Stop smoking support thread...

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I've decided to give up my cigarettes :/ I'm tired of feeling tired and not being able to breath (and smell, and taste, and sleep). Every time I light up now, my only thought is of how absolutely disgusting the cig I'm about to smoke tastes and smells. I've also been having more frequent headaches and....acne I never had acne as a teen, and I didn't smoke then, so I'm guessing its another side effect of smoking (totally embarrassing). I've got a job interview soon at a hospital, which obviously doesn't allow smoking anywhere on the premises. If you're an employee there and are caught smoking on the property they write you up and fine you. The money I spend on them each year is RIDICULOUS (my cigs are almost $5 a pack, 1 pack a day= almost $35 a week, and that can be doubled since my DH is a smoker too). Its time for me to quit, for good this time. My last attempt lasted 2 weeks before I caved and bought another pack, I don't want to do that again. So, anyone else out there who's trying to give them up wanna jump on for a little BYC support group? Anyone out there who has quit, can you offer some words of wisdom and encouragement?
Any help I can get with this will be GREATLY appreciated
Nikki

 

[americana-lover]

I wish my mom would stop smoking! Im glad your taking control and quitting! Good for you!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I wish my mom would stop smoking! Im glad your taking control and quitting! [COLOR=800080]Good for you! [/COLOR]

Thanks for the kind words Nikki

 

[sumi]

I just found your thread now. Haven't checked in this section for awhile. My DH and I are trying to quit. He's doing MUCH better than I am and it's driving me crazy

It's much easier for some people than others and I'm one of the difficult ones. We bought electronic cigarettes and I must say they are much better than that horrible gum and mouth spray I used before, but they don't really take the cravings away. They take the edge off though. I want to see if they have others available that will work better for me. But in a pinch, like when you are at work, they help a lot! I think I'll cut back, way back, before switching to them full time.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Hey, thanks.for hopping on. I'm having a hard time too :/
I'm pretty short tempered these days and it seems like everyone is just trying to avoid me at this point (can't say I blame them, I don't want to be around me either ). During my last attempt at quitting, I bought one of those new fangled electronic cigarettes. I wasn't impressed, they just made me want a real smoke more. At the moment I'm (sort of) satisfying my craving with lollipops. When I want a cigarette I eat a Dum Dum or brush my teeth, for some reason that helps too. My husband isn't ready to quit so the first thing that happens when he gets home is I steal a cig But, I suppose a few a day rather than an entire pack is making progress. It doesn't help that pretty much everyone in my family smokes (mom, dad, brother, EVEN my grandparents). Everytime I go to visit someone they're all "you wanna cigarette?" Uh NO! I'm trying to quit
Good luck to you!
Nikki

 

[Spookwriter]

It's been four whole days without a cigarette for me.

They're laying right there om my desk...pack and half,
with the lighter, ash tray...

I may smoke tomorrow. But not this day.

 

[debilorrah]

I'm at 2 weeks with no smokes. I have the ecig, and because I smoked menthols seems to helping a bit. I am also using the patch, and ready for step two, but they were $40 at Walgreens, $16 at Target. So, Target tomorrow morning.

 

[sumi]

Debi and Spook, you guys are doing so well! Much, much better than me at the moment. My son gave me a few grey hairs yesterday by falling about 10 feet off the top of the slide at the playground. I didn't see it happen, DH told me afterwards, but I was in such a spin last night. I slipped up big time. He's not hurt, amazingly, but I'm still a bit shaken. I'll have to start (stop?) again.

Debi: how does the patches work for you? I haven't tried them yet.

 

[chloezoebob101]

I dont smoke, but i can provide support! every time you want to smoke, grab a cracker or something (keep some on hand) and nibble it till the wanting goes away. also, you dont have to stop cold turkey

 

[TacomaFarms]

Nikki, I'm in!

I smoked my last cigarette yesterday! Instead of stopping at the store on the way home, which I almost did out of habit, I plugged in the good ole e-cig. I've only had to use it once so far today, and normally I'd be on my 2nd, almost 3rd, smoke. If you get an urge you should try the e-cigs, it helps with the oral fixation and gives some nicotine to kill the craving. No smell, no aftertaste. I'm not promoting the product, just the idea, or you can get a straw, but my dentist told me that's not good for my teeth.

Also, this is the worst time of year for me to quit, so this is a major challenge.

I'll be checking back regularly.

Good luck everyone!

Andrea