anyone out there whos been a smoker,and like me whom has just packed them in,im looking for support,?

Answer 1

Well done (and nice choice of category btw, makes you think) I am still trying, have cut right back to one or two a day but still trying to go that final step. It's so hard but I'm gonna have to, it's such a gross, stinky and expensive habit! You've given me extra incentive, thanks! :o)

Answer 2

Hey, I was a smoker for 50 years. I quit cold turkey 58 days ago. What makes me feel really good is that I read recently that the nicotine content of cigarettes is up over 10% in recent years. No wonder it's so hard to quit!

I STILL have cravings and I probably will for some time. But I can breathe freely...I can sing again...I've almost stopped coughing...my life is a whole lot better. And if that's not enough, I have a lot more money in my wallet! Hang in there, sport - every day you will feel a little bit better!

Answer 3

I smoked 2 packs a day for 36 years. I loved my cigarettes. I stopped smoking over 2 years ago. If I can quit, anyone can.

Know what to expect. Be prepared.

You already know that you might feel irritable and angry at times.
Do you know about these other symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal?

dizziness (your brain is not used to pure oxygen)
mental confusion or inability to concentrate
increased or reduced appetite
lethargy
sleepiness
depression
constipation
nervousness
muscle weakness or pain
poor coordination
headaches
sinus pain and pressure
Smokers cough does not decrease... it increases temporarily. You'll be coughing up a lot of junk for a few weeks.

It's all temporary!

You will be fighting the urge to smoke every minute of the day. Remember that you are fighting a physical addiction. Nicotine is as addicting as Heroine. Don't get down on yourself if you slip up. Guilt solves nothing. Nicotine withdrawal is tough but so are you.
It is like I said before. If I can do it, anyone can.

Carry hard candy with you. Suck on one when you feel the urge to smoke. Avoid circumstances and places that might tempt you to smoke. Stay away from the pub or nightclubs. Leave off of alcohol for a few weeks. Stay away from smoking friends or ask them not to smoke near you. They should understand and may even be a little envious. You'll thank yourself in the end.

Your first 2 to 3 weeks will be the most difficult. Expect it. Expect hell. Then you won't be disillusioned.

Don't count your smoke-free days. Why count how many days you haven't smoked? You are a non-smoker the minute you quit. It is for the rest of your life. Don't count days.

Don't listen to non-smokers who offer stupid advice. They are full of sh*t and don't know what they're talking about.

Don't be deceived. Withdrawal is a bi-yatch! Expect it.
Support is great, but he bottom line is- "You are alone. Only you can quit. Friends and family can't really help."
You only need to get past the first 2 weeks. It's all down hill from there.

Here is some additional info that might help motivate you...

As soon as you snuff out that last cigarette, your body will begin a series of physiological changes.

Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rate will drop to normal.

Within 8 hours: Smokers breath disappears. Carbon monoxide level in blood drops and oxygen level rises to normal.

Within 24 hours: chance of heart attack decreases.

Within 48 hours: nerve endings start to regroup. Ability to taste and smell improves.

Within 3 days: Breathing is easier.

Within 2-3 months: Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier.
Lung capacity increases up to 30%

Within 1-9 months: sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia that sweep debris from your lungs grows back. Energy increases.

Within one year: Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a person who smokes.

Within 2 years: Heart attack risk drops to near normal.

Within 5 years: lung cancer death rate for the average former pack a day smoker decreases by almost half that of a smoker.

Within 10 years: lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke. The pre-cancerous cells are replaced.

Within 15 years: risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a person who has never smoked.

It helped to realize that I was smoking and harming myself because of a decision made by a very very stupid 15 year old boy many years ago and I am no longer that kid.

Good Luck

.

Answer 4

My husband was a former smoker and when cigarettes took the first big price hick about 7 years ago in our state he quit cold turkey. He survived by sucking on hard candy, lollipops and chewing lots of gum. He was not going to pay the price and keep supporting the tabacco industry. Hope this info helps.

Answer 5

Well done you!! I gave up 2 years ago after smoking 25 a day for quite some years (don't want to work out how many, too scary)! I personally didn't need help but there is a good website a friend of mine is using at the moment called CLICK2QUIT.
Again very well done and Good luck!

Answer 6

Gave up when wife was pregnant - that was real motivation (she packed in too, of course). That's the main thing, having a really good reason for yourself.
The pangs and desires DO ease off. Just do other new things to take you MIND of them (it's all in the head and the stupid little habits like having one with a coffee/after a meal/in the car...).
Very occasioanlly I feel tempted after a few drinkis, but otherwise, no going back for me now. Feel much better...and have more money!
Good luck.

Answer 7

I have never been a smoker, but I want to congratulate you, as you just reduced your risk of:

Lung cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Throat Cancer
Oral Cancer
Heart Disease
Emphysema
Stroke
Deep Vein Thrombosis

and much more!

Answer 8

Don't ever think of getting the habit back. I'm a smoker and tried so many times to quit but failed.

Answer 9

It is great that you are able to do it. However strong is the temptation, do not take that "just one more cigarette." You can do it, even though it is not easy.

I had my last cigarette on July 13, 1981, noon. I was smoking up to two packages a day. Then I decided that I'd rather be healthy even though slightly overweight than skinny and unhealthy.

Good luck!

Answer 10

I used to be a smoker. I decided I wanted to be a nonsmoker.
Much of it has to do with the "hand to mouth" habit, so to get through a craving, just pretend to be smoking. Yes, it looks funny, but it works.

Answer 11

I smoked for 20+ years and I finally was able
to quit by the grace of God .and I smoked at times like they were going out of style and quiting was the best thing they is, don't have to look for them anymore etc. Your find that quiting is more rewarding than smoking them.