My problem is, I try to inhale them like I'm taking a hit, because I'm not used to just sucking in smoke and letting it out without holding it in. It's effing NASTY. I used to be able to smoke cigs while drinking beers with my friends outside of bars or concerts, but now I can't even stand second hand smoke. No way I would voluntarily smoke a cigarette again...I mean, I hate to be blunt, but compared to high quality weed, cigarettes are the most foul-tasting thing ever.
I know this is kind of silly, but one thing I've been doing is writing "No Smoking" down on pieces of paper where it is visible to me, like when I'm taking notes during class, or just writing it around my apartment. I even have a No Smoking sign as my desktop background right now, just to constantly remind me.
Way to be a quitter, dude. You know who isn't a quitter? Dan Boecker of Wolf Parade. You could learn a thing or two from him.
At least they're not "Thank You For Not Smoking" signs. When I see those I always think, how do you know I'm not smoking? You're a sign.
Congrats on stopping smoking. I'm sure it's hard from what I've seen with friends and family. Moes, congrats on taking steps to make your life better. Good for you. That kind of thing isn't easy to do. It's a pretty large undertaking, and it's always impressive to see people making a difference.
I LOVED smoking. I absolutely loved it. Probably more than anything else I have ever loved. Until I didn't anymore. Once I quit, about two and a half years ago, I didn't look back. I was reading When you are Engulfed in Flames by David Sederis. In the book, a non native English speaker refers to someone that has "finished" their smoking. I liked that a lot. As if you have a set number of cigarettes to smoke in your life. Now you are finished. It is more final than quitting. The fear of going through the toughest part again kept me going until it wasn't hard anymore. That, and the patch. During the harder parts, I drank a lot of water and ate a lot of chocolate. I also chewed gum after meals and while driving (times when I was used to having a cigarette). I think it was easier this time than any previous attempts because I was ready to quit. It felt okay to be finished with this thing that I had really loved doing. Now I can't stand the smell of cigarettes. I still think they look cool, but I rarely see them in person. The only time in the past year that I have really wanted one was when I saw that video of the smoking three year old Indonesian kid. That kid looked SO happy. It reminded me of the time in my life when I loved smoking as much as that little guy does now. I was jealous of him. But not enough to risk going through the hard parts of nicotine withdrawal again. Good luck AB. Hope it works out for you.
I had my last cig on NYE 1999. Decided to quit cold turkey for Y2K and haven't had one since. Still working on the 20 pounds I picked up quickly thereafter.... Good luck, AB.
I quit 24 days ago. I have not had any nicotine products since then. It's still difficult on occasion, but I've been able to fight through the cravings so far. I've been biking a lot, and it's much easier to do now that I'm off the cigs. When I see people smoke when I'm out at night, I just think of how crappy they are going to feel in the morning and it helps me resist the urge. Good luck people. The only people who want you to keep smoking are RJ Reynolds and Phillip Morris, and they're a couple of serious pricks. Just imagine that they play for the Jazz.
never ever take a puff again. you've put yourself through the hard parts, why start over. I quit about 5yrs ago and it gets easier with time. Its nice being free of that nasty habit. I know if I take a puff I might as well buy a carton, so I just don't do it. exercise helps
For me, it's never been about a nicotine fix. I just enjoy it and luckily have the ability to go days/weeks without one...smoke one...and repeat. There are times when I smoke more. I can make a pack last weeks. I used to be a pack a day about a decade ago. Went out one night with some friends and put away nearly 2 packs. I woke up the next day feeling like complete s*** and proceeded to go 6 months w/o. That said, it's more of a reason to just stop, period. I went to a bar last night and didn't have one at all while I was there...but then I had one on my way home. If I can avoid it while being in the toughest place to avoid it, quitting all together shouldn't be that difficult.
AB that was my quit date too, but it was 2000! I used the patch, all the way through the 6 or 8 weeks, whatever it was. I had smoke for about 12/13 years. It was my first time to try and I did it! I did as other's suggested: I monitored my triggers, alter them when I could, chewed gum like crazy, toothpicks & zero caffeine. also it sucks, but don't worry about weight, you'll put on a bit, but it's easier to lose when you're not a smoker. 10 years out, and I still smoke in my dreams and some days I'd kill a guy for a cigarette, but I haven't so I just keep on keepin' on. Good luck my Brother!
I think the biggest step was the wakeup call, realizing I had been in a rut for far too long, down in the dumps, really out of shape, no motivation to go through life anymore, no willpower, which of course makes you start hating yourself for not being what you want to be. As simple as it sounds, and as trite as it may be... positive reinforcement helps a great deal. You just try and ward off the bad thoughts before they start bringing you down. Its really all about correcting your thinking. Getting out and doing things helps too. Sometimes I'm sitting on my ass and I start to get a little down and feel the depression trying to creep in, so I force myself get outside and take a walk. Also finding an outlet helps. I play guitar. Find a hobby, a passion and devote yourself to it, and just always try and keep your focus on living in the moment instead of worrying about the future or fretting about the past. Day 8 now for me BTW. A lot of you guys are dead on... you quit when you really, truly want to quit.
Yeah, I thought going back to school would help, but even though i'm doing well, it just seems to be adding stress. I'm always tired and continualy setting myself up, in that regard, by drinking too much almost every night. I'm going to a mma gym tomorrow to try out the class and a boxing gym later in the week. Based on my experience this week I'll be joining one of the two by next week. If that doesn't do the trick, I'm contemplating medication. I was wondering if anyone had any natural solutions seeing I am currently without insurance. I'm in somewhat of a spiral and I need to dig myself out before it's too late. Thanks for the input, Moes.
Depression is a disease, and it isn't your fault. My mother suffers from depression and anxiety attacks and my father is manic depressive and suffers similar symptoms. I would certainly recommend immediately going to see a doctor, especially if you are in school... there should be people there ready to assist you. I'm seeing a therapist once a week now and it does make a difference to be able to have somebody who can listen to you and help you get through your issues, help correct your thinking, and perhaps get you on some form of medication should you need it. If you really want to feel better... you'll do it. Do it today. Not tomorrow. If you need to talk to somebody, please feel free to email me.
I've had a couple of friends quit smoking cold turkey.. they said it was one of the hardest thing they ever had to do... I don't smoke myself but I do go out and drink with them on occasions and that's when they really feel the urge to smoke... it's also hard if you hang around friends who smoke, especially if they're your drinking buds... but take it one day at a time man and you'll get there. Good luck bro!!
