Support for those quitting smoking

Steve_o · 04-06-2013 12:14pm

10 weeks off them on Thursday! It gets a little easier everyday!

dball · 05-06-2013 4:10pm

electronic cigs

madfcuker · 05-06-2013 11:23pm

So I haven't had a fag in 5 days. Gone cold turkey. Just locked myself in the house for the first three days. Better today. Gonna keep the faith and kick the habit!

Sarwal · 09-06-2013 11:59pm

Nico lozenges been 6 days and already cut down on them

FueledbyCoffee · 11-06-2013 5:56pm

I'm on day 6 of Champix - going through a very hard time at the moment and usually I would be smoking like a chimney to get through it, haven't smoked as much as I normally would and each smoke is starting to taste weirder and weirder

Sarwal · 14-06-2013 12:24am

Getting there been 10 days and am feeling better last 2 days , only downside I've about 5 mouth ulcers I was expecting some just wondering how long I have to put up with them :-(

Steve_o · 17-06-2013 2:00pm

Sarwal wrote: »

Getting there been 10 days and am feeling better last 2 days , only downside I've about 5 mouth ulcers I was expecting some just wondering how long I have to put up with them :-(

I had to deal with that too... they went away after a little under a week!

Micky Dolenz · 09-09-2013 10:41am

I was sitting there, I had one fag left. I was wondering where the nearest tobacconist was, how much fags would cost here and if they'd have my brand. Then I wondered what time the shop would close. In a brief moment of clarity , I thought this is a lot of hassle for some smokes, bollox to this, I'm going to top smoking.

That was a week ago and things are going ok. Having the odd craving but nothing I can't handle. I am nearly treating it as an experiment to see how my body reacts to quitting. Mentally I am in a good place, it really is like a switch was flipped in my head.

Knowledge is power and reading this forum and other information sources has been great for me.It helps take your mind off things when the cravings hit.

understanding the addiction is key to beating it. Know your enemy.

Yesterday, day 6, was tough. I was agitated all day, but I was in a situation where I would have been regardless if I smoked or not. Smoking is the cause of the raised agitation state and not the cure. It will pass with time. Today I feel much better and my sleeping has certainly improved.

28 days is my goal, when I hit around that time I know that I am over the worst of it and every day on the road to there is a good day.

FueledbyCoffee · 09-09-2013 10:29pm

Fair play to you doing it cold turkey. I had to come off the Champix and then was doing it cold turkey - was having a very hard time, lost a friend during this time too. When it got to three weeks mentally I really wasn't in a good place so rather than light up a fag I went for the e-cig.

Had a crappy one that I got at the shopping centre which did me but then got more info and I'm vaping away now. If it wasn't for the e-cig I'd still be smoking but with it I'm doing grand - 9 weeks now

Orlaw3136 · 10-09-2013 6:07pm

One month smoke free.

Took Champix for 3 weeks then stopped (no side-effects - just would prefer not to be taking medication if possible and felt strong).

No cravings to speak of, just reminders that I used to smoke.

I've been under pressure in work, relaxing over a beer and away on holiday to a smoker's paradise (south of France) I'm convinced I am now a non-smoker, subject to NOPE.

If I find myself having an actual craving in the next 6 months I'm going straight back on the Champix.

dobman88 · 16-09-2013 4:10pm

I quit 3 weeks ago today. So far, so good. Went the first 2 days cold turkey and told myself if I could last the first 2 days, I would buy the patches. Some days I forget the patch and I am fine but I went for a beer on Friday with my girlfriend and forgot it and we were home by 12.30. I got the worst craving since I quit so I was either have an early night or buy cigarettes (luckily she is understanding). I find the patches amazing. The first time I tried to quit I lasted less than a day. I usually don't even think about smoking with a patch on.

I thought work would be a tough test but it is surprisingly easy, I stick to the same routine, I just don't smoke. I had an e-cig for the first 10-12 days but I stopped using it to try and break the little "habits". I knew I had to quit after getting bronchitis twice in 2 months (I'm only 25). Not worth having that damage done at this early stage in my life. I am fairly proud of myself so far, as are family and friends but I know there will be tough days ahead. I will enjoy reading everyone's experiences on here and using the positives to my advantage.

God luck all.

Orlaw3136 · 22-09-2013 9:41am

Back at work post holidays. No slips, no cravings.

I think this time around (second time using Champix) I have the missing ingredient, being a strong desire not to smoke tobacco. I can never recall feeling like this (that is knowing that I don't want to smoke because I don't want to smoke as opposed to because I 'can't' smoke).

Also doing things now that I could never have contemplated as a smoker (gym programmes in particular).

The only thing I havn't really done is gone for a serious night out in the pub with some heavy smoker friends. I've decided to quit booze for a few weeks though as its not consistent with what I'm trying to achieve elsewhere in my life so that won't come up for a while.

Mink · 09-10-2013 2:18pm

My hardcore smoker sis & her husband read Allen Carr there a few months ago & came off them. To be honest, seeing her off them was the first time I'd ever considered quitting. I've been smoking nearly 20years and had absolutely zero desire to quit prior to that.

So I read the book and was all excited & "quit" only to last 6 hours. I actually think I would have done it if my husband was going to quit with me and if I'd gone around telling people and actually thrown my tobacco out. So I don't think I was fully committed to quit, I really should have re read the book if I was having doubts.

So going to try the e cig from tomorrow. Know of another couple that are off the smokes ages after doing this. Another guy I know quit completely after using Champix, and I know several who managed it with gum, cold turkey etc.

Moral of the story is I have to find what works for me and the e cig seems the most likely so far.

massdebater · 11-10-2013 3:45am

Mink wrote: »

My hardcore smoker sis & her husband read Allen Carr there a few months ago & came off them. To be honest, seeing her off them was the first time I'd ever considered quitting. I've been smoking nearly 20years and had absolutely zero desire to quit prior to that.

So I read the book and was all excited & "quit" only to last 6 hours. I actually think I would have done it if my husband was going to quit with me and if I'd gone around telling people and actually thrown my tobacco out. So I don't think I was fully committed to quit, I really should have re read the book if I was having doubts.

So going to try the e cig from tomorrow. Know of another couple that are off the smokes ages after doing this. Another guy I know quit completely after using Champix, and I know several who managed it with gum, cold turkey etc.

Moral of the story is I have to find what works for me and the e cig seems the most likely so far.

It's no good to read the book but completely disregard what it tells you! It says to throw away your tobacco etc. Sounds like you subconciously didn't really want to quit. Good luck with it anyway.

YESHUCKSTER · 11-10-2013 11:59am

Mink wrote: »

My hardcore smoker sis & her husband read Allen Carr there a few months ago & came off them. To be honest, seeing her off them was the first time I'd ever considered quitting. I've been smoking nearly 20years and had absolutely zero desire to quit prior to that.

So I read the book and was all excited & "quit" only to last 6 hours. I actually think I would have done it if my husband was going to quit with me and if I'd gone around telling people and actually thrown my tobacco out. So I don't think I was fully committed to quit, I really should have re read the book if I was having doubts.

So going to try the e cig from tomorrow. Know of another couple that are off the smokes ages after doing this. Another guy I know quit completely after using Champix, and I know several who managed it with gum, cold turkey etc.

Moral of the story is I have to find what works for me and the e cig seems the most likely so far.

Exactly right - find what works for you - I tried Champix, Patches, AC Book and in the end I found a solution that was based on Nicotine lozenges / mints and the occasional e-cig. Am off them now over 9 months and it's the best thing I ever did after being a heavy smoker for nearly 20 years

Geomy · 11-10-2013 12:01pm

Ill never forget my last cigarette, got sick everywhere. ...

Just went straight into withdrawal, and it worked for me because im a bit stubborn and in the end I was sickly looking, pasty and my work was being affected.
I had a physically demanding job and was having chest problems. ...

Mink · 14-10-2013 9:35am

YESHUCKSTER wrote: »

Exactly right - find what works for you - I tried Champix, Patches, AC Book and in the end I found a solution that was based on Nicotine lozenges / mints and the occasional e-cig. Am off them now over 9 months and it's the best thing I ever did after being a heavy smoker for nearly 20 years

Fair play, are you still on the lozenges/e cigs.

Well I've been off the smokes since Thurs afternoon so that's nearly 4 full days. Longest since I was maybe 15! The e cigs are taking the edge off. I'm already worrying about getting off them!

But have to take it step by step first, it's amazing that I'm off the smokes this long even.

Jen Pigs Fly · 27-10-2013 1:11am

4 weeks off them today ... Using Ecigs. Was smoking 9 years ... Since I was 14.

Is severe depression, anxiety and irrational emotional outbursts normal when quitting with an e cig

I'm literally a one woman crying and anger machine!

(Although quitting while starting a new full time job certainly was a grand idea :rolleyes:)

I'm hoping to wean myself off the electronic cigarette soon ... Judging by my very bad reaction so far though I'm going to take it really slow!

Micky Dolenz · 28-10-2013 1:13pm

I had some anger issues on the first few weeks too but they disappeared after week 4-5. I quit cold turkey.

Entering week 9 today.

gifted · 28-10-2013 1:20pm

7 years this coming January, started with the patches but would smoke at certain times of the day and would buy a 10 pack on the way home, would smoke 4/5 of them in the evening and would then wet the rest of them under the tap so would not be tempted the following morning. Done this for about a month and gradually cut out one cig a day until I was left with smoking about 3/4 a day and then asked myself if those 3/4 cigs were in control of me and I said no.

Hardest thing I've ever had to do was stop smoking, people who don't smoke have no idea...keep trying people, it's so worth it when those little white bastards have no control over you again

SilSil · 31-10-2013 9:27am

Quit this crap as soon as possible! Go go guys, I wish you all the best of luck!

Pablo Sanchez · 10-11-2013 9:05pm

9 days since i had my last cig.

Previously the longest i would have lasted was about 2/3 weeks using champix, but i found the side effects disturbing.

Using the ecig this time, so far so good, its not the same as a cigarette but its 75% as effective. Ultimately i know your not 'clean' until your off the nicotine, but i find its a useful tool to allow you to break the habitual side of smoking (ie steering clear of smoking areas at work). I have been pleasantly surprised how easy it has been to make the transition.

When i make it passed the 6 month mark il be confident enough to change my Avatar away from a smoking Humphry Bogart!

dePeatrick · 11-11-2013 10:48pm

xxxJennyxxx wrote: »

4 weeks off them today ... Using Ecigs. Was smoking 9 years ... Since I was 14.

Is severe depression, anxiety and irrational emotional outbursts normal when quitting with an e cig I'm literally a one woman crying and anger machine!

(Although quitting while starting a new full time job certainly was a grand idea :rolleyes:)

I'm hoping to wean myself off the electronic cigarette soon ... Judging by my very bad reaction so far though I'm going to take it really slow!

Yes it can be, everyone has different reactions to quitting but I went through two to three weeks really off colour although on strong ecigarettes.

It appears that nicotene is only part of the problem of addiction to cigarettes, it is more complex than that and seems to vary from individual to individual as well.

Stick it out on the e-cigs or whatever works for you and after three weeks it seems we turn a corner, then we can decide whether to continue using the substitute or not. People do not get addicted to patches or Nicorette gum and I am realising that I am not that addicted to e-cigs as I first thought in the first few weeks.

Call Me Jimmy · 13-11-2013 3:08am

Attempt number 2 starts. In the summer I got to about 2 months off them. Going cold turkey, posting as part of commitment.

Micky Dolenz · 13-11-2013 3:11pm

Good luck.

Call Me Jimmy · 13-11-2013 11:01pm

I've made it to this point, most of the day. I notice my body and mind trying to work in tandem to get me to reward my non-smoking with a smoke!

It's funny when you look at something like this: I say to myself 'I am in control. I control whether I put a smoke in my mouth so there should be no fear of doing so.'

But what happens is the mind doesn't go down the straight-forward path; it is very cunning and tries to convince itself not to 'not have a smoke' but to view having one in a more positive light, as I said the reward mentality. I'm sitting here patronising myself so it's funny.

Doubt I will have one today.

Micky Dolenz · 13-11-2013 11:07pm

Good job. Since you've been here already you know it's going be tough for the next few days. I remember those inner chats, they used to be so regular. Now not so much but still happen. Then compliancy is the bitch.

dePeatrick · 13-11-2013 11:12pm

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

I've made it to this point, most of the day. I notice my body and mind trying to work in tandem to get me to reward my non-smoking with a smoke!

It's funny when you look at something like this: I say to myself 'I am in control. I control whether I put a smoke in my mouth so there should be no fear of doing so.'

But what happens is the mind doesn't go down the straight-forward path; it is very cunning and tries to convince itself not to 'not have a smoke' but to view having one in a more positive light, as I said the reward mentality. I'm sitting here patronising myself so it's funny.

Doubt I will have one today.

Ya hit on something there, the reward system, do something and then a cigarette break, we often substitute the cigarette break with a sweet break and put on weight.....funny how we condition ourselves...:)

Good luck with it man and remember you have the single most important thing to get you off cigarettes....the will to do so

ckeog11 · 18-11-2013 10:32am

Hey guys, been smoking for 8 years now, finally gonna roll up the sleeves and kick the habit for good. I was thinking of buying an e-cigerette as friends were saying that they're the best for helping you quit. Anyone have any preference of brands or does it make any difference? are they all the same?

dePeatrick · 18-11-2013 9:14pm

I would recommend staying away from the cig-alike kits is garages and elsewhere....low quality and high price for what you get...

Try something like this:
http://www.vaperus.ie/starter-vaping-kits/389-evod-protank.html

or this:
http://www.e-smokeireland.eu/product-p/kangtwist.htm

I tried the cig-alike about two years ago and hated them, tried one of the kits I have linked to above and have been using it for 9-10 weeks now and will never return to cigarettes again.

Not a bad idea to read as much as you can about just how bad cigarettes are for you while doing this as it helps also, Alan Carrs book or google, there is a transition period as your body adjusts to not having a zillion chemicals put into it everyday but the rewards of not smelling like an ashtray, being able to breathe, smell, taste again.....:D

If you do choose to go down the e-cig route check out the sub-forum on vaping here and ask questions, there are people in there who have been using e-cigs for years and have come across pretty much every glitch and problem that can possibly happen........and good luck whatever method you chose to quit

mariebeth · 24-11-2013 7:15pm

I'm nearly 48 hours without smoking and I'm going cold turkey. There are moments when it's tough and I'm just tempted to get in the car and drive to the shop, but I'm determined this time. I think the fact that I made it through the first half of the first day without caving proves to myself that this time I am determined. Hopefully once tomorrow is over, that'll be 3 days off them, and that will be the one of the hardest parts over and done with. My mantra is that "I'm not smoking today". And I just keep repeating that. I haven't told anyone that I'm giving up yet, I want to get past day 4 or 5 before I start telling people, so until then, this forum will be my accountability!

Micky Dolenz · 24-11-2013 7:24pm

Great stuff

. Well done.

Hang in there, 3 days and you are clean. Build on that. Once you are over your first week you'll fly by.

I'm off them 12 weeks, cold turkey and not a puff. You can be helped through the hard moments. At the start, there are many. They fade over time.

Hang in there

mariebeth · 24-11-2013 8:03pm

Thanks! I am determined this time, but I'm just going to take it one day at a time for now, and as you said once I'm past the first week then I'll fly by

Micky Dolenz · 24-11-2013 8:13pm

Take it one hour at a time for now. Every hour you don't smoke is a good hour. They all add up. You can do it.

mariebeth · 26-11-2013 7:39am

I'm on the morning of day 4 and doing so much better than expected this time. I do feel more determined to quit than I ever did before, so I think that's helping. I'm really looking forward to telling people now that I'm off them, because for the first time I actually believe that I will stay off them.

DMCC71 · 26-11-2013 3:00pm

Well done mariebeth, I'm off them 9 months now and like you it was like a switch in my head that said stop now!!!!
That feeling of meeting someone and being able to say I DON'T SKOKE ANYMORE is brilliant! Keep going!

Jane Doe72 · 27-11-2013 1:28pm

Well done Mariebeth would love to give them up just trying to build up enough courage to do it best of luck to you:)

Call Me Jimmy · 27-11-2013 4:14pm

I did slip up recently but I knew I was heading for another a go and having read allenn carr the last two nights and finished it last night I kinda did the self-hypnosis while reading and am a non-smoker.

Funnily enough, the first time I quit, in the summer, before hearing about allenn carr I used to just say to myself 'why would I want a cigarette? I'm a non-smoker' whenever I thought about it. Worked really well for 2 months or so.

Anyway feel good about this. The most memorable thing from allenn carr is actually the line 'Don't Doubt Your Decision' because it has been stopping me in my tracks every time. I find it very resolute and helpful.

mariebeth · 27-11-2013 8:27pm

I'm reading Allenn Carr as well, I started when I was well in to day 2 of stopping smoking, and it's given me the resolve to keep going. Thanks to his book, I have answers to all those doubts in my head. Wish I'd read his book a lot sooner.

Jane Doe, if you want to give up smoking, read Allen Carr's book, it will help you give up.

Emcm · 01-12-2013 2:37pm

Congratulations to all of you for giving up. I have picked tomorrow as my giving up date. I am just sick of having this awful habit. I am 38 and it's time for me to stop as I feel now the effect it is having on my health I suffer with sinus problems and every time I get a simple cold I suffer badly I always end up with bronchitis. I have 4 children and want to see them growing up.

My problem is I haven't fully decided how to do it. I was gonna use the electronic cigarette but don't want to become reliant on it My sister is off them 11 months and still has the electronic cig constantly in her hand. Would I be better going cold turkey and just have the electronic cigarette as a back up in an emergency where I am banging my head against a brick wall. I have downloaded the Alan Carr book so will read that too I know people who have had great success with it.

Wish me luck I hope to post back in a few days with the beginning of my new healthier life !!

thebouldwhacker · 01-12-2013 2:44pm

Went cold turkey 2 and a half years ago. It took a few attempts to get it rightthough. I learnt mmore after evey failed attempt. Haven't looked back since

mariebeth · 01-12-2013 4:14pm

EMCM the very very best of luck giving up. I'm on day 9, and still in the middle of reading Alan Carr's book (gave up a couple of days before I started reading it, and I stayed off them, even though the book says for you to keep smoking while reading it). I can honestly say that I don't even miss smoking, and I don't want to smoke.

I'm loving that everything tastes and smells better. It's great to be able to spray perfume before going anywhere, and still smell of it when you get home. I was out Friday night, and last night, and didn't want to smoke at any stage, I even felt a bit nauseous and actually disgusted by the smell when one of my friends came back in from smoking. I've turned in to one of those ex-smokers that I used to despise, the ones who think it's disgusting after they've stopped smoking, but I can't help it, it's physically disgusting me after only 9 days.

I even managed to get through an interview for a promotion in work, and the wait after the interview to hear feedback (got the promotion by the way) without wanting to smoke once. I never thought I'd get to this point, and while it has been mostly me, Allan Carr's book is deserving of a lot of credit as well.

roonec25 · 18-12-2013 11:34pm

I'm off them four days and I'm feeling fierce tetchy. I've had a rubbish day and I'm having a glass of red wine but now I'm DYING for a smoke. I'm not going to have one. I know I just have to suck it up. I got rid of all my smokes but if there was one in the house I'd probably be having one right now...

massdebater · 19-12-2013 11:17pm

roonec25 wrote: »

I'm off them four days and I'm feeling fierce tetchy. I've had a rubbish day and I'm having a glass of red wine but now I'm DYING for a smoke. I'm not going to have one. I know I just have to suck it up. I got rid of all my smokes but if there was one in the house I'd probably be having one right now...

This is exactly why it's a good idea to get rid of any smokes you have lying about the house/car etc. Tomorrow morning, you'll feel amazing knowing you got through it without smoking, compared to the disappointment you'd be feeling if you had one.

mustard_igloo · 07-01-2014 2:01pm

Decided to quit today. I really don't think I'll be able to go cold turkey but I do think I'll be able to cut down gradually and do it that way. Downloaded an app onto my phone and I'm hoping all the statistics will keep me away!

Gmail · 09-01-2014 12:32pm

Had my last cig at 7pm Monday evening. Found the 1st night ok, Tuesday night was bad but last night was worse.
Cravings are peaking now I think! Other half quit on monday too but he caved last night and bought some.
Was so tempted to have one last night but I was angry with him and stubborn-ness won out in the end

Was off them for about 6 months a few years back so I know I can do it - will power & staying in control are the main things!
Good luck to everybody who is at any stage of giving up! It sure as hell aint easy!!

Shadow Walker · 29-01-2014 1:43pm

I read somewhere that smoking is doubly addictive, both a physical and a psychological addiction. The physical addiction is the addiction to nicotine and the psychological addiction is the compulsion to have that cigarette at certain times even if you only had a ciggarette shortly before , that first cup of tea/coffee in the morning, after meals, before bedtime, when out having a drink.

I have tried acupuncture , patches , champix tablets and the rest before and once or twice I lasted a year or more but always went back.

I will be off cigarettes 5 years in April. This time I split the physical and psychological addictions and dealt with them one at a time. In short I smoked herbal cigarettes for about 6 weeks until my physical addiction to nicotine had waned.

Firstly let me tell you the herbal cigarettes smell and taste like smouldering old socks. Expect to lose pals if you insist on smoking in company and believe me your spouse/partner/housemate WILL ban you and your noxious weed from the sitting room.

BUT there are advantages :-

They only cost about €3 or €4 Euro per pack of 20

You will not smoke near as many. I smoked about 40 cigarettes a day but could comfortably last the week on one pack of herbal cigarettes.

After 6 weeks I just naturally stopped smoking the herbal cigarettes with only a little effort

Because I had been smoking less and less of them over the 6 weeks , I had very little compulsion to smoke with the cuppa or after meals etc

Don't get me wrong, there is will power required . But this is the way I managed to stay off cigarettes for almost 5 years

Best of luck guys.

havetoquit · 29-01-2014 7:23pm

Many thanks for taking the trouble to share this. I too have tried many times and all efforts failed.

Would you please be so kind and advise me if the herbal cigarettes contain nicotine, or any other chemical.

I hope they are available in Wexford, as I am seriously thinking of trying them.
So admire you and very envious of your success. I guess you must have had the right attitude at the right time and a good proportion of willpower.

I cannot understand why some, like myself seem to have such horrid withdrawal symptoms; irritable beyond reason, nervous, tearful, hallucinating almost about that which I really hate and yet crave for. The brain tricks me into thinking I cannot function without them; yet my friend gave up after smoking far more and for longer without half of the same symptoms.

Well done to you and if you can offer further advice on anything else that may have helped you, I would appreciate it very much.

Shadow Walker · 30-01-2014 12:20am

The herbal cigarettes I used were "Honeyrose" and they did not contain tobacco therefore did not contain nicotine nor the dozens of other toxic additives in cigarettes.

In some herbal cigarettes , the main ingredient is wild lettuce. Some contain damiana, mint, passion flower, jasmine, yerba santa, or ginseng, just to name a few of the herbs.

Gehad_JoyRider · 30-01-2014 7:53am

I haven't smoked in 4 months I've started getting my fittness levels up which has put a huge, dampener on my cravings.. Tho the one thing is and has been happening recently is a pain in my chest and a little sniffles its sore...

Support for those quitting smoking

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