Any 20-a-day smokers quit?

Question

If so, what method did you use? I quit by hypnosis. It has worked so far (over 2 months) but I am finding that the effects are starting to wear off and the cravings are coming back. How could I go from no cravings to so many in such a short space of time? I don't understand.

I wanted 20-a-day smokers as this most resembled the type of smoker I was.

Answer 1

I stopped 3 years ago last January by using the nicorette inhalator.
The main reason for stopping smoking was when my wife started having mini strokes. The consultant told her that he was amazed that she was still alive because the arteries from heart to brain were blocked (1 partially and the other fully). After a major and traumatic operation I am pleased to say that she is now free of mini strokes. Last year, however she had to have the arteries from the aorta to her legs bypassed with tubing because blockages there were causing walking difficulties.
Believe me that all this was due to her smoking and it was the major shock, of what the first consultant said, that was the biggest contributory factor in me packing in.

It isn't easy but in the end - if you can get past the first year - it is well, well worth it. I and my wife feel a whole lot better for packing in.

Beware though, my brother in law went back to smoking after 14 years without them. So the cravings may always be there but to a lesser degree the longer you stop for.

Answer 2

i went down from more than 20 a day to just a couple.

i worked out which smokes were my fav and enjoyed most (like first thing in morning, break time at work) and slowly cut back on the rest.

Worked well for me, and i didn't have to use patches etc. Just will power. It was tough, but really manageable. I explained to everyone what I was doing to get support and so people would understand why i was a bit touchy!

Im now working on cutting out the couple i have.

This method worked for a few people i know really well!

Plus, look at what you save! Ive saved up a few hundred for my holiday so far! it really gives you an extra push!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I quit two years ago on news years eve. I used to smoke 20 a day but decided to quit after the last ciggy in my packet and wasn't buying anymore.
I didn't use any of the gum or patches as I thought that it was a waste of time replacing one form of nicotine with another.
I kept myself away from the situations and routines of when I smoked and did something else to take my mind of it.
Like the first morning ciggy with a cup of tea I changed the routine and went and had a shower first instead of afterwards.
I cut down on the going to nightclubs as I smoked more there. I started to see more of my friends who didn't smoke.I still saw the friends who smoked but not as often.
I also had times where the cravings came back but I had been putting the money what I 'd spend on ciggies in a jar so once a month I'd buy my self somthing new to wear.
Good luck and keep it up as I now feel healthier and my skin and hair look loads better.
Plus in the uk in july they bringing in the no smoking in public places ban

Answer 4

My mum is doing this at the moment. 40 years on 20 a day. She is as strong as an ox, so the doctor couldn't scare her with health reasons. In the end it was the money she was wasting that pushed her into giving up. She is saving for a holiday, all her ciggie money is going towards that.

Her doctor has put her on a particular brand of antidepressants. Researchers a few years ago found the antidepressants were a bit useless with the depressed, but they had all given up smoking asa side effect. It seems to be doing the trick.

Answer 5

I used to smoke 40 a day Consulate and packed it in 12 years ago. I've never regretted it, it was the best thing I've ever done.
I got a 3 day trial pack of patches and after that went cold turkey, Actually, although hard it wasn't as bad as on previous attempts as, this time, I really wanted to give it up and I think that is what makes the difference. It has to come from within.
I'd say the word for you is 'persevere' - Good luck!

Answer 6

I smoked 20 a day until 10th december 2005. Just decided on my last cigarrette of the packet that I was going to give up. It was absolute torture for about a month and then it just got easier and easier. Im glad I did it cold turkey - although I do get the odd craving from time to time I have never smoked since that day.

Good luck and I hope you keep it up.

Answer 7

I smoked 65 to75 a day for 6 years.I went to a friends funeral, who also smoked and I give up cold turkey.I occasionally endulge in a cigar or something stong like pipe tobacco but after a couple of draws I feel ill so out it go's.Good luck in your addiction quitting as it is very hard.

Answer 8

3 months ago i was 20 a day.Woke up one morning with really bad cough.Decided there and then that was it.Threw what cigarettes i had left into bin.The hardest time for me is when i go to the club with the lads for a pint.Otherwise i do not miss them at all.To me smoking is just a habit,break the habit as i have done.Cold turkey,no patches,gum ,sprays,etc,40 years a smoker as well.The best incentive to me is the money saved.Bought my Gert a new George Formby Grill,Mp3 player for the car,extra money into the holiday spends fund.Best thing i have ever done.Go for it,cold turkey,is a piece of cake believe me.

Answer 9

hi
i smoked about 25 a day and decided to pack in 3 years ago when my daughter got pregnant, didn't want to be a *** ash granny. i used patches and have to say they worked a treat although i still got cravings i handled it. what helped me was after 2 months on 20 a day i realised i had not smoked and inhaled in my body 1200 cigarettes and that was amazing, that gave me the incentive to carry on but i also relied heavily on polo mints and aqua drops, i would have one at 7 in the morning if needed, the patches took the edge off but the mints gave me the last bit of relief. i still have cravings but they pass and if you can persevere you will beat it, just be prepared for a few hard times and don't give up.you can do it. i smoked for 30 yrs

Answer 10

I quit cold turkey about 2 1/2 years ago. I had quit once before and started back. I think it gets harder to quit each time you start and try to quit again. I still get cravings but you just have to think about how much healthier you are for not smoking. Chewing gum helped me alot. Good luck.