Quitting smoking

Quitting smoking (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid

Message

anniezz338 -> Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 2:43:00 PM)
I was recently diagnosed with COPD and need to quit smoking. It is a 35 yo habit that I am having a devil of a time stopping. Has anyone successfully quit smoking with the patch or gum or Chantax (sp)? Any tips that helped you quit or anyone that you know?

angelikaJ -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 2:49:48 PM)
My brother recently quit using Chantix. He had no issues with it. It made his wife crazy and she actually needed to be hospitalised. She was able to quit cold turkey... twice.

HoneyBears -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 3:25:28 PM)
A couple relatives used nicotine patches. It worked for one but not the other. He kept lighting up when he was not supposed to. Have you tried or are you open to hypnosis with a qualified therapist, one who specializes in breaking addictions? I went to one many years ago. It worked...for 45 minutes. A friend and a co-worker did about 3 sessions apiece and told me it worked for them. I lost touch with the co-worker, but my friend is a non-smoker to this day.

anniezz338 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 3:44:34 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HoneyBears Have you tried or are you open to hypnosis with a qualified therapist, one who specializes in breaking addictions? I have heard of people who have kicked the habit with hypnosis, some with success and some without. If all else fails, I will try it since to keep smoking is not an option. Arggg.....this is tough. Even slowing down is driving me nuts.

SeekingTrinity -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 3:53:59 PM)
My Aunt used Chantix to quit. My cousin used the patch (I think). Both did it 5 years ago and are still non-smokers. Good luck to you

igor2003 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 3:54:19 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: anniezz338 I was recently diagnosed with COPD and need to quit smoking. It is a 35 yo habit that I am having a devil of a time stopping. Has anyone successfully quit smoking with the patch or gum or Chantax (sp)? Any tips that helped you quit or anyone that you know? I quit 3 times, and each time it took a different method to quit. First time, I had a bad cold and the cigs tasted like crap, so I just decided to quit cold turkey. I carried a half pack around with me for about a week. I knew if I quit while I had the cigarettes readily available, then I didn't have the excuse that "I'm not smoking because no cigarettes are available". I knew if I used that excuse then the next time I was around any of my friends the excuse would be gone. After a week, one of my friends asked if anyone had a cigarette he could bum. I happily handed him my half pack and said, "Here. I don't need these any more." Didn't smoke again for about 12 or 13 years and started again due to the stress of going through divorce. The hardest part for me, after quitting, was that I enjoyed playing pool and drinking a beer while doing so, and smoking was an integral part of beer drinking for me. One night a couple of weeks after quitting I went to my favorite bar to play some pool, and someone had left a nearly full pack of my brand sitting on the bar. So for several hours I was fighting one of the worst temptations of my life in trying to not snatch up that pack of cigarettes! I did manage to work through it, though, and the night ended without taking that lonely pack of smokes. Second time. Group hypnosis. Quit for several months. But then, for some reason, I started getting a craving for them again, and every time I drove by a convenience store it was like a huge magnet trying to draw me in to buy a pack of smokes...which I finally did. Third time was about 1998 or 1999, if I remember right. I did a combination of using a weak patch and cutting down on my own. After about two or three weeks of tapering off I took a trip to Las Vegas with a girlfriend (who didn't smoke) and decided that since I would be spending most all of several days with her, it would be a good time to put an end to them, and haven't smoked since...though I do admit I have been tempted. I did continue using the patch for about one more week. Probably the only reason I didn't re-start yet again was the extreme prices that cigarettes went to since the last time I smoked. So, my own opinion is that each person...and each time for each person...is probably going to have to be kind of customized to your own situation. In any event...I wish you the best of luck!

kalikshama -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 3:59:14 PM)
Here's some Chantix experiences: http://www.collarchat.com/m_3972235/mpage_1/tm.htm#

TieMeInKnottss -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 4:06:04 PM)
I only quit smoking one time-in 2000 and used the patch. It works but there is, like weight loss, if done correctly. 1- you commit to quitting. Once you put that patch on you NEVER touch another cigarette. There is no "one puff", "just holding it for a friend".... that means lit, unlit, in the carton... 2. Identify your triggers and address them upfront. I knew drinking coffee or alcohol made me crave smoking. I stopped having either a week before I quit (I was never a heavy drinker of either though so no big deal). 3. The patch takes care of the nicotine need..you need to take care of the crutch stuff. I used to smoke as a way to get a break when stressed at work. Allowed me the time to get up, go outside...get away for 10-15 minutes. Decided to still do the "get up and away" thing but, when I walked down the stairs like I would to go outside, I would turn around and run up the entire flight of stairs (8 floors).

Spiritedsub2 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 4:12:25 PM)
I quit a 30 year addiction cold turkey using the information and support on www.whyquit.com. I had previously tried various gimmicks including gum, patches, hypnosis, SmokEnders, and Nicotine Anonymous. The information on the whyquit website was really helpful. I went through 2 weeks of hell, 2 more weeks of feeling sad, then it was over. The physical addiction is broken early; the mental one more stubborn, unless you really want to be free of smoking. I would say to you hang on through at most one rough month, then you will break through it. I promised myself during the quit process that I could go back to smoking when I am old, but now I wouldn't go back if you paid me. That still amazes me. Good luck!

DesFIP -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 4:18:40 PM)
You might find it helpful not to wait till after the Chantix doesn't work to try the hypnosis or acupuncture, assuming it doesn't work. It would probably give you better odds if you did them together.

JeffBC -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 4:39:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: anniezz338 I was recently diagnosed with COPD and need to quit smoking. It is a 35 yo habit that I am having a devil of a time stopping. Has anyone successfully quit smoking with the patch or gum or Chantax (sp)? Any tips that helped you quit or anyone that you know? I have a tip. There is no secret tip. There is just you and your will battling an addiction. In the end there will be a winner and a loser. That being said, I find a 2 week course of the medium nicoderm patches takes the rough edge off the physical side. Just recently (since I'd quite again recently) with Carol travelling (again), I also picked up an ecig. In my case I got something that replicated the look & feel of a cigarette and with zero nicotine in it. I'd already paid the price on the physical withdrawal part and I hardly wanted that monkey back on my back. Overall, the ecig has been effective. It requires that I mentally squint and "help my brain to see it as smoking" but I can do that and it was effective while Carol was gone. It saved me from a "cat's away so the mice will play" sort of relapse. Finally, the doc gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin a year ago which certainly took the edge off the nicotine withdrawal in a way "sure, this is miserable but I'm OK with that" kind of way. I didn't continue with that. I have bad reactions to psych meds in general and an even lower opinion of them. I recommend getting some relatively short course of nicotine replacement to assist with the physical withdrawal and just acknowledge that there's little or nothing that can help on the emotional side. That's all you baby :)

anniezz338 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 5:10:02 PM)
Thanks for all you guys input and the links. Thanks Igor for your story and kali for the Chantix link. I am a little hesitant with the Chantix as I am on Depakote and other mood levelers. The withdrawals are really going to up my physical and emotional reactions anyway (shaking hands, pacing, heart racing). Also thanks spiritedsub, Des and TMIK for the tips. If I can make it a month, I think I can make it. My trigger areas are after meals (when do I stop eating??), after going shopping, getting out after a movie, etc. Jeff, last month I made it 9 days with the 21 mg patch. I was a wreck (it was pathetic). I chewed gum till my jaw ached. But I will probably try that again first. It is a six week program lowering the dosage every two weeks. They also have a weekly meeting but i'm just not big on those though I will go if I have to. Congrats to those that quit!

ChatteParfaitt -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 5:24:17 PM)
I am a smokaholic. I'm addicted to cigarettes and that's all there is to it. Currently I've been smoke free for about 5 years. I've quit for as long as 20. It's a serious addiction and you have to treat it that way. There is a physical side which the patch or gum will help deal with. The really hard part is the psychological side. You have to do that part yourself, although I've heard of other drugs helping. I've also heard they have limited success. It helped me to face that I am addicted to nicotine, and that I always will be. I still occasionally have the urge to smoke, although it's not a strong urge and doesn't last long. I've had to accept it will always be there. And that I CHOOSE not to give in to the urge. It's a choice you have to make for your health. You may never not want to smoke. But you can choose not to. If I can, you can. I wish you the best. Please let us know how it goes and how we can help. CP

pissdoll -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 5:28:04 PM)
have you tried using e-cigarettes? after trying numerous other methods and failing miserably, my fiance and a friend both quit this year by switching over to the Blu cigarette (they are about $10 each at 7-11). they both had the same experience of smoking the e-cigarettes for about a month and then going cold turkey. after that period of time on the e-cig, they just didn't want to smoke anymore. my fiance bought one more e-cig when we went to vegas last month. he used it while he played poker and threw it away when we left.

ShaharThorne -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 5:49:23 PM)
I'm ducking... Dad quit cold turkey after he had his stroke. Mom made sure my boss kept me in Austin (I was pregnant at the time) so I would not have to go through the stress of him quitting. When your momma tells you she wants to talk to your boss, it's serious...

Spiritedsub2 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 5:57:22 PM)
Just a thought. When trying to break free of addiction to a substance (nicotine), does it make sense to torture yourself by continuing to ingest that substance via different devices? Gum and patches versus cigarettes? Would you suggest to an alcoholic trying to quit drinking that they continue to put alcohol into their bodies? If you stop ingesting nicotine in ANY form, the physical addiction is gone in 72 hours, and the rest of your battle is breaking through the psychological addiction. If you wear a patch or chew the gum, you're keeping the physical need alive and kicking while grappling with the mental addiction. I can say from experience the first approach is easier.

Blonderfluff -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 6:28:29 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Spiritedsub2 I quit a 30 year addiction cold turkey using the information and support on www.whyquit.com. I had previously tried various gimmicks including gum, patches, hypnosis, SmokEnders, and Nicotine Anonymous. The information on the whyquit website was really helpful. I went through 2 weeks of hell, 2 more weeks of feeling sad, then it was over. The physical addiction is broken early; the mental one more stubborn, unless you really want to be free of smoking. I would say to you hang on through at most one rough month, then you will break through it. I promised myself during the quit process that I could go back to smoking when I am old, but now I wouldn't go back if you paid me. That still amazes me. Good luck! ^^^^Yes^^^^ This website was the only thing that really did it for me. Go there and just start reading. The Quit Clock you can download made a huge impact on me. Any nicotine replacement is just delaying the inevitable, and prolonging the hardest part. It's really really hard. But really really worth it.

anniezz338 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 6:32:29 PM)
pissdoll, I did get an ecig from my mom. I must have drawn on it too hard because I almost coughed up a lung. She had gotten me a full flavor one and I do lights, so we got a milder one. It's still an option too. spiritedsub, in theory you're definitely right. I tried it one time for about 3 days. I didn't sleep a wink, I was so wound up. Figured I'd rather die. Oh and cigs can kill in more than one way. I almost got hit by a semi today pulling into the store to buy some. thank you for your support CP

lovmuffin -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 8:16:03 PM)
I've been smoke free for 8 years now. I had tried many times over the years to quit. I had tried Chantex in the past but too many side effects. For me it was a mind set. I had quit for about 2 weeks once and when I started again a friend asked, "how could you after breathing all that fresh air". It kind of sunk in and I got more determined. One thing that happened was pure coincidence. I tried riding a friends bicycle and realized I hadn't rode one since I was a kid. I hadn't realized how much fun that would be as an adult. I went to a bike shop and picked out a nice one, mountain bike built for comfort for around town riding (was going to get a cheapo from Walnart but was advised against it, they're ok for kids bike but so many reasons not to get one there). I quit again the day I brought home the bicycle. I rode every day all over town or anywhere I could think of. I went all out on the last leg home huffing and puffing. I made a mental note how awesome it felt to breathe that unpolluted fresh air. Exercise helps you quit but exercise gets to be boring. Riding a bike is great exercise but it's not at all boring. It's amazing the things you see that you won't notice when driving a car. I got a nice set of LED lights for night riding. I got a cargo carrier, saddlebags and a top cargo bag in the rear for grocery shopping. Sometimes it takes 2 trips but I can carry a crap load of stuff. If not grocery shopping I can eliminate the saddlebags. I run most errands on the bike. One thing that made it easy though is being in Florida where I can ride year around. Anytime I had the urge to smoke when not working I just hop on the bike and go. Another thing that helped me was I sucked on lolly pops, dum dums and totsie pops. The most difficult thing to get over was having friends who smoke. You will just have to resist. A mind trick to try is to look at not taking that desirable puff like not doing or eating something else you like. For me its ice cream. I love the stuff. To me, not smoking was the same as not eating ice cream. After 2 weeks it got to the point I could hold my friends lit cigarette and not be tempted. The thought of smoking is disgusting to me now and I'm in great shape.......well, maybe a bit overwieght. I hope that helps. I have a couple of friends who switched to vapor. They were heavy smokers. Apparently its pretty much the same as tobacco. That website mentioned above sounds like its worth checking out too. Good luck.

jlf1961 -> RE: Quitting smoking (11/7/2013 8:25:50 PM)
I quit for seven years. I used cinnamon gum when I wanted a smoke, also used cinnamon sticks, not the candy, they actual pure cinnamon. Cinnamon mouthwash after eating, cinnamon flavored tooth paste. After three days the cravings were gone. Cinnamon supposedly triggers the same receptors in the brain as nicotine. I was trying to change the timing belt on a 79 Mercury bobcat, aka Pinto. I had been fighting with the damn thing for an entire day. The friend who was helping me smoked like a chimney. Late in the afternoon after we had the new belt put on I looked at him and demanded a cigarette. After he left, I got in my now running car, went to the store, bought two cartons of marlboros and a frozen pizza, and a lighter. According to all the literature on one of the anti depressants I am taking, I should not have any cravings for nicotine. There are days I go all day and smoke maybe three or four cigarettes. there are other days I go through a pack and a half. What I am saying is that nicotine is the second most addictive compound known to man, and if you quit it is hard as hell to stay quit. I know people who quit and never touched another cigarette for 30 years, and still going. I know others who have quit a number of times, lasted a few years, got stressed and grabbed a smoke. Good luck, hope it works for you.

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.046875