SMOKERS... LETS KICK the HABIT!!

[Shay McGee]

I grew angry at the habit after trying over 3 years to quit smoking . I made lists of all the things that I associated with smoking and started separating from them . Then one day I decided to order the e- cig and I bought that gum.
I didn't really like either of my alternatives, but I used them when I wanted a cigarette. One weekend I just lost all desire for them .

[Lady Pamela]

I grew angry at the habit after trying over 3 years to quit smoking . I made lists of all the things that I associated with smoking and started separating from them . Then one day I decided to order the e- cig and I bought that gum.
I didn't really like either of my alternatives, but I used them when I wanted a cigarette. One weekend I just lost all desire for them .

What a gift to you, to have just lost all desire.
I don't know if you realize that or not but it truely is.
So happy that you have chose to not smoke as well.

[Lady Pamela]

19 months smoke free today

Still amazes me and I am so thankful for every day.
Also for all the help along the way.

How is everyone doing today?

[DapperButch]

19 months smoke free today

Still amazes me and I am so thankful for every day.
Also for all the help along the way.

How is everyone doing today?

A-Ok. Still have cravings though. No doubt I always will!

[macele]

15 months today for me. that's wonderful. but now i've got to do something with all this big booty! lol

smoking and overeating will both kill you. just takes time.

i'm happy for all those who have quit and continue to not smoke. and those who want to quit, ... you can do it. yes you can.

[Queenie]

Here in London a pack of Marlboro's sell for around £8.00. That is I think around $10.00 or $11.00? So, because of that I have stopped smoking for I think the 12th time? I need to STOP! I just don't have the money to buy em any longer. In a normal week I would smoke about half a carton.
My reasons for why I smoke are:


I am a addict. I like to take and smoke things that maybe I shouldn't.
I am always in a lot of pain from my back.
I am a bored house wife.

So, at the moment I haven't had a smoke in a week. I did the patch for 4 days and then I moved onto a nicotine inhaler. I would really love any advice on how I can continue to not smoke.

[Daktari]

macele...it's taken 3 and half years to lose the giving up smoking/hitting man-0-pause weight.

Queenie...lot's of gritting yer teefs and just gettin' on with it is what works. We make it hard for ourselves by thinking we're missing something instead of working on how positive it is that we're not smoking For Today! If it gets real hard you break the day down into more manageable chunks. It's easier to consider not smoking for an hour or half hour, 5 minutes if it's that bad.

Strong cravings you just have to ride out. Lots of deep breathing and distraction is need at those times.


3 and half years not smoking and counting...still get the odd craving and as Dapper says, probably always will. I'm alright with that though.
18months sober
17 months clean

[DapperButch]

18months sober
17 months clean

Congrats on this too!

[Lady Pamela]

WAY TO GO! THAT'S AWESOME!

15 months today for me. that's wonderful. but now i've got to do something with all this big booty! lol

smoking and overeating will both kill you. just takes time.

i'm happy for all those who have quit and continue to not smoke. and those who want to quit, ... you can do it. yes you can.

[Lady Pamela]

kEEP UP THE GREAT WORK..THATS AWESOME!!

macele...it's taken 3 and half years to lose the giving up smoking/hitting man-0-pause weight.

Queenie...lot's of gritting yer teefs and just gettin' on with it is what works. We make it hard for ourselves by thinking we're missing something instead of working on how positive it is that we're not smoking For Today! If it gets real hard you break the day down into more manageable chunks. It's easier to consider not smoking for an hour or half hour, 5 minutes if it's that bad.

Strong cravings you just have to ride out. Lots of deep breathing and distraction is need at those times.


3 and half years not smoking and counting...still get the odd craving and as Dapper says, probably always will. I'm alright with that though.
18months sober
17 months clean

[Lady Pamela]

cONGRATS FIRST OF ALL..GREAT CHOICE!
If you read through the thread there are tons of great ideas on how to stop smoking..Ones that have helped me alot.
Not to mention great support.

Keep it going..It gets easier.

Here in London a pack of Marlboro's sell for around £8.00. That is I think around $10.00 or $11.00? So, because of that I have stopped smoking for I think the 12th time? I need to STOP! I just don't have the money to buy em any longer. In a normal week I would smoke about half a carton.
My reasons for why I smoke are:


I am a addict. I like to take and smoke things that maybe I shouldn't.
I am always in a lot of pain from my back.
I am a bored house wife.

So, at the moment I haven't had a smoke in a week. I did the patch for 4 days and then I moved onto a nicotine inhaler. I would really love any advice on how I can continue to not smoke.

[Lady Pamela]

A-Ok. Still have cravings though. No doubt I always will!

Yes the cravings suck but your doing incredible and are such a wonderful strength to those doing the same.
Thank you for that.
And keep on keepin on...smiles

[Glenn]

am still struggling .. I've only managed this past year to cut down from two packs a day, to one pack a day, because it has been too hard to quit cold turkey. I will need to implement a better plan to cut down even more this year... so I've decided that even though I may gain weight, it is better to cut down..via..eating more food I like instead of smoking a cigarette, ice-cream, candy, long hot epsom salt baths, death mantras, prayers, etc. will report back next year if I'm not dead..

[Lady Pamela]

am still struggling .. I've only managed this past year to cut down from two packs a day, to one pack a day, because it has been too hard to quit cold turkey. I will need to implement a better plan to cut down even more this year... so I've decided that even though I may gain weight, it is better to cut down..via..eating more food I like instead of smoking a cigarette, ice-cream, candy, long hot epsom salt baths, death mantras, prayers, etc. will report back next year if I'm not dead..

I suggest reading this thread all the way through..tons of wonderful ideas...Also cut the tips off your smokes and then slowly decrease 1 at a time...if that is the way you choose.
Or get a vapor ciggarret to smoke half and half smokes untill finally that is all your smoking.

Some can not do it cold turkey..first rule of thumb is dont kick yourself down.
You invested years into creating this addiction...If you can't go cold turkey..Then invest a few months in doing things to stop it...there are no rules.

But seriously read this thread.

Good luck.

[Lady Pamela]

I wasn't here on the 4th but it was my 20th month smoke free.
I found it awesome that when I returned, I found messages to congratulate me even while I was gone.
Ya all rock!

Thank you so much!

[Nat]

I had mostly quit before the reunion but I believe my last cig was the morning of the femme swap at the reunion. I've craved one all week, but I withstood it - even today when one was offered to me.

[Lady Pamela]

I had mostly quit before the reunion but I believe my last cig was the morning of the femme swap at the reunion. I've craved one all week, but I withstood it - even today when one was offered to me.

Way excited for you!
Keep it up. It is so worth the hard times.
Proud of you.

[macele]

I had mostly quit before the reunion but I believe my last cig was the morning of the femme swap at the reunion. I've craved one all week, but I withstood it - even today when one was offered to me.



hey nat. i don't know how much you smoked a day, or for how long, or if you've ever quit before and started back, ... but we don't realize how great it will make us feel. the great can't be relayed, ... you have to feel it for yourself. your body will thank you.

i wish you lots of willpower.

[Queenie]

Next week it will mark two month since I have had a smoke. I feel really fab about being able to stop smoking for two whole months! And its nice having more money in my bank account!

[DapperButch]

Keep it up, Nat and Queenie! It feels great on the other side!

[uglyboi]

I am coming up on my 2 year anniversary!! December 17th. Wow, I never thought I could stop smoking, so if you think you can't you CAN. It's hard but it is worth the agony that eventually goes away!!

[Scuba]

I agree with Uglyboi!! Been smoke-free for 3.5 years. Keep up the hard work. It's truly worth it!!!

[Daktari]

Ditto

Just over 3 and half years and so worth it. I'd be carrying portable oxygen by now if I hadn't.

You can, you can, you can!

[DapperButch]

Ditto

Just over 3 and half years and so worth it. I'd be carrying portable oxygen by now if I hadn't.

You can, you can, you can!

Yes, TF and I just hit 4 this past November. I love not being a slave to nicotine!

[Daktari]

Yes, TF and I just hit 4 this past November. I love not being a slave to nicotine!

:thumbsup: Me too. The freedom from being in thrall to a 'drug' and that smoke in the ole lungs that ultimately makes me really, really ill is wonderful...as my story is posted here y'all know I'm an example of 'worst case scenario' consequences of smoking.

It just ain't worth it folks. If you end up like me, aged 50, and unable to do even simple things that you really, really like to do; With a lung disease that impinges negatively on your life every ducking day, you too can live with a massive regret that you damaged yourself beyond any repair


Smoker's lung disease; the 'gift' that keeps taking every damn year. :whoop:

[Corkey]

6 years in May. I don't have cravings or even want them.

[Liam]

Four years here; I get cranky with the folks smoking on the sidewalks now! I truly am happy to be a non-smoker, and I have no desire to smoke anymore.

[Lady Pamela]

just popped in a sec to say sorry for my abse but health created so couldnt be helped.

Still smoke free here. A when people are on the side of the road smoking, I remind myself they they couldnt understand the impact of the smoke..i surely didnt untill now.

[grenade]

Still smoke free! Almost 19 months now. Even smelling it on others makes me a bit nauseous now. No craving at all.


Happy Thanksgiving.

[TruTexan]

Hey ya'll. I"m in need of quitting smoking and support. Have any of you tried using the vapor cig. to quit, I mean the one that doesn't have nicotine in it. The smallest dose of nicotine I can get is 6% which is slightly close to the ultra lights I smoke. I bought the vapor cig yesterday with the 0 nicotine fluid to use for that hand to mouth habit. I am hoping this will work for me to help me quit. I've tried using chantix rx but that med makes me so depressed I can't get out of the black hole it puts me in and I'm already taking antidepressants so that's not an option to help.
I want to quit, I have asthma that is affected by the cold and heat, and I am required to smoke outdoors where I live. It's freaking colder than a well diggers ass out there and I"m tired of coughing my damn head off anymore.
I'm not sure if I am doing this right, but I'm giving it the good old try adn putting it in my mind that I need to quit and must quit. I could save several hundred dollars and put that stuff to use elsewhere in a months time. I don't smoke indoors, so my my things don"t smell like smoke nor does my apt. YAY for that much !!
Anywho, help a butch out with any tips you may have and root root root for me to help me quit. Thanks and I appreciate y'all in advance.

[DapperButch]

Hey ya'll. I"m in need of quitting smoking and support. Have any of you tried using the vapor cig. to quit, I mean the one that doesn't have nicotine in it. The smallest dose of nicotine I can get is 6% which is slightly close to the ultra lights I smoke. I bought the vapor cig yesterday with the 0 nicotine fluid to use for that hand to mouth habit. I am hoping this will work for me to help me quit. I've tried using chantix rx but that med makes me so depressed I can't get out of the black hole it puts me in and I'm already taking antidepressants so that's not an option to help.
I want to quit, I have asthma that is affected by the cold and heat, and I am required to smoke outdoors where I live. It's freaking colder than a well diggers ass out there and I"m tired of coughing my damn head off anymore.
I'm not sure if I am doing this right, but I'm giving it the good old try adn putting it in my mind that I need to quit and must quit. I could save several hundred dollars and put that stuff to use elsewhere in a months time. I don't smoke indoors, so my my things don"t smell like smoke nor does my apt. YAY for that much !!
Anywho, help a butch out with any tips you may have and root root root for me to help me quit. Thanks and I appreciate y'all in advance.


I have heard those vapor things help people quit. I did it cold turkey, Chantix, and chewing on coffee stir straws.

Good luck!

[Jesse]

When I logged on and saw this thread pop up on the screen it reminded me that today marks 3 years since I last smoked a cigarette. Quitting that habit is one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

I have faith in those of you who are trying to quit, just don't give up on yourself!

Congrats to those who have quit!

- Jesse

[ahk]

Tomorrow marks my 6th year!
Congratulations to Jesse and others.
Every day gets easier.

Some fun facts--


20 minutes after you smoked your last cigarette, your HR (heart rate) will have alread started to return back to normal.

After 2 hours without a cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure will have decreased to near normal levels. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually start about two hours after your last cigarette. Early withdrawal symptoms include:

intense cravings
anxiety, tension, or frustration
drowsiness or trouble sleeping
increased appetite

In just 12 hours after quitting smoking, the carbon monoxide in your body decreases to lower levels, and your blood oxygen levels increase to normal.

In 24 hours, the heart attack rate for smokers is 70 percent higher than for nonsmokers. But, believe or not, just one full day after quitting smoking, your risk for heart attack will already have begun to drop. While you're not quite out of the woods yet, you're on your way!

After 48 hours without a cigarette, your nerve endings will start to re-grow, and your ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

3 days--At this point, the nicotine will be completely out of your body. Unfortunately, that means that the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal will generally peak around this time. You may experience some physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or cramps in addition to the emotional symptoms mentioned above.

To fight the mental symptoms, reward yourself for not smoking; use the money you would have spent on cigarettes to treat yourself to something nice.

After a couple of weeks, you'll be able to exercise and perform physical activities without feeling winded and sick.

One to 9 months-- About a month after you quit, your lungs begin to repair. Inside them, the cilia—the tiny, hair-like organelles that push mucus out—will start to repair themselves and function properly again. With the cilia now able to do their job, they will help to reduce your risk of infection.

The one-year mark is a big one. After a year without smoking, your risk for heart disease is lowered by 50 percent compared to when you were still smoking!!

5 years -- A number of the substances released in the burning of tobacco—carbon monoxide chief among them—cause your blood vessels to narrow, which increases your risk of having a stroke. After five to 15 years of being smoke-free, your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.

Ten years after quitting, your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.

Fifteen years of non-smoking will bring your risk of heart disease back to the same level as someone who doesn't smoke.



Keep fighting!!

[Lady Pamela]

As of the 4th I have been smoke free 23 months...Wasn't able to post.

For everyone else trying or who have quit, KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!

Blessings to you as well.

[Loren_Q]

Hey ya'll. I"m in need of quitting smoking and support. Have any of you tried using the vapor cig. to quit, I mean the one that doesn't have nicotine in it. The smallest dose of nicotine I can get is 6% which is slightly close to the ultra lights I smoke. I bought the vapor cig yesterday with the 0 nicotine fluid to use for that hand to mouth habit. I am hoping this will work for me to help me quit. I've tried using chantix rx but that med makes me so depressed I can't get out of the black hole it puts me in and I'm already taking antidepressants so that's not an option to help.
I want to quit, I have asthma that is affected by the cold and heat, and I am required to smoke outdoors where I live. It's freaking colder than a well diggers ass out there and I"m tired of coughing my damn head off anymore.
I'm not sure if I am doing this right, but I'm giving it the good old try adn putting it in my mind that I need to quit and must quit. I could save several hundred dollars and put that stuff to use elsewhere in a months time. I don't smoke indoors, so my my things don"t smell like smoke nor does my apt. YAY for that much !!
Anywho, help a butch out with any tips you may have and root root root for me to help me quit. Thanks and I appreciate y'all in advance.


First off, go you! Getting to the place of "I gotta quit" is hard, I'm glad you're making that choice.

I'm one of those folks who quit via vaping. I started vaping December 22nd 2012 and I've had 6 cigarettes since then (all in Jan/Feb while going through some tough personal times).

Most of my liquids are 0 or 6mg. I started at 12mg and still have one "just in case" bottle of 12mg.

So far, this has been the only thing that works at keeping the craving at bay. In the past I've tried cold turkey, patches, nicorette, Zyban, Chantix. I may have stopped smoking but the craving never really left and would eventually get the best of me.

For me vaping satisfies about 90% of the craving, I can handle the rest. This is the most comfortable I've been about not smoking. I haven't had any ill effects and don't foresee them.

I hope vaping helps you. There's a (not active) thread about vaping here http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6228. It's got a lot of good info.

I've gotten some flack about 'substituting' but I'm okay with substituting burning, toxic material know to cause cancer with vaporized 'generally known to be safe' material used in food products and asthma inhalers.

[Corkey]

Hey ya'll. I"m in need of quitting smoking and support. Have any of you tried using the vapor cig. to quit, I mean the one that doesn't have nicotine in it. The smallest dose of nicotine I can get is 6% which is slightly close to the ultra lights I smoke. I bought the vapor cig yesterday with the 0 nicotine fluid to use for that hand to mouth habit. I am hoping this will work for me to help me quit. I've tried using chantix rx but that med makes me so depressed I can't get out of the black hole it puts me in and I'm already taking antidepressants so that's not an option to help.
I want to quit, I have asthma that is affected by the cold and heat, and I am required to smoke outdoors where I live. It's freaking colder than a well diggers ass out there and I"m tired of coughing my damn head off anymore.
I'm not sure if I am doing this right, but I'm giving it the good old try adn putting it in my mind that I need to quit and must quit. I could save several hundred dollars and put that stuff to use elsewhere in a months time. I don't smoke indoors, so my my things don"t smell like smoke nor does my apt. YAY for that much !!
Anywho, help a butch out with any tips you may have and root root root for me to help me quit. Thanks and I appreciate y'all in advance.


Cold turkey, a lot of carrots and keeping my hands busy. 2 weeks of welbutrin (sp)

[Redsunflower]

I started a cold turkey quit on 29th December 2013.

Day 9 almost completed. :clap:

This time I have the help of a sponsor and he's making all the difference.

I'm doing it this time.

:thumbsup:

[ahk]

I quit cold turkey.
And....
LOTS of Juicy Fruit gum. Everytime I wanted a cig I qould pop some gum in my mouth.

Good luck TruTexan - every day gets easier at first its hard but once you get past the craving stage you will feel awesome!

[Redsunflower]

Day 11 and I'm still going strong.

Today is not easy. In fact I feel a little bit nuts. I'm going out for a run in a minute to burn up adrenalin and try and feel a bit calmer.

Well done to everyone in the process of quitting and trying to get to a more comfortable place. We can totally do it.

[DapperButch]

Day 11 and I'm still going strong.

Today is not easy. In fact I feel a little bit nuts. I'm going out for a run in a minute to burn up adrenalin and try and feel a bit calmer.

Well done to everyone in the process of quitting and trying to get to a more comfortable place. We can totally do it.

Redsunflower, you can do this! Exercise definitely helped me. It burns off the restless. Good for you for quitting!

[Ravenouss]

25 years next month since I quit. It was considerably easy when I threw a pack in the trash and never smoked again. I used to puff 2 packs a day for about 10 years. My mother also stopped cold. I never understood the "addiction" per se since we both had no trouble stopping, but when I tried to get rid of sugar and couldn't, I realized how addiction affect people in different ways. Nicotine was easy for me to quit, not for my sisters. Sugar was very easy for my sisters to quit. Not for me.
I really admire those who had trouble and still quit. And I hope those who are trying find the strength to do so just as I hope someday I'll be able to let go of sugar...

[Daktari]

25 years next month since I quit. It was considerably easy when I threw a pack in the trash and never smoked again. I used to puff 2 packs a day for about 10 years. My mother also stopped cold. I never understood the "addiction" per se since we both had no trouble stopping, but when I tried to get rid of sugar and couldn't, I realized how addiction affect people in different ways. Nicotine was easy for me to quit, not for my sisters. Sugar was very easy for my sisters to quit. Not for me.
I really admire those who had trouble and still quit. And I hope those who are trying find the strength to do so just as I hope someday I'll be able to let go of sugar...

As a person who's given up refined sugars amongst other things (caffeine, alcohol, drugs, nicotine and the smoking habit), I can truthfully say the only way I've found that works for me is applying the 12 step programme, 'one day at a time'.
We can do anything for just one day. I'm not saying it's easy but it's possible with the right mental attitude and coping strategies in place.

If one day is too much then break it down to manageable chunks; one hour, half hour, 10minutes if necessary.

Not having the first one of any of our addictions saves us from the second, third, ad infinitum.

One is too many and a thousand never enough right!?

Good luck all of you who are quitting whatever you're quitting. It's not easy but it IS possible

Keep riding that dragon until you tame it, you'll be so proud of yourself for doing something proactively positive for your own well-being.

:tinfoil:

[TruTexan]

I have been working on a plan for myself to quit. I'm taking chantix for 2 weeks to help curb the urge to smoke and I'm using a vaporizor also. I am going to use a 6 % nicotine solution and ween down to 0 by mixing with a 0% solution over the next two weeks or so. I know I can beat this with help from friends and family and making a plan for myself to do this one day at a time. I"m a 30yr smoker and I Know it's hard to quit for some just as hard as giving up hard drugs for addicts. At least that's what my physician has told me. It's in the mind as well. I"m feel ready to quit mentally and I want to do it the best way possible for me and I think my plan is going to work; we'll see. I'll keep reading posts here, they are full of support and I thank each and everyone of you that are quitting and have quit for the advice and support you've given to all of us here. I look forward to being another EX-SMOKER in the group. My dad and mom have both been after me hard this past year to quit, they are both Ex-smokers themselves. I want to be among the group of people that says I can and I DID.

[TruTexan]

I started a cold turkey quit on 29th December 2013.

Day 9 almost completed. :clap:

This time I have the help of a sponsor and he's making all the difference.

I'm doing it this time.

:thumbsup:

Good Luck and Success with quitting Sunflower. Congrats on everything.

[Redsunflower]

I have been working on a plan for myself to quit. I'm taking chantix for 2 weeks to help curb the urge to smoke and I'm using a vaporizor also. I am going to use a 6 % nicotine solution and ween down to 0 by mixing with a 0% solution over the next two weeks or so. I know I can beat this with help from friends and family and making a plan for myself to do this one day at a time. I"m a 30yr smoker and I Know it's hard to quit for some just as hard as giving up hard drugs for addicts. At least that's what my physician has told me. It's in the mind as well. I"m feel ready to quit mentally and I want to do it the best way possible for me and I think my plan is going to work; we'll see. I'll keep reading posts here, they are full of support and I thank each and everyone of you that are quitting and have quit for the advice and support you've given to all of us here. I look forward to being another EX-SMOKER in the group. My dad and mom have both been after me hard this past year to quit, they are both Ex-smokers themselves. I want to be among the group of people that says I can and I DID.


And best of luck to you, my friend, though I don't think you need luck with a plan like this.

:clover:

[MysticOceansFL]

That should help you a great deal Ms. Redsunflower and I wish you luck in doing so!!!





Day 11 and I'm still going strong.

Today is not easy. In fact I feel a little bit nuts. I'm going out for a run in a minute to burn up adrenalin and try and feel a bit calmer.

Well done to everyone in the process of quitting and trying to get to a more comfortable place. We can totally do it.

[Lady Pamela]

Just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone.

Also great work on quitting!
Keep it up!!

I loveee this thread and the wonderful support that is offered here.
Thanks to all who have helped me along the way and who got me through some really harsh times.

Have a beautiful and smoke free day...SMILES

Blessings and Namaste


.

[Redsunflower]

Day 15 and I'm still a non-smoker. :clap:

I had a brand new challenge today. I went to visit a mate who is a proper smoking buddy. She smokes in her house and everything (as does her partner). I didn't have much of a strategy for coping other than just to go and see how it went.

Well, I didn't smoke, she congratulated me on my quit the whole time I was there and I think I now need to wash my jumper but apart from that it was all good.

I can do this. In fact, I am doing it.

Well chuffed. :cool:

Rxx

[Daktari]

Day 15 and I'm still a non-smoker. :clap:

I had a brand new challenge today. I went to visit a mate who is a proper smoking buddy. She smokes in her house and everything (as does her partner). I didn't have much of a strategy for coping other than just to go and see how it went.

Well, I didn't smoke, she congratulated me on my quit the whole time I was there and I think I now need to wash my jumper but apart from that it was all good.

I can do this. In fact, I am doing it.

Well chuffed. :cool:

Rxx

Bloody well done you! You have every right to be chuffed (UK>US = really rather pleased) with yerself.

Every time you get through a tough situation it puts another slug of strength in the Quit Bank to access whenever you need it.

:cheerleader:

:tinfoil: Hope all you quitters are keeping the faith...Just For Today!

[Redsunflower]

Day 19 and still doing it.

Yaaaasss!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jet]

Smoking is the lead story in this newscast 1/17/14. It's an excellent piece on new findings on the affects of smoking and diseases, percentages of youth smoking and the fight against smoking. If you haven't seen this, please do...very informative.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/1-17-smoking-linked-to-more-diseases-on-the-road-couple-together-after-26-years/

___________________________________

I quit over seven years ago using patches. It took three weeks, and I've never wanted to smoke since. Best thing I ever did. I smoked roughly a pack and a half per day for 34 years before quitting.

Now, I can't stand smoking or to be around it at all. What amazes is how many people still smoke; I don't even know how people afford a pack.

[Lady Pamela]

Day 19 and still doing it.

Yaaaasss!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say congrats on your choice to be healthy and that I am proud for you.

Keep up the great job and know you have people always here to support you in good and bad moments.
Keep it up!

Blessings and strength to you!
Namaste


.

[Liam]

Day 19 and still doing it.

Yaaaasss!!!!!!!!!!!


There have been studies done that indicate it takes 21 days to change a habit, it is a milestone for changing any behavior. The hardest part is over, continue to quit, one day at a time. You will be glad you did!

[Redsunflower]

There have been studies done that indicate it takes 21 days to change a habit, it is a milestone for changing any behavior. The hardest part is over, continue to quit, one day at a time. You will be glad you did!

Well, I'm just finishing day 22 so I guess it should be getting easier.

Trouble is, I don't think it is. :|

I'm in such a foul mood that even the title of this thread is driving me mad. Habit?? This is a drug addiction.

Maybe it will all look better tomorrow and just for today, I won't be smoking.

Rxx

[Daktari]

How are all you new quitters fairing?

[Butterbean]

I'll have 3 years in April. It's been a struggle but I'm so glad I did. Quitting drinking was nothing compared to quitting smoking. For all of you just starting on your Quit Journey: Congratulations!!!


My philosophy on quitting is rooted in the harm reduction model. It doesn't matter how you quit, or what works best for you versus someone else. It only matters that you DO quit. So find your strategy for achievement and don't get distracted.






How are all you new quitters fairing?

[Redsunflower]

I'm celebrating one month nicotine free today.

Woo hoo!!!

:clap:

[Redsunflower]

I'm now celebrating 1 month and 6 days nicotine free.

:cheesy:

And thanks to my sponsor who has been a massive help indeed.

:bowdown:

[Lady Pamela]

Trust me I will never get overly confident because I know my weaknesses.


Today I celebrate http://gifs.gifmania.co.il/Animated-Gifs-Animated-Letters/Animations-Emoticons-Letters/Images-Alphabet-Colorful-Emoticons/colorful-emoticon-number-2.gif Years smoke free.

And to be tottally honest, during times I felt the need to smoke again due to stresses such as health issues, I have used a e gig here and there. My doc told me to do so verses messing up.
I know alot of you don't believe this is being smoke free if you occassionally or all the time use one. But I am here to say in my world it has stopped me from smoking during some really hard times.

I am amazed and very happy with me...smiles

For those of you quitting or trying to begin the process, my hats off to you all. Keep it up.
If I can quit you surely can.

40,320 CIGS NOT SMOKED 2,016 PACKS NOT SMOKED within this 2 years.

[Redsunflower]

Well done Lady Pamela. ;)

Two years is a good long time and you're doing it!

I'm struggling again this week, trying to remind myself of a day at a time, but just really wanted to smoke last night.

I was so happy to realise when I woke this morning that I didn't smoke; I'd be kicking myself right now.

Just for today, I won't be smoking.

[Loren_Q]

But you didn't smoke, go you!

[Lady Pamela]

Well done Lady Pamela. ;)

Two years is a good long time and you're doing it!

I'm struggling again this week, trying to remind myself of a day at a time, but just really wanted to smoke last night.

I was so happy to realise when I woke this morning that I didn't smoke; I'd be kicking myself right now.

Just for today, I won't be smoking.

Trust me when I say, This wasn't my first rodeo..ha
You will do this if your consistant and don't kick your ass. It serves no real good purpose.
If you mess up then start over and keep posotive. Your vision of how you see yourself is half the battle. Ya know what I mean?

So happy for you that you have chosen to breathe and live.
Keep it up!

[Redsunflower]

1 month, 3 weeks, 5 days, who knew it was possible????!!????

:cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:

[DapperButch]

1 month, 3 weeks, 5 days, who knew it was possible????!!????

:cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:

Congrats! Keep it going! :hangloose:

[Redsunflower]

It's 3 months today and I'm still going strong.

:cheesy:

I'm trying not to get complacent. Every time I have a non-smoking anniversary I want to have a ciggie to celebrate!

Here's to the next 3 months.

[Queenie]

I have been smoke free for seven months now. Its one of the best things I have ever done. Do I still want a smoke? God yes! But I wont as I am really proud in stopping my over 15 year habit. And I have a lot more money to spend on shoes and makeup!

[Loren_Q]

First off, go Queenie and Redsunflower! Excellent job.

I've gone over a year cigarette/smoke free (last smoke was sometime in February 2013).

To tell you the truth, I haven't promoted my smoke-free time because of the flack for doing this with e-cigs. I still use my e-cigs too. Virtually all of my liquids are nicotine free. I do have 1 low nicotine liquid that's been sitting untouched for a few months now.

This is the longest I've gone without that terrible craving that makes me either smoke or want to commit a felony (or both) and I'm pretty darned happy about that.

[Daktari]

I should have posted here last week.

26th April it was 4yrs since I gave up smoking tobacco/tobacco related products/ecigs et al

It's not a big up for myself but a reminder for those in the process that one day at a time the quit time builds up.

One is too many and a thousand never enough!!


Keep the faith :tinfoil:

[DapperButch]

I should have posted here last week.

26th April it was 4yrs since I gave up smoking tobacco/tobacco related products/ecigs et al

It's not a big up for myself but a reminder for those in the process that one day at a time the quit time builds up.

One is too many and a thousand never enough!!


Keep the faith :tinfoil:

Congrats!

I think it is crazy that I don't know the exact day both myself and TF quit smoking in October 2009. It was like the 19th, 20th or something. I think it was October? You would think this is something I would remember!

[Daktari]

Congrats!

I think it is crazy that I don't know the exact day both myself and TF quit smoking in October 2009. It was like the 19th, 20th or something. I think it was October? You would think this is something I would remember!

I get it...I know my quit dates for alcohol and tobacco but not other drugs.

Tobacco and alcohol were both killing me physically...literally, in quite horrible ways... and that's why I think I remember the dates specifically. The other drug (of no-choice) was only killing my soul and sorta faded out which is why, I believe, I don't remember the specific date.



ps. I don't remember the dates for giving up caffeine or refined/processed sugar either. :|
pps. Currently working on 'giving up' social type websites on the internet. Not doing so well seeing as I'm posting here ;))

[grenade]

It's been 2 years for me now!!!

I don't even miss it anymore.

[Greyson]

Congrats!

I think it is crazy that I don't know the exact day both myself and TF quit smoking in October 2009. It was like the 19th, 20th or something. I think it was October? You would think this is something I would remember!

You got me thinking Dapper, I can't remember the exact date of my very last cigarette. For a couple of years I didn't smoke unless I went out to a club or dance. I don't drink or smoke weed so I needed a little something to fortify my courage, swagger. I think the last cigarette I may have had was the night I met Julie at a B-F dance. That was back in December of 2008.

[DapperButch]

It's been 2 years for me now!!!

I don't even miss it anymore.

Hell, I miss it every day. You're lucky.

[Lady Pamela]

Still here and I didn't fall off the face of the earth...ha Though it may appear at times I have. smiles

Just checking in saying hello to everyone and still smoke free...Though I have had some very challenging moments that made me want to.

How is everyone?

[DapperButch]

Still here and I didn't fall off the face of the earth...ha Though it may appear at times I have. smiles

Just checking in saying hello to everyone and still smoke free...Though I have had some very challenging moments that made me want to.

How is everyone?


Hi, Pam. Doing well. How is your health?

[Kimpooh]

I too have smoked since I was 12!! I try to quit several times a year and also have tried everything but e-cigarette. That's up next! Cancer, in all it's ugly forms, has taken from me many friends and it runs heavily in my family, including myself (skin cancer twice) so I really am quite the idiot for smoking. Problem is, while everyone is really good at lecturing me that I should quit, the same people get super irritated at me when the bitchiness & mood swings of withdrawal hits!! So I have a distinct lack of support... I had quite the little drug habit years ago but I can honestly say quitting doing dope was easier than stopping smoking!!!
Any tips, pointers, suggestions for success would be greatly appreciated!!

[Redsunflower]

I'm now approaching 7 months nicotine free.
I'm so delighted with myself I could happy dance all over the place.
Maybe this will do...

:party:

Congrats to everyone else still going strong. We are the greatest.

[deathbypoem]

Sigh. I must admit that I have been smoking since I was 15. It's been a very long battle, and not one that I easily put down. However, I have attempted quitting 3 or 4 times. The longest I ever quit was 8 months. I made a huge mistake for picking the habit back up. The saying that nicotine is addictive, couldn't be further from the truth. I'm ready to quit for good. (yeah, said that before too) Im just tired of it. And ready to move on in life, better my health over all and not have that constant need for nicotine. Now, I realize different things work for different people. Obviously what I tried didn't work long enough, and the willpower didn't last either. Being strong and ending this addiction isn't easy by a long shot. Hoping that I will find some common ground and put that shit to the dirt once and for all. Wishing everyone a super great success in keeping themselves clean and nicotine free! It's a struggle. For sure.

[Daktari]

I too have smoked since I was 12!! I try to quit several times a year and also have tried everything but e-cigarette. That's up next! Cancer, in all it's ugly forms, has taken from me many friends and it runs heavily in my family, including myself (skin cancer twice) so I really am quite the idiot for smoking. Problem is, while everyone is really good at lecturing me that I should quit, the same people get super irritated at me when the bitchiness & mood swings of withdrawal hits!! So I have a distinct lack of support... I had quite the little drug habit years ago but I can honestly say quitting doing dope was easier than stopping smoking!!!
Any tips, pointers, suggestions for success would be greatly appreciated!!

Sigh. I must admit that I have been smoking since I was 15. It's been a very long battle, and not one that I easily put down. However, I have attempted quitting 3 or 4 times. The longest I ever quit was 8 months. I made a huge mistake for picking the habit back up. The saying that nicotine is addictive, couldn't be further from the truth. I'm ready to quit for good. (yeah, said that before too) Im just tired of it. And ready to move on in life, better my health over all and not have that constant need for nicotine. Now, I realize different things work for different people. Obviously what I tried didn't work long enough, and the willpower didn't last either. Being strong and ending this addiction isn't easy by a long shot. Hoping that I will find some common ground and put that shit to the dirt once and for all. Wishing everyone a super great success in keeping themselves clean and nicotine free! It's a struggle. For sure.

It's tough, can't lie about that, but a hard job is somehow more satisfying in the end.
It takes more than just will-power. It requires an inner job. Work on changing your mind set, on breaking physical and mental habits.

35yr smoker. Just over 4yrs smoking quit.

On this thread you'll find like minded souls who'll be endless supportive as long as you put the effort in.

I suggest you start before you actually quit. Consult with your GP about any NRT or pharmaceutical help you can get. I chose the Chantix route. There are warnings about certain folks taking Chantix and I'm one of those folks but I took the risk after discussion with my respiratory nurse and the GP.
It worked for me...I wanted it to work and worked hard at making it work.

I chose to be positive about quitting even when I didn't want to be and refused to listen to the little addict devil :seesaw: on my shoulder telling me "It'll be too hard" "folks will hate me when I get moody" "I don't have willpower" "what will I do with my hands" "I'll put on weight". If you believe that voice you're setting yourself up for failure before you've even started. Don't do it!

Major aspect for me was breaking the hand to mouth action and one I worked really hard on. I really didn't want to replace cigs with food. I'm glad that I didn't have ecigs available to me 4 and half years ago. I think it would have kept me a slave to having to put something in my lungs to make me feel 'better' or 'different' in some way. If stuff doesn't make us feel better in some way why would we do it? The mindset/motivation and action of using of an ecig is the same as smoking a cig even if the chemicals aren't the same. That's just my opinion.

Fear worked wonderfully for me, having just survived the most serious chest infection I'd had to date, my then gf was watching me asphyxiate in front of her. I strongly suggest you don't allow yourself to get to the imminently life threatening stage as I did. :|

Learning to deal with the moodies and the swings is a trial and error affair. I spent a lot of time walking or cycling on my own. Or washing dishes. Vacuuming the stairs. You get my drift. Keep busy, do positive things for yourself. Keeping busy also helps mitigate against the inevitable weight gain. Even wee, skinny me gained 20-25lbs. 4yrs later I'd lost it all. My housemate also lost all her smoking weight gain around 4yrs too. You have a choices in limiting the gain.

Make yourself accountable, post here or some other place. A daily check in with folks who are also giving up, or have done and are willing to be part of the cheerleading team really makes you think about caving and picking up the next ciggie. Remember it's the first one that does the damage...one is too many and a thousand never enough.
Ask your friends to be as supportive as they can find it in their hearts to be...even when you're being irritable and/or irritating. I got lucky, everyone was really supportive for me, despite times of deep irritability and being deeply irritating.
Make it your mission to break the habitual actions. Make yourself aware of your danger times when you might crave a cig more than at other times. Be prepared for hard cravings to creep up on you by surprise.
I had one of those plastic inhalator things...generally without the nicotine cartridge for a few weeks at the start just for the worst cravings, empty hands and something to chew on times.

You'll be so proud of yourselves when you succeed.
Your mission, should you accept it, is to start your personal positive self talk this week.
My quit self talk was based around knowing that I was powerless over nicotine when I actively had it. I only had any power over it when I wasn't having it. I knew it would mean being kind to myself and not giving myself a hard time because I'd been snippy with someone or overreacted in some situation or other. You get the idea. Relentlessly positive.

There's never a good or right time to quit. Why not set yourself a date in a month and start doing the mental prep now? Double dare ya! :cheesy:

I'm now approaching 7 months nicotine free.
I'm so delighted with myself I could happy dance all over the place.
Maybe this will do...

:party:

Congrats to everyone else still going strong. We are the greatest.

Freakin' awesome you!

Might I might make so bold as to say...a day at a time...

I told ya so! :raspberry:

[uglyboi]

2 years, 9 months, and 2 day!!!


If I can do it anyone can!!!!!

[uglyboi]

3 years and 1 month!!!!!!!!!!

I can not believe I ever smoked. Nothing could ever put me there again.

[Strappie]

3 years and 1 month!!!!!!!!!!

I can not believe I ever smoked. Nothing could ever put me there again.

awesome buddy!! I will hit my third year in June! I feel Free!!

[Glenn]

I am still addicted to this pernicious habit. I really need to quit! I woud like to know, are any folks still vaping out there? I heard some bad things about that too. :(

[DapperButch]

I am still addicted to this pernicious habit. I really need to quit! I woud like to know, are any folks still vaping out there? I heard some bad things about that too. :(

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6228

[Loren_Q]

I am still addicted to this pernicious habit. I really need to quit! I woud like to know, are any folks still vaping out there? I heard some bad things about that too. :(

I'm here. Well, not often here on BFP, but here.

Is there bad stuff about vaping? You'll find news stories and studies that say that. You'll also find news stores and studies in favor of vaping over smoking.

Maybe all I'm doing is harm reduction, but for me vaping still beats inhaling burning material known to cause cancer.

The Vaping thread DapperButch pointed out here has some good info, but it hasn't been active in a while.

Good luck!

[Strappie]

I can say because of "vaping" I have been cigarette free now for 3 plus years. I am down to 3mg of nicotine, I started at 20. Soon to be nic free by the end of the yr.

[Strappie]

I am still addicted to this pernicious habit. I really need to quit! I woud like to know, are any folks still vaping out there? I heard some bad things about that too. :(

Clearly there are many bad things for us. If I could get rid of the tar and shit that's in a cig I figure why not! I've been vaping now for 3 yrs it's the only thing that has kept me from smoking cigs.

Good luck which ever you choose!

[uglyboi]

Drive by........................ 3 years & 8 months..................No smoke!!!

[uglyboi]

3 years and 11 months - No Smoke!!!!!!!

[DapperButch]

3 years and 11 months - No Smoke!!!!!!!

Congrats!!

[Nat]

I think this is my third month smoke-free. I finally stopped coughing constantly. I coughed far more having quit than I ever did when I smoked. I smoked since the age of 13, but it was always off and on. I didn't get really addicted till my 30s. My dad was the same way. Now he's still a smoker and he's almost died a few times due to cardiac issues. He had a heart attack at 56. So, I'm 37 and thinking - how do I want to go out? I may not have a choice really. Some days I really want a fucking cigarette. But it also feels good to take a nice clean breath of air and not feel like I am committing slow Suicide.

[Orema]

This is my 6th year cigarette free. I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but it's worked well.

I was on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks and it cured me of my habit. After two weeks I was able to stop smoking, but I took Wellbutrin for another 4 weeks as my doctor suggested.

I smoked for 41 years and Wellbutrin cured me in 6 weeks. I'm still surprised.

[uglyboi]

4 years!!!! :jester::jester::jester:

[DapperButch]

4 years!!!! :jester::jester::jester:

Congrats!!! :hangloose:

[*Anya*]

4 years!!!! :jester::jester::jester:

So fantastic!! You must feel such a sense of pride!

Congratulations!

[*Anya*]

This is my 6th year cigarette free. I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but it's worked well.

I was on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks and it cured me of my habit. After two weeks I was able to stop smoking, but I took Wellbutrin for another 4 weeks as my doctor suggested.

I smoked for 41 years and Wellbutrin cured me in 6 weeks. I'm still surprised.

So wonderful that found your answer!

Just amazing!

Congratulations Orema 6-years cigarette free!

[Orema]

Cold turkey is best way to quit smoking, study says (http://www.kspr.com/news/local/Cold-turkey-is-best-way-to-quit-smoking-study-says/21051620_38538892)

http://blog.kerrygaynormethod.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3-excuses-for-smoking-1.jpg

Just the thought of quitting cold turkey is probably enough to make any smoker uneasy. But a new study adds support to the notion that people who give up cigarettes all at once are more likely to be successful than those who wean themselves off gradually.

Researchers looked at nearly 700 long-term heavy smokers in England who wanted to kick the habit. They instructed half of the participants to quit abruptly -- that is, pick a quit day when they would give up smoking entirely. The other half were told to scale back their cigarettes gradually for two weeks leading up to their quit day.

But even the abrupt-quit group was not exactly going it alone. The researchers gave them nicotine patches to use for two weeks before their quit day. During this period, the gradual group also got patches, as well as gum, lozenges and other types of short-acting nicotine replacement therapy to help them as they cut back. After the quit day, both groups got patches and short-acting therapy, in addition to counseling.

The researchers found that 49% of the participants in the abrupt-quit group were not smoking by one month after their quit day, compared with 39.2% in the gradual-quit group. By six months, success rates had dropped, but the difference between the groups was still there: 22% of the abrupt quit group was not smoking, compared with 15.5% of the gradual-quit group.

Even though the more cold turkey method came out on top, the quit rates for both methods were still "quite good," said Nicola Lindson-Hawley, a postdoctoral researcher at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford in England. Lindson-Hawley is the lead author of the study, which was published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

"Health care workers should offer abrupt quitting first, but if that is not an option, gradual quitting can be a second-line approach," Lindson-Hawley said. "We understand that people might be dead set against quitting abruptly so if the only way they would consider quitting is gradually then the results of this trial suggest it shouldn't be ruled out."

Guidelines on smoking cessation generally urge smokers to quit abruptly. Although some studies have seen no difference between the methods, others suggest that going cold turkey could yield higher success rates.

The high success rates in the current study for both groups is in line with the level of abstinence in the general population achieved through the Stop Smoking Service in the UK, which offers social support and nicotine replacement therapy, Lindson-Hawley said.

But rates are much lower when people people try to go it alone, Lindson-Hawley said. Only a small number of people get help to quit smoking, and a small number of people in the general population -- about 5% to 7% -- manage to remain smoke-free a year after quitting.

"There is really good evidence for nicotine replacement therapy like patches and gum, that are also very safe, and also Chantix (varenicline)" to help people quit smoking, Lindson-Hawley said.

In addition to the method of quitting, a person's attitude about quitting may help determine whether he or she will be successful. The current study found that participants who preferred trying to quit abruptly before the study started -- suggesting they were especially motivated to quit -- were also more likely to be kick the habit.

In the abrupt quit group, rates of abstinence at four weeks were 58% among participants who had wanted to quit cold turkey, but only 42% among those who had preferred quitting gradually. In the gradual quit group, success rates at four weeks were 45.8% and 34.6% among those who had wanted to quit cold turkey or gradually, respectively.

"There are two things that are important in quitting. One is confidence, belief in your ability to be successful. ... And the second is desire, the commitment to do it," said Michael P. Eriksen, dean of the Georgia State University School of Public Health, who was not involved in the current study.

The study did not detect a difference in the confidence levels between the two groups.

"One of the implications [of this study] is we need to really get people to understand that quitting cold turkey is more effective, it kind of gets it over with," Eriksen said.

For her part, Lindson-Hawley suspects that quitting gradually might leave people out in the cold by prolonging cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

"We hypothesize that you get it all out of the way in one go [by quitting abruptly]. In the gradual group, because they were put through it in a gradual way, they lost the motivation," Lindson-Hawley said. In support of this possibility, the study found that fewer participants in the gradual quit group managed to actually quit on their predetermined quit day, as compared with the abrupt quit group.

"Rather than discouraging people from quitting at all, [the findings] will encourage them to quit abruptly, to go cold turkey and line up whatever support you need," which can include nicotine replacement therapy, setting up counseling or locating quit lines you can call, Eriksen said.

"I used to smoke and stopped cold turkey and never touched a cigarette since and it's been over 40 years," Eriksen said. "To me it was really a matter of doing it and being fed up, but also liking smoking and knowing I couldn't stop gradually."

_________________________
Copyright © 2016, KSPR News

[FireSignFemme]

The first time I tried a cigarette I was 12. By 13 I had a job and was smoking about a pack a week. By 16 I was smoking a pack a day and continued to do so until I finally, eventually manage to quit at the age of 41. So cigarettes had been a part of my life in some sense for 29 years and heavily so for 25 by the time I finally managed to give it up, kick the habit for good.

Over the years I had quit many, many times a few times even for some longer stretches 3 months, 6 months, 9 months – finally a year, but I just couldn’t stay off the nicotine, I kept going right back to it until finally I met a really good doctor who helped me through it. Anyhow right now I have 10 good solid years without smoking behind me and my anniversary - 05/05/16 is right around the corner.

I’m not the best when it comes to helping people decide to quit or getting through the first few days of withdrawal but if someone has given up smoking, has been off nicotine for a while and is struggling with trying to stay smoke free, that I’m better about, and anyone in that boat, can PM me and I’ll do all I can to offer comfort, encouragement, strength and support. After all without that in my own life, people offering that to me way back when today I would not be where I am.

Even if you have smoked a really, really long time it is possible to quit. I’ve met people who’ve been quit for even longer than a decade, some 20, 30 years. I’ve met people who forget about a pack a day were up to 3-5 packs a day by the time they finally decided that’s it, they had enough and managed to give it up.

[uglyboi]

4 years & 10 months!!!


:hangloose::jester::jester::batman:

[Bubala]

Almost 10 years....

I started at 16 because I was a good nerdy girl with rebellious intentions. lolol

I was never a passionate smoker, I kinda smoked on and off, until I was 22.

I quit the day my father died. He was only 58. He did not even smoke at all until he was in his 30es and started working as a professor. An MD and a DPhil, yet he claimed academia mede him smoke. Shall we conclude therefore that intellect kills? lolol

The day after he died, my mother and my brother were planning the funeral. I went to work. I was a graduate research assistant at the time. I took a break with couple of friends who happen to be employed at the university as well. I lit one up, then threw it away. On my way back inside I grabbed the half full pack of cigarettes I had and crumbled it as much as I could I threw it in the trash.

I never looked back since, never ever. I wish I had never smoked. I feel like I never did.

For all pondering quitting at this time, do it, just do it! Poisons are many but choose life, always chose life. Throw that shit away. The power of mind, it's all a matter of a decision. You can do it! :)

[uglyboi]

5 Year Anniversary

[Jesse]

Today, January 5th marks six years since I became a non-smoker. I do not regret it for a minute and still have no desire to ever smoke another cigarette. I feel so blessed to not have cravings or desire to smoke. I never dreamed I would be able to stop smoking, but I quit cold turkey. I honestly feel I can do anything after achieving this!

Congrats to all who have given up the habit, and to all of those in process of doing so! You can do it!

http://adaptaciya.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/stop-kur-150x150.jpeg

[Kätzchen]

I've been an on and off smoker since I was 29 years of age. What got me started was an major crises on my life, back then (dv). About nine years later, I came down with a bad case of pneumonia, in the middle of a really hot summer back in the late 1990's and was so ill that I quite smoking for about two or three years. Anyway, a few years later, after breaking up with my first butch girlfriend (another major crises), I started casually smoking again, telling myself that it was my coping tool, that smoking cigarettes was less harmful than turning to alcohol or drugs to help me manage the emotional stress I was going through, after breaking up with hir. So, I was talking with my al-anon sponsor tonight and told her that I have to find a better way to deal with stressors in my life in more rational way and treat my reliance on smoking as not a coping tool but what it really is, a self harming behavior.

So about ten minutes ago, I interrupted my smoking habit. And I will keep disrupting and/or interrupting my habit until it becomes second nature to be smoke free.

I don't want to be a smoker anymore.

I am going to live the next two decades of my life, smoke free.

[uglyboi]

6 Years & 2 Weeks! Yip!!~

[ksrainbow]

2 yrs and 9 months (cold turkey)

Congrats!!

[EnchantedNightDweller]

Been 5 months this time. Went 2 years before. Someone told me to just go smoke and drink today! :blink:
I'm not gonna do it.

[cathexis]

Been 5 months this time. Went 2 years before. Someone told me to just go smoke and drink today! :blink:
I'm not gonna do it.

Why let someone else's pressure encourage you to give up something you value? Been tobacco free for 3 months, myself.

Also clean for 1 yr 9mos.
Sober 8 yrs.

We can do it one day at a time.

[homoe]

Been 5 months this time. Went 2 years before. Someone told me to just go smoke and drink today! :blink:
I'm not gonna do it.

GOOD for you, hang in there...:hangloose:

[Lyte]

Kudos and more kudos and even more kudos to all who are trying to quit ... or who have quit .... or are quitting everyday! For many it's a daily struggle! My pops smoked for 40+ years, couldn't quit. My brother has finally quit after 35+ years! Know that we're rootin' for ya! :koolaid:

[Jesse]

I just realized today is the 7th year anniversary of the day I become a non-smoker... cold turkey at that. It is one of the best choices I have made in my entire life. I never looked book, and just kept telling myself, "I don't smoke."

If you have quit, congratulations! You made a great choice and you deserve to be proud of yourself! Cheers!

If you are trying to quit, please know you can do this. One of the major things that helped me to quit other than just putting them down and never lighting another one, was to change my thinking with regards to smoking.

You can quit without all of the cravings and mood swings, by making a plan, telling yourself truthful positive things, and alter any routines you have now that involve smoking. For instance if you generally light up after a meal, plan ahead to do something different for that 10 minutes. Brush your teeth, if you feel a craving coming on, and drink water. Also know that cravings only last for a couple of minutes before vanishing. Best wishes!

[girl_dee]

my mom quit a couple of years ago after 62 years of smoking

You can do it!

[Medusa]

I think I am on my 6th or 7th anniversary of my last ciggie so if you are trying to quit, just know that it CAN be done.

I was a smoker off and on for about 15 years and had quit a couple of other times but finally had that "Yeah, this is nasty" moment and quit for good.

I don't miss smelling like smoke all the time or worrying if I needed another mint before kissing someone and I sure the fuck don't miss the expense. I come from a long family history of smokers and many of them still do so there has been a bit of adjustment around the social aspect during the holidays but it's so worth it.

I can't recommend a decent method. I didn't do patches or gum or anything. I vaped for awhile on 0 nicotine vapes but that kinda made me feel gross too so I stopped even doing that.

Good luck to all who are trying to quit and CONGRATS to those who have! :hangloose:

[cathexis]

:deepthoughts::onebutch::cowboihorse::nailbitin:If you want to quit, just do it! You know you can. Think of something very difficult that you just put your shoulders back, chest out, straightened your hat, and stood tall with head up, bucked up and did.

Just be determined you can kick ass!

I quit alcohol then heroin then tobacco all the same way (cold turkey) so if you want it, you can get it.

[Stronghealer]

Over 1 year cigarette free!

[Stronghealer]

.




----------------2 YEARS FREE----------------



.

[firecat242]

25 years smoke free. My kudos and support to anyone fighting this addiction! To all who are trying....please please stay strong and keep going....it is so worth the effort and struggle.

[uglyboi]

I am positive that I have not inhaled a cigarette or any other form of inhalants in 7 years and 6 months. *HONK* Feel good and won't touch one ever!

[gaea]

Congrats to everyone here..

In sept 2017 i got real sick , i layed down the cigarettes and got the patch, in dec 2017 i had a hiccup , i did not smoke a single cigarette in 2018...amd none this far in 2019...i finally feel like a non smoker.

Although i wore the pstch for well over a year and was prepared for another year in feb of 2019 i kept forgetting to put one one so i decided to try a day without one....

Im fucking proud.

[Esme nha Maire]

Hi folks! Thought the following info from SciShow might be of interest to anyone considering using vaping to help give up on smoking - it may be a bad idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVSuPxr5-ZY

[Stone-Butch]

Nothing to drink for 7 years and no smoking for almost 3. Cold turkey on both. You just have to be ready yourself and be strong.

[uglyboi]

8 years and 1 month smoke free!!!! Yip!!

[Stone-Butch]

Only two years so far but going strong. Not bad since I have smoked longer than some of the members have been around LOL.

[Jedi]

I haven't smoked an actual cigarette in over 2 years. I switched to the vape. I started out using 18mg nicotine vape juice and I was still smoking real cigs as well. I currently use 3 mg vape juice. I'm almost able to quit it all.

[cathexis]

I haven't smoked an actual cigarette in over 2 years. I switched to the vape. I started out using 18mg nicotine vape juice and I was still smoking real cigs as well. I currently use 3 mg vape juice. I'm almost able to quit it all.

Quit smoking 4 years ago using vaping. Still vape a couple of times daily. Not sure about the nicotine content, but it takes me about 2 days to go through a Juul pod.
Really feel for my Partner, She's just beginning to quit. There's a "new" nicotine replacement device that's a bit like a vape, but available by Rx. She inserts a capsule-like "pill" into a plastic device. No vapor or steam, and I can't feel the nicotine.
If it helps, more power to 'em. Quitting cigarettes was more difficult than quitting "H."
Good luck, all!

[Stronghealer]

3 YEARS FREE!!!!!










.

[uglyboi]

I am eight years and eight months smoke-free and I could not have done it without the support of my partner Beasley67!!!

[Jedi]

I haven't had an actual cigarette in about 3 years and I haven't vaped in months.

[Orema]

This is my 11th year cigarette free. Yay for me!

I stopped on Nov. 1, 2009, and it fell on a Sunday like today.

I smoked for 41 years and Wellbutrin cured me in 6 weeks.

I’m one of the lucky ones.

:bow:

[Stone-Butch]

It will be three years come January 2021 totally smoke free. Smoked for at least 45 yrs. It's good to be free.

[uglyboi]

9 years with no smokes on December 17, 2020!

I can not believe I spent so much time smoking!

[VintageFemme]

It's been since January 1st, 2000 that I stopped smoking. I had smoked a pack a day for twenty seven'ish years and even after all this time, I still have cravings now and then.

[~ocean]

It's been since January 1st, 2000 that I stopped smoking. I had smoked a pack a day for twenty seven'ish years and even after all this time, I still have cravings now and then.

I'll get a craving then I smell a lit cigg and I want to vomit ~ they stink so bad ~ I laugh at myself thinking all those years I wore amazing colognes and I was stinking by smoking lolol ~

[uglyboi]

Nine Years Smoke Free As Of December 17, 2020! My wife Beasley67 is my rock!

[Kätzchen]

I am grateful for the 5 months I have been smoke free. I quit smoking on June 6th of this year, with the aid of 30 days on medication from my primary doctor and behavioral therapy, as well. It was really rough during the entire month of June. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Then in July, there was the day I was hit by the driver who totaled my car and I thought of nothing but lighting up a cigarette, to mitigate my stress load that day, but I didn't cave in and I got through it, but again, it was fucking rough.

Now it is November and life has been super stressful and still, I have not broken my promise to myself, to remain smoke free.

It is a struggle. The struggle is real.

But I am feeling better each day and I work on changing my thought process and correct my behaviors that kept me chained to smoking cigarettes.

The day I do not think of smoking anymore is the day I will know I am finally free of a very bad habit that nearly ruined my life.

[Glenn]

That is wonderful K!! Here's to you... :bunchflowers:

Almost three years now for me, not going back and I smoked alot for a long time.

[Stone-Butch]

Four years come January 23 no puffin and no regrets. I get the urge but kick that little horned one off my shoulder.

[uglyboi]

Hard to believe it has been 11 Years!

[Kätzchen]

Two years smoke free, since June 6th 2022.

:kissy:




https://i.makeagif.com/media/8-26-2016/E_9D9X.gif

[Kätzchen]

Next week, on June 6th, will mark 3 years that I have remained smoke free. Luckily, none of my friends smoke either. When I first quit smoking three years ago, some of the people I was friends with were smokers. They’re not a part of my close circle of friends, anymore. Being smoke free is a gift to myself that requires diligent efforts to not have smoke or smokers in my life.

I’m very glad I got help to quit smoking. It’s the best gift I’ve ever given to myself.

:kissy: :hangloose: :hk2: