So I've been smoking for about 3 years now and finally decided that enough is enough and that I'm quitting as of tomorrow. Any former smokers out there with any suggestions as to how to do so?
Quote from: Xathan WorldsmithSo I've been smoking for about 3 years now and finally decided that enough is enough and that I'm quitting as of tomorrow. Any former smokers out there with any suggestions as to how to do so?
I can offer some things both of my parents tried (though, not at quarter past 2 in the morning), but I can't really tell you how effective they might be, as I can't really speak with the experience of such an addiction. I will say this, though:
good for you! I'm glad that you've made such a great decision, and I really hope you can do it.
Your intellect can overrrule your base animal urges. That's part of being human. Remember that no matter how strong the craving is and no matter what side effects you're experiencing from the chemical withdrawl, you actually don't need to smoke.
My friend started eating candy as a substitute for cigarettes. Now he's got rotten teeth and lung cancer!
(Joke about the cancer, but not about the teeth. Don't trade addictions :P)
SDragon - any advice would be appreciate.
Ninja D - That's the first time someone's phrased it that way, and hearing it put that way gives me yet another motivator. Thanks. :)
LAA - believe me, not going to take that risk. Well, might develop a working out addiction for the extra endorphins that provides, but that's not really a bad addiction. :P
I had a friend who was addicted to smoking's high, so he moved to chew. After about a year and a half of slowly reducing the quantities of that, he was able to quit.
I wouldn't recommend that way, but it's one way.
Quote from: Ninja D!Your intellect can overrrule your base animal urges. That's part of being human. Remember that no matter how strong the craving is and no matter what side effects you're experiencing from the chemical withdrawl, you actually don't need to smoke.
Quoted for emphasis. You're a CBG'er. You create worlds.
with your mind.
I'd have to politely disagree with Angel's advice of not switching one habit for another. Candy is certainly not healthy, but it's considerably easier to drop that habit than it is to get of the physical addiction to nicotine. My dad was pretty hardcore on the whole willpower thing, quitting with the help of nothing but Twizzlers, which he eventually stopped on his own accord. He's been smoke-free for... I'm not sure exactly how many years, but I'm pretty sure it's been close to a decade, now.
My mom has always been more the type to opt for outside help, and given how notoriously hard it is to kick the habit, there's no shame in that. If it takes patches or inhalers or pills (believe me,
tons of options, here), then that's what it takes. Just remember that these are for weaning off, not for leaning on.
When she made her most recent attempt, she changed her desktop wallpaper to a picture of a healthy lung next to a smoker's lung. In the slim chance that you haven't seen that contrast yet, let me tell you, it is frightening to think of your life relying on that. Just don't let yourself become desensitized to that image, though. If it's scary, then it's working.
Also remember that no matter what help-- if any-- you get, willpower is key. My mom seems to constantly roll natural 1's for her will saves, but my dad seems to force natural 20's through sheer willpower. It's incredibly inspiring to see just how possible it is to man up against something like that.
... And again: You create worlds.
With your mind. There's really no excuse that can stand up to that.
Edit-- My mom just suggested to me using cinnamon sticks as pretend cigarettes. They're hollow, so you can still inhale, but it's air instead of smoke.
Have I told you lately how happy I am that you've found your way back home to us?
Well, that goes for this, as well. We are there with you and for you. Hit up the IRC chat if you need an encouraging word...
Quote from: LordVreeg Have I told you lately how happy I am that you've found your way back home to us?
Well, that goes for this, as well. We are there with you and for you. Hit up the IRC chat if you need an encouraging word...
Re-quoted for emphasis. If you're ever having trouble/feeling a sense of regression, try reaching out to the IRC. I know I'd gladly put aside what I'm doing to offer encouragement to fight the urge.
I sadly can't truly relate as I don't smoke nor do any of my family (though my grandfather used to and he has some serious lung conditions now thanks to it). All I can say is to keep at it. You rule your instincts, you shouldn't let them rule you. So the next time you feel the urge to smoke find something better to replace it with. Instead of going for a cigarette grab a piece of candy, or go for a jog, or do something else that is a bit healthier instead. You can train yourself to switch the addiction to something else which will be easier to drop down the line. You might also consider taking on some form of meditative practice. I don't know how it is for you but alot of smokers I've known in real life reach straight for the pack anytime they get stressed out as they've replaced more productive means of stress relief with cigarettes. I personally find Ki practice a great relaxer but there are other options you can take on such as Yoga or Tai Chi to channel your stress away in a healthy manner.
I've found aerobic exercise to be surprisingly compelling. A few times a week, I head down to the YMCA, put on some music or podcasts, and walk/run/jog around the track... and before I know it, it's 45 to 75 minutes later. It's become something I look forward to doing, even crave.
I've never been a smoker, but this has definitely been displacing some of my lazy/sedentary bad habits.
Quote from: Luminous CrayonI've found aerobic exercise to be surprisingly compelling. A few times a week, I head down to the YMCA, put on some music or podcasts, and walk/run/jog around the track... and before I know it, it's 45 to 75 minutes later. It's become something I look forward to doing, even crave.
I've never been a smoker, but this has definitely been displacing some of my lazy/sedentary bad habits.
Yes and you get to enjoy that (somewhat sick) feeling of satisfaction after you've sprinted up the stairs without even breathing hard to show for it while everyone else struggles up behind you :D
Yeah, that is pretty much the
Sorry for not responding to this thread sooner - I was honestly taken aback (in a good way) by the outpouring of support from people who don't even know me personally. That - this whole thread - really means a lot to me, and I want to thank you all so much - it's been a huge help re-reading through the comments when the cravings get bad, just knowing that everyone is rooting for me. Cannot express enough gratitude. :)
Keep at it, you'll feel so much better once you've broken the habit. :)
Already starting to notice a difference in breathing - was able to mow lawn without needing to pause halfway through to catch my breath. :D Cannot wait to be free of this.
Keep it up, i'm rooting for you!
Indeed. Thanks for the progress report. we are with you!
I'm afraid I have little actual advice to give, but I can always lend a few words of encouragement.
Keep it up, don't give up, don't give in and let that old habit have it. You sound very determined and thus I'm quite certain you can beat this thing fair and square.
Such willpower is commendable. Thumbs up if you manage to drop the habit for good.
heres something not to do: move to South America where cigarettes are cheaper than air.
Buenos Aires is such false advertising,
I'll let you know when I head there in a month.