Support for those quitting smoking

FATTARSE · 18-02-2011 4:35pm

I have tried to quit loads of times. Have been a smoker for 22 years about 10 a day. I had a sneaky suspicion my wife was pregnant with our second child and quit again going cold turkey on 7th Feb only to discover that I was right on 11th Feb!! Having been off them for a week I went straight out to celebrate the good news with a pint and bought 20 fags on auto pilot and smoked about 3 of them but dumped the rest and am now smoke free since 12th and very proud of myself.

However I have a couple of big weekends coming up Stag parties etc and I don't know how I am gonna stay off them. This thread is brilliant and I have used it loads of times before for quitting but I think you have to really want to and then it is not as unberable. I hope to be one of those guys who comes back on here in a couple of months still smoke free!!

RTT · 18-02-2011 4:58pm

Fair play Fattarse on deciding to quit. I know what you mean about wanting to smoke on nights out. I gave up on the 1st of Jan and after a few drinks out in town I miss them. But its only when I'm a bit drunk. Then I wake up the next morning delighted with myself than I managed not to smoke. Just try not to make it harder on yourself. Stay inside and don't go out to the smoking area when your smoking buddies do. Easier said than done, I know, as thats where the craic is. Just be happy that you're a non-smoker. You've done so well so far and no doubt feel and smell better too!

FATTARSE · 18-02-2011 5:08pm

Thanks RTT. Yeah I feel great and it really feels like I have been off them 2 weeks except for that slip when I got the good news. I am going out tonight to treat myself with a bit of retail therapy as a reward. The guys here in work smoke like troopers and I only notice how many times the go out to have one now that I am off them, and how much they stink when they come back in!!

Anyway it feels brilliant and I feel really clean if that makes any sense.

Fair play to everyone on here that has tried and succeeded or failed because I know its a great help to guys like me.

Subtle Troll · 25-03-2011 11:21pm

Just like to post up that its been a few months now, more like 4-5 and I am still off them!

I get the odd idea to go out for a smoke but generally I'm happy to forget about it.

I used the cut down gradually method, its the easiest way I found.

Cummybaby · 30-03-2011 10:04pm

I stopped smoking for 5 weeks after coming across this post 2 months ago. I'm back again. So here goes another shot at a non smoking life

RTT · 31-03-2011 9:01am

Fair play Subtle Troll and Cummybaby. Its day 90 for me and €384.75 saved so far. Ching Ching!!

Elbow · 31-03-2011 9:09am

First week done and i feel great

FATTARSE · 31-03-2011 3:15pm

7 weeks now and going strong. I feel fantastic. Put on about 8-10 lbs but thats coming back off now so its all good

Orion · 01-04-2011 12:27am

Keep it going guys. I'm 15 months today and loving it.

FATTARSE · 22-04-2011 3:11pm

This is great 10 weeks and don't miss them at all. I am FREE !!!!!

ninnybopper · 08-05-2011 12:13am

im just over my 2nd heart attack i am 39 yrs of age and i havent smoked in a week i think the scare of the pain i endured and the thoughts of my children with out their mum gave me the kick in the butt i needed , i know its only a week but already feeling the benifits tasting is totally different and sleeping much better and no signs of chest pain glad i found this topic
im using patches

Dramatik · 20-05-2011 7:03pm

Been off them for around 14-15 weeks, I've stopped counting now. Basicly I got sick of them telling me what to do, for instance say if I had to get the bus some where but I had no smokes I'd have to find somewhere that sold smokes buy and have a smoke before getting the bus, rain wind or shine, it was just a rule. That's just one of many situations through out the day where I was letting the smokes basicly tell me what to do. I started thinking about how something so meaningless was subconciously dictating my next move, from then on I decided to prove to myself that I was stronger than what is essentially plant material and paper and that I'd show them who's boss.

One thing that helped me was switching brands to a brand I disliked during the week and saved the good smokes for the weekend, for me I switched from John Player to Silk Cut Silver which pretty much taste like cardboard to me, thus giving me the smokes taste disgusting buzz. These also helped lower my nicotein levels as they have much lower than John Player and when I'd smoke a John Player they'd make me feel light headed and sick, now they made me feel horrible rather than good. Eventually I was just smoking the silvers and they were so rotten I was like **** this I may as well give them up as they do nothing for me whatsoever and smoking is something I can do without.

People often say "I need a smoke" as if they're going to drop dead any minute without one but infact it's smoking that will kill them, if a smoker was locked in a room without smokes for a week, you're not gonna find the smoker dead through lack of cigarettes. Basicly what I'm trying to say is, a lot of people think smoking is a phisical addiction but when you give up you realise it's actually more of a mental thing than anything else. Play that mental game with yourself and play it to win, the hardest opponent you will ever face in life is yourself, don't take any excuses from yourself be prepaired for plenty of them.

Another which helped me with with cravings was when I'd get one I'd tell myself to wait another 10 mins and by that point the craving would have gone, if it wasn't gone by then I'd tell myself to wait another 5mins, and it would be gone, you'd be surprised. Doing this helped me to take control over the cravings, so wasn't just giving in to myself right away and was slowly building up the power needed to get rid of them for good.

Something else which helped me later on was setting myself missions like stand out in the smoking area with a friend who's a smoker to strenghten your will power although I wouldn't try this untill you been off them at least 2 weeks. The first time you do it, it'll be hard but after that you'll think about it less and less. It helps because you're not smoking in a situation where you'd have definiatly had one and gets you used to that feeling.

They were a couple of things that helped me along the road and I'm by no means at the end of it, but the key is to take it day by day little by little. If you break it down to smaller more easily managable parts you find it much easier. I'm not saying this'll work for everyone, I'm just sharing what's working for me, it's all about finding which way works best for you. Just try to stay positive and look forward to living a healthy life that doesn't involve smoking and being told what to do by those pointless little cancer sticks. You're better that that, you owe it to yourself to give them up, be your own boss and take charge of your own life, only you can make the change...

MojoRising · 21-05-2011 10:36am

Nicely put Dramatik! have to say trying my best to kick the dirty little ***** was off them for 2 months but fell back again decided I have to this time was thinking of trying e-cigs,but probably better off setting my mind to completely kick them.

Cummybaby · 23-05-2011 1:08am

Fell off the wagon again. 4 weeks - F*** my life. I'm trying to figure out what is going wrong. Last week I was buying a newspaper and all of sudden I just blurted out: "and 20 Benson please". It was as if someone else was controlling me. The second pitfall is that I am finished college for the summer and have absolutely nothing to do and smoking gives me an activity to break up the day. Can anyone offer advice about the first couple of weeks of non smoking. I'm at the end of me tether. Thanks

frulewis · 20-07-2011 6:31pm

its day one lads and were it not for me coming on here and reading your posts i'd be smoking for definite! fingers crossed i'll last i do not want to smoke again i'm sick of the feckers, it's exactly like someone said in another post they rule your life, there's been nights when i've had three left and go out in wind, rain or snow to get some more just in case or have to drive 10 miles out of my way to get some when i'm going to a friend's house. Please God let this be the end of it!!

Harrocks · 20-07-2011 7:00pm

Day 16 smoke free cant say its easy but starting to feel the benefit ie want my lungs back.Eating like a fecker but at least i can taste food now.Needed a few uses of a nicorete inhaler on week 1.But system clear of nicotine try not to use patches etc.If you get a mad craving drink water go for a long walk.Good luck to anyone trying.IT IS POSSIBLE !!!!

Snowie · 08-09-2011 7:30am

its not even been 72 hours

anger in me, yesterday i slept all day yesterday was very withdrawn sweating all that kinda stuff. Was a feverish night and day of mess.

I stopped because I no longer enjoyed I was getting more and more repulsed bye cigerates....

Today Is the first day il be near a shop il have money and its so easy every one knows what I'm talking about...

Im strong enough but part of me really wants one...

I feel like I'm talking about a little dirty pervy secret here...

EverEvolving · 09-09-2011 10:53am

9 weeks and counting, amazing the money you save from not smoking. Only problem now is that I'm getting a bit nostalgic about them, gotta dose myself with the reasons for quitting and all that as I'm getting tempted again, stressful period in my life atm also but if I can get through this without smoking then I reckon I'm fairly safe. Need to summon all of my will power.

DublinWriter · 09-09-2011 11:00am

Day one on Champix here. I'm intending smoking up to day 14.

In_My_Tree · 12-09-2011 1:25am

Have been off them for the last 2 days, never thought I would be able to go without a smoke. I used to smoke a pack a day and started to feel the strain on my lungs and even coughed up blood because I torn my throat over the constant coughs. Now, 2 days free from it I have a huge craving for one. I don't want to yet I want to.

Hearing I will have 3 weeks of this craving. Plus at a party JEEZ I won't last at all.

krrh · 19-09-2011 11:25am

46 hours so far for me and the hubby! and counting!!

its so hard - yesterday we were so snappy with each other but we talked last night and that seemed to help.

What i was wondering was what sort of side effects as such did you experience since you came of the smokes?

i have been coughing, getting sore heads, blood when i blow my nose (sorry if thats TMI) and my hubby has been getting sick as well

just wondering if anybody else is experiencing these sort of things?

The Agogo · 21-09-2011 12:34pm

krrh wrote: »

46 hours so far for me and the hubby! and counting!!

its so hard - yesterday we were so snappy with each other but we talked last night and that seemed to help.

What i was wondering was what sort of side effects as such did you experience since you came of the smokes?

i have been coughing, getting sore heads, blood when i blow my nose (sorry if thats TMI) and my hubby has been getting sick as well

just wondering if anybody else is experiencing these sort of things?

I was expecting these symptoms when I quit but they never came (smoked for 8 years). It must have differing effects on different people

krrh · 21-09-2011 12:37pm

thanks for the reply
still very snappy with each other but other than that we are doing ok - still off them anyway.

I have been smoking between 5 & 10 per day for the last 13 years and my hubby he has been smoking about 20 a day for the last 12 years so we had a big habit

Def affecting him more than me but i suppose thats all to do with the levels we were takin in!

howamidifferent · 25-09-2011 1:24pm

howamidifferent wrote: »

Free and Healing for Six Months, Thirty Days, 12 Hours and 22 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 14 Days and 16 Hours, by avoiding the use of 4230 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me €1,728.26.

Plasma paid for, Bluray player paid for...Nice movie sound system next on the list...:P

I'm coming up on 3 years off them now on Oct 14h. Went off them the day of Lenihans Oct 14th 2008 budget when he added 50 cent to a 20 pack. Havent looked back since....If I could do the same with the wine I'd be a wealthy man.

The Agogo · 02-10-2011 12:26am

krrh wrote: »

thanks for the reply
still very snappy with each other but other than that we are doing ok - still off them anyway.

I have been smoking between 5 & 10 per day for the last 13 years and my hubby he has been smoking about 20 a day for the last 12 years so we had a big habit

Def affecting him more than me but i suppose thats all to do with the levels we were takin in!

How are you doing so far [10 days later?]

krrh · 03-10-2011 1:30pm

we are both doin really well, 16 days so far and counting!!

thank you for asking!!

Sasquatch76 · 06-10-2011 12:34am

krrh wrote: »

we are both doin really well, 16 days so far and counting!!

thank you for asking!!

Great achievement for you both! Ye are over the worst of it now

mrshappy · 10-10-2011 8:54pm

Good to hear that - Day 2 for me, hopefully it will start to get easier soon. Not finding it 'too' bad but couldn't sleep last night, kept tossing and turning (not like me at all)

Erostaphanes · 21-10-2011 4:59pm

This is a great forum - it really helps to read all peoples troubles and triumphs kicking the habit. Thanks to all contributors.

Day 3 now myself and going ok. After maybe 20 years of smoking anything between 5 and 40 a day. Previous attempts rarely lasted more than a month but I'm more determined and prepared this time. Cravings are sometimes very strong here on day three but the battle is mostly a psychological one, even at this early stage. I have to keep reminding myself that its my own mind trying to tell me lies, and always with just one sneaky aim, and not to let that nictone mind get away with it.

I'd say that last line would only make sense to smokers who've quit or at least tried. To anyone else, it probably just sounds a bit insane.

Good luck to all quitters out there. I reckon it helps to keep visualising the positive things - picturing your future self as a happy non-smoker in fine health, with more money, better skin and smell, and not having dead dried weeds rolled up in paper telling you how to live your life.

And Werthers Originals. They help too!

dhop · 02-11-2011 11:33am

After smoking 15 to 20 a day for 19 years I quit on monday 24th october and loving it.:)

I have been trying to give up for years but never had the will power to last more than a few days. I used patches, gum etc and read allen carr book a couple of times, i just dont think i really wanted to quit.

This time i am going cold turkey, and i am 9 days in (longets ever) and loving it.
Over the last couple of months i have been reading forums like this one and all the great stoiries about people quiting (well done all). This started to make me feel jealous of all those who managed to quit and i started to realise that i really want to quit.

So i just decided, i am going to finish this pack and that will be that.!!

So i had my last cig around 11pm, went to bed about 12 and was actually smiling, thinking that i have finally given them up for good.

It has been really tough and almost gave in a few times. But when i feel like giving in i just think of that smile and remind myself that this is what i want and i am not giving in.

So my thanks goes to all of you who post on forums like this for helping me realise what i want and giving me the motivation to do it.

thebouldwhacker · 04-11-2011 1:05pm

hi all, been a while since I have been here so I said I'd post up. I'm Off them since the end of June. Quit a few times before but I feel as though I'm done with smoking this time. I just don't want fags anymore.
Sure I get the odd craving but chewing gum and water are great for this.
My secret?
I made a 1oo% rock solid decision that I will not smoke anymore regardless of the craving. I can't over emphasise this point. Smoking is just not an option, like an alcoholic giving up drink, each fag is like a shot if whiskey. No such thing as one fag, I am addicted to nicotine forever.
I decided that cravings will happen and will always pass but being smoke free is forever. This 'mantra' got me through the first 2 weeks of stopping and still serves me well today.
I place cravings akin to when I'm cycling or running up a hill and its getting steep and tough and quitting crosses the mind..... Dig deep and get over the hill and enjoy going down the otherside. Same with a craving, see it for what it is and enjoy the feeling of success moments later when it passes.
Remember that each craving is separate, don't think 'i have been craving all week's know the truth that as each one passes you grow stronger and closer to the day without one, for me this took about 2 weeks.

annascott · 06-11-2011 9:03pm

Hi All
I have not posted on here for ages but am happy to say that I have not smoked a cigarette this year. Into my eleventh month now and delighted with myself. Yes, very occasionally I get the urge to smoke a cigarette but I have to tell myself that the relaxing big inhale and puff no longer exists for me. In reality, I would cough, get dizzy and feel sick. Like a previous poster said, I have accepted that I cannot run the risk of getting hooked again by smoking occasionally. (after 28 years as a smoker, I would not trust myself) I know that some people smoke when on a night out and then go back to being a non smoker again. This is not for me. I am happy not to smoke. There are so many benefits. I love being able to 'shut the door to keep the heat in' when it is cold outside, whereas before, my sitting room door was always open to let air circulate. Also, not getting wet next to an open window in the car when it is raining is great too.

To all of you on your non-smoker journeys, take it one day at a time. It is worth it.

boodiebhoy · 17-11-2011 12:48am

Well done to everyone who is still off them or just starting to quit. Once you stop you are a non smoker and even if you fall off the wagon you will get on again. Thankfully off them now for 11 years and I had a bad habit - ususally had the first one of the day before getting out of bed. Tried a few times to give them up cold turkey but only found success when used patches.

NormBron · 27-11-2011 6:06pm

Hi, my mother has to give up smoking due to copd but she also suffers from a mild dementia so her good intentions are quite literally forgotten after a few days.

This means that i have to re-tell the conversation she had with her GP all over again, and because she isn't hearing it directly from the doctor, she is a little sceptical.

I have bought her the cigarette that glows and gives off smoke & contains nicotine but she says that she gets absolutely no satisfaction from it.

I thought it was the nicotine that you need and crave. Is that wrong? why wouldn't a product that has nicotine in it help her? Sorry if these sound like stupid questions but I don't smoke myself so don't quite understand it.

Would be grateful for any advice!

sporina · 09-01-2012 10:55pm

Fionn wrote: »

This month two years ago, midnight on the 11th of May 2003 to be exact, was the last time i smoked a cigarette
dunno if it was a conscious decision to give them up, more a decision to NOT SMOKE!
how did i do it? i can't really say, i do know that i had had enough of them. i hated all the negative aspects as have been mentioned already and after been a smoker for over 27 years or so i wanted to stop.

I remember going through the craving pangs and that for about a week I suppose the closest i could describe it is being hungry except in a different way!

I had never tried to not smoke before, so this was totally new territory for me. Having observed a person in work make an attempt and followed their progress and thought if they can do it so can I. Even when they failed this spurred me to maybe do better, it was a challenge!
After the initial week had gone by and i was still reasonably sane I started to let people know that i wasn't smoking and i did get a lot of encouragement and support which i think was a benefit, getting positive feedback reinforces the decision. I also used a hypnosis CD which i listened to every night for maybe a forthnight. I'm sure this also had positive infulences and reinforced my no smoking campaign.

Why i have been successful so far i can't really put down to any one thing, only that as has been previously stated....when your absolutely convinced your ready and WANT more than anything to NOT SMOKE you may find success.

Do I miss smoking? nope!! i'm not bitter about it, i stopped for me no one else!! so I only miss the negative stuff like you'd miss a sore thumb

I occasionally still get the odd second of craving usually swiftly extinguished by five seconds of deep deep breathing, and remember us smokers can and do breathe deeper than the rest of the population so our lung capacity is actually a bit larger deep breathing is great!!!

I have been scared a few times having dreamed i was smoking, but hey i dream other things too!!

Do i enjoy the benefits of NOT SMOKING? you bet!
every morning i get into a clean car my clothes are clean, take in fresh air, don't stink of smoke, I never realised i smelled like a walking ashtray at one stage! don't seem to cough as often these days etc.

Might I smoke again? It's always possible!! but i haven't got that vision for myself and I think a lot of this is visualisation i visualise myself as a person who doesn't smoke, this has helped me to succeed so far and i believe will continue to. I've never looked back since!

Sorry for going on so much, this is my story so far. If even one person gets any inspiration from it or any of the others in the thread that'll be great!!

the very best of luck to anyone setting out on trying ---You Can Do It!!!

plan to clean out my car - thanks.

galwayhooker · 12-01-2012 1:31am

Hi!so glad saw this forum.quit the ciggies last year - was never big smoker - jst bought the odd pack here and there.jst before Xmas tho have started on them again and am so disappointed in myself

was so healthy last yr - did dublin city marathon for first time and did it in 3 hrs 53 min !!! Was so proud and had lost weight.
Ended up with knee injury and since then have jst been so lazy . Sitting about smoking and eating and weight has cone back on again.have put my name down for cork marathon this yr in June and have decided no more excuses!!!back on the weight watchers and out with the cigarettes - wish me luck

sporina · 12-01-2012 3:56pm

galwayhooker wrote: »

Hi!so glad saw this forum.quit the ciggies last year - was never big smoker - jst bought the odd pack here and there.jst before Xmas tho have started on them again and am so disappointed in myself was so healthy last yr - did dublin city marathon for first time and did it in 3 hrs 53 min !!! Was so proud and had lost weight.
Ended up with knee injury and since then have jst been so lazy . Sitting about smoking and eating and weight has cone back on again.have put my name down for cork marathon this yr in June and have decided no more excuses!!!back on the weight watchers and out with the cigarettes - wish me luck

best of luck - what is your quit plan?

i am giving up on Monday. Got patches today. I have made a list of the reasons why I am looking forward to being a non smoker. Role on Monday - sick of being a slave to the feckers. Oh god how the HATE cigarettes.

mightysurveyor · 14-02-2012 4:52pm

Day 4. Not feeling the need to pick up a smoke.

Also halfway through the Allen Carr book. The man was a genius pure and simple.

Reckon the weekend coming will be a big tester. Just gotta get the mind a bit more stronger before then and I should be laughing!

On a side note just seen Aviva Health has joined forces with Allen Carrs clinics to help their customers. Fair balls to them.

Bridget75 · 14-02-2012 5:07pm

Went back on the dirty smokes last year

but have been off them 4 weeks today, reallllly struggling again, yesterday I was convinced that I just couldnt do it, you know the way you compromise with yourself?? managed to get through the day and today isnt half as bad

Eating all around me though, which isn't great, thats another days work!

mrshappy · 14-02-2012 6:43pm

Day 3 on patches for me. Tried so many times last year cold turkey, read alan carrs book but was like a bear so hope after a few weeks I will be able to go without the patches too.

sporina · 14-02-2012 9:03pm

keep going yo guys - day 29 for me now.. can't believe it.

I think what has worked for me so far is that I just hated that I smoked.

And remember - smokers don't wanna smoke - so don't envy them!!!!!

lester76 · 19-02-2012 7:19pm

mightysurveyor wrote: »

Day 4. Not feeling the need to pick up a smoke.

Also halfway through the Allen Carr book. The man was a genius pure and simple.

Reckon the weekend coming will be a big tester. Just gotta get the mind a bit more stronger before then and I should be laughing!

On a side note just seen Aviva Health has joined forces with Allen Carrs clinics to help their customers. Fair balls to them.

Have to agree anyone with half a brain has to get what he is tell you:) I had to laugh a chapter 21 the advantages to been a smoker haha ah hello feckin none

sher90 · 20-02-2012 8:19pm

Day 22 for me with patches which are making me feel sick.Also did anyone have terrible taste in their mouth that nothing gets rid of.

sporina · 23-02-2012 7:43pm

i am on day 39 using the 15 mg invisi patch - I don't find any side effects to be honest. They do work though. I find that if I don't put it on until later in the day (if i am having a shower late etc) then I think about smoking a lot more.

What strength are you on?

kryogen · 26-02-2012 2:41am

Im on day 26 of my 40th attempt to kick the habit, not going to build my hopes up too much as I was off them for over a year before and stupidly went back on them, found an excuse with a stressful life situation!

No more though, don't need them. Don't want them.

sher90 · 27-02-2012 11:42pm

I'm now on 7mg patches.I now think they have nothing to do with the sick stomach.I'm fed up feeling sick and still have terrible taste in my mouth,I'm taking anti-sickness tablets to see if they help.I'm on day 29 and do find the patches helpful like you said I don't think about cigs if I have a patch on.

FATTARSE · 13-03-2012 5:53pm

Right, this is it. I am off them since 9am Monday 05th March and I am staying off them forever. These posts help a lot!!

sher90 · 15-03-2012 3:46pm

I'm on day 45/46.Was feeling very sick and blamed the patches but then found it is an old medical problem.Was put on steroids and within 3 hours the sick feeling was gone,now I have another problem I can't stop eating but I can only deal with one at a time so smoking first then the eating;).:(

FATTARSE · 15-03-2012 4:18pm

Still smoke free!! Paddys weekend coming up BIG TEST.....

sher90 · 15-03-2012 4:24pm

Not too worried about Paddy's day but am about Spain in 2 weeks,cigs so cheap

Support for those quitting smoking

Comments