Any tips on quiting smoking?

Question

I want to quit so bad, but when I go w/o a cig, I want to beat the sh*t out of something!
Help!!!
Which works better, the patch, gum, cherry candy things...?

Answer 1

The state of TX just imposed a tax on cigarettes that raises the price of cigarettes by a dollar a pack.
Not only did I need to quit because of this but because I have smoked for 36yrs and I KNOW it's extremely bad for my health not to mention the nasty smell in my car,in my house,in my clothes and on my breath.
I quit drinking 10+ yrs ago and I am using the same things I used when stopping drinking along with nicotine gum.
I remember the Serenity Pray. . . Grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I can not change,the Courage to change the things I can. . . . . . Smoking IS something I can change and I continually ask God to help me.
Each time I stress and want a cigarette I use another piece of gum and tell myself that this craving or this period of time that is causing me stress WILL pass. . .and it does
I have used the method of telling myself that I won't smoke now but that I will smoke in an hour. . . .before I know it,that hour has passed,I got busy and forgot I wanted a cigarette.(Staying busy helps as well because it is truly as it is said.. . Idle time IS the devils workshop.)
I do as it was suggested in AA when I quit drinking. . . Avoid those people,places and things that encourage my bad behavior. I did this until I had the mental strength to maintain better behavior.
I avoid going out on break at work where others smoke. I limit myself to AA meetings where there is ALOT of smokers.(Eventually I will be able to do these things but to do so now is detremental to my efforts.)
I tried to stop smoking back in Aug and made 45 days then "relapsed" for one day. I started back the next day and made 30 days before I "relapsed" again and kept smoking until I quit this time 17days ago.
I look back at what happened in my life at those times I "relapsed" and I try NOT to make those same mistakes.
With only 17days under my belt,any time I walk past someone who smokes I can smell them. I know I use to smell that way and I do not judge those that still smoke but I am greatful that I do not have to do that anymore if I don't want to. . . and I don't want to.
Don't beat yourself up if you fail as we didn't learn to smoke in one day and we aren't going to stop in one day.
A co-worker who also is trying to quit and has 10days cold turkey of not smoking has even gotten on line when she has a craving and she says that has helped her.(I believe she goes to a web site called My time to quit.com)
Hang TOUGH and remember that every day that you don't smoke makes you a day closer to what it is you are trying to accomplish.
I have 17 days today of not smoking and I am not going to give that up for anything.

I am proud of the days I have accumulated and I am equally proud of the fact that you are trying to do whatever it takes to quit as well. . . . . Keep on keeping on and GOOD LUCK ! !

Answer 2

As many have already stated; be supportive and patient. He is not only quitting cigarettes, but the nicotine the body now craves. Keep plenty of celery, carrots and other snacks around and don't be suprised if you see him holding a celery stick like a cig. There are all the physical habits that are associated with smoking that will need time to disappear (the lighting of the smoke, the disposal of ashes, the ashtray routine, and of course the purchasing of cigs to say the least). Generally, it takes over three weeks for a new habit to begin to replace an old one. No matter what you are dealing with; cigs, alcohol, and any other addictions. Be aware of the times when he would normally smoke (as soon as he gets in the cars, right after a meal, when stressed, etc.), and help find a replacement activity that will ease the lack of those activities. There will also be a grieving process that will take place. The 'loss' of an old friend. Increasing physical activity will get the brain and body working to combat the stress and side-effects of the body beginning to detoxify from nicotine. Remind him of the many rewards he will obtain: better health, less smelly clothes and breath, and of course all the money spent on cigs. Maybe suggest you take the money and place it in a 'non-smoking party fund' and find a way to celebrate when he feels he has truly kicked the habit. Best of luck to your husband. Be his strength and understanding and he will never forget your actions.

Answer 3

I quit for 6 months - was in jail and wasn't allowed smoke. Sure you don't want to do that!!

After a few months I decided I was going to stay off them but once I got out - I started back again. Good luck if you want to quit.

Answer 4

I have not had a cigarette since Sunday. I just made up my mind to quit. I get jittery at night sometimes, but it passes. It helps that I constantly chew gum. My boyfriend is also quitting, he's having a tougher time and he's also using commit (I think) lozenges.

Answer 5

ok I also want it and I try to change brand name of my cigarette.For 2 days ı am smoking so cheap disgusting cigarette and I really start to hate .I was smoking 20 in day now I can smoke only 5 :) soon I ll stop I hope

Answer 6

I feel your pain, how I quit was reading up on all the side effects that cigarettes do to your body. I know that don't help and another thing you can do is chew gum every time you want that cig and don't buy another pack.

Answer 7

Try Cig Arrest

Answer 8

Change your routine and try to have your first smoke later every day. I used to have one when i woke up and now I have my first one when i get home after work.

Answer 9

Read "Allen Carrs, Easy way to quit smoking for women".
Very good book to help you quit!

Answer 10

you sound like me.Everytime I quit, everyone wants me to start again. I think spending a month or so on a deserted island might help. If you know of an island, let me know.........