Quitting Smoking

[iheartmykiddos]

Ok. I'm going to quit smoking. It's gross, stinky and expensive. It's my only vice. I don't do drugs, I'm not a big drinker, so this is all I have. I'm 24 and I've been smoking a pack a day (at least) for 10 years. I'm starting to get "smoker's cough" and am coughing up nastiness among other things. I'm done.

DH and I are going on vacation in June to Mexico and we DO NOT want to be smokers when we go. We want to keep all the money we spend on cigs and save it for spending money while we're there. That's $130.00 a month. Geez, that's alot LOL. Just 2 months worth is enough cash to swim with dolphins. Smoking or a once in a lifetime chance to swim with dolphins? Hmmmm that's a tough one. NOT!!!

Soooo, I'm going to finish this pack (about 15) and that's it. I know myself and if I try to wean myself, it just won't work. The patches and gum make me sick, so cold turkey is the way to go. I'm going to check in everyday and post how many - if any - I smoke. I'm not going to delude myself into thinking I won't relapse. But I'm going to try, try again and do my best. I CAN DO IT!!!

[babyc11]

I'm also in the process of quitting. I started out using Chantix, but had to stop due to side effects. I was down to not smoking, then started smoking 1 ciggie a day. The past few its up to 5 a day, so I just have to cut myself from them as well. Good luck!

Stephanie

[Coriander]

YOU GO GIRLS!!! You can do it. It takes a little time to get over the first few rough spots but through each success, give yourself a pat on the back. Baby steps!

I quit cold turkey 6 years ago on January 1st, 2009. I know it's not easy but your worth it.

[katey66]

Thank you for posting this. I have been considering/trying to quit for a while. I'm 42, and have been smoking off/on since I was about 16. I did quit during preggies. I have the "cough" also. BF quit cold turkey about 2 years ago. I only smoke outside, in the basement bathroom or in vehicle. DD is getting married in May 2010, so I can definately use the money. I smoke about a pack a day, and at $5 each day, it's alot. I do have some patches. I can usually get through the first 3 days, then wham, I start again. Hope you don't mind if I jump on your band wagon. Not alot of support here, and I personally don't like to let people know I'm trying to quit. Kind of funny that way. If you find a trick that helps, please let me know. I will try to post daily also. Thanks for the help and support.

[elizabethm]

You can do it! It's one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Here cartons are $50+ each and I think they're going to raise the cigarette tax again on a Federal level for SCHIP (something like $6 a carton).

I quit cold turkey in March 2000 and haven't had a cigarette since. I smoked over 1 pack a day for maybe 13 years. I spent about a week yelling at everything. It helped that I worked alone and DH was on a business trip that week (he was supposed to quit with me but he's out back now, smoking....)

You might find Allen Carr's book, "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" helpful. It breaks through the BS we tell ourselves about smoking. I only read the book a couple years ago but highly recommend it it new quitters.

Look for a quit meter online. I used one and each day was a huge victory for me; then each week was a huge victory.

[moxi]

You can do it. I did it 17 years ago. I was a 1.5- 2 pack a day smoker. I went cold turkey too. When my Mom quit, she kept a coffee can under the sink with all her old cigarette butts, put a little water on it, put the lid on it. Every time she'd have an urge to smoke, she take the lid off & get a wiff. The smell was so nasty & intense it soon made smoking very unappealing. She quit for good 30 years ago. Good luck!

[iheartmykiddos]

Thank you for posting this. I have been considering/trying to quit for a while. I'm 42, and have been smoking off/on since I was about 16. I did quit during preggies. I have the "cough" also. BF quit cold turkey about 2 years ago. I only smoke outside, in the basement bathroom or in vehicle. DD is getting married in May 2010, so I can definately use the money. I smoke about a pack a day, and at $5 each day, it's alot. I do have some patches. I can usually get through the first 3 days, then wham, I start again. Hope you don't mind if I jump on your band wagon. Not alot of support here, and I personally don't like to let people know I'm trying to quit. Kind of funny that way. If you find a trick that helps, please let me know. I will try to post daily also. Thanks for the help and support.

Good for you! Come join me!

Dh and I talked about it a bit. He wants us to quit on the same day. We'll be finishing off the carton (only 1 1/2 packs left) and then I'm DONE!!! When I get up in the am, I'm going to play the "See how long I can go without" game.

My mom gets to be the "Collection Agency" She's going to call me on payday - and everyday after that - and harrass me until I give her the $65 we would have spent on ciggs. She's putting it in the Mexico Fund. I'm not allowed to touch it unless it's a dire emergency.

I'm actually excited to quit. And a little nervous. But I sure am going to try!

[iheartmykiddos]

I'm also in the process of quitting. I started out using Chantix, but had to stop due to side effects. I was down to not smoking, then started smoking 1 ciggie a day. The past few its up to 5 a day, so I just have to cut myself from them as well. Good luck!

Stephanie

You too! Sorry lol. We can do it! Wow, I feel like a motivational speaker with all the *!!!!* around here.

[Amniculus]

I quit by accident. Two months ago, I had this death sickness. It wasn't the flu or strep, it was just an awful feeling. I was smoking with a sore throat and was coughing. On my way to the doctor I smoked my last cig. I stopped at CVS for my meds picked up a 7up and didn't buy smokes.

When I wanted a smoke, I would search online for info on quitting cold turkey. The mantra is, "Not one puff." I understand if I have one drag, I'll be in the same boat again.

I smoked 17 cigs a day. I wasn't into generics either.

I also have a higher level of self esteem, I feel like I can do anything.

[katey66]

You can do it! It's one of the best decisions you'll ever make. Here cartons are $50+ each and I think they're going to raise the cigarette tax again on a Federal level for SCHIP (something like $6 a carton)

You might find Allen Carr's book, "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" helpful. It breaks through the BS we tell ourselves about smoking. I only read the book a couple years ago but highly recommend it it new quitters.

Look for a quit meter online. I used one and each day was a huge victory for me; then each week was a huge victory.

I also heard about the tax hike. Here in PA, I believe Rendell is trying to put another state tax on them too. I know alot of people who roll their own and it only costs them like 10 bucks a carton to make them. I just don't want the hassel, smell, bad health, etc.

Thank you for the reference to the book. I may try to get to the library and get it.
I will definately be checking online for the meters. It should help to be able to track you progress.