Giving up smoking?

Question

Hey all, I was hoping to get a few answers from people who had successfully given up smoking.

I quit about a fortnight ago, having smoked 10 a day for the last 6 or so years. At the moment I am past getting cravings except for after a large meal (when I usually had a much-needed smoke) and on my tea break at work (when I just have time to kill).

I was just wondering if this is normal, and what I'm likely to go through next? I realise everyone is different but I'd like to hear from you...do you every really get over the day-to-day craving? I realise it's only been a fortnight but I think I'm doing OK so far!

Thanks!

Answer 1

took me about 3 months to kill off the cravings, but i stuck at it and i still not smoking after 6 months so keep it up and well done

Answer 2

Well done you! I hope you stay smoke-free forever! But in case you have a relapse, I'll tell you how I stopped.

I smoked my last cigarette on 14 February 2006, and I haven't wanted smoke since -furthermore, I know that I will never smoke again. The day I became free was amazing -a real epiphany!!!! I cried real tears of joy. I had smoked over 20 a day for 10 years, but I found it easy, even enjoyable to stop.

I firmly believe that I would never have stopped had it not been for my friend telling me about a book -Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking. I can't understand why so many people struggle to give up when this book makes it so easy! Please believe me, I'm not getting any commission for this -it really does work. Just try it -most libraries will have copies of his book, so you don't have to even buy it. It REALLY does work.

I would like to think that I've helped someone else to get free like I have, it's such an amazing feeling!!!! Better than any drugs in the world.

Answer 3

My mother has been trying to stop on an off since her triple by pass surgery, managed to get down to 3 or 4 per day, which is much better than a packet a day, both for her health and finances. Smokes more under stress or with other smokers.
Its a tough craving to beat, and my Dad who quit for 7 years was offered a cigar after the birth of my brother and is now back to chain smoking. 10 is not that heavy, so why not give yourself permission to have one at tea break, and one after a large meal, thats still over a 50% reduction. Aim for a packet a week and put the money for the other packet aside in a special treat fund, so that when you get to six months you can buy something nice to celebrate and remind you what a waste of money smoking is.
Good Luck

Answer 4

You are doing great!! the cravings will stop but it takes about 6 months for this to happen, so don't get tempted. If you need inspiration then read 'the easy way to give up smoking' from WH Smiths, it's a short book written by a guy who smoked 60-80 cigs a day and tried everything to stop, he makes so much sense without lecturing, try it!! Highlite bits that hit you as you read for future support!!

Answer 5

well done the first two weeks are hardest, then first two months after that you should be fine.
Cravings tend to be quite easy to cope with unless like you, you smoked at a certain time which makes it harder, personally my husband smoked a lot more than you and he found in times of bordem when he smoked etc, he would suck on a lollipop, cory but it helped him a lot, the only side affect he had from quitting was mood swings. i didnt have any as like you i only smoked 10 a day (unless went out)
so basically try and find something to do after a meal, sucking on a lollipop isnt going to hurt and it takes your mind off it as you are still doing something at these times your just not smoking. it doesnt have to be a lollipop it can be anything go and read a book etc - its just something to stop you associating it with smoking
GOOD LUCK and WELL DONE so far

Answer 6

i've gone 8 days without smoking. Every time i get gas, or go to the store, i have the urge to buy a pack and light up. But I know I'll have to start over again. Congratulations on your effort. Take it one fortnight at a time. Try and replace your urge with something else. My replacement has been food so far, but I'm hopeing that will change (because I might be gaining weight!). but at least i'm not smoking.

the first week is tough, actually, the whole time is tough, but I know that we can do it. I feel we're kindred spirits destined to quit this horrible addiction. Good luck! and me too!

Answer 7

Ye dude, ive stopped many times. If you start again ( hopefully you won't) just keep trying to stop you will eventually work out the way that suits you best. i started smoking when i was 14 the 1st time i tried stopping i was 20 and i remember being really dissy and headaches also. The more attempts i made the more i learned how to cope i'm 36 now i've stopped only a week this time and i'm confident this will be the time. Good Luck dude.

Answer 8

I've never smoked, this is advice from a friend:

Sounds like you're doing excellently!

It sounds daft, but the secret to not smoking is... not smoking! If you do really feel like you need one just remember why you're quitting and put off that cigarette. Don't think about anything after that, just take it one *** at a time! Good luck with it!

Answer 9

First off, way to go! Making this monumental decision is one of the best you can do for yourself.

Next, habitual (scheduled) cravings are just as normal as periodic ones. And yes, EVERY DAY for some months for me, it was a constant battle of wits. I still live with a smoker, and it was that much more difficult. I made my decision, and realized that my MIND was stronger than some petty drug.

The urges will disspate. I swear, they do. Those nagging thoughts will as well. One day you will realize you didn't think about smoking for a few days.

2 weeks is a long time. The drug is now completely out of your system. Keep telling yourself you can do it!

The next few weeks might entail some discomfort (flu-like feelings) from withdrawal, some mood swings, maybe...but all in all, the hardest part is done.

Answer 10

Well done! I am going into week 5 of not smoking, using the cold turkey method. I dont think the cravings ever go, but I just remember that if I have one I will be back on 20 a day in no time. Drink plenty of water it really helps.

Answer 11

Giving up smoking is difficult for first 8-10 weeks after this period your will to smoke will gradually die down. Keep your will power strong and keep yourself busy in something interesting. I have done the same and left smoking after 8 years. You can do this too.