This old road.

oeb

I'm a 29 year old male, I have been smoking since I was 14 years old. I am a 20-30 a day smoker.

I last quit about a year an a half ago, I managed five or six weeks.

At 1pm today I was thinking about quitting and decided it was as good a time as any and chucked the box.

So far I'm not feeling great, I never enjoyed the first three days, and I am particularly dreading tomorrow.

I am quitting for all the usual reasons, money (I spend the bones of 5k a year on smokes. If I don't smoke for a year that pays back my car loan!), health, fitness, personal life (My better half has been off them for about three months now, and I think it's unfair to be smoking around her).

I am going cold turkey.

yosemite_sam

Good on you, just remember it is all in the head. You do not need a cigarette to function

oeb

That's day one over and dealt with (Even if it was only a half day). Woke up this morning and instinctively reached for the box of cigs that's normally at the top of my bed. Took me a second to twig why they were not there

oeb

I'm currently approaching the 48 hr mark, don't feel too bad today, yesterday evening was a bit of a nightmare though, and I slept like crap last night.

Shazanne

Well done! I'm watching this thread with great interest. Please keep posting - you're doing really well. Fair play to you. (Wish I could do it)

Mr Bloat

Great stuff, keep it up. I went cold turkey some time ago and thankfully it stuck that time after many attempts, so it can be done. Well done for getting this far.

oeb

I'm well happy with my self, I went out for a few beers tonight, and one of the group was a smoker. I managed not to succumb.

Sasquatch76

Nice one oeb You're doing great!

oeb

Day three.

The drive back to Kerry (from Cork) in pretty heavy traffic nearly did me in today. I would always smoke a fair bit when I was driving. Managed to avoid pulling in and buying a box though!

Sasquatch76

oeb wrote: »

Day three.

The drive back to Kerry (from Cork) in pretty heavy traffic nearly did me in today. I would always smoke a fair bit when I was driving. Managed to avoid pulling in and buying a box though!

Fair play. Another little victory for you! These little battles will soon add up, and you'll have won the war!

oeb

Day 6.

The insomnia is a bit of a pain in the ass, I have been awake by 5.30 or so nearly every morning, from what I remember last time round that passes after two or three weeks though.

Cravings are mostly OK. Saturday afternoon/evening was pretty bad though, I nearly gave in (Girlfriend was over for the weekend, and she is a social smoker. She was not smoking Saturday, but I knew there was a pack in her bag).

I generally feel better, I don't have that awful taste in my mouth when I wake up first thing in the morning, my room and clothes no longer stink (Thanks to lots of fabreeze) of stale cigs. I have about 60 euro more in my pocket! (Have you noticed that when you quit smoking your spending on sweets, soft drinks, packets of taytos etc goes down too? I used to have the fierce habit of picking up random crap off the counter and buying it when I was in getting a pack of smokes, now I'm just not in the shop / off license in the first place)

I don't miss being a smoker, but I miss the physical action of smoking (if you know what I mean?) I probably have the ends chewed off every pen in the office at this stage It's tricky just stopping doing something you have done 25 or 30 times, nearly every single day, for more than half your life.

NavanEPS

oeb - you are doing great! I am on day 7 today and so am going through the same stuff - keep it up it is worth it -
Good Luck

trustno1

Keep up the good work!.. I am off them over 7 months now and I can't believe that I ever smoked!!.. I found the worst part was the insomnia and once I got through that it was plain sailing.. I am still broke though..

oeb

One week! w00t!

Now just need to start sleeping again

NavanEPS

I am at the same stage - you are doing so well -
I just keep thinking "there is no way I am going through this week again, so just keep goin'"


Congratulations oeb

milosh

oeb wrote: »

One week! w00t!

Now just need to start sleeping again

Keep it up. I'm off them since the 26th June and had my first really good night sleep on Sunday night and have been fine since then so you can't be too far away from sleeping again.

In those two weeks I have been out to the pub a good few times and even been on a stag weekend. I think its better to get the drinking experience out of the way early in the quit cycle. It was hard but I found the last time I quit, that I failed as soon as I went drinking for the first time - 6 weeks after I stopped smoking- It was like I had forgotten I was off them.

I find I have loads of extra money. Don't have the need to go into the shop so I am buying less sweets and no newspapers. I was a 20 a day man but I reckon I am saving closer to €12 a day than €8.50. I am already looking forward to clearing my overdraft by the end of the year.

oeb

I passed the three weeks mark yesterday. I'm having my good days and my bad days. Herself is back smoking again full time, which is wonderful encouragement =P

I'm still not sleeping great, I'm up after only five or six hours sleep (from about 8 a month ago). I think I'm actually loosing weight as I'm just not up at the counter of the shop every day knowing I will be getting two quid change

Daisy Steiner

Well done . . . 3 weeks!

I'm on 3 days and actually, this has been the easiest morning of the 3.

It doesn't matter if your oh is back smoking, that's their prerogative, I hope you stick to your guns.

In regards to the sleep issue, are you doing much exercise? I think that's the key to getting a bit of rest, otherwise, maybe you don't need as much sleep as your heart and lungs aren't under as much stress?

You're rocking this . . . Keep on rocking it!

oeb

Daisy Steiner wrote: »

In regards to the sleep issue, are you doing much exercise? I think that's the key to getting a bit of rest, otherwise, maybe you don't need as much sleep as your heart and lungs aren't under as much stress?

Yup, I have started swimming again. Just trying to build the energy levels back up again

Daisy Steiner

oeb wrote: »

Yup, I have started swimming again. Just trying to build the energy levels back up again

Snap! Swimming is awesome, and if there's a sauna or steam-room in the vicinity; more's the better!

I'm also walking loads, I'm on my summer holidays from college so am fairly time-rich at the minute, I can jump up and go for a walk when the craving gets bad.

So far though, yesterday was the worst (day 2) hopefully it's all good from now on.

I'm no longer a smoker, I don't feel deprived, I feel dead proud actually .

Unwilling

OEB CONGRATULATIONS - I think you are doing amazing.. such a positive attitude and nothing but good results! More money, losing weight, getting fit....

I quit 4 years ago, I was a hardcore smoker, 25-30 a day for aobut 15 years. I LOVED SMOKING... I went to hypnotheraphy, kinda as a dare, and to prove to others that "I tried, it didn't work" so that i could say " I even tried hypnotheraphy" and the gas thing is, it flipping worked!
But I don't regret it best eighty euro and two hours I ever spent.

I am now smoke free, financially better off and fitter than I have ever been.

So - KEEP GOING....

Shazanne

Unwilling wrote: »

OEB CONGRATULATIONS - I think you are doing amazing.. such a positive attitude and nothing but good results! More money, losing weight, getting fit....

I quit 4 years ago, I was a hardcore smoker, 25-30 a day for aobut 15 years. I LOVED SMOKING... I went to hypnotheraphy, kinda as a dare, and to prove to others that "I tried, it didn't work" so that i could say " I even tried hypnotheraphy" and the gas thing is, it flipping worked!
But I don't regret it best eighty euro and two hours I ever spent.

I am now smoke free, financially better off and fitter than I have ever been.

So - KEEP GOING....

Well done to you! Do you mind me asking who you went to? I am a smoker and really need to quit but I'm scared to try again after an awful experience three years ago. I need help to see me through.

Kimia

Shazanne wrote: »

Well done to you! Do you mind me asking who you went to? I am a smoker and really need to quit but I'm scared to try again after an awful experience three years ago. I need help to see me through.

HI Shazanne,

What kind of experience did you have? I would have thought that there's nothng but good things to experience after giving up the fags.
(off em one year!!)

Shazanne

Firstly, well done to you. To be totally honest my problem was my own stupid mindset! I became obsessed with smoking - thought life would never be the same without it. I got so down in myself that I began to suffer from panic attacks - it just got totally out of control with me. I stayed off them for 12 weeks but it was totally miserable. One part of my mind told me that what I was doing was great but this little devil on my shoulder never gave me any peace:( Anyway, to make a long story short, I went back on them, hated myself but loved smoking - how sad is that? Naturally, I pledged that I would try again but I have never been strong/brave enough to do it. I have a very addictive personality and I suppose I have myself convinced that I will go through hell again if I try to stop smoking. That is why I am wondering if hypnosis might be the answer for me? If my mindset could be altered regarding smoking perhaps it would be easier, perhaps even successful!

Daisy Steiner

Shazanne wrote: »

Firstly, well done to you. To be totally honest my problem was my own stupid mindset! I became obsessed with smoking - thought life would never be the same without it. I got so down in myself that I began to suffer from panic attacks - it just got totally out of control with me. I stayed off them for 12 weeks but it was totally miserable. One part of my mind told me that what I was doing was great but this little devil on my shoulder never gave me any peace:( Anyway, to make a long story short, I went back on them, hated myself but loved smoking - how sad is that? Naturally, I pledged that I would try again but I have never been strong/brave enough to do it. I have a very addictive personality and I suppose I have myself convinced that I will go through hell again if I try to stop smoking. That is why I am wondering if hypnosis might be the answer for me? If my mindset could be altered regarding smoking perhaps it would be easier, perhaps even successful!

Hi Shazanne,

Jeez, you poor thing, sounds awful what you went through. There's a sticky thread at the top of this forum, there's loads of info there to help you get your mind ready for the off. I hear ya on the addictive personality thing; I have to say though 3 days off the smokes and I feel very empowered. Life is the exact same bar having a cloud of smoke surrounding me.
Yeah the craving when it comes can be hardcore but it passes almost without you realising.
You have to want to stop, might sound silly but I mean you have to really, really want to stop.

Good luck to you.

oeb

4 weeks today!

The weekend was a bit odd, went out on a major session Saturday night for a friends birthday, about half the group are heavy smokers, so we spent most of the night in the smoking area. I was actually OK with it and was not too tempted to ask for one.

Sunday however was a different ball game. All went fine till about 1.30 AM Monday morning (Until about 5pm yesterday.) Was having a very stressful time anyway, and then the cravings kicked in majorly. It was by far the worst day yet. That was likely because I was so pissed off, worried and stressed with other things that were going on, and I usually smoke loads when I feel like that anyway.

Still though, I got past it (just).

NavanEPS

Hi oeb - well done for not taking one!!

I am off them 4 weeks yesterday but purposely didn't go out this weekend cause I didn't think I was strong enough. Am going out next weekend though hell for leather so here's hoping!

4 weeks though, isn't it great!!!!!

oeb

I'm still going strong in case anyone was wondering. 7 weeks in now.

For all those still in their first couple of weeks, keep it up, it does get better. I promise!

I still get cravings, but they are alot less regular now. I'm finding being out on the piss grand too, I don't even have a problem sitting out in the smoking area chatting to my mates when they are having one.

Shazanne

That is great news! Do you find you think about smoking alot, as opposed to having cravings? That was a big issue for me when I tried - I became obsessed with thoughts!

oeb

Shazanne wrote: »

That is great news! Do you find you think about smoking alot, as opposed to having cravings? That was a big issue for me when I tried - I became obsessed with thoughts!

I did at the start. Every second thing I did it was running through my head "I would normally be smoking when I was doing this". That certainly took up alot more of my day than the going nuts type cravings. I found that doing something like chewing a pen or a pen cap really removed eased that for me.

dollyk

Unwilling wrote: »

OEB CONGRATULATIONS - I think you are doing amazing.. such a positive attitude and nothing but good results! More money, losing weight, getting fit....

I quit 4 years ago, I was a hardcore smoker, 25-30 a day for aobut 15 years. I LOVED SMOKING... I went to hypnotheraphy, kinda as a dare, and to prove to others that "I tried, it didn't work" so that i could say " I even tried hypnotheraphy" and the gas thing is, it flipping worked!
But I don't regret it best eighty euro and two hours I ever spent.

I am now smoke free, financially better off and fitter than I have ever been.

So - KEEP GOING....

so what was the name and address of the hypnotherapy person

Shazanne

dollyk wrote: »

so what was the name and address of the hypnotherapy person

Ya - I'd love to know who that was too. If I thought it would work for me I would not care if it cost twice that amount. I just want to be a happy (even contented) non-smoker!
Do you smoke Dolly? Have you tried giving up?

NavanEPS

Hi - don't mean to interject but - I also went to hypnotherapy, Derek Cobbe in Longford - I am off them 7 1/2 weeks and it is great!

Shazanne

NavanEPS wrote: »

Hi - don't mean to interject but - I also went to hypnotherapy, Derek Cobbe in Longford - I am off them 7 1/2 weeks and it is great!

Really? That's brilliant! Can I ask you a few questions? Had you tried to give them up using any other method before and failed, ie patches? Did you find that the hypnotherapy prevented you from thinking about smoking all the time and did it lessen the cravings? Was it just one session or several and what did it cost? Did you desperately want to give them up or were you just hoping for something that would work for you? Sorry for the interrogation but I'd really like to know all this:):)

NavanEPS

Hi Shazanne

Really? That's brilliant! Can I ask you a few questions?

Yep

Had you tried to give them up using any other method before and failed, ie patches?

Not really - I tried cold turkey one day (about 5 yrs ago) and lasted til 3pm! would have smoked about 10 by then, so.....
Tried patches once about 10 years ago but freaked one day when I forgot to put the patch on - so must have been really reliant on them and of course smoked. Just an excuse though I would say in hindsight. Lasted a couple of weeks I think that time.

Did you find that the hypnotherapy prevented you from thinking about smoking all the time and did it lessen the cravings?

I am afraid to say it didn't stop me thinking about smoking but it did take away completely the WANT to smoke. The want of the inhale, the want of holding something, the triggers (after tea, after food etc). Which from what I gather is huge side of it. I really don't want to physically smoke. But it didn't take away the craving, physical need for nicotine and knowing that one cigarette will take away this CRAP feeling. As time goes on though, these times get less and less, you don't even think about having a cigarette, and just get used to chewing gum or walking or whatever. A cigarette is not part of the solution in my mind now.

Was it just one session or several and what did it cost?

It was just one session plus a CD to listen to before bed during the first few days/week (which I was asleep within 5 minutes). It cost me €180 but have covered that cost in 22 days of the cigs! so really cheap actually! I called the chap twice, when I was having a bad time (once literally crying on day2 I think) and he said that if I needed to go again it would be free. but I never needed to go back.

Did you desperately want to give them up or were you just hoping for something that would work for you?

Yes but was scared to try 'cause I knew how dependent I was. It controlled my life, which was the main reason I gave up.
In my opinion the fact that I paid €180 really helps (!), Derek Cobbe certainly altered my mindset by pointing out the obvious and of course I must have had so much will power this time 'round. But guts aswell - it is like throwing yourself off a cliff, your whole life is changing and you don't know how to fill it.
Don't get me wrong, around the 2 and 3rd week I was getting cocky and convincing myself then that one won't kill me, sure what harm would it be. I did get some relief from the CD again at these times.
Now the main thing keeping me off them is that I couldn't give them up again. It has been really difficult and I don't want to do that again. I would prefer to live with the odd "moment", than trying to give them up again. I enjoy being a non-smoker for many many more reasons I thought I enjoyed smoking. No contest. I am free!

Sorry for the interrogation but I'd really like to know all this

Not at all that is what we are here for. When we first join boards we are looking for support, but when we are on here a while and see newbies it is good and important to help.
Good Luck with your quest and be strong

Shazanne

NavanEPS wrote: »

Hi Shazanne


Yep


Not really - I tried cold turkey one day (about 5 yrs ago) and lasted til 3pm! would have smoked about 10 by then, so.....
Tried patches once about 10 years ago but freaked one day when I forgot to put the patch on - so must have been really reliant on them and of course smoked. Just an excuse though I would say in hindsight. Lasted a couple of weeks I think that time.


I am afraid to say it didn't stop me thinking about smoking but it did take away completely the WANT to smoke. The want of the inhale, the want of holding something, the triggers (after tea, after food etc). Which from what I gather is huge side of it. I really don't want to physically smoke. But it didn't take away the craving, physical need for nicotine and knowing that one cigarette will take away this CRAP feeling. As time goes on though, these times get less and less, you don't even think about having a cigarette, and just get used to chewing gum or walking or whatever. A cigarette is not part of the solution in my mind now.



It was just one session plus a CD to listen to before bed during the first few days/week (which I was asleep within 5 minutes). It cost me €180 but have covered that cost in 22 days of the cigs! so really cheap actually! I called the chap twice, when I was having a bad time (once literally crying on day2 I think) and he said that if I needed to go again it would be free. but I never needed to go back.



Yes but was scared to try 'cause I knew how dependent I was. It controlled my life, which was the main reason I gave up.
In my opinion the fact that I paid €180 really helps (!), Derek Cobbe certainly altered my mindset by pointing out the obvious and of course I must have had so much will power this time 'round. But guts aswell - it is like throwing yourself off a cliff, your whole life is changing and you don't know how to fill it.
Don't get me wrong, around the 2 and 3rd week I was getting cocky and convincing myself then that one won't kill me, sure what harm would it be. I did get some relief from the CD again at these times.
Now the main thing keeping me off them is that I couldn't give them up again. It has been really difficult and I don't want to do that again. I would prefer to live with the odd "moment", than trying to give them up again. I enjoy being a non-smoker for many many more reasons I thought I enjoyed smoking. No contest. I am free!


Not at all that is what we are here for. When we first join boards we are looking for support, but when we are on here a while and see newbies it is good and important to help.
Good Luck with your quest and be strong

Thank you so very very much for the time and effort you have put into your response. I have found it very helpful and encouraging. I know I need to do this and my mind is coming round stronger and stronger to it. I have two weeks off work in two weeks time, which might not be the time to try as I would have too much time on my hands. But after that I am going to give it a go again - at least I'll know I've tried! Thank yous very much again and best of luck to you:)

Shazanne

Where is everyone gone off this thread:eek: OEB, Navan, everyone - where are you???

oeb

Shazanne wrote: »

Where is everyone gone off this thread:eek: OEB, Navan, everyone - where are you???

I'm still here, and still off them 10 weeks now!

I just find it very difficult to not give my opinion on hypnotism

Shazanne

oeb wrote: »

I'm still here, and still off them 10 weeks now!

I just find it very difficult to not give my opinion on hypnotism

O, so I take it you are not in favour of it? I have mixed views to be honest. One part of me feels it would be a helpful back up (if it was successful) and the other part is scared of anyone playing with my mind!
Would appreciate your views though, as I'm sure alot of people who read this thread would:)
Well done on your success! I envy you.

oeb

Shazanne wrote: »

O, so I take it you are not in favour of it? I have mixed views to be honest. One part of me feels it would be a helpful back up (if it was successful) and the other part is scared of anyone playing with my mind!
Would appreciate your views though, as I'm sure alot of people who read this thread would:)
Well done on your success! I envy you.

It's not that I am not in favor of it, I am just of the (educated) opinion that it's all hogwash.

Shazanne

oeb wrote: »

It's not that I am not in favor of it, I am just of the (educated) opinion that it's all hogwash.

Indeed. I am of somewhat the same opinion but would love, in this case, to be proven wrong. I think it will probably be my next course of action, being preferable to a brain and personality transplant(!) as I feel my addiction is certainly more psychological than physical - which is why I don't think nicotine replacement therapy will ever be successful for me. And I definitely don't think that "cold turkey" is an option for me either for the same reason.

oeb

Shazanne wrote: »

Indeed. I am of somewhat the same opinion but would love, in this case, to be proven wrong. I think it will probably be my next course of action, being preferable to a brain and personality transplant(!) as I feel my addiction is certainly more psychological than physical - which is why I don't think nicotine replacement therapy will ever be successful for me. And I definitely don't think that "cold turkey" is an option for me either for the same reason.

All hypnotism is, is a crutch. Think of hypnotism as dumbos feather. It's still just you doing it, you just have yourself convinced that you are getting external help.

If you can quit with hypnotism, you can quit without it.

NRT, by it's very concept is ridiculous. Can you imagine someone going in to break their addiction from any other drug, lets say heroin, and the councilor saying "Ok, first step, take this heroin".

Shazanne

oeb wrote: »

All hypnotism is, is a crutch. Think of hypnotism as dumbos feather. It's still just you doing it, you just have yourself convinced that you are getting external help.

If you can quit with hypnotism, you can quit without it.

NRT, by it's very concept is ridiculous. Can you imagine someone going in to break their addiction from any other drug, lets say heroin, and the councilor saying "Ok, first step, take this heroin".

Point taken on the NRT - this has always been my opinion on that matter. Plus is is proven that people get addicted to nicotine gum etc - albeit the fact that the nicotine is not the most harmful substance in cigarettes.
As regards hypnosis - the word "crutch" is probably what is appealing to me. While I fully understand and accept that it will be me that is doing it, I am just "clutching at the crutch" in the hope that it will give me some strength. Weird???

NavanEPS

HI OEB and Shazanne - although I have been to the hypnotist I would agree that it is not what keeps me off the cigarettes - that is will power, stubborness and bloody mindedness.

I got the cravings, the withdrawal etc like everyone else. The hypnosis didn't take any of that away and at times it has been hell. But what it did "for me" was take away the need to have something in my hand, or feel the inhale, or the relationship with tea breaks. Of course this is mind over matter. Whether I was strong enough for these things not to matter this time or hypnosis worked I don't know. I also understand that I paid the chap €180 for one visit and a CD and 11 weeks later I still haven't smoked. To be honest, whether it is a crutch, mind changing sh*t or boloney I am still off the cigarettes so to me it doesn't matter.
If I hadn't had the will power to stay strong then hypnosis was not going to help me anyway. I agree.