Quiting Smoking.

carebear · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2007, 01:55 AM

I quit in 1991. Cold turkey. Was it hard. Yes. I ended up with asthma anyway because I had done so much damage. It was worth it though.

I pretended to smoke a straw and it helped my emotional addiction.

I drank cold ice water when I wanted a smoke and deep breathed. It helped as well.

But most of all I didn't get that first pack or ask for one.

And I did it!

bagcrazy · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2007, 07:46 AM

Congratulations! I never could/would have done it cold turkey. You are a very strong woman! Way to go!

I haven't smoked for the last 9 weeks (I prefer to have the view of how long it has been since I smoked vs. saying I Quit). I took the Rx Chantix and it really worked. I miss it because I enjoyed smoking, but I have no real desire to smoke again. My daugher is very happy I'm not smoking.

kitsch_k · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2007, 09:15 AM

wow!! amazing. congratulations dear!!! you are one of the very few with that kind of focus and discipline

Fizz · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2007, 11:07 AM

I've been prescribed chantix, but haven't been able to start it yet, but I have heard really good things about it.

kitsch_k · #5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2007, 04:50 AM

what's chantix? is that a patch?

Fizz · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2007, 09:35 AM

Chanix is not a patch. It's a medication, I don't know how to explain how it works, but from what I do understand it does work. Other non-smoking aids don't effect the nicotine receptors in the brain, so with them you still can have the cravings. But with chantix I've heard of people losing all their cravings in the first week of taking it.

bagcrazy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2007, 10:09 AM

That's right Fizz. The way the Dr. explained it to me, is that when you smoke, it sends a signal to your brain (for the nicotine), which then sends a signal to release endorphans, which give you that "feel good feeling". With Chantix, it blocks the signals to the brain, so you no longer crave the nicotine. You don't get anything out of smoking anymore. Once you are taking Chantix, it just gets to the point that you don't want to smoke, no withdrawls or anything. It was very effortless and I know several people (including myself) who have taken it and have been successful. Go for it and give it a try

etali · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2007, 10:52 AM

Congrats to everyone who quit or is in the process of quitting

What happens when you stop taking the chantix? I assume that it isn't itself addictive or anything? That's one problem I've heard with normal nicotine patches - you stop smoking yes, but you're still getting nicotine, and you end up addicted to the patches...

carebear · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagcrazy

Congratulations! I never could/would have done it cold turkey. You are a very strong woman! Way to go!

I haven't smoked for the last 9 weeks (I prefer to have the view of how long it has been since I smoked vs. saying I Quit). I took the Rx Chantix and it really worked. I miss it because I enjoyed smoking, but I have no real desire to smoke again. My daugher is very happy I'm not smoking.

Thanks and good for you!

I'm glad you're not smoking as well. It broke my heart to see my mom smoke and she stunk so bad after ward, but I did enjoy a good cigarette after a meal.

I don't miss it though. My lungs are paying for it dearly.

Keep up the good work! Don't ask to bum one or buy the first pack. Just say no! You'll be better for it later in years.

Fizz · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 10:32 AM

Unlike other things like the patch chantix isn't addictive. Chantix doesn't have any nicotine in it. There are only two prescriptions. And I've heard that some people don't even need to get the second prescription filled.

britjojo · #11 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 08:14 PM

I have never heard of Chantix because I quit before it was in use. I quit cold turkey too, and had quite an easy time because I went away to a little log cabin in the woods to do it. No stresses for a whole week, made it easier.

Congrats on quitting, its a wonderful thing to do. For the others who are still puffing away-it's time to do it! Just think what it's doing to your skin! Plus, you stink......sorry Fizz :P

Fizz · #12 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:00 AM

Your just full of funnies aren't you britjojo, but your right, we stink, the house stink and our clothes stink. Not to mention the horrible example we're setting for the kids.

littlecat123 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:55 AM

I quit 10 years ago also. I tried to quit cold turkey (as I had many times in the past) but it didn't work. I used a patch. When my hubby quit, he had to use Zyban and a patch.

Now that we've both quit, I can't imagine going back to smoking. I hate the smell on everything.

I have to admit though, sometimes I really do miss a good smoke - like with morning coffee or after a good meal.

Oh well. I'm saving $5 a pack. (More to spend on designer purses!)

Fizz · #14 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:58 AM

Great way to look at it littlecat. The money is a major issue. I'll be very glad to get my chantix prescription filled. I want my husband to get chantix, but he says he doesn't need it, not something I believe.

britjojo · #15 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 06:24 AM

I hope I didn't offend you Fizz! I think you're a great woman and I love to see you around here-I just couldn't resist

You know what they say about the worst none smoker being an ex-smoker, and I am afraid that as much as I didn't want to become one, I really am a bad one.

Fizz · #16 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 10:32 AM

Oh gosh no, you didn't offend me at all, quite the opposite you made me laugh. Seems everytime I turn around your saying something that makes me smile. Besides soon I'll be a non-smoker as well.

britjojo · #17 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 03:58 PM

I applaud you for that! I can't wait for you to join the ranks of the ex smokers! And your wallet will love you for it too.

dreamr802 · #18 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 01:49 PM

Congrats!!!! My aunt quit cold turkey about 4 years ago and still hasn't picked up a ciggarette. But my other aunt quit for one day and it didn't work...but she'll find a way to quit in her own time.

xaphania · #19 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 07:15 AM

The smoking ban came into play here in England yesterday, so I think a lot of people will use it as a reason to quit. I work in a health and beauty shop and we had a lot of people coming in and buying NRT products on Saturday.

Fizz · #20 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 11:20 AM

I don't really think bans are the answer, what that does is cause smokers to feel like people are against them and that won't help them quit. Smokers are chemically addicted to nicotine, they should be treated like they have an illness, not treated as if they are lepers.

britjojo · #21 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 05:39 AM

I agree with that to a point. In the UK at least, support is available on the NHS for helping you to quit, so you ARE being treated. With less opportunity to do it, less youngsters are going to be exposed and ultimately, if people cannot be helped quit, we CAN use bans to stop young people starting.

Fizz · #22 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 10:31 AM

See that's how it should work Britjojo, but here in the states, it has become an "US" against "THEM" mentality. It shouldn't be that way, we're all human.

Sammy · #23 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 08:59 AM

Well done guys !!!!!! great step .....

Sammy
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