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Look at your post.

Almost everything you have written here reinforces how difficult quitting is.

If you keep telling yourself, and others that it is hard. It will stay that way. How can it be anything else?

You have to make it something else. Step one is recognizing those feelings for what they are. You've done that, and expressed it openly more than once.

Step two...after you have recognized the feelings, distance yourself from them. Deliberately replace them with something else. I've shared what has worked for me. You have to come up with something that works for you.

Tell us why you want to quit smoking...we will help you find another place to direct your focus.

For me it was for my health, and even more for my daughter's health. She was recently diagnosed with asthma.

What's your story?

I don't drink, so the bar issue is no big deal. I already have cut down on my coffee so i don't feel the need as bad to smoke.
I am just cold turkeying it. The two puffs, made me ill. I know it's just my body wanting the nicotine.......cause the taste was awful, and I didn't like the rush. So will tomorrow when I wake up be better?

Thank you Lamar, You put me in my place and I needed that.

I am quitting smoking to be healthier, for my daughters health she has diabetes type 1 and type 2, and to save money.

So I will start focusing on the positive and my goals of why I want this.

I'm sorry for venting..........

If you can stay free .. it will definitely be better.

no the craving will be killer in the morning if your like I was anyway, but it does get a little easier every day. I stopped years ago, but I think it was two months before I was sure I was free, about two weeks and the cravings died off a lot, but still wanted that morning cigarette.

For me it was around the two month mark but I went out and started again anyway. have tried a few times since and will be trying again in the near future, just not right now.

I hope the best for you.

You go girl!!

My hat's off to.... wait I don't wear a hat, well kudos to you anyway.

It's been proven and accepted in the medical world that nicotine is

more addictive than cocaine and/or heroin. So kicking the habit is quite

the feat, one to be applauded at every turn, twist and writhing!!

Hang in there kiddo and chew the helck outa some gum, suck hard

candy, take up coin or pencil twiddling. Just don't put another coffin nail

into your beautiful mouth again!




SHANTI

DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR VENTING. Venting when you need to and supportive friends are going to help you get through this.

I was going to quit and have put it off. You are encouraging me to do it. Keep at it, Spanky.We're all with you, even those of us who still smoke.

When you have these "irritable" feelings in the forefront of your mind, to the point that they are making you uncomfortable.

Close your eyes take in a deep breath, and do this....it's gonna sound strange, but trust me. With your eyes closed, roll your eyes up into your head as if you were trying to look at the top of your skull. Do this until it starts to get really uncomfortable.

Then, with your eyes still closed, continue to breathe intensely and regularly, and allow your eyes to relax. Allow your whole body to relax. Really feel yourself relaxing all over. Imagine that all of your fears, worries, and stress are draining away from the top of your head and out your toes. Continue to relax yourself, breathing deeply and regulary.

Say these words out loud, "This is what it feels like to be smoke free." Then make a picture in your mind. Picture yourself with your daughter in a swimming pool on a beautiful day. Think about how happy and fun it is, think of you both healthy and happy. Really try to live those happy feelings, really feel them while you are visualizing.

Soak in an Aveno bath (it supposedly helps draw out the nicotine if you do it every night) and as previously mentioned drink TONS of water as it'll help flush out your system quicker.

I'm going to be quitting. Waiting until after my birthday party and my Lasik surgery (which is stressing me out; just nerves). So by the end of this month I'll be right there with you on the emotional rollercoaster known as quitting smoking.

I wish you all the best too.

I'll just wake up one of these days and simply never smoke again. Well, that's what I'm hoping for.

I did it, I quit. I started in Oct and quit overnight. U can do it, I swear U can. Mind over matter. The urge passes in 5 minutes. Lotsa Huggs

If U wait to long U could find Urself waking in a hospital room or even a coffin. Maybe that thought can help

I really like the way U think

Good morning Brave woman!!!!

You have taken the first step.

As an intelligent person you know that it takes a bit of time....if it was easy then everyone would have done it.

It is worth it.

And each day that passes makes you less of a smoker and more a non-smoker.

You will feel a bit better soon when you stop associating good things with your smoking and bad things as a consequence of non-smoking......that is the addiction talking.

Your skin will look better, so will your hair...you will feel better and (let's be honest) smell better. For the lucky kissees....you will taste a lot better.

It is all up from here.

Keep strong!!!!! I hope that helps a little

Hang in there Spanky. I start on the 8th (w/the Chantix) and hope to be off ciggies on the 15th. I've already bought some of those plastic stir sticks to keep my fingers occupied. (something to "fiddle" with)
I think breaking the old habits will be the hardest. Like going outside in 20 degree weather at work to have a ciggie...and sitting at the computer lighting one up after another, even if I don't really smoke them. We're certainly creatures of habit.

Good luck to ALL of you...I'm not far behind.

Easier everyday Spanky,

The best way for me was to just stop,
even one smoke a day would only prolong me from being nicotine free.

Nicotine patches have the same affect..

Substitutes!! water, Sweets, chocolate, snacks, I felt if i went this road i would fail,,,
I didnt want to give the smokes so much respect that i felt i would have to replace them with something else,

I found it a major advantage to me to tell myself that i stopped smoking...as opposed to saying i gave up smoking.
Using the term giving up,,seemed to suggest a sacrifice of being without something good.

Clap yourself on the back every hour you are off them
Don't get mad at yourself for making yourself better and drug free

I do not smoke.....but I support you wholeheartedly!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!


I am going through a similar situation with Pepsi. It is quite addicting and I am keeping a headache constantly. Though I am sure quitting cigarettes is a lot harder than Pepsi.

Good luck and keep up the good work!!!!!

You can do it.

I quit a three pack a day habit 10 years ago on New Years Eve.

You must drink a lot of water to keep flushing the system.

Cold turkey is easier than tapering off for some. it was three days of unpleasantness and then I was smoke free.

Good luck!