Author Topic: Stopping Smoking (Read 72615 times)

Red Genius · « **Reply #200 on:** June 3, 2012, 04:16:57 pm »

Quote from: Drake31 on June 3, 2012, 04:12:30 pm

you have to want give up for yourself too mate, after 14days the urge is still there but only lasts me a couple of mins so its a lot better

I'm giving up as part of a organised plan to ultimately run a half marathon by next Spring. So i definitely want to give up, and i'm going cold turkey because i believe i can achieve it that way!

I've smoked for about 10 years, so no idea what it's like to pack it in after this long on the amount i used to smoke, anybodies experiences would be much welcomed.

Went the shop for some mints (this is how fucking air headed i feel at the moment) bought 5 scratch cards, some crunchie rocks, strawberry millions for the missus and forgot the fucking mints!

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #201 on:** June 3, 2012, 04:21:01 pm »

I had a cigar last week. Trying desperately to cut down from the one I have a year

Drake31 · « **Reply #202 on:** June 3, 2012, 04:24:41 pm »

Quote from: Red Genius on June 3, 2012, 04:16:57 pm

I'm giving up as part of a organised plan to ultimately run a half marathon by next Spring. So i definitely want to give up, and i'm going cold turkey because i believe i can achieve it that way!

I've smoked for about 10 years, so no idea what it's like to pack it in after this long on the amount i used to smoke, anybodies experiences would be much welcomed.

Went the shop for some mints (this is how fucking air headed i feel at the moment) bought 5 scratch cards, some crunchie rocks, strawberry millions for the missus and forgot the fucking mints!

well its good your stopping for a reason it always helps, gives you something to aim for something else that mite help you out put the cash in a see thru jar the money your not spending on fags and see how fast it mounts up then treat yourself every so often.as for the shop incident i dont think thats a side effect of quitting lol

gerrardsarmy · « **Reply #203 on:** June 3, 2012, 04:25:15 pm »

Chain smoke a whole pack of 25's. Arrange the ash into a very long line and snort it until you throw up.

Red Genius · « **Reply #204 on:** June 4, 2012, 11:14:08 am »

Day 3

Fucking knackered and spaced out still.... when do you get your energy levels back, just feel very lethargic at the moment. Although doing a good job keeping the urges away.

Red Genius · « **Reply #205 on:** June 4, 2012, 11:55:22 am »

Found this an interesting site to keep motivation up - just 15 years to go! http://www.smokingtimeline.net/

♠Dirty Harry♠ · « **Reply #206 on:** June 4, 2012, 12:11:40 pm »

Started using these: http://www.skycig.co.uk about 2-3 months ago, haven't looked back. Try and get a hold of a voucher code and you'll get the starter kit delivered for about £15

Les Willis · « **Reply #207 on:** June 4, 2012, 12:20:00 pm »

Quote from: Red Genius on June 3, 2012, 03:39:57 pm

Haven't had a smoke for two days now, head's all light and airy (oxygen apparently) - actually makes you feel quite giddy.

How much longer does this feeling last for? and when will i hopefully not have this monumental urge for a fag?

I've felt like that every time I've tried to go cold turkey. I'm currently using Champix and haven't had a fag since 23/04/12 and don't feel like one.
The downside of Champix is they make you feel sick as a dog for about half an hour after taking them and play havoc with your digestive system! But they do work.

Red Genius · « **Reply #208 on:** June 4, 2012, 12:44:58 pm »

Quote from: Les Willis on June 4, 2012, 12:20:00 pm

I've felt like that every time I've tried to go cold turkey. I'm currently using Champix and haven't had a fag since 23/04/12 and don't feel like one.
The downside of Champix is they make you feel sick as a dog for about half an hour after taking them and play havoc with your digestive system! But they do work.

How long did you end up lasting going cold turkey before succumbing and having a ciggie (before trying Champix that is)

Les Willis · « **Reply #209 on:** June 4, 2012, 12:51:41 pm »

Quote from: Red Genius on June 4, 2012, 12:44:58 pm

How long did you end up lasting going cold turkey before succumbing and having a ciggie (before trying Champix that is)

Totally cold turkey, usually about two days!

I have managed 3-4 months before with patches, but the minute I stopped the patches (or cut the dose down) I always went back to the fags again..

jooneyisdagod · « **Reply #210 on:** June 4, 2012, 01:24:14 pm »

Going cold turkey at the moment. Tomorrow will be day 75. Had a coughing fit last week but been relatively smooth sailing before and since.

Red Genius · « **Reply #211 on:** June 4, 2012, 01:29:05 pm »

Quote from: jooneyisdagod on June 4, 2012, 01:24:14 pm

Going cold turkey at the moment. Tomorrow will be day 75. Had a coughing fit last week but been relatively smooth sailing before and since.

My good god, when can you say you've actually 'quit' then? i'd have thought 75 days is no longer cold turkey, more no longer smoking.

Did you have any problems with light headedness, soft case of delirium and lethargy? Right now i feel like a right fucking fruit loop (an idle one at that who can't be bothered to get out of bed) but i feel right away with the fairies.

jooneyisdagod · « **Reply #212 on:** June 4, 2012, 02:01:16 pm »

Quote from: Red Genius on June 4, 2012, 01:29:05 pm

My good god, when can you say you've actually 'quit' then? i'd have thought 75 days is no longer cold turkey, more no longer smoking.

Did you have any problems with light headedness, soft case of delirium and lethargy? Right now i feel like a right fucking fruit loop (an idle one at that who can't be bothered to get out of bed) but i feel right away with the fairies.

Thinking of myself as having quit would make me complacent. I want to keep it strong for at least 1 year before I can say that yes I've quit. It really is that easy to slide back into the habit.

I didn't feel any of those though ! The first couple of days were frustrating as hell but I drank a few sips of water every time I even thought of a smoke let alone felt the urge to have one. And drinking so much water helped me in two ways. One it showed me how much water I was drinking i.e. how much I was smoking and two constantly needing to go to the loo takes your mind off smoking ! And it improves the condition of your skin while also flushing out toxins from your body. Of course, I wouldn't keep it going for more than two weeks but by the end of the first week or so, I think cravings tend to reduce.

ryatnalkar · « **Reply #213 on:** June 4, 2012, 03:23:31 pm »

It's been about 50 days for me. And it's like I never smoked. I actually was too drunk one day and smoked one smoke and started coughing like a child's first smoke. I hated it. I think now I have a hatred for smoking, lol. Like one of those people who hate all smokers you know. Anyway, motherfuckers, the answer is Alan Carr. Just trying quitting is not enough. I did that a lot. Just quitting is also not enough. I did 2 months w/o smoking 2-3 times before. But knowing the reasons, and understanding why quitting is the right thing to do and why it's nothing other than just an addiction is important. Alan Carr teaches you all that.

Zlen · « **Reply #214 on:** June 4, 2012, 03:31:44 pm »

I think that cold turkey is the only real way to quit.
You simply stop and don't look back, not leaving a window of opportunity for nicotine to creep back into you life. 'Just one' is the biggest danger you'll face when going through changes of becoming a non smoker. I quit three and half years ago and I still get the occasional thought of picking one up and lighting it, as if nothing would happen, as if now I'm immune to them. Just keep an eye out for these tricks your mind plays on you and you'll be fine.

Good luck guys, you've done the hard part that is making the decision to change.

ryatnalkar · « **Reply #215 on:** June 4, 2012, 03:35:35 pm »

Quote from: Zlenpasha on June 4, 2012, 03:31:44 pm

I think that cold turkey is the only real way to quit.
You simply stop and don't look back, not leaving a window of opportunity for nicotine to creep back into you life. 'Just one' is the biggest danger you'll face when going through changes of becoming a non smoker. I quit three and half years ago and I still get the occasional thought of picking one up and lighting it, as if nothing would happen, as if now I'm immune to them. Just keep an eye out for these tricks your mind plays on you and you'll be fine.

Good luck guys, you've done the hard part that is making the decision to change.

I think that's true. Every time I get an urge like that, and to be honest, the longer you go without smoking, you get less and less of these. Anyway, every time I get an urge like that, I try to ask myself, this cigarette will be fun, but will the 10th cigarette tomorrow, standing alone in the balcony, would that be fun? Would spending about $50 a month be fun? Any of the next one can be the one starting some horrible disease in me. Would that be fun?

Drake31 · « **Reply #216 on:** June 4, 2012, 05:07:57 pm »

Quote from: ryatnalkar on June 4, 2012, 03:35:35 pm

I think that's true. Every time I get an urge like that, and to be honest, the longer you go without smoking, you get less and less of these. Anyway, every time I get an urge like that, I try to ask myself, this cigarette will be fun, but will the 10th cigarette tomorrow, standing alone in the balcony, would that be fun? Would spending about $50 a month be fun? Any of the next one can be the one starting some horrible disease in me. Would that be fun?

i think all of this is true plus you have to think do you really want to give up all the hardwork you have in reaching the point you are at to become a non smoker

NOTBORNIN1982 · « **Reply #217 on:** June 12, 2012, 01:59:14 pm »

4 Days 8 hours into the giving up crusade. Not sure what im supposed to feel at this stage or when I should give myself a pat on the back for being in full control. I had a few strong cravings in the first couple of days but genuinly don’t feel like having one at all now. Smoked contionously for 15 years and am hoping the damage hasn’t already been done. Ive been using Paul McKenna audio and although I feel like a bad tit for using it I’m actually starting to think it’s helping me (even if it’s only in reverse psychology kind of way). Good luck to anyone else who’s trying to kick-it.

Drake31 · « **Reply #218 on:** June 12, 2012, 06:29:46 pm »

Quote from: NOTBORNIN1982 on June 12, 2012, 01:59:14 pm

4 Days 8 hours into the giving up crusade. Not sure what im supposed to feel at this stage or when I should give myself a pat on the back for being in full control. I had a few strong cravings in the first couple of days but genuinly don’t feel like having one at all now. Smoked contionously for 15 years and am hoping the damage hasn’t already been done. Ive been using Paul McKenna audio and although I feel like a bad tit for using it I’m actually starting to think it’s helping me (even if it’s in a subconcious way). God luck to anyone else who’s trying to kick-it.

keep it up

RojoLeón · « **Reply #219 on:** June 12, 2012, 07:07:24 pm »

Change up from the habits you associate with smoking. And it's not easy because it takes a long time to become comfortable with your new routines (six weeks ish).

Your brain is hardwired to expect a nicotine and Dopamine fix (when you reward your brain, you get a dopamine hit to say thank you). So you need to get rid of te dependence on nicotine and also reward your brain differently. Have a cookie, cup of tea, go for a walk/run, etc.. Your brain will eventually dose out the dopamine for the new habit instead.

Quitting cigarettes is a very rewarding and difficult thing to manage effectively. The first 3 weeks are the hardest but the difficulty Then, (once physical dependence is overcome) becomes a more subtle beast to manage. The key, for me anyway, is to avoid the circumstances that make you want to smoke again.

But it is worth it and I am glad did it.

dalarr · « **Reply #220 on:** June 12, 2012, 08:51:27 pm »

Quote from: NOTBORNIN1982 on June 12, 2012, 01:59:14 pm

You are doing the right thing, mate. And you're not alone. Good luck

Effes · « **Reply #221 on:** June 12, 2012, 09:04:17 pm »

Quote from: Effes on February 14, 2010, 02:47:58 pm

I've not had a ciggy since July last year.

One treatment of acupuncture was all it needed.

I've had acupuncture of some but it hasn't worked, but I believe there are different types.

This fella who treated me in July does Nada acupuncture which treats addiction.

Still off them - don't even think about them now.

bleedsred1978 · « **Reply #222 on:** June 12, 2012, 09:11:52 pm »

Quote from: Effes on June 12, 2012, 09:04:17 pm

Still off them - don't even think about them now.

Fair play to you.

Gave up September last and not looked back. Cant believe i smoked for so long.

bleedsred1978 · « **Reply #223 on:** June 12, 2012, 09:14:59 pm »

Quote from: bleedsred1978 on August 29, 2011, 01:06:49 pm

Gave up just today. I'm 33 and been smoking since 16 or so. Was off them for a year on two different occasions and really focused on beating the addiction this time once and for all. Along with the obvious health benefits im robbed from the bloody things. Euro 8.65 for 20 here at the moment.

Usually would have gotten through 5 or 6 fags by now.

Slightly dizzy at times and a bit lightheaded but heading to the gym soon so that should help.

Anyway, just said id leave y'all know, anybody else given the bastards up recently?

Still off them and will never smoke again.

NOTBORNIN1982 · « **Reply #224 on:** June 13, 2012, 08:37:15 am »

Quote from: Drake31 on June 12, 2012, 06:29:46 pm

keep it up

Quote from: dalarr on June 12, 2012, 08:51:27 pm

You are doing the right thing, mate. And you're not alone. Good luck

Cheers lads.

Based on 10 a day habit Iv'e saved approx £15.67 and am 5 days and almost 3 hours in (NHS smoke-free app keeps track of all)

The app I'm using is a really good motivational tool.

Effes · « **Reply #225 on:** June 13, 2012, 08:50:56 pm »

Quote from: Pyro on June 13, 2012, 08:47:23 pm

I stopped smoking 10 days ago after reading a book by Allen Carr called EASYWAY. Well, i didn't actually finish it, i got 75% of the way through or so and i'd had enough of smoking. The big surprise for me is that normally when i've tried to quit i get the dizzy spells and cravings for a few days afterwards, but this time around i only had it the next day and that was it. Hope to keep it up.

Well in - just fight any urges you have. Don't buy that pack of ciggies, or cadge one off a friend

Drake31 · « **Reply #226 on:** June 13, 2012, 10:18:32 pm »

Quote from: Pyro on June 13, 2012, 08:47:23 pm

I stopped smoking 10 days ago after reading a book by Allen Carr called EASYWAY. Well, i didn't actually finish it, i got 75% of the way through or so and i'd had enough of smoking. The big surprise for me is that normally when i've tried to quit i get the dizzy spells and cravings for a few days afterwards, but this time around i only had it the next day and that was it. Hope to keep it up.

best of luck mate im about a month now with no fags

mulfella · « **Reply #227 on:** June 14, 2012, 09:42:33 am »

Gave up New Years Day. Cold Turkey'd it, as everytime i used an 'aid' i cracked.

Still get the odd craving but not going back again. Not this time.

I know its the fact i really want to stop thats allowed me to do it, you have to really want to.

flw · « **Reply #228 on:** July 20, 2012, 04:43:08 am »

After 2years ive slipped back into smoking, but have set a date to give up again after realising how much more money i dont have now.

jooneyisdagod · « **Reply #229 on:** July 20, 2012, 05:26:15 am »

Gave up in March this year. Not smoked one since joints not counting.

Zlen · « **Reply #230 on:** July 20, 2012, 12:27:57 pm »

Wishing you all good luck.

Dublin Red · « **Reply #231 on:** July 20, 2012, 02:03:00 pm »

Quote from: jooneyisdagod on July 20, 2012, 05:26:15 am

Gave up in March this year. Not smoked one since joints not counting.

How many joints a day you up to now, 10 or 12?

jooneyisdagod · « **Reply #232 on:** July 20, 2012, 02:54:44 pm »

Quote from: Dublin Red on July 20, 2012, 02:03:00 pm

How many joints a day you up to now, 10 or 12?

Actually just had a couple or maybe three in the last few months. Mostly at parties I'm at and that type of stuff. Binned buying stuff totally.

jooneyisdagod · « **Reply #233 on:** July 20, 2012, 11:23:35 pm »

Quote from: Pyro on July 20, 2012, 05:52:52 pm

Good work ! makes a world of difference to the size of the wallet eh? :p

To say the least !

Les Willis · « **Reply #234 on:** July 20, 2012, 11:25:27 pm »

I'm back on them. Caved an after about 11 or 12 weeks again. It's always around the 2-3 month mark for me.

Will have another go at some point.

Les Willis · « **Reply #235 on:** August 10, 2012, 11:34:55 pm »

Quote from: Pyro on August 10, 2012, 10:54:42 pm

What methods have you tried? Sucks to hear that you caved. What was the trigger? Give EASYWAY by Allen Carr a go.

I was using Champix, which worked well until I had to come off them. Then just started craving again. Don't think I was ready to be honest. Didn't help that the other half only lasted a few days when she tried, so was still smoking when I wasn't.
Will try again in a few months, or when I get the urge to stop.

PhilAnderer · « **Reply #236 on:** August 11, 2012, 06:28:40 pm »

I've just given up, 1 week now on the patches. Going well so far, out riding the bike and doing some fitness shit. Smoked since the age of 8 for 39 years, 20 a day.
On the down side I drank 2 litres of blue label Smirnoff this week.

Barneylfc∗ · « **Reply #237 on:** August 13, 2012, 07:17:49 pm »

On day 1. Again. Just finished work, and just started craving one after being ok all day.

Red Viper · « **Reply #238 on:** August 14, 2012, 12:57:29 pm »

I've given up again. Went 2 and a half years without a fag last time and then caved abaout a year ago and have gradually gone back to smoking 10-15 a day. Really annoyed that I got back into it so after I got back from holiday on Sunday I decided 'no more'.

Feeling alright so far, not even really craving one.

Barneylfc∗ · « **Reply #239 on:** August 14, 2012, 06:10:42 pm »

Quote from: Lfsea on August 13, 2012, 08:30:53 pm

Trying to give them a big 'fuck you' at the moment. Just turned 30 and have decided that as much as I love them, all they're going to do is kill me early (in theory).

So, in a moment of madness, I have decided to sack off cigarettes. Threw 120 in the bin. And to aid that I have given up any kind of boozing for at least 100 days.

How far in are you to the 100 days non drinking?