Today, I quit smoking. Any words of advice and encouragement?

Question

My boyfriend was hospitalized earlier this week and it scared the hell out of me. I told him that we both need to quit smoking. He hasn't stop. Hopefully, I can quit and set an example for him. What else should I do when I "need" a cigarette? At what point will I know I have overcome this 10 year addiction?

wow...great answers! I have a few comments...

The cause for his hospitalization was not due to cigarette smoking, but if we continue to smoke, some day it could be. He's also diabetic so he really needs to quit. We've been together about 6 years and I am not going to leave him. I know him and if I quit, he will more likely quit also.

I already live in California, so I'm used to not being allowed to smoke inside. We just stand out in the warm weather and smoke :)

hmm....what else. Oh, this crazy French lady I know says that chewing on celery helps, but I thought she was crazy. Well she is.... I think I'll go invest in some celery today.

Answer 1

First of all, congrats. I smoked for 9 years, quit for 4 months, started back up and finally quit for good again. The first time I "quit" was rough. I was mad all the time and thought about smoking every day. It took about 3 full weeks to not feel the cravings anymore. I highly suggest not drinking liquor for awhile either, because every time I drank, I'd smoke. I eventually had to use Wellbutrin which was the best thing in the world to help me quit. Just be patient, let your friends and family know that you're not purposely being a jerk (if you are), and if you wanna smoke.. DON'T. Take a walk, eat some carrots, chew gum, do anything you can. it's not easy but I know you can do it. Good luck and stay strong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I have broken my 37 year, 1 pack a day habit, now for 2 years. I pray to God I never go back. I have quit a hundred times and hated myself each time I took that first hit again because I might as well go by a carton. I tried cold turkey, patches, self hypnosis, gum, and whatever else I could try. Its like it had control of me, I finally got the commit lozenges and that worked for me. I started at the 4 mg, then went to the 2 mg. I keep some nicotine gum around in case of emergencies. I can empathize with drug addicts to a degree, because it has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I still dream of smoking........but I'm not going back. So start out with a group of friends that will pray for you, and stick to it. Don't let it take you as long as it did for me. You can do it now and be free from the constant worry of....(wheres my cigarettes, my lighter, do I have enough cigarettes on and on) Quit Now and Live!!! Go to The Intercessors.com and post a prayer request, so people can be praying for you 24/7. You will need God's help. The very best to you.

Answer 3

I quit several times, for almost a year each time. It seemed like I proved I could do it, so it was OK to go back. This time it has been 2 years at the end of this month, and I won't go back. The thing that keeps me from doing it is the thought of having to quit all over again, from the beginning. It almost hurts..it's so hard. I think I have replaced nicotine with caffeine, because when I get a craving I get a cup of coffee. Also, just take it one craving at a time, they pass pretty quick. Good Luck! If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!!!!

Answer 4

You can do this. When I quit, I used nicotine gum to deal with the cravings. The instructions said I could have some ridiculous number of pieces of gum per day, for an entire month. Instead, I only chewed the gum when I was sure I WAS GOING TO BITE SOMEONE'S HEAD RIGHT OFF OF THEIR NECK, which was only 3-4 times per day for the first five days or so. The nicotine gum no longer requires a prescription (at least in the US), so it's easier to get than when I quit. Go get a pack right now and the next time your partner asks if you (really meaning he) should have JUST ONE, stick a piece of the gum in his mouth instead, and have one yourself if you really need it. One other piece of advice: I kept dreaming about smoking until I started running. Once I started running, I stopped dreaming about it altogether. Good luck!

Answer 5

Come up with a list of things to do. Everything you feel like you need a cigarette, do something on the list. Also keep lots of gum and hard candy on hand so that you can pop something in your mouth when you want a cigarette. The first two weeks is the hardest, so try your best to get through it. Have a support partner you can call if the craving gets too bad, and talk through the craving. And if you accidently slip up once, don't give up, just keep going. Don't let one or two mistakes bring you all the way down again.

Answer 6

I quit on New Year's, simply because it was a good landmark occasion. I think the easiest way to quit is to wean yourself off. Not only do you physiologically need cigarettes right now, but you have habits and behaviors associated with smoking (smoking after certain meals, the method you light up and flick your ash, certain friends you smoke with, etc). The best method (other than pharmacological approaches) is to find a replacement. I found exotic teas I like, and now cure and blend tea. Rather than light up, I make a cup of tea. It's amazing. You will not hear one wheeze when you walk up a flight of stairs.

Answer 7

I quit smoking about 20 years ago after smoking for about 12 years (1-1/2 packs per day)I tried everything, patches, gum, nicotine filters you name it and I still smoked, it finally happened when I realised that I had to really want to give up deep down or it wasnt gonna happen, end of story. so I just made up my mind and stopped period, cold turkey, no aids or anything. There is an old saying "when the going gets tough................you know the rest! Its time to decide whether you are gonna spend the rest of your life as a victorious winner or a cowering cringing wimp.Only you know the answer to that.

Answer 8

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!
Quitting smoking, or any other addictive, in my opinion is one of the hardest mental challenges!
You're halfway there!!

Try looking for patches etc. (like gum or something too) that can slowly ease you off when you feel like you "need" one. I'm sure you'll start to feel great as it wears off!! My uncle, a 20 year addict, finally decided to quit a few years ago and now, he says, he feels great -- more energy, more enthusiasm, and everything tastes like it has more flavour.
In my opinion, not that i've ever quit (because i never started), you'll feel it when you feel positive, full of energy when you wake up -- ready to face the world without cigarettes

Hope this helps

Answer 9

encouragement you do deserve. i hope your b/f is okay? cigs the cause? you will know when your done as you will never crave them anymore. TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!and reward yourself after every week of non-smoking.when you need a cigarette remember your b/f hosp event. and try walking to take your mind off smoking. remember if you slip?? start over the very next day. sometimes in most cases it takes 4-5 tries. also hospitals have cigarette group. you can call non-smokers anonymous. or nicerette has a toll free number. advantages- better lungs, heart, taste buds,good smells. i have FAITH IN YOU!! let me know if you ever need to talk. e-mail and i will give you my phone # or i can call you and be your support person. i am a nurse. this is a new beginning for you. set that example you will benefit in more ways than one. plus you will have additional money for things you want or savings. & good health to you. now a nonsmoker. REMEMBER, if you would relapse dont torture yourself it took me several trys everyone is different. maybe, your last cig WAS your last. i pray. and i will say alittle prayer for you tonight as well. thanks for listening and reading. dont forget me!! i will be their only an e-mail away.

Answer 10

You asked for advice. Here it is. Look at pics of autopsy photos of Smokers' lungs.
http://www.presmark.com/htmlfile/pictures.htm

It's ok to cry- You've been a victim of a multiBillion $$ marketing machine for some time now.
Good Luck- Your brain is even working against you as it feels the only solution for your withdrawal is more nicotine.