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[daw840]

Alright, so cigarettes went up to (or are about to) $45 per carton here in Kansas, so I have decided to take the plunge and quit smoking. For the last 10 years I have been smoking a full pack of Camel Lights everyday. At about $4.50 per pack and 30 days a month that adds up to $135 per month, or nearly $1700 per year. I could easily afford a motorcycle payment, a large Best Buy purchase, or a number of other things that wouldn't slowly kill me.

My goals with this thread is to have a little moral support from the peeps here at GAF, maybe convince a couple other people to take the plunge and quit too, and help those who are in the process of quitting from falling off the wagon.

Here is a link to make your own banner

Quitting Tips:

1. Success = Cravings = Distance from last cigarette smoked

 

[KingGondo]

I'm not a smoker, but good luck! Sounds like you had a pretty steady addiction, I hope you can make it.

 

[Dead Man]

Hey man, nice work. I always said 'no one likes a quitter', then I quit. 2 1/2 years so far. I cheated and used one of the prescriptions available though. Stick with it, your bank balance will thank you.

 

[mr jones]

Good luck bro.

I went to play poker this weekend. I only meant to gamble up to 40 dollars.

I lost 80 dollars.

That's not good. And I wanted to jump in again. I can't do that. I never thought that I'd say that I have a problem, but that scared me how easily I was rationalizing dropping over 100 bucks on poker.

 

[daw840]

Hey man, nice work. I always said 'no one likes a quitter', then I quit. 2 1/2 years so far. I cheated and used one of the prescriptions available though. Stick with it, your bank balance will thank you.

Hey good for you man. I just have to continually remember that you are no longer physically addicted to nicotine after 72 hours. If I can just keep strong for three days, I can go forever.

 

[Stinkles]

Here was my trick: Every time you feel the craving, remember that craving is a symptom of success. Craving = distance from last cigarette smoked.

 

[Toddler]

Yeah, I'm about to make another attempt at quitting. Tried cold turkey a few times, but it really never lasted long.

I've got an appointment Apr. 1st to see if maybe a doctor can help.

I've also considered a laser procedure similar to acupuncture, that a friend of mine tried and she's been off cigs for over a year now.

 

[Dead Man]

Hey good for you man. I just have to continually remember that you are no longer physically addicted to nicotine after 72 hours. If I can just keep strong for three days, I can go forever.

That's it man, just remember, every day will feel better than the last.

Good luck bro.

I went to play poker this weekend. I only meant to gamble up to 40 dollars.

I lost 80 dollars.

That's not good. And I wanted to jump in again. I can't do that. I never thought that I'd say that I have a problem, but that scared me how easily I was rationalizing dropping over 100 bucks on poker.

Recognising there is a potential issue is half the battle man. I'm sure you'll figure it out, talk to someone you trust, or even check with a counselling service if you think it really might be a problem. No harm in talking.

 

[mernst23]

I "quit" after I graduated college. And by quit I mean I wasn't smoking 0.75 packs a day and graduated down to about 3 a day, unless I got black out drunk and then smoked half a pack. Now I'm down to the occasional one when someone offers. 2-4 a week, more (10-12/week) if I go back to school (conditioned to smoke a lot there) to visit. I'll be off them completely soon, definitely don't get cravings anymore.

 

[OxtheMidget]

Has anyone tried those E-cigarettes? I'm trying to get my parents into them (I don't smoke, myself), but they don't wanna shell out 150 bucks for something that might not work.

 

[Justin Bailey]

I was a social smoker and I quit about 2 months ago. I never really had cravings during the day, but I would chain smoke like crazy when I went out drinking or something. I still get cravings during those times, but they're getting further apart and it feels a lot better to have quit so I stick with it.

 

[daw840]

Has anyone tried those E-cigarettes? I'm trying to get my parents into them (I don't smoke, myself), but they don't wanna shell out 150 bucks for something that might not work.

My friend said they work fairly well. I haven't tried them personally though.

 

[garath]

I quit (off for 6+ months) and restarted 3 times before it finally stuck. With a 10 year 1+ pack/day habit you have to beware the "occasional smoke". Each time I restarted it was just smoking one here and there and it turned back into smoking full time.

Each time I quit cold turkey. The first few days were the worst. After that, the first couple weeks are pretty tough because you will be doing things that you used to do while smoking like driving, playing video games, breaks at work, etc. Avoid standing around with friends or loved ones who smoke too. Even today, it still smells sooo good.

But it is well worth it. And my motivation after the first few days is that I don't want to have to go through those first few days off again lol. Also, that first cigarette back never tastes right.

You can absolutely do it though.

 

[RiskyChris]

Also, that first cigarette back never tastes right

But the second is so good...

 

[Zero Hero]

I smoked for almost 15 years, but it has been well over a year now since I had my last smoke. I can't stand the smell of it anymore.

 

[Dirk Shmiggler]

AWESOME.

somebody i can quit with. Last pack i had was $5.27. I about shit on the floor. That and we're going to the keys in 3 weeks and i just want a new start and this will be a good way to do it.

I'm on a week after starting to try.. did a quick taper over a week from about 12 a day, to, ZERO yesterday...

I tried having one last night and it made me puke.... I think after the nicotine clears from your body, it actually is recognized as poison, at least in my case.

Now the only hard part is the mental cravings b/c i think all my physical stuff is gone. I do have the nicotine gum for those hard parts...

Haven't had a smoke in 2 days...

Keep us posted. I'll do the same if you need a coach or quit buddy, b/c it can help to have someone remind you of why you want to quit, in case you forget

 

[daw840]

AWESOME.

somebody i can quit with. Last pack i had was $5.27. I about shit on the floor. That and we're going to the keys in 3 weeks and i just want a new start and this will be a good way to do it.

I'm on a week after starting to try.. did a quick taper over a week from about 12 a day, to, ZERO yesterday...

I tried having one last night and it made me puke.... I think after the nicotine clears from your body, it actually is recognized as poison, at least in my case.

Now the only hard part is the mental cravings b/c i think all my physical stuff is gone. I do have the nicotine gum for those hard parts...

Haven't had a smoke in 2 days...

Keep us posted. I'll do the same if you need a coach or quit buddy, b/c it can help to have someone remind you of why you want to quit, in case you forget

Hell yes, go to that website (or another one, I am sure there are a lot of them) and make one of those banners. I will update the OP with everyone who is getting on board with this.

 

[Fjolle]

Just remember this and you will never try "just one":

:lol

Edit. I only smoke when im hammered, but thats a bitch of a habit to quit

 

[HallucinatingElvis]

Smokes jumped to about $7.50 a pack in my area.......... $7.50!

Quitting my 4 year meth habit was easier then trying to quit smoking, evil fucking shit.

 

[jobber]

we need an official thread for everything?!

it's like 3 other ones.

 

[Az987]

Smokes are going up to around 7$ a pack here come april 1st, we just had a federal increase now were having a state increase...

Anyways Ive been wanting to quit for a while now, Ive been smoking for about 2 years. I just dont seem to have the willpower to do it cold turkey. I am on Wellbutrin though, ive heard that helps.

I was thinking about the gum since its only 35$ on amazon.com but i dunno...

 

[Mango Positive]

I quit after a 15 year 1.423 pack a day habit. July 5th will mark 3 years without. You can do it! Every single aspect of your first month smoke free will suck. Then it gets better. Start jogging (you will gain weight), replace your nicotine addiction with the blue Icebreaker mints, and DON'T STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL!!! If you stop drinking while you are getting used to not smoking, you will very probably start back the minute you start drinking again. Train your brain to drink without smoking and do it on day one. First day, two beers (in a row). Second day, two beers... repeat for the entirety of the first week. Week two, buy a bag of pot. It will help.

 

[Dirk Shmiggler]

i have noticed pot helps.

There was one day i was ready to poke myself with forks, so i smoked up and just forgot about it for the rest of the night. i was surprised but i don't want to be a burnout either...

I'll make a banner and get on this thing. I've already saved about 20 bucks on smokes so far. I used to be able to watch my bank account dwindle by nickles and dimes every day while smoking. I've had the same balance for 4 days now!!!..

that'll be worth it right there. The money saved will be going towards a motorcycle btw... totally worth it.

 

[natethegreat409]

I met someone the other day who refused to quit because she would gain some weight.... People like that just make me sad.

 

[daw840]

I met someone the other day who refused to quit because she would gain some weight.... People like that just make me sad.

This is ridiculous. It will make you gain weight in the short term, but just hit the gym a little bit and it will be gone soon enough.

 

[garath]

But the second is so good...

shhhhhhh..

 

[KR3W]

Has anyone tried those E-cigarettes? I'm trying to get my parents into them (I don't smoke, myself), but they don't wanna shell out 150 bucks for something that might not work.

They work. My cousin has cut his smoking in half because of them.

goddam.

 

[Jesus Shoes]

e-cigs ?

explain?

 

[daw840]

Still going strong. It's been since 3/22/09 at 11:00pm CST since I smoked a cigarette. I just did it cold turkey too, no gum or patches or anything.

Question: Would smoking a cigar be something that would send me back to cigarettes? I love cigars, but I haven't smoked one in a while because of trying to quit cigs, but they aren't as harmful right?

 

[Kastro]

breaks at work, etc.

this is the hardest part for me.. I get bored at work and it's so easy to just run on a cig break.

congrats to all the people that have quit though.. major props.

I'm gonna try limiting myself to 3-a-day before I go full on cold turkey.

 

[Jugendstil]

I quit in January after reading this book:

While it glosses over some of the more difficult parts, particularly physical withdrawal symptoms, it is helpful in framing the right mindset for quitting and will give you a good boost if you get demoralized.

If you're really ready to quit, you'll do it. The first few weeks suck due to the physical withdrawal, but I got through it knowing that it would get better and that starting again would only prolong the pain of quitting. Don't let anyone tell you it doesn't suck or it's easy - accept the fact it's hard, but know that as someone else mentioned earlier in the thread, the cravings are a symptom of success. The further out you get, the easier it is. After awhile you'll stop thinking about it, and soon you won't even notice it. I honestly didn't even realize I had passed the two month mark until reading this thread. I just don't think about it much, because I know I'm done with it for good. The important thing is to not back slide - don't bum a cigarette if you're out at bar or whatever. You'll never quit if you cheat.

Your sense of smell will return, your clothes won't reek, and you'll feel much healthier. You'll save a ton of money too. Smokes here are $8 a pack, I don't know how I convinced myself that was something I could afford. Smoking is a vile habit - there are zero benefits to doing it. Good luck!

 

[Herpes Reasons]

i have a cigarette everytime i kick your ass in 2k daw.

 

[daw840]

I quit in January after reading this book:

IMG]http://www.quit-smoking.com/images/audios/allencarr/allencarraudio350w.jpg[/IMG]

While it glosses over some of the more difficult parts, particularly physical withdrawal symptoms, it is helpful in framing the right mindset for quitting and will give you a good boost if you get demoralized.

If you're really ready to quit, you'll do it. The first few weeks suck due to the physical withdrawal, but I got through it knowing that it would get better and that starting again would only prolong the pain of quitting. Don't let anyone tell you it doesn't suck or it's easy - accept the fact it's hard, but know that as someone else mentioned earlier in the thread, the cravings are a symptom of success. The further out you get, the easier it is. After awhile you'll stop thinking about it, and soon you won't even notice it. I honestly didn't even realize I had passed the two month mark until reading this thread. I just don't think about it much, because I know I'm done with it for good. The important thing is to not back slide - don't bum a cigarette if you're out at bar or whatever. You'll never quit if you cheat.

Your sense of smell will return, your clothes won't reek, and you'll feel much healthier. You'll save a ton of money too. Smokes here are $8 a pack, I don't know how I convinced myself that was something I could afford. Smoking is a vile habit - there are zero benefits to doing it. Good luck!

Thanks man, I don't know why but my throat is sore as hell since I quit, it's been 2.5 days since my last smoke.

What do you think about the occasional cigar? Have you tried this? Did it cause any back sliding?

 

[Tyrone Slothrop]

i guess it's not "quitting" but i've been using this stuff for about a month and haven't had a smoke since. sure i'll get mouth cancer, but at least jogging isn't such a grueling task

 

[Cranehand2ndComing]

Last month I quit for 3 weeks, did very well, and now I'm back smoking. I'm gonna try again pretty soon.

 

[ice cream]

replace:

with this:

 

[daw840]

^^ I wish man, I am waiting on the FAA to call me for a job and they will most certainly drug test me. That is actually how I quit last time.

 

[Odrion]

Hey man, keep it up. Nothing feels better than a significant positive change in your lifestyle.

 

[ice cream]

^^ I wish man, I am waiting on the FAA to call me for a job and they will most certainly drug test me. That is actually how I quit last time.

What about using it for medical purposes? Do jobs still not allow it then?

 

[Jugendstil]

I would avoid anything with nicotine in it, at least for the first six months or even a year. I've quit before and relapsed and it always started when I bummed smokes from other people. I thought that once wouldn't hurt, but that mindset is what gets you smoking again because you think you can keep getting away with it. Personally, I quit because I don't want to smoke hence I am not going to do anything related to smoking. That's just my personal opinion, but I really feel that quitting cold turkey and getting the nicotine out of your body for good is the most important thing.

 

[thewhiterabbit]

I quit smoking ciggs almost a year ago. I used chewing gum when I had a craving and puffed on a cigar if I drank. Worked great for me. I had been smoking almost 10 years when I quit.

 

[Dead Man]

You still smoke free man? Keep up the good work if you are.

 

[daw840]

You still smoke free man? Keep up the good work if you are.

I have smoked 1 cig since Sunday at 11:00. So yeah, pretty much. Thanks!

 

[Dead Man]

I have smoked 1 cig since Sunday at 11:00. So yeah, pretty much. Thanks!

Bah, 1 cigarette, what is that? Nothing! Keep going man!

Edit for clarity LOL: I mean keep going with NOT smoking, not keep smoking!

 

[Revolutionary]

I quit for 4 years after High School, got back into it w/ my security job last year (only smoke breaks - blah).
Quit for a month during the summer, saw Fight Club.... :|
And now I smoke at least one just about every day, in addition to blunts.


I should quit cigs, though - but it's unbelievably hard.... so I've just regulated it to one a day, as opposed to a pack a day from last year.