Women smokers: need some info about quitting

[Buona sera]

I quit a couple years ago. I tried to go cold turkey and just couldn't do it. So I went on the gum and slowly (over SIX months!) weaned myself off by chewing smaller and smaller pieces of the gum. By the end I was at like 1/2 a piece of 2 mg every six hours, but hey it helped me quit. I hope your friend is successful!

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by Sandhillian

2. Instead of trying not to think about smoking (which is about impossible when you are quitting) whenever the thought would come up I would use it as a chance to reinforce my will power by saying to myself "I am proud of myself for quitting smoking. I like being a non-smoker."

I was about to offer the same advice, but it looks like you beat me to it. I'm a guy, but I'll chime in anyway because I'm not sure there's a gender difference when it comes to quitting.

I quit just over 6 years ago and I started drinking hot tea in the evenings to help distract my mind because I never drank hot tea before that so I never associated it with smoking unlike beer and coffee.

The first 6 months I quit, I had dreams I started smoking again and felt like a failure. Then I woke up and I was all relieved!!

[JanuaryGirl]

Exercise won't make physical symptoms go away, but I find that it helps when quitting. First off, it's a good distraction, and when you're fighting the urge to smoke exercising prevents you from smoking and makes you feel like you're making other positive changes. Also, if she sticks with exercise she will start to notice that it becomes easier and this is further motivation to stay away from cigarettes.

So much of quitting smoking is about the routine of it, often moreso than the physical withdrawl. Smoking at certain times just becomes robotic. Instead of lighting up when she gets in the car/takes lunch break/wakes up she should have a candy or gum or something to do.

[dmmjsm]

I had smoked for over 20 years, and I quit in Feb. 2007 cold turkey using the American Lung Association's online quit assist program. It was really great and totally free. They had wonderful support boards and tools to help me prepare, and I picked my date and did it! I have been smoke free since my quit date. The program helps you focus on your reasons for wanting to quit and to prepare for the possible pitfalls and problems you might face. When I felt the really intense craves, remembering why I was quitting and the coping skills I learned and chose was what I reached for to help me deal with the urges. The hardest thing for me was getting through the first three days- 72 hours. Some say that's how long it takes before all the nicotine is out of your system. You still have to deal with the psychological aspects of quitting too. That first 72 hours can be rough for some people. I felt almost sick, lightheaded and nauseous. I stayed hydrated, hung out at home and really indulged myself with favorite movies, hot bath, light stretching, music, hobbies,etc. and avoiding smokers completely. Once I got through the first three days, I started walking- and that was wonderful. I noticed the improvement as soon as I walked- I could breath a little easier. It helped me to hear stories of successful quitters, and know I was not alone. And celebrating milestones with a small treat= 1 week smoke free, 1 month free, 2 months, etc. helps too. I wish your friend the best of luck.