Topic: Confessions of a smoker - quitting

[Scaryscouse]

Hope everyone's quitting is going well. I'm on day four of no fags. It's going really well for me. I've recently moved so the change in routine has helped enormously I've found. I still have moments we're I'd step over my own mother for a ciggie, but as I've said the change of scenery and evironment has helped. I really hope I can stick it out this time.

[foreveragnome]

Think Claws got it spot on

Woke up one morning(after smoking for over 10 years) and just stopped.i didnt have a plan or want to quit,just felt like it that day

Funny thing is....I still love the smell and dont want one and never have 

And if you do....YOU'RE A FANNY !!....DO YOU HEAR ME ?......A FANNY!!

That's pretty much how it happened with me, and even now I can quite happily be around smokers and regularly still join my mates who still smoke, in the outside smoking areas of pubs and clubs.

Just never really felt tempted.

[Ycuzz]

Thanks for the kind words gerrardspetal and you other.. uhm.. quitters!

Will check out the link later, thanks.

Lost my father to cancer and my mother survived it, heh. I am married, (6 year anniversary was this weekend, knew we'd go out, so thats why I knew in advance I'd quit this monday), and I have two daughters. My girls are 5 and 2. I want to be able to keep up with them when we go for hikes or whatever, so need to get my act together. The plan is;
- Quit smoking
- Eat healthier
- Exercise more

Had a hard time last night. Started to look for excuses for myself for why I should have one, only one. But knew if i did, there'd be more excuses down the line. Was a good boy tho, didn't crack, hehe.

Work today was as shite as it was yesterday. By 11am I've usually had 3-4, started to feel the urge, but got thru that aswell.

Keep it up all you quitters! And thanks for the good words. Lets, as much as we can, help each other with this.

[Lfsea]

Hello.

Quick update for those of you who know me (and who may have noticed that I seem to have disappeared for the past few weeks).

Have probably done a very silly thing. I went cold turkey on fags, and gave up drinking at the same time!

I decided that my lifestyle, for the last couple of years, has been a shambles. Without realising it, I've been drinking a bottle of wine a day, and upwards of 15-20 fags. For someone with a heart condition, that's not great game, is it?

Last summer I was in great condition - was lifting weights, running etc.

So I want to get back to something like that, and the only way I think I can do it, is total abstinence.

And fucking hell, it's hit me like a train. Been coughing up ten years' worth of nicotiene goo, sleep pattern has been badly affected, nightmares and some weird-ass sweating.

Since the 5th feb, I've drunk on one night (one of my best friends got engaged) and had one drag - which made me ill.

I now have the greatest of sympathies with people who've done this before, although I'm now thinking that one at a time might have been a more sensible option because this has so far been one of the weirdest experiences of my life.

Here's to hoping I'll actually feel better soon...

[gerrardspetal]

Here's to hoping I'll actually feel better soon...

Amen..I hope the same too. My sleep has gone out the window also!! I'm sooooo tired. It's doing my head in and stressing me out.
 Hopefully will sort itself out soon.

[gerrardspetal]

Today not been a good day.  Absolutely shattered!!! 

I'm going to see the doc tomorrow about my insomnia!! Been surviving on about 4 to 5 hours sleep a night for about 2 weeks!!!!!!!! Not good at all!!!

Been very edgy and fidgety and my cravings today have been pretty bad.

Oh and need to pack in the sugar free mints too.    been giving me an iffy belly
 

[macca888]

Today not been a good day.  Absolutely shattered!!! 

I'm going to see the doc tomorrow about my insomnia!! Been surviving on about 4 to 5 hours sleep a night for about 2 weeks!!!!!!!! Not good at all!!!

Been very edgy and fidgety and my cravings today have been pretty bad.

Oh and need to pack in the sugar free mints too.    been giving me an iffy belly
 

I smoked 40 odd a day Kel, and when I packed in a few months ago, I did it without any patches or chewies or inhalators (maybe the odd bag of Maltesers  )  Anyway, the first 3 or 4 weeks, I slept in bursts of about 20 minutes, woke up, fidgeted like fuck, and repeat until morning. I was absolutely fucked! But it did sort itself out around the three week mark, so stay off the laxative mints and  hang on in there kid, you're doing great 

[gerrardspetal]

Thanks Sean x


you have done well too!!!  I have gone cold turkey also and these last few weeks have been hard going.  I'm just worried that after 3 months or so I will crack like I did in 2007.  Fucking hope not like. But then I was using the gum.  this time I have had nowt really except maybe one or two puffs of the inhaler- (havn't touched that since I went out with the girls few weeks back )   


day 26

[BSBW]

I packed in nearly 17 years ago, regardless of who you are it's fuckin' hard to pack in. I done the arl cold turkey route after trying countless times.  Unfortunately I've got no magic ideas or advice that'll assist you, if you really want to do it you will, I'll tell you what though, you don't half feel great after a while for not doing it. You don't get half as many colds, you don't stink, your kids, friends and family don't mind hugging you, it's a great sense of pride.  Even when you think you've done it, you'll still get the odd urge when you least expect it, just make sure you remember the positives.  Good luck to all of you who are fighting the dreaded weed, you've got my support, well done for taking up the battle, be proud of yourselves.     

[Monkey Red]

I still haven´t touched a fag since my heart attack in November. Best thing is (at least I think it is) I can go outside with colleagues, for a fag break, and smell their smoke without craving one myself. Otherwise I get the odd, very rare split second pang, which is over before I could roll one up. Fourteen weeks and counting.

I´m also on the cross trainer and rowing machine nearly every day, plus walking the dog every day, and I´m feeling the benefits already.

[RedMarko]

What an interesting thread!
 
I promised the missus I'd stop before she had our first kid that I'd stop. He'll be 5 this year!
 
with the 3rd on the way, I decided to have a crak at it.
 
Was in with the doctor (another chest infection!) in mid-Jan and he gave me a perscription for Champix. Apparently they inhibit the cravings. They're pricey, but I thought I'd give 'em a go.
 
Went back a month later and he told me I should be on them 6 months    Also - at it'd only work if I kept going back to him monthly to get the perscription to check in    - Monthly cost - about €180.
 
Didn't take the 'daily tabs' for a few days now. Feel no different than when I was on them!
 
 
to be honest it's very different to how I'd expected. I've been smoking 20 years. This is the first real effort to get off them. ~I was expecting craving all the time, bad tempers, fear of going out etc. What I've found is that there aer few 'cravings', but when they hit, they're bastards.
 
Was out for a night out and 'broke' a coupe of weeks ago. On my way outside to 'find a smoke' I coped on and diverted to the pub for a pint and a think! Reminded myself why I  was having a go in the first place and that this drunken 2 minutes would make or bread (at that stage) 3 weeks effort! Managed to head back without having had a smoke...
 
5 weeks without a sniff, and all going well.

[gerrardspetal]

Went to the docs today about my sleep. She said it is probably to do with the nicotine withdrawal and would I consider Nicotine replacement  treatment 

I told her NO WAY!!

Anyway she has given me antihistamines to try and help me sleep. So tonight I should have a better nights sleep thank god

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

Have a bottle of cognac

[Ycuzz]

Day 11

Cravings comes and goes. Had a day or two who went by without any trouble. Others where the cravings are insane! Today is... hmpf... could be better. No patches or inhalators, but I chew toothpicks like its no tomorrow

Luckily my sleep has been untouched. *touch wood*

Hope you'll get pass that all of you.

Keep it up people!

[RedMarko]

*touch wood*

I find that a good solution to not being able to sleep too. Even if you don't get to sleep, you don't feel as if you're wasting your time

[Lfsea]

Big test tonight.

Out with work, probably 50% smokers. Have had 1 cigarette and 1 drag since I stopped on the 6th of Feb. If I can get through tonight, then I've made progress for sure.

[johnybarnes]

When you go out drinking is the biggest test and its where I keep failing, any ideas on that front ladies and gents? Every single one of my mates smoke.

[gerrardspetal]

one month 

[Shaun101]

A month on 1st March- Been a bit up and down- found using the inhaler when out with mates got me through the tough times. So into the 6th week and the cravings can go for a few days then today...hit me like a bastrd. Where did that come from- The thing is I know it is phsycologicol but it took me a few hours to sort my head out, now I feel fine ready to take on the world again.

Seriously- good luck to all on the road to freedom, just focus on what you get for not being a smoker not what you lose because no matter how many times you try to rationalise it- you are better off without them .

[Lfsea]

Smoked last night. Tit.

Had two ciggies, feel utterly ashamed of myself.

[Shaun101]

Smoked last night. Tit.

Had two ciggies, feel utterly ashamed of myself.

Head up mate- seriously use the feeling as you have as motivation rather than the spiral of depression, try to say to yourself - well I broke but....did it make me feel better? no .. so I know they are shite, the only we want a ciggie is because we want a ciggie- take away the desire - take away the withdrawl. Most of the desire is mental.

You can do it.

[gerrardspetal]

Smoked last night. Tit.

Had two ciggies, feel utterly ashamed of myself.

Awww never mind!!! Just don't let them 2 become another 200.....and the rest!  Like I did last time I stopped 3 years ago.

Back on the wagon as they say   don't beat yourself up about it. x

[Lfsea]

You can do it.

Thanks Kel and Shaun. I'm mainly upset that I had one because everyone else had them. I didn't really want one to be honest.

I don't want one now either. Have been coughing all day, and my chest feels like crap. Can't see me ever buying a pack for myself. The thought of it is quite disgusting.

It's going to be boozing which catches me out from time to time, and if I can knock that on the head then I'm in business. Have only drunk alcohol twice in 6 weeks now, and am thinking about giving it up altogether. If I don't drink, then I definitely won't ever smoke again.

But many congratulations to you two - brilliant effort to come this far, and I feel that I've rather spoiled your efforts by coming on here and moaning!

[electricghost]

one month 

A month on 1st March-

Well done.  How long does it take then before you beat the addiction ?

[2u4rez/7]

Well done.  How long does it take then before you beat the addiction ?

In theory, it's beaten. I wonder if *they* know that yet?!

[gerrardspetal]

But many congratulations to you two - brilliant effort to come this far, and I feel that I've rather spoiled your efforts by coming on here and moaning!

Thanks and don't be daft!!! this is what this thread is for support, is it not?? You only have to look at my earlier posts on here to see I failed last time on trying and 3 years later I decide enough is enough.  I had a friend round last night and he made a joint and asked if I wanted a bit..now I love a smoke of the cannabis type but declined as I knew that if I had a drag with the nicotine it would be a slippery slope.

Honestly now Dan I think you should invest in one of them inhalator's to take out with you just in case.  That's what will be in my hand bag when I have a few beers with the girls again. 'Just in case'

Well done.  How long does it take then before you beat the addiction ?

I dont know but you do hear of some people stopping for years and starting again. I think it will always be there.  I started again after 4 months of stopping last time. That's been my longest and was chewing on the gum. I'm just going to take it a day at a time.  This time cold turkey for me.

[2u4rez/7]

lfsea you may have lost one of the battles but you're still winning the war mate. Yes You Can!

[TSC]

 
Was in with the doctor (another chest infection!) in mid-Jan and he gave me a perscription for Champix. Apparently they inhibit the cravings. They're pricey, but I thought I'd give 'em a go.
 
Went back a month later and he told me I should be on them 6 months    Also - at it'd only work if I kept going back to him monthly to get the perscription to check in    - Monthly cost - about €180.
 

And ladies and gents here is a post which tells us just how good our NHS is at times, despite it getting constantly knocked.  Champix is free on the NHS.  You must be in Ireland or something paying that dosh.

[JimmyGrunt]

Ifsea, i have the same issue as you do. What i do is go outside with your mates and when they light their ciggy, whack an airwave or chewy in your mouth. You will be surprised how much flavour is left in that chewy by the time they have finished their ciggy. Also its only the first few seconds that hit me when they first light a cig, just think of something totally different rather than just thinking "dont smoke dont smoke dont smoke".
its all about the small steps, lots of small steps soon became massive jumps!

Also, dont get too pissed off about havin a cig the other night, its more important that you react in the right way. You had a reminder of how shite it is to smoke (an how it made you feel), so you could use that as more ammo TO not smoke again.

[TSC]

Ifsea, i have the same issue as you do. What i do is go outside with your mates and when they light their ciggy, whack an airwave or chewy in your mouth. You will be surprised how much flavour is left in that chewy by the time they have finished their ciggy. Also its only the first few seconds that hit me when they first light a cig, just think of something totally different rather than just thinking "dont smoke dont smoke dont smoke".
its all about the small steps, lots of small steps soon became massive jumps!

Also, dont get too pissed off about havin a cig the other night, its more important that you react in the right way. You had a reminder of how shite it is to smoke (an how it made you feel), so you could use that as more ammo TO not smoke again.

Be much easier surely to simply not go out with them when they go out for a ciggie?

[JimmyGrunt]

Be much easier surely to simply not go out with them when they go out for a ciggie?

Maybe, but i found myself stood on my own and constantly thinking about smoking.

I looked at it as 'start as you mean to go on' - i wanted to be able to be around others smoking, and i can now. It works for me, might not for others.

[gerrardspetal]

33 days for me now  

[RedMarko]

I found half an extinguished smoke in the back garden last night. I reckon my Friday night boozy flashbacks weren't wrong!
 
Reckon I got home from the pub fucking fuming at something a guy said to me. Went out the back and lit up!
 
given there was half a smoke left I must have copped on and put it out!
 
Not counting it as a smoke, but it's a warning sign! Time to get rid of that 'emergency' pack from the kitchen now!
 
7 weeks on Friday...

[blurred]

You've not smoked for 7 weeks yet still had cigarettes lying around the place? Strange... Definitely get rid of them.

[RedMarko]

You've not smoked for 7 weeks yet still had cigarettes lying around the place? Strange... Definitely get rid of them.

to be honest - I didn't believe I was going to make it when I started to quit, so kept them for the inevitable fall!

It's only this mornin (after comtemplating the remnants found in the garden) that I realised they are still there

Going in the bin as soon as I get back to the house!

[Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆]

Just burn them

[RedMarko]

Just burn them

One by one? Speeding up the process by inhaling them?


Nah - Superman style from those quit smoking ads in the 80s I reckon!

[Lfsea]

Very tricky this with being in India, where it seems almost against the law not to smoke.

[RedMarko]

Very tricky this with being in India, where it seems almost against the law not to smoke.

Keep it up mate - it'll be easier to cope when you get back if you can get through that

[gerrardspetal]

6 weeks