have any of you quit smoking using patches  or similar . were the withdrawals really bad . what was your experience please.
215073
I've quit more than once and the key is to keep busy so you don't dwell on the habit. The act of smoking is as addictive as the nicotine.\n\nGenerally, it takes about seven days for the body to rid itself of nicotine dependence, so your "withdrawals" will probably last about a week. Keep busy and when you feel the craving, divert it to something else (NOT candy, cookies, etc.). Preferably, some kind of physical activity (mop the floor, straighten your closet, etc.)\n\nKeep some cigarette butts (hidden away) that can be lit and good for no more than two or three drags if you really get desperate. Taking a "hit" will help alleviate the symptoms.\n\nObviously, only use them in case of severe symptoms, don't take more hits than absolutely necessary.\n\nYou can do it, but the method you choose has to be one you are willing to use since no method will work if you don't apply it.\n\nGood luck.
135743
cold turkey is the way to go - i am on day 93 today.  counting the days since i have had a cigarette has gotten me through a lot of cravings as well.  i tell myself that even if i smoke just one, i have to start again at day zero.  it has been a big deterrent - and i feel great.  i am also planning to have a party on day 100 - and maybe keep on having parties every 100 days for the rest of my life if i stay smoke free.  it's really just a great excuse to have people over.
108557
Heres a tip: try cutting back and use nothing at all.  Tobacco is not good for you or anybody.  If you really need nicotine (although i don't suggest it, because its not good for you either), try the patches or the gum.\nTry quitting, then you will feel much better.
496517
I quit smoking last year on Halloween at this party we were at- ran out & then decided to quit for good.  I had terrible headaches but overcame them in time, but sought help online & hooked up with Nicotine Anonymous.  It is hard to quit as you can smell smokers everywhere & I still avoid our local casinos- but last year in Washington we passed a law saying no smoking in restraunts-25 feet away from a business etc.  That sure helped me-in fact I voted in favor of the law!   In the 80's my dad got lung cancer after smoking 3 packs a day- I quit smoking for 5 years- but took it up when he was in his final stages of dying. But I refuse to go back to smoking & reward myself all the time for not smoking- anything I want I can buy.  Please try to quit for you & your friend- www.Quitnet.com  - try this site.  My husband quit in 85 when we got together for my son who was 14- Trav is 33 & didn't even remember Rick smoking.   Now Trav's daughter Chloe ( our only grandchild)  will not remember me smoking as she is only 4.  When you  want a smoke- just pray & the urge will pass- it only last 10 minutes.  Meanwhile look around for a hobby  to occupy you hands!  Good luck- you can do it!
540035
Hi, I quit smoking six months ago.  It was tough.  As for the Jack A** who says to just quit because it's bad for you, we both know it's not that easy or everyone would quit. DUH!!!  Anyway, I ran across a sight that I found helpful called quitsmokingonline.com   it's free and it covers a lot of the myths about quitting smoking.  It sort of gave me a fresh outlook on the whole thing.  As far as the constipation thing, I never had that problem, I would definately try to drink more water and eat prunes or raisins.  Also, more fruit and vegetables in your diet would be good.  I wouldn't use a laxative because those are so harsh, but a stool softener could be helpful.  If the problem persist, you might contact your physician for a prescription of some reglan just to get things moving again.  Good luck with your program of quitting, and don't be afraid to use the tools available to you like patches, gum etc.  I used them and had really good luck.  Don't let anyone pressure you.  You can do this, just take it one day at a time or one hour at time, or one cigarette at time.  I promise you will be glad that you made the choice to quit.  Good Luck!
99787
I smoked ages ago and quit cold turkey. Although I would crave a cigarette if I was around a smoker or drinking with friends, and sometime take just a puff or two. Eventually the cravings went away. I haven't smoked for 17 years!!
475584
Sometimes you can have problems if you quit too fast or cold turkey because your body becomes mentally and physically addicted and depends on the cigs. Just quit a reasonable pace. The benefits of not smoking will outweigh the risks of quiting. Use the patch and/or the gum. You'll start saving some money too, from not buying all the cigs.
662837
**1yr smoke free, go me!**\nkeep your hands busy!!!!!!! sewing, painting, gardening, puzzles....etc. anything you find entertaining. \njust sitting there constantly thinking about it suxs!! \nlost of GUM! or if ya don't like that, try lollipops. \njoin a support group..or on line chat support group for non-smokers. \nmy BIGGEST problem was most of my friends were smokers...so my social life suxed for about 6 months, cause i couldn't be around it.\nhopefully your friends, out of common courtesy would not smoke in front of you, but you'll find some think its a joke, and taunt!\n*nice huh*\nanyways....\njust keep reminding yourself WHY you wanted to quit in the first place.\nlot of ppl will recommend the patch, or gum...i don't! it only puts MORE nicotine into your system...which is something you are trying to detox yourself from.\nyou get jumpy or jittery....twirl a pen...chew on a lollipop, or gum, go for a walk, call a friend and have them talk you back to "reality" \ngod nicotine fits can make you go mad, have a good friend always be there for you when you need a reminder about why you stopped smoking.\ndon't give up.....YOU'LL MAKE IT!!!
269940
MAKE SURE YOU STOP ! ! ! ! YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF :^)\n\nI'm in exactly the same position - have just stopped (again!) - 7 days now - after 30/day since December (and 20/day before then ... No patch, no nothing... but ... will power ... and SPORT ! I think sport, and the ensuing self knowledge/respect, are perhaps the way out of this ...\n\nI do triathlon, and smoking like I did is in no way compatible with the life I want to lead... \n\nThink about sport ... You need to give time to sport to make your life different, better... To make your life whole, healthy, clean, and hopefully, cigarette free ...\n\nI will probably fall again, but then I will also stop again ... for the same reasons ... But that's life, and where there's life ...    ;^)\n\nWe need to find pride in ourselves, see what addiction really is, and be stronger than the cigarettes that chain our lives ...\n\nGood luck to all of us ;^)\n\nAnd to HELL with the Big Money Tabacoo Companies and their shareholders who cream benefits from the demise and illness of others !!!
663285
YES! get some Zyban. Or bupropion that stuff really works, I smoked for 30 years and quit cold turkey with that stuff. No problems except a little irritability.
166738
try nicotine patches , they dont stay alight for long !!! seriously i gave in 9 mths ago and avoided going to the pub and doing things that made me want to smoke .
476918
I have been using the patch for 2 months now. It hurts my arm or leg or whatever part of my body I place it on. It is normal. You are just getting doses of nicotine periodically and it is starting at the site of the patch. Hope that helps. Good luck on your non smoking!! Im proud of you!!
599977
WOW  My Friend you said it.I'm a heavy smoker.I started at 13,I'm now 68.I ant to quit because I have had 2 hart attacks and a stroke. that is the only reason.I couldn't care less about the non-smokers.If they don't like it just don't breath while I'm smoking. nice to hear someone s on my side in this issue
434385
Quitting smoking is not an easy task. Just like other additctions the person(s) must really want to quit. That is the first step. Then, trying the patch or the gum. If one can't use them, then everytime you want a cigarette, you wait until as long as you can. Believe me this will help reduce the amount of cigarettes and can eventually lead to quitiing. Finally, if all else fails, quit cold turkey! Since smoking is a hand and mouth thing. Try just holding the cigarette and chewing some gum or sucking on hard candy.
1655
I like FirstL's answer.  I found some tips:\nhttp://www.insuremylife.org/quitsmoking.html
193987
Smoking.  Haven't had a cigarette in 20 years now.  Tried cold turkey 3 times and failed... but then I got so sick with the flu that I didn't WANT to smoke for three days... and when I got better  the withdrawal was over so I decided to ride it out.  One of the best things I ever did for myself!
630601
Well i use to get depressed all the time, and i was smoking....once i quit smoking i havent got depressed since and its been months now....\nbut idk if ur a smoker so idk if this will help