My New Years Resolution - I'm going to quit smoking

[TLO]

A little background information;

I've been smoking for about a year. I smoke about a pack a day, maybe a little less. I've noticed that since I've started smoking, I get sick easier, I have a hell of a lot less cash laying around, not to mention I hate smelling like smoke, (all my shit smelling like smoke, etc).

I don't want to do the e-vape thing. But quitting cold turkey scares me a little.

Any advice for me? Words of encouragment? I'm all ears, and would appreciate some postive support.

Thanks,
Big Smoke

[Fish]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

That's why my dad won't quit. He says he likes his morning cig, his after meal cig, his before bed cig. I just don't see it.

You know, you likely find it relaxing because you're getting that nicotine fix that you were craving. That's why people that try to quit often feel anxious or whatever; they're going through the withdrawals.

I could see how the time itself could be relaxing, but why not just spend it without smoking? I like my time on the shitter. Sometimes I'll go sit on the toilet for 15 minutes even though I know I don't have to shit. I'll have a seat, think about the day, think about tomorrow, check CP...

You should pick up meditation or reading or something. That's just as relaxing and actually healthy as well.

It's not easy to understand if you haven't been a smoker for a long period of time. You don't simply replace smoking with another activity and find any satisfaction. It's a complete lifestyle change, not just a switch of hobbies.

You're right about the satisfaction/reward aspect though.

[KC_Lee]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

A little background information;

I've been smoking for about a year. I smoke about a pack a day, maybe a little less. I've noticed that since I've started smoking, I get sick easier, I have a hell of a lot less cash laying around, not to mention I hate smelling like smoke, (all my shit smelling like smoke, etc).

I don't want to do the e-vape thing. But quitting cold turkey scares me a little.

Any advice for me? Words of encouragment? I'm all ears, and would appreciate some postive support.

Thanks,
Big Smoke

1) Be 100% sure you want to quit. If you're not 100% into quitting you will fail, trust me on this. I've tried to quit in the past but was not 100% into quitting and failed every time.

2) Only way I was able to quit was to have a nicotine replacement (Nicitrol inhaler for me) and an anti-anxiety medication. That combo worked for me. I was no longer using my inhaler after 3 weeks.

3) Stay away from actives that you would normally smoke during, i.e. having a beer. Your brain will trigger your desire for a smoke.

4) I have had almost every illicit drug out there in my body at some point in time. Not bragging and not proud of that. However, cigarettes are the toughest thing I have ever quit. I was able to quit blow cold turkey easier than quitting smoking.

Hang in there and best of luck.

[millz]

getting off the weed is just as hard too...been struggling

[Hoopsdoc]

Originally Posted by Katipan

An extra $1500+ a year buys a lot of hookers. Or just one really good one.

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

And some blow.

Then do the blow off the hookers ass.

Always wanted to do that.

[Buehler445]

Make up your mind. Don't smoke for a couple days, and then go smell the last clothes you smoked in. Do all the research about cancer, and look at all the pictures of smoked out lungs. Go work out and see how your performance compares to a year ago.

****ing quit dude. Smokes are bad shit.

The thing I tell everyone is take the money you would put into cigarettes and put it in a jar. Save that money and do something nice for yourself.

Christ dude, if you're on a pack a day and a pack costs $6, that's $2,190 a year. Two freaking grand. You apply two grand to a mortgage or car payment and that's huge. Hell that will buy you a ****ing 70" TV. EVERY YEAR!

Don't see how it goes. ****ing quit that shit. Now.

[TLO]

Made it through day 1.

Go me!

[crossbow]

It is very difficult but you can do it, just as others have. I smoked for 35 years and quit. I feel so much better. I can breath again. Food does taste and smell better. You will be glad you don't smell like a used ashtray too.

Remember, if you tell yourself that "it is only one" then it won't be and you will have ruined all that you gained. I had cravings for a long time and two years later my initial reaction sometimes is that I would like one but that lasts a microsecond and you move on from it.

[Coach]

Doesn't hurt to be in a peer group of people who can help you stay off the cigs as well.

[lcarus]

Originally Posted by millz

getting off the weed is just as hard too...been struggling

Not even in the same ballpark for me. With weed I just got bored of it over time and stopped doing it without even really thinking about it or making a conscious effort. With cigs it's like having the worst case of the shakes of all time, constantly trying to make "deals" with yourself like "Ok I'm gonna go buy a pack and only smoke one every few hours or after meals only". Then that goes to "Ok. I'm only gonna smoke once an hour." Then you buy a pack after work and it's gone by bedtime. For me there was nothing physically addicting about weed at all. And since I was already tired of it the mental addiction wasn't there really either.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

Made it through day 1.

Go me!

Good job, dude. Tomorrow is going to be a real hurdle but if we could do it, so can you.

Just remember that the cig you want to smoke so bad is not going to change anything. There really is no point in smoking it.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by crossbow

It is very difficult but you can do it, just as others have. I smoked for 35 years and quit. I feel so much better. I can breath again. Food does taste and smell better. You will be glad you don't smell like a used ashtray too.

Remember, if you tell yourself that "it is only one" then it won't be and you will have ruined all that you gained. I had cravings for a long time and two years later my initial reaction sometimes is that I would like one but that lasts a microsecond and you move on from it.

I still get a little jealous when I see my friends enjoy the **** out of a cigarette.

I know that feel bro.

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

Made it through day 1.

Go me!

Good job!

I'm oversimplifying this shit but if you don't buy them, you can't smoke 'em. There are a few other dynamics in the mix too.

But I'm seriously thrilled to see you get started before Jan 1. That tells me you have a better chance than most. If you fail, start over. It's not nearly as hard as everybody makes it. You make up your mind and it's done. Period.

I quit eating pringles about ten years ago...

I just quit buying that shit. It's bad for you.

Yeah, I had one or two cans at a party here and then but I didn't let that discourage me.

[dmahurin]

I haven't had a cigarette since 630 on New Year's Eve. Granted, I've been puffing like hell on this e-cig, but this is longest I've been without a cigarette since boot camp 10 years ago. And yes for anyone wondering, the e-cig is a miracle worker on the cravings.

[TLO]

So far so good. Haven't had a cig since 12/26.