I need to quit smoking... any ideas?

15th March 2003, 04:41 PM

Ok guys, I really really need to quit smoking

. I quit last november - january (2/3 months) but then took it up again. I really want to quit, so I was wondering how other forum members did it.
I have smoked for 5 years (since I was 14) and I guess I would say that I am mildly/moderately addicted. I wanna quit for health reasons, none of my friends smoke, and I dont wanna pay the CEO's of tobacco companies hard earned cash so they can destroy my health

Any ideas?

-Stormcrow-

**JeffK** · 15th March 2003, 08:58 PM

Stormcrow, since I have never smoked routinely, I'm not the one to advise you. Except to say that you already did it once for three months so you can do it again. Is there a reward you can give yourself with the money you save?

Jeff

**Gankaku** · 15th March 2003, 09:09 PM

The healthfood stores - go check 'em out. They have some products to help stop the urge to smoke. Vitamin Shoppe has some good prices

Natra Bio - Smoking Withdrawl Relief - it's homeopathic.
also
Natra Bio - Stop It Smoking - also homeopathic

These products help reduce the cravings to smoke.

There are some other new products at the healthfood store, but I can't think of the name. If I find them I'll post here. --edit - it's NicoRx. Supposed to help you stop.

There's also the patch and the gum which people say works. Have you tried cold turkey? ;-)

Good luck and congratulations on quitting smoking. Your health and lungs are going to be so happy.

Drencrom · 15th March 2003, 11:54 PM

Hey, Stormcrow. Here is my tip how to quit smoking for sure. It is very simple but it works.

Smoke all day, knock yourself out with smoking but count how many ciggies you smoked. Say, 26. Fine! Take 25 cigarettes and promise yourself you won't smoke more than that tomorrow. Take 24 of them the day after tomorrow. Then 23. Then 22. Finally, within a month you will either cut down or quit if you do not stop using this method. This method works the same way you started smoking. You didn't start with 30 cigarettes a day, right? You probably started with one or two... From bumming occasional cigarettes people work it up to a pack or two per day. Now you go backwards. Slowly but firm. Just do not stop. If you cannot quit like that you will be smoking forever.

I myself smoke once in a while but I am not addicted and it is not a problem for me to quit, as sometimes I forget and do not smoke for a couple of weeks or smth. But there are moments in life when a cigarette gives you such a kick.

16th March 2003, 05:19 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Yep I know that if I can do it once, I can do it again

In practice its not so easy tho! I quit cold turkey for 2/3 months. I have also tried patches/gum previously, but they made me want to smoke more. Part of the reason to stop is also that I have quite a few older family members who smoke - older heavy smokers in the morning, not nice

(how pathetic am I at 19 that I can't stop smoking!

)
I think that I will build up a postive mind frame, and give it all I have got. Btw - to anyone out there who only smokes occasionally - don't

Thats how it starts!
Anyway thanks once again, and in a few weeks when I stop I will let you all know how I went.

-Stormcrow-

**JeffK** · 16th March 2003, 06:54 PM

Stormcrow, I know hypnosis has worked for some, though not for everybody.

Jeff

yuvaraj · 17th March 2003, 08:27 AM

Hey,
I just tested (rather tasted) smoking only a month before. I also tested (tasted) drinking alcohol a fortnight before. But, I'm sure I would not get into the habit of smoking or drinking. Indeed that was my first and last test(taste). I love testing and taking risks in my life as I like to be adventurous! But I will do it only when I'm sure that I can make it.

Yes, it does give some kick but I feel you can try refraining from smoking or drinking in my way. Before I smoked, I made up my mind that this is going to be very injurious to my health. Then, I breathed some fresh air deeply and enjoyed the comfort of inhaling fresh pure air. Then I smoked a puff and felt it artificial. I wanted to like fresh air and enjoy that. I myself hated to inhale smoke. But I smoked another cigarette soon after finishing first in order to get to know the feeling. But before that I myself wanted to feel comfortable with the feeling what I get without smoking, that during smoking I felt artificial and did not feel comfortable though I got that "kick". Now, it has been a month after that and I do not get any feeling to smoke again

Jeremy Howard · 17th March 2003, 01:00 PM

I smoked from a very young age, and quit when I was 20 (since my girlfriend at the time wasn't too keen on it...).

My key tip is to commit 100% to never ever buying a packet again. You'll get tempted sometimes when you're out and find yourself having "just one", especially after a few drinks... But if you never actually buy your own, it's extremely hard to get addicted again. You can also ask your friends/family to say "no" if you ever ask them for a smoke.

I stopped completely for around 2 years; since then I've had 1-2 smokes a month when I'm out with smokers. I find this ideal, since I still like smoking, but don't like the health impact of smoking regularly.

18th March 2003, 04:53 AM

I heard patches work fairly well as does Nicorette. But I've also heard that Nicorette can be addictive too. If you've got health insurance, check and see if they offer coverage for a smoking cessation program and if they can put you in touch with the nearest organization that offers such a program. Good luck!

24th March 2003, 09:18 AM

Well the countdown has begun

My parents are visting from Warwick later this week, and when they go I will try once again to quit.
I will go cold tukey, I think I have enough willpower to do it. I won't smoke even at parties, cause thats what got me started again after quitting for 2 months.

Dan.

**JeffK** · 24th March 2003, 10:16 AM

Good luck, Dan. We are with you on this. Spend some time working out what you are going to shout yourself with the money you save.

Jeff

24th March 2003, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JeffK
Good luck, Dan.

Jeff

"Half of everything is luck"

'and the other half??'

"fate..."

Thanks guys, I don't think I will have too many problems. The way I tried last time was just to convince myself I had never smoked, so why should I have any withdrawal symptoms?! I'll try that method again

Dan.

stovertm · 24th March 2003, 01:58 PM

My parents both quit smoking some years back -- and they smoked A LOT longer than you.

The thing that really helped them was classifying "habit" from "addiction." The Patch, Nicorette, etc. may curb your physical addiction -- but you still need to overcome your psychological craving.

EXAMPLE: My father had a habit of smoking a cigarette everyday with his morning coffee. The two went together. When he started his QUIT SMOKING program -- he was told that he could still have his coffee and his cigarette -- but NOT at the same time. This was to break him from associating his coffee with his cigarette. So, he'd drink his coffee and then smoke his cigarette 30 minutes later. Eventually, by the time he finished his coffee -- he'd be busy at something else and didn't have time to smoke the cigarette. Once he broke himself of the "habit" -- the "addiction" was much easier to overcome.

Make sense?

**Gankaku** · 24th March 2003, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stormcrow
Well the countdown has begun
My parents are visting from Warwick later this week, and when they go I will try once again to quit.
I will go cold tukey, I think I have enough willpower to do it. I won't smoke even at parties, cause thats what got me started again after quitting for 2 months.

Dan.

Dan, that's awesome! Best wishes. YOU CAN DO IT!! You seem to be a positive thinker and will be able to accomplish your goal.

Lisa

24th April 2003, 07:38 PM

Here I go!!!

I have been planning to quit smoking for a few weeks now! I know what makes me want to smoke, and know how to avoid these situations (mainly stress, and the 'first cigarette of the day')
So tomorrow morning I will quit cold turkey, and I won't look back!

I have a lot of confidence about quitting, and I know I can do it!!
Thanks everyone

Dan.

15th March 2003, 04:41 PM	#1
Guest Posts: n/a	I need to quit smoking... any ideas? Ok guys, I really really need to quit smoking . I quit last november - january (2/3 months) but then took it up again. I really want to quit, so I was wondering how other forum members did it. I have smoked for 5 years (since I was 14) and I guess I would say that I am mildly/moderately addicted. I wanna quit for health reasons, none of my friends smoke, and I dont wanna pay the CEO's of tobacco companies hard earned cash so they can destroy my health Any ideas? -Stormcrow-

15th March 2003, 09:09 PM	#3
Gankaku Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 3,155	The healthfood stores - go check 'em out. They have some products to help stop the urge to smoke. Vitamin Shoppe has some good prices Natra Bio - Smoking Withdrawl Relief - it's homeopathic. also Natra Bio - Stop It Smoking - also homeopathic These products help reduce the cravings to smoke. There are some other new products at the healthfood store, but I can't think of the name. If I find them I'll post here. --edit - it's NicoRx. Supposed to help you stop. There's also the patch and the gum which people say works. Have you tried cold turkey? ;-) Good luck and congratulations on quitting smoking. Your health and lungs are going to be so happy. Last edited by Gankaku : 16th March 2003 at 11:48 AM.

15th March 2003, 08:58 PM	#2
JeffK Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kingaroy, AU Posts: 3,120	Stormcrow, since I have never smoked routinely, I'm not the one to advise you. Except to say that you already did it once for three months so you can do it again. Is there a reward you can give yourself with the money you save? Jeff

15th March 2003, 11:54 PM	#4
Drencrom Master of the @ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ultima Thule Posts: 1,629	Hey, Stormcrow. Here is my tip how to quit smoking for sure. It is very simple but it works. Smoke all day, knock yourself out with smoking but count how many ciggies you smoked. Say, 26. Fine! Take 25 cigarettes and promise yourself you won't smoke more than that tomorrow. Take 24 of them the day after tomorrow. Then 23. Then 22. Finally, within a month you will either cut down or quit if you do not stop using this method. This method works the same way you started smoking. You didn't start with 30 cigarettes a day, right? You probably started with one or two... From bumming occasional cigarettes people work it up to a pack or two per day. Now you go backwards. Slowly but firm. Just do not stop. If you cannot quit like that you will be smoking forever. I myself smoke once in a while but I am not addicted and it is not a problem for me to quit, as sometimes I forget and do not smoke for a couple of weeks or smth. But there are moments in life when a cigarette gives you such a kick.

16th March 2003, 05:19 PM	#5
Guest Posts: n/a	Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Yep I know that if I can do it once, I can do it again In practice its not so easy tho! I quit cold turkey for 2/3 months. I have also tried patches/gum previously, but they made me want to smoke more. Part of the reason to stop is also that I have quite a few older family members who smoke - older heavy smokers in the morning, not nice (how pathetic am I at 19 that I can't stop smoking! ) I think that I will build up a postive mind frame, and give it all I have got. Btw - to anyone out there who only smokes occasionally - don't Thats how it starts! Anyway thanks once again, and in a few weeks when I stop I will let you all know how I went. -Stormcrow-

16th March 2003, 06:54 PM	#6
JeffK Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kingaroy, AU Posts: 3,120	Stormcrow, I know hypnosis has worked for some, though not for everybody. Jeff

17th March 2003, 08:27 AM	#7
yuvaraj Essential Contributor Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: University of South Alabama, USA Posts: 345	Hey, I just tested (rather tasted) smoking only a month before. I also tested (tasted) drinking alcohol a fortnight before. But, I'm sure I would not get into the habit of smoking or drinking. Indeed that was my first and last test(taste). I love testing and taking risks in my life as I like to be adventurous! But I will do it only when I'm sure that I can make it. Yes, it does give some kick but I feel you can try refraining from smoking or drinking in my way. Before I smoked, I made up my mind that this is going to be very injurious to my health. Then, I breathed some fresh air deeply and enjoyed the comfort of inhaling fresh pure air. Then I smoked a puff and felt it artificial. I wanted to like fresh air and enjoy that. I myself hated to inhale smoke. But I smoked another cigarette soon after finishing first in order to get to know the feeling. But before that I myself wanted to feel comfortable with the feeling what I get without smoking, that during smoking I felt artificial and did not feel comfortable though I got that "kick". Now, it has been a month after that and I do not get any feeling to smoke again

17th March 2003, 01:00 PM	#8
Jeremy Howard Ultimate Contributor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 11,450	I smoked from a very young age, and quit when I was 20 (since my girlfriend at the time wasn't too keen on it...). My key tip is to commit 100% to never ever buying a packet again. You'll get tempted sometimes when you're out and find yourself having "just one", especially after a few drinks... But if you never actually buy your own, it's extremely hard to get addicted again. You can also ask your friends/family to say "no" if you ever ask them for a smoke. I stopped completely for around 2 years; since then I've had 1-2 smokes a month when I'm out with smokers. I find this ideal, since I still like smoking, but don't like the health impact of smoking regularly.

18th March 2003, 04:53 AM	#9
Guest Posts: n/a	I heard patches work fairly well as does Nicorette. But I've also heard that Nicorette can be addictive too. If you've got health insurance, check and see if they offer coverage for a smoking cessation program and if they can put you in touch with the nearest organization that offers such a program. Good luck!

24th March 2003, 09:18 AM	#10
Guest Posts: n/a	Well the countdown has begun My parents are visting from Warwick later this week, and when they go I will try once again to quit. I will go cold tukey, I think I have enough willpower to do it. I won't smoke even at parties, cause thats what got me started again after quitting for 2 months. Dan.

24th March 2003, 10:16 AM	#11
JeffK Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Kingaroy, AU Posts: 3,120	Good luck, Dan. We are with you on this. Spend some time working out what you are going to shout yourself with the money you save. Jeff

24th March 2003, 01:58 PM	#13
stovertm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: USA Posts: 176	My parents both quit smoking some years back -- and they smoked A LOT longer than you. The thing that really helped them was classifying "habit" from "addiction." The Patch, Nicorette, etc. may curb your physical addiction -- but you still need to overcome your psychological craving. EXAMPLE: My father had a habit of smoking a cigarette everyday with his morning coffee. The two went together. When he started his QUIT SMOKING program -- he was told that he could still have his coffee and his cigarette -- but NOT at the same time. This was to break him from associating his coffee with his cigarette. So, he'd drink his coffee and then smoke his cigarette 30 minutes later. Eventually, by the time he finished his coffee -- he'd be busy at something else and didn't have time to smoke the cigarette. Once he broke himself of the "habit" -- the "addiction" was much easier to overcome. Make sense?

24th April 2003, 07:38 PM	#15
Guest Posts: n/a	Here I go!!! I have been planning to quit smoking for a few weeks now! I know what makes me want to smoke, and know how to avoid these situations (mainly stress, and the 'first cigarette of the day') So tomorrow morning I will quit cold turkey, and I won't look back! I have a lot of confidence about quitting, and I know I can do it!! Thanks everyone Dan.