I am a heavy smoker. two pack per day. I am in the cooper clayton smoking censation class, but still smoking. I have the patches, but due to anxiety, and stress, I haven't been able to progress. I did stop smoking the first time I was in this class. Only to start back after 4 months. I feel like such a failure. I feel I am weak, stupid, and letting the others down in my class, low self esteem. I am considering theapy, but wondering if anyone anyplace has any suggestions that might help me kick the habit. My Dr. has told me numerous times  I have to quit smoking. I have asathma, broncities and other breathing conditions. Is it the power over smoking that I can't give up? I am not an ignorant person. I no, the risk here..then why do I keep smoking?\nThere has to be others out there that smoke, and have sucessfully quite. If anyone has an suggestions, I would like to have your in put. This is scaring me.
133479
Put the cigarettes down, throw away everything pertaining to them, and then walk away. Do not gravitate towards people who do smoke, don't have long fantasizing conversations about how you used to smoke, and do not give in to the urge to smoke. Just say NO!\n\nThink of it this way: When you put a cigarette in your mouth and start to smoke, and then after a while you get the urge to do it again, and you can't control that urge, who is really in charge of your life? A little rolled up ball of tobacco? Give me a break, I used to smoke and I could never stop until I decided to walk away. It was a life changing moment, and between me and God, I told Him I would not smoke any more. That was over 6 years ago, no patches, classes, gum or anything! Every time I saw a smoke, I told my self "You will not smoke that." \nI can honestly say that it did take a few months for the thought of smoking to go away, but it was nothing I could not handle, and after 6 months I realized I do not even like the smell of smokers around me. And I haven't considered picking up that nasty habit since. Thank God!
53236
Well I am a smoker and why can't I throw them away. Simple I don't want to. I really have little in life and though it is an addiction it is something I enjoy most times, though in all honesty not always, as it is also a habit. This is my choice and that is to smoke my illness has nothing to do with smoking and even had my neuro say that since I have nothing else much to worry about. "Smoke them if you got them" were his exact words. I also had a witness and no this doctor does not smoke himself. This is just one of few things I can enjoy and why should I deny myself a small amount of joy
524937
I will so delighted to answer your request!  I have smoked since I was very young and now I am in my sixtys and I never thought that I could go without smoking too.  I tried the patch; Inhaler, accupunture; Gum; I quit for 38 days about 2 years ago but I found an excuse to go back to smoking again and I had made a promise to God and it made me feel so guilty.  I did not try again until Sept 6th of this year and after going without a cigarette for 4 days I found myself calm and surprised at myself.  I haven`t smoked a cigarette since and its been 2 months...I was a chain smoker and smoked for over 50 years.  Do it with hard candys and regular gum because I believe the nicotine patch and ihaler and eta are just teasers!  Drink alot of juice and water and chew on carrot sticks...I find it also a close friend came down with Lung Cancer March 3, 2006 and had 1/2 of rt lung removed that made me start thinking also....Just remember you can do it!!!
341517
20 year smoker...I've used the Commit lozenges (4mg) for 10 weeks now and have been going strong.  I've used the patch before, but prefer the lozenges.  They really help cut the edginess.  I don't consider myself totally "cured" of smoking, but this has been one of my best attempts so far.  Good luck.  Unfortunately, no aid will help him until he's really ready to quit himself.
507936
hey hunny - thanks for the coffee - i chose not to have cake due to being determined to get back on weightwatchers programme today - been really struggling with it the last few weeks - i gave up smoking about 4 years ago and really notice the benefits - i was feeling very similar to you at the time that i gave up - i set myself a date (6th of january fyi as it's 12 night so the christmas period was officially over) - i went to see my gp and got advice and a prescription for nicotine patches and i went for it - good luck and stay safe ~x~
597904
I dont know I am trying myself.  every week on monday I try again to quit.  on tuesday I buy another pack.  It is hard.  I am getting better. though.  just keep trying.  Pick one day of the week where you are not going to smoke, but leave your self one or 2 emergency cigaretts for when someone will die if you cant smoke and try to make it the whole with out touching them.  If you can great if not well try again next week.  It takes practice.
101340
Have you tried one of the online smoking cessation forums? Unfortunately, I have not been brave enough or smart enough, for that matter, to lay the cigs down but I know from others that these work. Not only do the sites give you information but there are chat rooms/bulletin board type forums where you can share the experience with others, who are in the same shoes. Good luck and WOW, only 1 yesterday and none today. Good for you!
601339
Yes, but in combination with Nicoderm patch. My doctor had me use the patch (2mg) and ween down after the first week to a half a patch. I cut it in half. I also used black licorice when the urges really got to me. Just put a piece in your mouth and suck on it. \nI have to say the want and need to quit is foremost in being successful. It was very hard for me but I haven't smoked in over 7 years now. After the first 3 months it was so hard I told myself I would never go back to smoking as I never wanted to go through that again. It worked for me and my husband! Good Luck and get a friend to help. Find something to do with your hands, wood working, crafts, knitting, dishes and take baths and showers, you can't smoke in a shower.....lol.. Keep busy.
296088
I smoked for 11 years at it wasn't easy to quit.  What I found worked best was to make a list of all the time throughout the day when you usually have a smoke.  Take a good look at the list and decide which one you don't 'need'.  Cut that one out and do it for a week.  Then take another look at the list and cut another one.  Keep going as long as you have to to get down to none.  By the time you get to one, you usually have enough confidence in yourself to look at it and think "I don't need this - it's not worth it."  It took me 11 weeks to quit that way because my average intake was 11 cigarettes (just over half a pack) a day.  By doing it this way, I didn't feel deprived because I knew my next smoke was just a few hours away.  I hadn't quit cold turkey and I made the decision as to which one to cut out and when.  It gave me a great feeling of empowerment.  I know it sounds like it would take forever this way, but slow and steady really does win the race.\n\nBest of luck!
593928
Ok......i gave up just 3 months ago, and was told it was going to be really difficult and i was gonna die!!! well.....im still alive and found it quite easy. I have to say i got through lots of food and hard boiled sweets to suck on, but this oly happens for a few weeks. im telling u its well worth it!!!! i just had enough, it was giving me breathing difficulties and i hated the smell and taste and everything, i had had enough of one little stick control my life, and it costs way too much!! i woke up and threw my cigarettes far away, and its al in the mind! just say no, no, NO!!! once you have got past day one, you have an urge to get through day 2, and etc etc. I feel so much better now! and i gave up in a house where there are 6 smokers around me! GOOD LUCK!!! you can do it!
294494
I smoke because sometime I enjoy it and other times because I feel the need.  I have quit several times and each time is a little longer than the others, but my weakness in times of high stress brings me back.  Yes I know the health risk and I am aware that it is unsightly and smelly, and I am really glad that you know all of these things and will be a much wiser person than those of us who have the habit.  I am glad you brought this up because it gives me a good idea for a question.  Thanks
15857
Since you smoke when you are bored...try to find things to do to occupy your time so you don't get bored.  It doesn't sound like you are too addicted to it since you smoke so little...there are people who smoke a few packs or more a day.  But if you feel you have a hard time quitting there are a few options available like the nicotine patches, inhaler and gum.  There are also a couple medications available like Zyban and Wellbutrin but you would need to talk to your doctor about taking them to see if that's what is best for you.  Another good way to not smoke is when you feel like you want to have a cigarrette get a celery stick or carrot to chew on.  Also since you mentioned you also smoke when you are stressed...try doing other things to relax like listening to music, talking to someone, relaxation techniques, etc...Good luck with quitting!
412091
I would carry on smoking for a while.  You've done fantastically well to stop drinking and you should be really proud of yourself.  I stopped smoking 2 years ago, I've never relapsed but it is hard, especially for the first few months and if you try to  give up too soon after you stopped drinking you could possibly end up relapsing on both counts.  Unless you have any serious health problems where smoking puts you in immediate danger, I honestly think you should forget about stopping for another year or so. I hope everything works out for you.
304682
i am a smoker myself, but what works best is to stop it if you are serious about quitting, because i was able quit it.but after awhile  went back to it after a yr. or so.\n it all boils down to your self discipline, and will. that is the hard and simple truth. so take heart and don't worry about how much meds cost, because at the end of the day its still a mental challenge.
310858
Hey Jen !\n\nthis christmas I will  be smoke free for 5 years.\n\nI quit cold turkey,but I did a lot of preparation before hand.\n\n1st I mentally prepared myself for the task at hand.\nabout three months of telling myself everyday how bad they\ntasted and that soon I was going to stop.\n\n2st I cut down to 1/2 pack a day for about 6 months.\n\nat the begining of the 7 month I cut down to 6 a day\nfor another 4 months.\n\nthree before lunch - three between lunch and bedtime.\n\nI stayed away from a lot of party,s\n\nbut when I was out drinking,I usually drank more.\nBUT I held off on the smoking.\n\nthen for next 6 months I cut down to 3 a day.\n\n 1 somtime before lunch - 1 somtime before dinner\nand 1 some time before bed.this was the toughest part.\n\nit was really hard to get through these months.\nbut I knew and I kept telling myself if I get through\nthis I can get through anything.\n\nchristmas was coming so i set my date.\n\nthen 2 weeks before christmas I got the somach flu real bad\n\nI could,nt eat drink or smoke.\nfor two weeks i was so sick.\n\non christmas eve I had a smoke,and almost upchucked.\n\na few days later I tried again but was horrible\nI had my last smoke that new years.\nthree puffs and threw it a away.\n\nI am now a free man !\n\na fatter man but a free one.
33403
I have tried several things patches, gum, cold turkey etc.  I quit for 3 months and during a stressful period in my life I started again.  This time I just threw them away and instead of buying more I've  made a vacation fund.  I usally go through two cartons a week, so every week I  put $60.00 in a little trash can I bought.  A trash can is symbolic of me throwing my money away on smokes.  By this time next year I will have enough money to take a nice little vacation, be smoke free, and be able to breathe again!!! I hope it works...one day at a time.
273529
You are still feeling blah because the last remnants of nicotine are fading from your body.  You have to make it through the first months for the really bad withdrawal symptoms to disappear.  It takes a full three months before you'll feel totally human again.  It sounds like you are quitting cold turkey [ie. no gum or patch].  The good news is that people who quit cold turkey and succeed generally are able to give it up forever