How do YOU stop smoking?

Question

It's been a difficult journey for my friend; he smokes at least 7 cigarettes a day. What would you tell him?

Answer 1

First, congratulate yourself. Just reading this article is a huge step toward becoming tobacco free. Many people don't quit smoking because they think it's too hard to do. They think they'll quit someday.

It’s true, for most people quitting isn't easy. After all, the nicotine in cigarettes is a powerfully addictive drug. But with the right approach, you can overcome the cravings.

The Difficulty in Kicking the Habit
Smokers may have started smoking because their friends did or because it seemed cool. But they keep on smoking because they became addicted to nicotine, one of the chemicals in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine is both a stimulant and a depressant. That means nicotine increases the heart rate at first and makes people feel more alert (like caffeine, another stimulant). Then it causes depression and fatigue. The depression and fatigue — and the drug withdrawal from nicotine — make people crave another cigarette to perk up again. According to many experts, the nicotine in tobacco is as addictive as cocaine or heroin.

But don't be discouraged; millions of Americans have permanently quit smoking. These strategies can help you quit, too:

Put it in writing. People who want to make a change often are more successful when they put it in writing. So write down all the reasons why you want to quit smoking, such as the money you will save or the stamina you'll gain for playing sports. Keep that list where you can see it, and add to it as you think of new reasons.

Get support. People whose friends and family help them quit are much more likely to succeed. If you don't want to tell your parents or family that you smoke, make sure your friends know, and consider confiding in a counselor or other adult you trust. And if you're having a hard time finding people to support you (if, say, all your friends smoke and none of them is interested in quitting), you might consider joining a support group, either in person or online.

Set a quit date. Pick a day that you'll stop smoking. Tell your friends (and your family, if they know you smoke) that you're going to quit smoking on that day. Just think of that day as a dividing line between the smoking you and the new and improved nonsmoker you'll become. Mark it on your calendar.


Throw away your cigarettes — all of your cigarettes. People can't stop smoking with cigarettes still around to tempt them. Even toss out that emergency pack you have stashed in the secret pocket of your backpack. Get rid of your ashtrays and lighters, too.

Wash all your clothes. Get rid of the smell of cigarettes as much as you can by washing all your clothes and having your coats or sweaters dry-cleaned. If you smoked in your car, clean that out, too.

Think about your triggers. You're probably aware of the situations when you tend to smoke, such as after meals, when you're at your best friend's house, while drinking coffee, or as you're driving. These situations are your triggers for smoking — it feels automatic to have a cigarette when you're in them. Once you've figured out your triggers, try these tips:

Avoid these situations. For example, if you smoke when you drive, get a ride to school, walk, or take the bus for a few weeks. If you normally smoke after meals, make it a point to do something else after you eat, like read or call a friend.
Change the place. If you and your friends usually smoke in restaurants or get takeout and eat in the car, suggest that you sit in the no-smoking section the next time you go out to eat.
Substitute something else for cigarettes. It can be hard to get used to not holding something and having something in your mouth. If you have this problem, stock up on carrot sticks, sugar-free gum, mints, toothpicks, or even lollipops.
Expect some physical symptoms. If you smoke regularly, you're probably physically addicted to nicotine and your body may experience some symptoms of withdrawal when you quit. These may include:

headaches or stomachaches
crabbiness, jumpiness, or depression
lack of energy
dry mouth or sore throat
desire to pig out
Luckily, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal will pass — so be patient. Try not to give in and sneak a smoke because you'll just have to deal with the symptoms longer.

Keep yourself busy. Many people find it's best to quit on a Monday, when they have school or work to keep them busy. The more distracted you are, the less likely you'll be to crave cigarettes. Staying active is also a good way to make sure you keep your weight down and your energy up, even as you're experiencing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Quit gradually. Some people find that gradually decreasing the number of cigarettes they smoke each day is an effective way to quit. However, this strategy doesn't work for everyone — you may find you have to stop completely at once. This is known as "cold turkey."

Use a nicotine replacement if you need to. If you find that none of these strategies is working, you might talk to your doctor about treatments. Using a nicotine replacement, such as gum, patches, inhalers, or nasal sprays, can be very helpful. Sprays and inhalers are available by prescription only, and it's important to see your doctor before buying the patch and gum over the counter. That way, your doctor can help you find the solution that will work best for you. For example, the patch requires the least effort on your part, but it doesn't offer the almost instantaneous nicotine kick that gum does.

If you slip up, don't give up! Major changes sometimes have false starts. If you're like many people, you may quit successfully for weeks or even months and then suddenly have a craving that's so strong you feel like you have to give in. Or maybe you accidentally find yourself in one of your trigger situations and give in to temptation. If you slip up, it doesn't mean you've failed, it just means you're human. Here are some ways to get back on track:

Think about your slip as one mistake. Take notice of when and why it happened and move on.
Did you become a heavy smoker after one cigarette? We didn't think so — it happened more gradually, over time. Keep in mind that one cigarette didn't make you a smoker to start with, so smoking one cigarette (or even two or three) after you've quit doesn't make you a smoker again.
Remind yourself why you've quit and how well you've done — or have someone in your support group, family, or friends do this for you.
Reward yourself. As you already know, quitting smoking isn't easy. Give yourself a well-deserved reward! Set aside the money you usually spend on cigarettes. When you've stayed tobacco free for a week, 2 weeks, or a month, buy yourself a treat like a new CD, book, movie, or some clothes. And every smoke-free year, celebrate again. You earned it.

Answer 2

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 3

If you have pain in your chest when you smoke that is very helpful in keeping you on track. You may not have that pain, but keep thinking about the pain you do suffer, the coughing in the morning, or whatever. In other words, when you think about cigarettes think about the negative. I did quit cold turkey, but that was the only choice back then. One trick I found very helpful was to make a habit of not buying or carrying cigarettes, and if somehow I did get some throwing them away. (this works with liquor too). Obviously, you need to not be bumming cigarettes either. Think about how cheap and foolish you are to do that. The thing about not buying cigarettes is that the buying is at least a little painful so that is a good place to intervene if you start back up again. Likewise if you have started again and feel disgusted that is a good time to throw them in the stove (I have a wood stove) and then if you want more you would have to buy them. You just set up a steady negative wind... Good luck! You'll be feeling a lot better in just a few months.

Answer 4

If you find a fast fix let me know, I smoke bout a pack a day and i have tried the patch and the pill Wel butron but nothing has worked so far. and I really need to stop. I have early signs of enfizima(mis-spelled) and my dad died at the age of 62 from smoking 3 packs a day. I'm 45 now and I sure hope I can find a way to quit. If your friend only smokes 7 a day tell him to stop before he is up to a pack a day or more. Even 1 cig. can harm him.

Answer 5

With great difficulty. I would join a support group and they may put you on Wellibutrin. I stopped 25 years ago and almost thought I would die getting over the nicotine addiction. I smoked 4 packs a day. Now cigerretts are more potentate and more addictive than ever. Make sure all your fiends know you are trying to stop smoking so they encourage you.

Answer 6

well, what they say is true...

the only way to quit is COLD TURKEY

i managed to do so by giving myself busy schedule to distract myself and cutting back on my going out to bars (where i would spend lots of money on drinks...and the more i drink, the more i smoke) . i started to exercise more because after i am done exercising i feel healthier and like i would ruin it by smoking a cigarette.

trust me...it is VERY hard to quit especially if a person has been smoking for years.

good luck, you may not like the person he will become at first if you can get him to quit or cut back on smoking, when you start to quit, people have a tendency to have REALLY bad attitudes due to the suffering from withdrawl.

Answer 7

Think of difficult things you have done in the past.

Answer 8

the best way to quit.. is to never have started..

Answer 9

stop buying cigs! DUH!