quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
Today is my seventh day of not smoking. I have to admit that the urge to smoke one is very strong right now. I am trying to hang tough, and not give in to these damn urges.

Hang in there. It gets better with time.

Just think of the guns you can buy with the money you save

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:
Today is my seventh day of not smoking. I have to admit that the urge to smoke one is very strong right now. I am trying to hang tough, and not give in to these damn urges.

Hang tough, Warhorse.

I found that finding a way to put any cravings out of my mind, when they occurred, would get me past that bump and I'd be ok.

Do you exercise (run, lift, etc.) at all? If you do: Do that. If you don't: Consider starting.

Here are some things that have been regular reminders of why I don't ever again want to be a smoker:

• Doing cardio and running out of endurance before running out of breath (I think I mentioned that, already).
  
• Coming anywhere near anybody who's a smoker, smelling that God-awful stale cigarette smoke smell on them, and being happy I don't smell like that.
  
• Walking past a spot smokers congregate outside and seeing cigarette butts all over the ground--with a cigarette collection thing nearby, and celebrating the fact I'm not associated with those people any more.
  
• Laughing my ass off at something and not coughing up a lung.
  

October 29, 2000. Don't miss it a bit, especially the smell. You won't either and I wish you the best of luck on your new life!!!

You can do it, when the urges hit, find something else to do.

I can say over the last 10 years or so after quitting, there are a bunch of guns and ammo that have been purchased with what I was spending on Cigarettes.

Most here remember the Yul Brynner stop smoking commercial, not many words, but very powerful. You can stop smoking! Do not give in!

I quit my smokeless tobacco habit 466 days ago — so coming up on 1.5 years here in a few months.

It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Took a solid month to feel halfway normal again. I chronicled my journey here on the forum.

I chewed a can a day (minimum) and only took dips outs to eat or sleep so ... the addition was strong.

I’ve gained about 30 pounds since I quit (but I was on the slim side to begin with so it fits me okay).

Regardless, I am really happy I followed through with it. The freedom is priceless — everything doesn’t revolve around that damn can anymore. That’s the best part. And I feel great.

You’re making a great choice! Stick with it. And as always, ODAAT (one day at a time)!!!

Having quit in 1992, every now and again when having the first cup of coffee in the morning I get the urge for a smoke.

I quit in 2011 using an ecig. I tried to wean myself off nicotine several times prior, but became way to irritable to those around me and gave up.

Good luck.

I quit in 1999 when I got out of the service...cold turkey.

Worked

I’m not saying it wasn’t hard cause it was, especially when having a beer or out with friends. But I’m really glad I did. You will be too.

Think of all the money you will save. ( I have no clue how much a pack of Marlboro lights cost now)

Day eight of smoke free.

Have rediscovered "deep breathing". I had forgotten how relaxing it seems to be, simply taking a deep breath in through the nostrils, then slowly exhaling through the mouth, it helps me get past an "urge" to smoke at times.

Just do it.

Some say it's day by day, but in reality it can be minute by minute.

Your priority is getting off the cancer sticks. Do whatever it takes to keep off them. Most people gain some weight, but that is fine - you can lose that in 6 months when you are off the cigs.

Find a gum / candy / something to take it's place if needed.

quote:

Originally posted by rtquig:
Having quit in 1992, every now and again when having the first cup of coffee in the morning I get the urge for a smoke.

First one of the day was always the best one.

But then the 2,3,4,10th and hacking up put a damper on that memory.

Sounds like you’re off to a great start!

It’s been over a decade since I quit. I started smoking to quit chewing. Now, I feel great. I won’t lie and say I haven’t slipped up a time or two but I have never picked the habit up again.

Keep up the great work! As others have said, just keep busy when you feel an urge.

Great to hear.

Sometimes just holding my thumb between my middle and index finger was enough to get past an urge.

Keep up the good work.

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 40 years experience, I can say that cold turkey seems to be the most successful method. You need to accept that there will be two weeks of serious "detox" but your body begins to heal immediately.
You already know, and I can confirm, the outcome of not quitting is grim.
Many of my patients would say that there was no need to quit as the damage was already done. They were wrong.
Be strong. Good luck.

Eseaton

Esea2000@yahoo.com

Congratulations. Go do something when the urge hits. Break from the old habits that you smoked during. Focus the energy on other things.

Sometimes I have the motivation to move mountains. Other times not so much. What you got it- Run with it.

Are you going to reward yourself when you succeed? Like a new gun from your savings?

Good Luck Mitch

I quit cold turkey on November 1st, 1983.

It is sometimes still a battle when I am around people that are smoking.

It is not easy

I quit in 2012 by going Cold Turkey. It was actually surprisingly easy and I have now concluded that the Patch and other "taper off" methods are actually designed to keep people hooked on nicotine. Simple truth is the Tobacco Industry wants to keep people hooked on nicotine in order to continue selling nicotine.

Folks, it only takes 5-7 days to "get over the hump" of nicotine addiction. After that staying off this drug is all about willpower. For me the trick was to remind myself of the cost. At the time I quit I was spending 10 bucks a day on those cancer sticks. Or, about 3600 bucks per year.

Not meaning to brag, but today marks 2 weeks of being smoke and nicotine free...YEAH!

I do believe that going cold turkey is somewhat easier than other methods.