Trying to Quit Smoking..

PrinceAbdullah · Feb 2nd, 2008, 04:33 AM

I am only 18 and have been smoking for more than 2 years, but now I have been smoking cigarettes way to much.. At first i was like , oh its ok i can stop anytime.. But I am afraid I became way to addicted... For obvious reasons I Am trying to quit now while I am still young..

The problem is, it seems sooo tough.. One main reason is, when I am around my friends who also smoke, it makes me want to smoke, especially in college.. another reason is getting up in the morning I have to have my coffee and cig.. The combination gives me the boost the complete the day..LOL Also after having a meal, a cig is a must have for me...

Now, has anyone smoked in the past and completely quit.. Any tips, or advice.. ugghh its so tough...

i_wona · Feb 2nd, 2008, 05:30 AM

Here's my advice:

1) Make the decision and start saying "I am a non-smoker." It's one of the hardest parts, especially when someone offers you a cigarette LOL
2) Get some patches, or, if you're not a heavy smoker, get some nicotine gum for those times when the craving hits.
3) Change your routine. If you have a coffee and cigarette first thing in the morning sitting out on the balcony, start getting up and getting straight in the shower and leaving the house as soon as you're dressed.
4) Find a replacement that is not hazardous to your health: sip water, chew gum, squeeze a stress ball, whatever!
5)Stop going out for a little while, especially to places where you will be drinking.

When the cravings get really bad, try to imagine that feeling you get where you've had, like 100 cigarettes on a night out and you feel like never smoking again. Think of that awful, wheezy feeling.

I admit the after the meal one is bad - eveyone loves that after the meal cigarette LOL Again, try popping some gum (really REALLY minty, or nicotine gum) into your mouth straight after a meal.

DO you have Quit Smoking support in your city? Call the helpline and see if they have any advice. They are experts.

Also, the mods might be able to move this thread to Health and Fitness - might get some more responses?

Good luck!

regina_garbe · Feb 2nd, 2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrinceAbdullah

I am only 18 and have been smoking for more than 2 years, but now I have been smoking cigarettes way to much.. At first i was like , oh its ok i can stop anytime.. But I am afraid I became way to addicted... For obvious reasons I Am trying to quit now while I am still young..

The problem is, it seems sooo tough.. One main reason is, when I am around my friends who also smoke, it makes me want to smoke, especially in college.. another reason is getting up in the morning I have to have my coffee and cig.. The combination gives me the boost the complete the day..LOL Also after having a meal, a cig is a must have for me...

Now, has anyone smoked in the past and completely quit.. Any tips, or advice.. ugghh its so tough...

In what country do you live? In most European countries smoking is prohibited everywhere and I thought that it is the same in the US. Do you come from a country where smoking is still allowed everywhere?
Btw, if you are addicted, try to find a self helf group. I am sure there are such groups also for smokers. And ask your doctor what you can do.
Regina

Accessory Obsessory · Feb 2nd, 2008, 12:04 PM

Not everywhere in Europe...although there is progress being made!

Good Luck Prince! Good to get rid of it now (this from an ex smoker, but I used my pregnancy to quit...not an option for you, I think! )

riffraff · Feb 2nd, 2008, 02:54 PM

Good luck, I've been a smoker who choses not to smoke for just over a year now. It's all about finding what works for you, but you have made the most important step and that is making the decision to stop.

I never say giving up because then that puts in your mind that you are depriving yourself of something KWIM?

missmustard · Feb 2nd, 2008, 04:30 PM

I'd love to read some more advice on this as well. I'm also trying to quit and every time I run out I'm always like.. just one last pack LOL. I wanna quit 'cause it's making a huge dent in my pockets, and never mind my health.

VivaNYC · Feb 2nd, 2008, 06:50 PM

I quit cold turkey, after trying to cut down. DH is using the Commit lozenges, and hasn't smoked since he made the commitment. (I made him promise to quite smoking from the day we married. So far so good). He tried gum, but still smoked while chewing. Friends used patches, and still smoked WITH the patch on. So far the lozenges have helped him. But you really need to make an effort, and commit! Good luck, you can so do this~

bnjj · Feb 2nd, 2008, 06:59 PM

After smoking for 18 years, I quit cold turkey 5 years ago this past Christmas.

For me, and I think this is true for all individuals, you have to truly want it. If you are wavering about quitting or are quitting for reasons other than you truly want to, I don't think you will be successful.

I 100% wanted to quit smoking so I threw the pack I had left in the garbage and never looked back. Not having that first smoke of the morning and not having one after eating did not really bother me like I thought it would. I believe I was, and I know others who were as well, more psychologically addicted to smoking than physically addicted to the nicotine.

I believe I was successful in quitting as I simply changed my mindset.

Lady Chinadoll · Feb 3rd, 2008, 05:09 AM

Quote:

1) Make the decision and start saying "I am a non-smoker.

Such a great suggestion - for anything we want to change.
It always starts with - Making a decision!

PrinceAbdullah · Feb 3rd, 2008, 05:53 AM

Thanks for the advice.... I am trying to slowly cut down...

jenny70 · Feb 3rd, 2008, 11:18 AM

I don't have any advise for you except to say that quitting smoking would be one of the best decisions you have ever made. Good luck!

jellybebe · Feb 3rd, 2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnjj

After smoking for 18 years, I quit cold turkey 5 years ago this past Christmas.

For me, and I think this is true for all individuals, you have to truly want it. If you are wavering about quitting or are quitting for reasons other than you truly want to, I don't think you will be successful.

I 100% wanted to quit smoking so I threw the pack I had left in the garbage and never looked back. Not having that first smoke of the morning and not having one after eating did not really bother me like I thought it would. I believe I was, and I know others who were as well, more psychologically addicted to smoking than physically addicted to the nicotine.

I believe I was successful in quitting as I simply changed my mindset.

This is totally true. Another thing I have heard people do is tell themselves that the media is responsible for making everyone think that quitting smoking is so hard and that it's not really that hard. It's sort of reverse psychology.

girliceclimber · Feb 3rd, 2008, 08:40 PM

Do you have a doctor that you usually see? They can give you counseling on how to quit. It really helps to actually go see someone about it, because that feeling of accountability to someone else provides extra motivation.
Some tips I remember (from when we had to learn about smoking cessation counseling):
-Pick a quit date (say, by next week), let another person know about your quit date and call them that morning
-Think about the times you usually smoke, and try to figure out a replacement. You said you like to smoke in the morning and after meals--could you maybe make your coffee extra strong to give you an additional jolt, or eat candy/mints after your meal?
-Think of a back-up plan for when you get cravings. Try to figure out something that you can do to take your mind off wanting to smoke (take a quick walk around the block, chew gum, etc).
-A lot of people use nicotine patches/gum/inhalers to help them quit, so you should consider using one of these. Again, you could talk to a doctor about which one is best for you.
Best of luck to you... it's great that you're thinking about quitting smoking.

ScienceNerd · Feb 7th, 2008, 03:14 PM

I would suggest going to your doctor and discussing options with him/her. My dad had a stroke about a year ago and used Chantix to quit smoking. I work in a pharmacy and have only heard good response about it. In a nutshell, chantix makes smoking have no effect on you. One patient told me she had to have a cigarette while on chantix and it felt like she was just smoking a dried up leaf. No matter what path you choose, I hope you quit asap and it helps your health! :-) Good luck!! Keep us posted.

ILuvMyHusband · Feb 7th, 2008, 03:40 PM

You have to want to quit. I'm 24, almost 25, and had smoked since I was 20. When I found out I was pregnant I stopped immediately... didn't even have to have "one last one". But now, as the end of pregnancy is drawing near I'm thinking to myself "well maybe I'll just have a few a day after she is born it will help me lose the baby weight" PS. I'm NOT breastfeeding. Idiotic thinking, yes I know... I don't need to hear it! Sooooo... I'm really going to try to not give into temptation but I know when I go to have a drink, the smoking thing goes hand in hand with me. I told DH as long as I'm not leaving the baby to go smoke... if she's asleep and I go have one then ok. But if I'm like hold my baby I have to go smoke then that's a problem. AND BY THE WAY... I know this is HORRIBLE thinking and it doesn't make any sense at all but I do enjoy the social cigs. I will try my hardest to not have that first one that will make me start again...

Feb 2nd, 2008, 04:33 AM	#1
PrinceAbdullah Sofa King Banned	Trying to Quit Smoking.. I am only 18 and have been smoking for more than 2 years, but now I have been smoking cigarettes way to much.. At first i was like , oh its ok i can stop anytime.. But I am afraid I became way to addicted... For obvious reasons I Am trying to quit now while I am still young.. The problem is, it seems sooo tough.. One main reason is, when I am around my friends who also smoke, it makes me want to smoke, especially in college.. another reason is getting up in the morning I have to have my coffee and cig.. The combination gives me the boost the complete the day..LOL Also after having a meal, a cig is a must have for me... Now, has anyone smoked in the past and completely quit.. Any tips, or advice.. ugghh its so tough...

Feb 2nd, 2008, 05:30 AM	#2
i_wona omg reissue me! Location: Australia	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. Here's my advice: 1) Make the decision and start saying "I am a non-smoker." It's one of the hardest parts, especially when someone offers you a cigarette LOL 2) Get some patches, or, if you're not a heavy smoker, get some nicotine gum for those times when the craving hits. 3) Change your routine. If you have a coffee and cigarette first thing in the morning sitting out on the balcony, start getting up and getting straight in the shower and leaving the house as soon as you're dressed. 4) Find a replacement that is not hazardous to your health: sip water, chew gum, squeeze a stress ball, whatever! 5)Stop going out for a little while, especially to places where you will be drinking. When the cravings get really bad, try to imagine that feeling you get where you've had, like 100 cigarettes on a night out and you feel like never smoking again. Think of that awful, wheezy feeling. I admit the after the meal one is bad - eveyone loves that after the meal cigarette LOL Again, try popping some gum (really REALLY minty, or nicotine gum) into your mouth straight after a meal. DO you have Quit Smoking support in your city? Call the helpline and see if they have any advice. They are experts. Also, the mods might be able to move this thread to Health and Fitness - might get some more responses? Good luck! __________________ wishlist chanel timeless accordian chanel SH matte black reissue 227 balenciaga SGH brief jaune/rubisse/violet miu miu nappa satchel rosso

Feb 2nd, 2008, 12:04 PM	#4
Accessory Obsessory VENI VIDI VISA	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. Not everywhere in Europe...although there is progress being made! Good Luck Prince! Good to get rid of it now (this from an ex smoker, but I used my pregnancy to quit...not an option for you, I think! ) __________________

Feb 2nd, 2008, 02:54 PM	#5
riffraff Sofa King Blonde! Location: UK	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. Good luck, I've been a smoker who choses not to smoke for just over a year now. It's all about finding what works for you, but you have made the most important step and that is making the decision to stop. I never say giving up because then that puts in your mind that you are depriving yourself of something KWIM? __________________ A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous. - Coco Chanel As long as you know men are like children, you know everything. - Coco Chanel Deep, deep inside the brain of every woman is a small bungalow in which lives a little lady who is totally obsessed with shoes and handbags

Feb 2nd, 2008, 04:30 PM	#6
missmustard Prima Donna Assoluta Location: Monterrey, Mexico	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. I'd love to read some more advice on this as well. I'm also trying to quit and every time I run out I'm always like.. just one last pack LOL. I wanna quit 'cause it's making a huge dent in my pockets, and never mind my health. __________________

Feb 2nd, 2008, 06:50 PM	#7
VivaNYC Member	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. I quit cold turkey, after trying to cut down. DH is using the Commit lozenges, and hasn't smoked since he made the commitment. (I made him promise to quite smoking from the day we married. So far so good). He tried gum, but still smoked while chewing. Friends used patches, and still smoked WITH the patch on. So far the lozenges have helped him. But you really need to make an effort, and commit! Good luck, you can so do this~

Feb 2nd, 2008, 06:59 PM	#8
bnjj ♪ Jovi Junkie ♪ Location: Bon Jovi Blvd.	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. After smoking for 18 years, I quit cold turkey 5 years ago this past Christmas. For me, and I think this is true for all individuals, you have to truly want it. If you are wavering about quitting or are quitting for reasons other than you truly want to, I don't think you will be successful. I 100% wanted to quit smoking so I threw the pack I had left in the garbage and never looked back. Not having that first smoke of the morning and not having one after eating did not really bother me like I thought it would. I believe I was, and I know others who were as well, more psychologically addicted to smoking than physically addicted to the nicotine. I believe I was successful in quitting as I simply changed my mindset. __________________

Feb 3rd, 2008, 05:53 AM	#10
PrinceAbdullah Sofa King Banned	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. Thanks for the advice.... I am trying to slowly cut down...

Feb 3rd, 2008, 11:18 AM	#11
jenny70 Member	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. I don't have any advise for you except to say that quitting smoking would be one of the best decisions you have ever made. Good luck! __________________ My belongs to Balenciaga

Feb 3rd, 2008, 08:40 PM	#13
girliceclimber Member Location: Los Angeles	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. Do you have a doctor that you usually see? They can give you counseling on how to quit. It really helps to actually go see someone about it, because that feeling of accountability to someone else provides extra motivation. Some tips I remember (from when we had to learn about smoking cessation counseling): -Pick a quit date (say, by next week), let another person know about your quit date and call them that morning -Think about the times you usually smoke, and try to figure out a replacement. You said you like to smoke in the morning and after meals--could you maybe make your coffee extra strong to give you an additional jolt, or eat candy/mints after your meal? -Think of a back-up plan for when you get cravings. Try to figure out something that you can do to take your mind off wanting to smoke (take a quick walk around the block, chew gum, etc). -A lot of people use nicotine patches/gum/inhalers to help them quit, so you should consider using one of these. Again, you could talk to a doctor about which one is best for you. Best of luck to you... it's great that you're thinking about quitting smoking.

Feb 7th, 2008, 03:14 PM	#14
ScienceNerd Member Location: Jax	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. I would suggest going to your doctor and discussing options with him/her. My dad had a stroke about a year ago and used Chantix to quit smoking. I work in a pharmacy and have only heard good response about it. In a nutshell, chantix makes smoking have no effect on you. One patient told me she had to have a cigarette while on chantix and it felt like she was just smoking a dried up leaf. No matter what path you choose, I hope you quit asap and it helps your health! :-) Good luck!! Keep us posted. __________________ Pretty much the biggest oddball http://www.myspace.com/jillian_godsdancingangel

Feb 7th, 2008, 03:40 PM	#15
ILuvMyHusband Member	Re: Trying to Quit Smoking.. You have to want to quit. I'm 24, almost 25, and had smoked since I was 20. When I found out I was pregnant I stopped immediately... didn't even have to have "one last one". But now, as the end of pregnancy is drawing near I'm thinking to myself "well maybe I'll just have a few a day after she is born it will help me lose the baby weight" PS. I'm NOT breastfeeding. Idiotic thinking, yes I know... I don't need to hear it! Sooooo... I'm really going to try to not give into temptation but I know when I go to have a drink, the smoking thing goes hand in hand with me. I told DH as long as I'm not leaving the baby to go smoke... if she's asleep and I go have one then ok. But if I'm like hold my baby I have to go smoke then that's a problem. AND BY THE WAY... I know this is HORRIBLE thinking and it doesn't make any sense at all but I do enjoy the social cigs. I will try my hardest to not have that first one that will make me start again... __________________