How did you stop smoking ? (dentist, polyps, nurses, remove)

[NY Annie]

I tried many times to quit - and nearly made it but after 44 years, I knew it was my last chance. The more times you quit and return, the stronger the addicted part of the brain becomes, so it becomes harder with each try. My last time.......

I found a quit-smoking program at the hospital. It was one of support - and free patches. I attended the weekly meetings and got my patches, then planned my quit date - around a cruise we were taking. Yup, I used the cruise to help me quit.

Part of smoking is triggers - we smoke after a meal, when we get into the car -- so I wanted a place/situation that had no triggers. I also knew I would have my husband's support 24/7 during the cruise. So, knowing that day 3 is one of the most difficult, I quit smoking on Wednesday, tore up, threw out, flushed every cigarette I could find in the house and car and put on my first patch. I wore one patch every day for 24 hours. Day 3 was Friday and that was flying day. Flight was at 7 am so from the minute I got up, I was in a non-smoking zone - first the house, then the airport, then the plane, the taxi, and the cruise ship terminal. Much of the ship is non-smoking, so we just made it a point to stay out of the casino and away from smokers. I had a lot of times when I really craved a cigarette but it got me through the first week. The rest was just one day at a time. That was 6 years ago.

I had nightmares long after I was off the patch - had one just a month ago - set the house on fire by smoking in bed and trying to hide it from my husband (in the dream). I woke up checking my fingers for a cigarette. But those dreams aren't frequent anymore - maybe once every 3-6 months. And I really don't crave a cigarette.

[grannynancy]

I was succesful with nicotine gum.........it helped me get over the edge.

It is a strong addiction for sure. I saw my father go through lung surgery and die from lung cancer and started back smoking after my last stop as he was dying [of course I kept it from him].........This time I just said this is it - and my biggest trigger - other smokers is not setting me off.

And of course, I know that if you are addicted, there is no such thing as ONE smoke.....

[hothulamaui]

patches, step one two and three. changing my mind set about smoking. I quit thinking like a junkie and justifying the "need"

[wilma9740]

I have smoke 42 years tried patches,gum.I have now quit I went cold turkey.I TOOK A NEW JOB went out of state for 2 months.made sure I got a non smoking room.and stayed clear of smokers.when I was having a really hard day I used a cut off straw mainly after dinner and mourning coffee.
going cold seems harder but it is really better you get thew the addition part within two weeks.I now know for me anyhow it gets that mess out of my body and the side effects and cravings don't last as long.once the first 3 days have passed the rest is just the 3 Min's of letting it pass.
I do however have my days of thinking gosh just one wont hurt but I know one and in two days ill be back up to 3 packs a day.so i am going to go the distance.good luck to all of you just have to find your way and yes it does help to talk it out or write it down to get thew on sites like this.Thanks

[D. Scott]

I quit using the patch, Still on it, so far so good. A motivator is that felling in my chest when awakening that I used to get. Its nearly gone now. Many times we realize how it affects us only when we STOP smoking. The other times may be bad things like COPD, heart disease, etc. It is a hard habit to break..I actually a few weeks ago put my pen in my mouth and was about to look for a lighter. it's amazing how the brain gets imprinted over the years. Yikes!!

[Mayvenne]

Obviously there is no one answer or one size fits all- whatever works for you - go with it. My experience was more like Wilma's above though of course I quit many times (the final one, about 15 years ago or so). I also realized that if I had one cigarette I would be right back at it. My easiest time quitting though was more of a cold turkey thing and the part that helped the most was ridiculously simple but I kept drinking water- lots of it. I was so busy drinking the bottle, filling the bottle, going to the bathroom, repeat - that it really helped some of the nervous energy and was calorie free. Of course I went back to smoking after a few months and had to quit a few more times... ultimately I did quit but it was not easy and the weight gain has not really left. But I think it might be a tad easier now that smoking is such a social no- no and not permitted at work, offices, people's houses etc. I want to say I understand how difficult it is to stop, but everyone really can do it.

[Pawporri]

I,m 66 and quit 41 months ago after 45 years of a pack-a-day. Lungs and health seem to be in OK shape, However, I just came in from another molar extraction, only 3 left-two with crown's for stability.
As I age I begin to realize that there are consequences for the choices we make. I have friends that have had full mouth extracions when they were in their 40's, I'm luckier than most. Some of the other stories on this thread attest to the fact that nicotine addiction is costly in many more ways than money.
After 6 months the gorilla on my back became a monkey. After a year it became like a mosquito, pesky but harmless. Today it holds no power whatsoever because there is no nicotine in my system, Only drawback is food tastes better but I have less teeth to enjoy it with.
Fear doesn't work too well on a smoker. Nicotine is a tough nut, but it is doable. I had many many countless vain attempts but I made up my mind I would stop. Finally, Chantix worked for me. It does not work for every one, just don't stop trying after your failures and someday you will win out.
The freedom is incredible..............

[angelscorpio]

Eat your last cigarette ashes mixed with some dove's poop. It works a lot! U will never smoke a cigarette again.

[8635angelvalley]

Originally Posted by theqbaby

I have been pondering asking this question all weekend, in fear of what may come.
I have smoked for a long time. I have quit 5 times, but always have something pull me back.
Please, no horror stories, as I hear them all the time.
I am not looking for lectures, or stories of horrific content.
I am curious on different methods people used to stop smoking.
I have used the patch and had an allergic reaction to it. Actually was carried out of work on a stretcher.
Did you give up smoking and pick up another habit? Like chewing gum, lifesavers ect.?
I do not smoke around non smokers. I smoke outside the house, and I won't smoke at someones house that does not smoke, unless they don't mind if I step outside.
I know it stinks. I realized that more recently when we moved and our packed clothes smelled like smoke. That is why I have become an outside smoker. And have done every bit of laundry we brought with us.

Again, please no horror stories.....just methods you used to quit. I WANT to quit, and I believe I am just about at the point of being ready. And I know that "I have to be ready" or it will be a miserable battle that wil affect everyone, and be useless.

Thanks in advanced for your helpful ideas !

I managed to quit on the first try with a combo of Zyban and Nicorette. I was a 2+ pack a day smoker for over 25 years. I was ready.

[newstart2008]

Hi I started my chat in 2008 about giving up smoking, then
I went back to it and stopped chatting.

Oh I should not of done this,,,, Stopping the chats............then went of travelling around the globe again. so I am back and I am going through Cold Turkery. yes of the horrid cigs..... I feel so lazy and laid back since giving up smoking....crazy and get the odd mood swing, if I cant find a key or something. crazy right ?? Last night this made me so cross losing a key, later in tears watching a movie . I AM EMOTIONAL , BUT TO get angry over keys this is no good. Then ok and then not...But I am hoping this will go away once nicotine leaves my body, three weeks approx....
I feel a wobbly mess and eating lots also and over weight...
But my throat no longer soar, home smells lovely, and saved cash already.
Any one else out there stopped lately ???


I need support the next three weeks as doing it ALAN CARR'S WAY..........




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