quitting smoking

[Blorg]

I was busy travelling so I ended up not smoking for a day and that turned into a plan to stop completely. I haven't smoked since last Tuesday. It might be my pessimistic imagination, but the effects seem to get worse every day. I can't focus at all and I have really important work I need to finish. I'm crying all the time. I slept through most of today.

So my plan was to stop all at once but I'm not sure that's a good strategy anymore; maybe I should do it more gradually. I'd like to be happy. Is there any way to do this without so much stress? Has anyone here quit smoking?

If not, I guess this thread could just be about strategies for overcoming bad habits

[LordLatch]

I have quit many times. I'm an expert.

[OrionzRevenge]

I quit once, but it only lasted for 4 months until life went to hell in a hand-basket.

I have spoken with scores of recovering Hard Drug addicts that still smoke and tell me it is far worse.

If you have been at it a week >>> KEEP GOING! You Can Do It.

Contemplating now resorting to a gradual reduction is what in the RE-Hab trade we call Stinking Thinking. That little Devil on your shoulder kinda stuff.

Maybe check to see if your insurance covers Nic Patches. If so, get your doctor to prescribe you a weening prescription.
Or E-Cigs.

Anything is better than pulling carcinogens into your lungs constantly.

Remember to breathe deeply when you feel stressed.
Drink fruit Juice to cleanse.
Maybe put a rubber-band around your wrist and give yourself a little snap when you get the urge.
Soon, you'll start to notice how great everyday foods taste.

Best of Luck

[Starjots]

Nicotene Lozenges - they worked for me and my wife, although you might get hooked on them for awhile too. At least your lungs will thank you.

[Madrigal]

Try drinking mate. It helps with the oral fixation and it'll give you an energy boost when you think you need to concentrate. Also, cardio when you're feeling stressed. I started 6 days a week because that was the only thing that could help me deal with the anxiety.

Sometimes you have to quit many times before you quit definitively, so don't get discouraged.

[Blorg]

I have quit many times. I'm an expert.

I'm sorry that you're an expert. Have you finally succeeded?

If you have been at it a week >>> KEEP GOING! You Can Do It.

Thanks.

Maybe check to see if your insurance covers Nic Patches. If so, get your doctor to prescribe you a weening prescription.
Or E-Cigs.

Anything is better than pulling carcinogens into your lungs constantly.

Remember to breathe deeply when you feel stressed.
Drink fruit Juice to cleanse.
Maybe put a rubber-band around your wrist and give yourself a little snap when you get the urge.
Soon, you'll start to notice how great everyday foods taste.

Best of Luck

Good advice.
I'm looking forward to tasting things.

Nicotene Lozenges - they worked for me and my wife, although you might get hooked on them for awhile too. At least your lungs will thank you.

I'll research this. They sound intimidating for some reason but they're probably ok.

Try drinking mate. It helps with the oral fixation and it'll give you an energy boost when you think you need to concentrate. Also, cardio when you're feeling stressed. I started 6 days a week because that was the only thing that could help me deal with the anxiety.

Sometimes you have to quit many times before you quit definitively, so don't get discouraged.

ordered some mate

[LordLatch]

I'm sorry that you're an expert. Have you finally succeeded?

Aye lass, I'm a quitter. It's been 8ish years.

[Sappho]

Is there any way you could take a holiday or find a temporary job near the sea, or any place with clean air? I smoked for five years and quit cold turkey when I went to work on Guernsey for the second time. The breeze was so fresh and clean that it seemed silly to smoke, so I decided to kick the Gauloises for the length of my stay (three months). After that, I never really felt a desire to smoke again.

[ferrus]

I have spoken with scores of recovering Hard Drug addicts that still smoke and tell me it is far worse.

Yeah, this is why I have vowed never to start. I have poor impulse control as it is - as soon as I go down that road I'd be chain smoking before you know it. Liver cirrhosis sounds more fun than lung cancer anyway.

[sandwitch]

I've quit many times. Fortunately, it's gotten to the point that the taste is no longer appealing. I have to be really drunk to enjoy a full cigarette. I don't really know how that happened, though. I don't think I have any more self control than before.