Quitting Smoking

[wayved]

strat: I didnt want to post here--cos I have slipped (not to the two pack a day habit but to at least 5 a day) but I have been back on track for awhile.
Thank God for Icebreakers Wintergreen mints. Not only do I have the freshest breath in town, im not smoking.

Congratulations to you man! Never look back.

Think of all those greedy rich white men that have never smoked in their lives sending their kids through school, sailing on their yachts, laughing and yukking it up while tobacco taxes go up and cancer grows in your lungs and not feeling a tinge of guilt while cigarettes are manufactured out of urinated on hamster paper and given a brand. Those fuckers would like to give you toxic waste to guzzle. Just enough to keep you addicted. Put it in different boxes with exotic names. Cigarettes are population control.



I have noticed a big jump in my appetite so I am in the gym at least 5 times a week. Plus after I work out I feel no need to be pissed off at anyone, no need to booze it up, no need to do anything but be cool.

[skvorisdeadsorta]

Man, I fell off the wagon in LA and I am back smoking. Shit.

[phil]

I thought they could shoot you on sight
if you get caught smoking in California ...

[skvorisdeadsorta]

Man, I have never seen so many smokers in my life than I have in LA. In fact California in general was way more smoking friendly than here in Austin. Also, the cigarettes there are much cheaper than in Austin as well.

[KayJay]

I'm so proud of Jeff (and myself) for not smoking for right at 4 months (he keeps track of the dates). I'm sorry you started smoking again in LA, Skvor, but it's OK. You'll stop again when you're ready. I have complete faith in you (all) to do what you need to do for yourself when you're ready. Lord knows it's not easy!

I know what you mean about the appetite! Sheesh! I feel as if I've become a food vacuum cleaner! "No, I don't need a spoon, thank you, a shovel will do quite nicely!" YUCK! But that, too, will pass, I'm sure.

Everyone here has been quite supportive, and it's really been a great help (to me)! Thanks!

[rocknroller]

I started taking the Chantix today. I really hope I'm successful this time. The two previous attempts ended at about 6 months each time. I wonder, do you take the chantix indefinitely or is there a set amount of time you take it? I want to start exercising again and want to quit smoking before getting back to riding bikes, walking and jogging. I will be visiting my mother and her husband in Massachusetts in May and want to have given up the butt... by then.

My Mom stopped smoking cold turkey after 40 years of smoking. She has been tobacco free for many years.

[strat-0]

Good luck, Pat. The Chantix is normally a 6-month course with an option for at least two refills. I was fine without a refill but then decided to refill it after a few months. Then I quit taking it anyway. Hats off to your mom. I don't think I could ever do it that way. Going on a year without smoking now. I still think about it and would like to smoke. I just tell myself that I can start smoking again anytime if I chose to, I'd just rather not have to deal with it (or trying to quit) again. I often have dreams where I smoke (and usually know that I had quit).

[samplestiltskin]

wayved said:

Cigarettes are population control.

The best argument for lighting up I ever heard.

Yesterday I worked eleven hours, took off for yoga class, and had a beer and a cigarette for dinner. Nicotine for me is reserved for post-exertion situations (.....) and drinking. It's like this sticker I saw on some kid's laptop the other day - "EXERCISE.. EAT HEALTHY.. DIE ANYWAY." I plan on doing all three.

[skovrecky]

I love smoking. I wish I didn't but I do....I love it.

And every time I go to California, I want to teach 8 year olds to smoke. That place is a fucking health-hole.

[KooL]

I love smoking too, but it's only because I'm addict satisfying my need for nicotine rather than the smoking itself. I quit for about 10 days at the beginning of the year [because of a cold], but when you work with smokers the best part of the working day is taking breather for a fag. It's the only time I actually feel like I'm taking a break.

[Ayinger]

Strat, that totally kicksass that you're still off the sticks! Heard about how people do the dreaming of still smoking and such too -- guess another sign of how tightly the habit grabs a person.

Suppose most here have heard the old Denis Leary bit on smoking -- if not, this is a classic you've gotta try:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz4tDAEtJkE

[Ampage]

Every now and then I have a "smoking dream", but I always feel bad in the dream that I did it. So yea, it is really a mental hold type thing going on. I hit the 6 year mark on 02/11/08 (my mom always sends me a card, so cute!) and I know I am really done. I can;t even stand the smell anymore.

So for all of you trying to quit all I can say is your really have to want to quit. Don't rely on anythinh other than your mind and will-power. Things can help you along, but there is no easy cure all.

And don't ever forget to never quit quiting. A relapse means nothing!

Besides, I look at prices today and I couldn't afford to smoke if I wanted too! LOL!

[rocknroller]

I'm thinking of doing some acupuncture to help stop smoking. I know a woman who's smoked for 40 years who quit with acupuncture. Couldn't hurt much.

[Ampage]

We all know people that quit with whatever reason. Do you REALLY want to quit? That is the only way you ever will.

[strat-0]

Amp is right. I'm the only person I know who quit the first time they seriously tried to (for almost a year so far - knock wood!) I really wanted to quit. Pat, I thought you were doing the Chantix? You can smoke on that as much as you want. It just doesn't do much for you. Stick with it. I don't know about acupuncture but I think it's a waste. And whatever you do, don't waste your money on "hypnosis."