to smoke more and cold turkey was so much easier but it really depends on how much you are really willing to quit...Good Luck you can do it!!!!!

Answer 2

Don't go cold turkey unless you're prepared for weeks of suffering.
You should try coupling the gum, patch, or pill with a weening process.
For one week, start with the gum or patch of whatever, which will hopefully help curb your cravings. Once you've leveled out, try cutting down a few cigarettes a day (depending on how much you smoke...about 1/4 less should let you tackle your cravings without driving you crazy) over the course of about a month. Cut out 1/4 one week, then another 1/4 the next week and so on until you're down to zero.
Nicotine addiction is the same as any other drug addiction -- if you cut it out completely, your body will push back and you will have withdrawal symptoms (irritability, sweating, heavy breathing). If you can ween yourself away, you have a better chance of not going back, and you can spare yourself some suffering during the weening process.

Good luck!

Answer 3

for most its very hard to quit. i've been smoking over 40 years. since you have been smoking just three years, it would be easy for you to stop. smoking is actually 95 percent habit and just lighting up. the other 5 percent you think about it and light one. you have control as its will power and the fact you only smoked a few years. most use the gum but it and the patch still put the nicotine in your body. cold turkey is the best way. the first week is hard for people that have smoked for years. after a month it gets easier. everyone is differant as to if the gum and patches work. i've seen people have patches up and down their arms, chewing gum and still smoking. good luck with it.

Answer 4

You just started for 3 years and it shouldn't be of any problem to quit right now. You must have the determination, it all up to what's on your mind. There may be a short period of urge but not amounting to "cold turkey". Cold Turkey only exist if your mind think it will happen and it will take control of your body system. Just as if you kept imagine you are sick then you will be feeling very sick.

I've been smoking for my past 19 years initially I also have the same thoughts as you and I've tried to get it quit for numerous of times but every time it wouldn't last long before I get my hands back of it again. Recently I started cutting it down little by little for the past one year and finally I succeed to get it quit. You must have the determination first then set aside a time frame and the number you going to cut down each time. Finally when the day come you be surprise that you had obtain your goal. Remember don't ever smoke again once you quit as you will get hook again.

If you are stress try something else that will keep you busy don't ever think of smoking. If your urge come take sugarless sweet to fight the urge away.

Gums and pills wouldn't really help if your determination level is not there. Hope my advice help. Take Care!

Just to let you know I've started smoking at the age of 12 and I really regret takingup such habit.

"HABIT" - Take away "H" you left abit
Take away "A" you left bit
Take away "B" you left with it
Finally take away "IT" you have it Quit (Yahoo!!!)

Answer 5

Giving up smoking is probably the most difficult thing in the world to do. Ask me, I know I tried continuously to give up smoking for 22 long years and then I did finally in January 2002 - I had a heart attack at age 43! Do not wait till you are in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital fighting for your life. Get serious and get help NOW and stop - there are no two ways about it. The Internet is full of sites that will show you how to stop or send you to the right place to get help. Otherwise ask your family doctor for help. You will feel so much better after you do stop and your health and personal life will improve dramatically. Come on - go for it and we will all cheer you on! Best of luck and God bless always.

Answer 6

The patch can work and the gum can work for some, too. But I would suggest going to a doctor and telling them that you want to quit. They can give you the best advice on the right plan for you and can prescribe a medication if they feel necessary. I was able to quit cold turkey, but my boyfriend had a really hard time. He went to the doc and was given a presciption and then quit no problem!! Whichever way you decide, congrats on taking control of your life and health. It can be scary, but it's SO worth it!! You'll feel so great once you break the habit!! Good Luck!!

Answer 7

I've heard two sides. I've heard the patches/gums, etc. work, and some say they don't. I've also heard that they cause headaches, nightmares and night sweats.

The most successful people who quit, do it cold turkey.

Smoke your last cigarette and say hello to better health. You're only 22, so the damage you've already done to your lungs will be minimal and you have plenty of years to rejuvinate those damaged tissues.

The first week is going to be tough. You need to divert your attention. When you feel the urge, you've gotta find something else to do. If you have a habit of smoking in the car on the way to work, you've gotta replace it with something. Keep your mouth busy with something crunchy like celery or carrots.

Smokers are habitual... usually grabbing it even when they're not craving it. Find something else (preferrably a healthy choice) to replace that habit.

PLUS, if your friends smoke, politely ask them not to smoke around you as least for that first week. If you live with or have a girl/boyfriend, spouse or family member who smokes, try to limit your exposure to them while they smoke. This can trigger temptation. Also, stay clear of parties and bars for the first week.

My 22 year old brother just quit smoking. He was actually experincing CHEST PAINS... at 22!!!! He quit cold turkey... just like that. He said about 3 weeks after he quit, he took a hit of a friends cigarette and nearly threw up. He said it tasted AWFUL to him! He had smoked since he was 14!

I know if he can do it... anyone can!

Good Luck on this process. You'll definitely improve the quality of your life and add years to your life and life to your years! Plus you won't have to worry about lugging around an oxygen tank with you everywhere you go when you get older (like my grandma who smoked her whole life until she got emphysema (lung disease).

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Answer 8

iam 20 and have been addicted for 5 years. I smoked a pack and a half a day of newports and I got pregnant so i have not smoked in about 5 months. Try cutting back and sooner or later you can just quit cold turkey. It is hard but it really gets easier with time. I totally would try gum and keep your hands busy. The littlest things will cause a trigger. But i promise it gets easier with my time. If i can do it so can you...good luck and please dont give up!!!

Answer 9

Whatever you do, don't stop cold turkey. You have to fight with yourself to gradually cut down on the cigarrette intake.

I started smoking very early, at age 8. I just turned 20 last month. I got pregnant when I was 19 and had to stop smoking after all those years. It was hard, but I wanted to do it for the health of my child. After I had the baby, I didn't breastfeed him for very long and as soon as he was on formula full time, I started back up. I made sure I stayed away from him, I went outside while he was napping. Then I got pregnant again, I'm still cutting myself down. I had gotten back up to about a 3 /4 to 1/2 pack a day. I'm still gradually cutting it down. I'm about 2 1/2 months now, and I'm down to 1 or 2 cigarrettes a week.

Cutting down that way was the easiest. I like to use mints or gum whenever I have a craving but don't want to smoke.

If you like tea, drink a glass of tea, hot or cold, whenever you're craving. That helps me too.

Good luck with quitting.

Answer 10

you can stop smoking by gradually reducing the amount of nicotin you inhale. if u are a chain smoker (eg. 20 fags in aday.) than reduce daily by one and count how many you had. as you come down less than 10 start writting the reasons you smoke every time you light one. keep cigarrete in hand and think why i m having this ine . after finishing think whether it has reduced the stress you had before smoking. initially cut the half part of cig so you are left with other half. its not not impossible but not easy too. have will power. buddy i want you to stop coz i did so and learnt how you feel great without smoking.