SMOKERS... LETS KICK the HABIT!!

[Strappie]

Eight Days ..... Check!!!

[tazz]

Originally Posted by Strappie

Eight Days ..... Check!!!

***woooo hoooo!!! ^5 to Strappie!!

keep gooooing... keep goooing...

[tazz]

i admit that i smoke when i'm really stressed (you would think working out would help) and if i'm having really bad cramps...

i can go about 3 months without a cigarette... maybe longer...

someone informed me that if you are periodically smoking it could be a chemical imbalance??
that there may not be enough dopamine distributed in the body??

am i stating this correctly??

any thoughts??

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by funkyfemme

30 whole days!

Feeling kinda down today. *&%^#!@ hormones!! Don't feel much like celebrating. God, it would be so nice to sit on the deck in the sunshine and slowly smoke a cigarette. *sigh* No worries, I will keep strong!

Hope everyone is having a great, smoke-free day!!

Toodles

CONGRATS!!!!

So what did or are you doing to celebrate and congradulate yourself on your month mark?

.

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by Strappie

Eight Days ..... Check!!!

Congrats to you. Keep it up.

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by tazz

i admit that i smoke when i'm really stressed (you would think working out would help) and if i'm having really bad cramps...

i can go about 3 months without a cigarette... maybe longer...

someone informed me that if you are periodically smoking it could be a chemical imbalance??
that there may not be enough dopamine distributed in the body??

am i stating this correctly??

any thoughts??

Not giving in and allowing your body to get passed that is what you need.

Dark chocolate or other things that release feel good emotions can help for a time.

.

Woohooo! Congratulations! Keep at it funkiness...nicotine and smoke free is the way to go. At a month nicotine free I bought myself a unicycle! Yup, a unicycle. It was something I'd always wanted to learn and I deserved the gift to myself. My 3rd month gift to self was another, much better specced, unicycle


To those starting out with an ecig. Go you it's a fabulous step to take but please remember that you're not nicotine free and all that that entails; even if you feel like you feel like you've quit ciggies. I really hope y'all get it and manage to give up the cigs, real or pretend, altogether. I promise you'll enjoy the freedom from the tyranny of addiction. Your lungs, body, brain, friends, family and wallet will thank you.

Addict decides they can't use their substance of mis-use in the same way as they have done for years but don't want to give up the feeling they get from that substance. What does that addict do? Give up the 'feeling' that they're emotionally addicted to or just change the method of ingestion? If it was heroin addict what would your answer be? If the addiction is to nicotine what would your answer be?

That last paragraph wasn't 'aimed' at any of the ecig users here. It's a question I've been mulling over recently as I observe folks who're in my 'circle' of acquaintance and who tell me they're giving up smoking but are constantly puffing on an ecig and therefore not actually giving up their nicotine addiction.

I have a new tag line for ecig advertising.

"Ecigs, for the smoker who doesn't want to quit smoking"


Ever so sorry if my mulling over of the ecig issue offends anyone, it's not intended to, just make you, and me, think.



Remember, you didn't become addicted in one day so easy does it...just one day at a time.

[funkyfemme]

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

CONGRATS!!!!

So what did or are you doing to celebrate and congradulate yourself on your month mark?

.

Thank you sweetie!!!!!!!!!

I didn't actually plan on doing anything special but I kept hearing you in the back of my head and well, I gave in. You ready for it??? I splurged and bought myself a six-pack of Fruit of the Loom undies. I know, I live big like that!! I have a hard time doing anything for myself but I was so in need of new panties that I threw all caution to the wind and just did it LOL. Go me!

So now I will take my exciting self to the shower and look forward to putting a new, hole-less pair of cute undies on and enjoy the rest of my day and weekend!!

Well wishes to all the quitters and good luck to the one's that wanna try!! It truly is freeing and feels really good once ya beat it!

[funkyfemme]

Originally Posted by Daktari

Woohooo! Congratulations! Keep at it funkiness...nicotine and smoke free is the way to go. At a month nicotine free I bought myself a unicycle! Yup, a unicycle. It was something I'd always wanted to learn and I deserved the gift to myself. My 3rd month gift to self was another, much better specced, unicycle


To those starting out with an ecig. Go you it's a fabulous step to take but please remember that you're not nicotine free and all that that entails; even if you feel like you feel like you've quit ciggies. I really hope y'all get it and manage to give up the cigs, real or pretend, altogether. I promise you'll enjoy the freedom from the tyranny of addiction. Your lungs, body, brain, friends, family and wallet will thank you.

Addict decides they can't use their substance of mis-use in the same way as they have done for years but don't want to give up the feeling they get from that substance. What does that addict do? Give up the 'feeling' that they're emotionally addicted to or just change the method of ingestion? If it was heroin addict what would your answer be? If the addiction is to nicotine what would your answer be?

That last paragraph wasn't 'aimed' at any of the ecig users here. It's a question I've been mulling over recently as I observe folks who're in my 'circle' of acquaintance and who tell me they're giving up smoking but are constantly puffing on an ecig and therefore not actually giving up their nicotine addiction.

I have a new tag line for ecig advertising.

"Ecigs, for the smoker who doesn't want to quit smoking"


Ever so sorry if my mulling over of the ecig issue offends anyone, it's not intended to, just make you, and me, think.



Remember, you didn't become addicted in one day so easy does it...just one day at a time.

A unicycle??????? OMG I had one when I was 12 and I LOVED that thing! That's way better a present than underwear LOL!

The ecig thingy. I tried it. It lasted about two puffs. It just felt weird in my hands and felt cheesy all around (if that makes sense). *shrugs* Just wasn't for ME. My Mom's friend has one and no one should ever come between her and that thing lol. Hey, whatever works for ya!!

I did and I didn't want to quit smoking. I'll admit, I do love smoking and really enjoyed it. Not so sure it was the nicotine as it was just the pleasure of holding that smoke. Smoking with friends on break at work. Sharing drinks and smokes. I wasn't one of those smokers who would wake in the middle of the night and have to have one or smoke as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning. I usually didn't smoke til after lunch or mid afternoon. I think I just really became addicted to the routine of it and the hand-to-mouth thingy. Dunno. Just me rambling. It's neither here nor there. I'm done and hope I can really stick to it this time. I have been known to be weak! LOL

Y'all have a good Friday and weekend too!!

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by funkyfemme

Thank you sweetie!!!!!!!!!

I didn't actually plan on doing anything special but I kept hearing you in the back of my head and well, I gave in. You ready for it??? I splurged and bought myself a six-pack of Fruit of the Loom undies. I know, I live big like that!! I have a hard time doing anything for myself but I was so in need of new panties that I threw all caution to the wind and just did it LOL. Go me!

So now I will take my exciting self to the shower and look forward to putting a new, hole-less pair of cute undies on and enjoy the rest of my day and weekend!!

Well wishes to all the quitters and good luck to the one's that wanna try!! It truly is freeing and feels really good once ya beat it!

Ummm whatever works for you..ha ha

But a treat is not a need..it is a splurge..smiles

Congrats all the same.
Baby steps ..I know...trust me, I really understand and know...lol

P.S.

And no holes in the panties is a good thing..ha
,

[not2shygrrl]

Originally Posted by Strappie

Eight Days ..... Check!!!

good for you Strappie !! I am happy that you have reached this point, I remember hearing from you about wanting to quit, well here you are !! Regardless of the tools you use to be successful (if any), what matters is that YOU MATTER.....and your health ! Here is to many many more days that lead into years Strap !

[not2shygrrl]

I think that if you quit something that is harmful to you, and do something that is less harmful in place of......then those are steps toward a positive outcome and a goal that each person thought out for themselves. I think no less of anyone or their will power and anything else used if you need(ed) tools to help you quit. No one way is any better than another when it comes to smoking cessation. The common ground is sufficient.

What I want to say to all the "quitters " (as i affectionately refer to us) here is GREAT for you that you are thinking about it and reading this encouraging and supportive thread........ WONDERFUL to those who are in stages from days, to weeks to months........and a GLORIOUS yaaaahhoooo to those who working towards or close to a year and beyond!!

It is my hope that nonel of us ever give up our desire to be or continue to be non smokers......we are sooooo worth it !

Ummm, is this where I get to say : GO STEELERS !! <wink>

True, any step an addict takes to reduce harm to self can only be a good thing. It's the first important step to freedom...a real freedom that ya can't pay money for.

In my experience it helps enormously to actually want to quit. I mean really want to, not just pay lip service to the notion.

I too really, really enjoyed smoking for over 35yrs; I liked it so much I handed over a lung to it. It's real hard to give up something one enjoys, believe me I know. You don't need to see the extensive list of the lovely things I've really enjoyed and ultimately had to quit because I enjoyed them a little too much...sadly.

I do know that I would have found it so much harder to quit smoking nicotine if I hadn't just had a life threatening chest infection, as a result of lung disease, as a direct result of smoking. So here I am, 48, nearly 49yrs old, with 48% lung function left...all because I really enjoyed smoking. Shit happens huh?

I'm also glad I quit nicotine whilst in the grips of another rather damaging addiction. I know quitting whilst sober would have been a little bit harder. Although the fear factor did play a huge part for me (see above). Wanting to breathe on a daily basis sorta does that

There ain't an easy way to do it I'm afraid though. It takes immense will-power, even when using NRT and/or other methods of symptom relief. There's no getting away from those will-power and determination thangs.

A wise person once told me; It's actually not that hard to quit something, staying quit is the hard part.

Other things in my life tell me that I am powerless over my addiction(s) and that if I don't take the first one then I won't unleash my addiction all over again. Make sense? Well, it really is that simple when you boil it all down.


Wishing ya'll successful quitting; just for today.

[not2shygrrl]

Daktari.........no truer words are spoken than the comment from your post about not having the first one. I cannot even have one ciggy or I will be buying a pack. Knowing that is so helpful for me!

[Strappie]

Originally Posted by Daktari

Woohooo! Congratulations! Keep at it funkiness...nicotine and smoke free is the way to go. At a month nicotine free I bought myself a unicycle! Yup, a unicycle. It was something I'd always wanted to learn and I deserved the gift to myself. My 3rd month gift to self was another, much better specced, unicycle


To those starting out with an ecig. Go you it's a fabulous step to take but please remember that you're not nicotine free and all that that entails; even if you feel like you feel like you've quit ciggies. I really hope y'all get it and manage to give up the cigs, real or pretend, altogether. I promise you'll enjoy the freedom from the tyranny of addiction. Your lungs, body, brain, friends, family and wallet will thank you.

Addict decides they can't use their substance of mis-use in the same way as they have done for years but don't want to give up the feeling they get from that substance. What does that addict do? Give up the 'feeling' that they're emotionally addicted to or just change the method of ingestion? If it was heroin addict what would your answer be? If the addiction is to nicotine what would your answer be?

That last paragraph wasn't 'aimed' at any of the ecig users here. It's a question I've been mulling over recently as I observe folks who're in my 'circle' of acquaintance and who tell me they're giving up smoking but are constantly puffing on an ecig and therefore not actually giving up their nicotine addiction.

I have a new tag line for ecig advertising.

"Ecigs, for the smoker who doesn't want to quit smoking"


Ever so sorry if my mulling over of the ecig issue offends anyone, it's not intended to, just make you, and me, think.



Remember, you didn't become addicted in one day so easy does it...just one day at a time.

To be honest it does offend me. How did you quit? Drugs/Pills, Gum, Patch...??

Quitting smoking is QUITTING any way you look at it...

I'm so sorry so MANY people can not quit COLD TURKEY. I've been smoking for 28 plus years. Quitting cold turkey is NOT an option for me unless I want to end up in jail because I have killed someone. This isn't a Joke!

I have consulted my Doctor she has put me on drugs and nothing has helped. The Patch, nicorette gum and so on. NONE have worked for me. I have major anxiety among other things when I try to quit. So if someone is using a Patch, or another form of drug to help stop them from smoking .. I say GOOD FOR YOU FOR TRYING!!! Whatever works for each person is doing something to kick this horrible habit/addiction.

I very much plan on cutting back on the dose of nicotine. But BABY STEPS is needed. I haven't had any anxiety like I have had in the past. This is dealing with the addiction one day at a time.

Good Luck to everyone any way you decide helps you!!!

[Jesse]

Just doing a drive by to show support for those who are quitting the habit.

You really can do it!

Originally Posted by Strappie

To be honest it does offend me. How did you quit? Drugs/Pills, Gum, Patch...??

Quitting smoking is QUITTING any way you look at it...

I'm so sorry so MANY people can not quit COLD TURKEY. I've been smoking for 28 plus years. Quitting cold turkey is NOT an option for me unless I want to end up in jail because I have killed someone. This isn't a Joke!

I have consulted my Doctor she has put me on drugs and nothing has helped. The Patch, nicorette gum and so on. NONE have worked for me. I have major anxiety among other things when I try to quit. So if someone is using a Patch, or another form of drug to help stop them from smoking .. I say GOOD FOR YOU FOR TRYING!!! Whatever works for each person is doing something to kick this horrible habit/addiction.

I very much plan on cutting back on the dose of nicotine. But BABY STEPS is needed. I haven't had any anxiety like I have had in the past. This is dealing with the addiction one day at a time.

Good Luck to everyone any way you decide helps you!!!

Sorry if my thoughts offended you Strappie. That wasn't my intention as I said previously. I guess there's always a gap between intention and receipt of a message.

I guess we all have different perceptions of what quitting means.

Anyhoo I gave up by giving up nicotine. Flippant but true. I didn't do it cold turkey though. Actually I used Champix/Chantix, which is well documented earlier in this thread. It bonds with the nicotine receptors in your brain which in effect stops nicotine 'working' and stops making you feel better from yer nicotine 'hit'. It's sure an odd feeling but that's how it worked for me. I really do hope your method works for you and that eventually you do quit the nicotine.

I'm an ex-35yr smoker with severe lung disease as a result of my nicotine addiction and a desire to save anyone else suffering my fate...cuz believe me it sucks big style. Me Bad!

Again, my apologies for any offense taken.

[Strappie]

Originally Posted by Daktari

Sorry if my thoughts offended you Strappie. That wasn't my intention as I said previously. I guess there's always a gap between intention and receipt of a message.

I guess we all have different perceptions of what quitting means.

Anyhoo I gave up by giving up nicotine. Flippant but true. I didn't do it cold turkey though. Actually I used Champix/Chantix, which is well documented earlier in this thread. It bonds with the nicotine receptors in your brain which in effect stops nicotine 'working' and stops making you feel better from yer nicotine 'hit'. It's sure an odd feeling but that's how it worked for me. I really do hope your method works for you and that eventually you do quit the nicotine.

I'm an ex-35yr smoker with severe lung disease as a result of my nicotine addiction and a desire to save anyone else suffering my fate...cuz believe me it sucks big style. Me Bad!

Again, my apologies for any offense taken.

Chantix did not work for me. I had night tares and suicidal thoughts, hence why I got off that. I've tried other meds also. I had side effects with them also. I'm not and haven't been a pill taker. So for me it wasn't the answer.

It worked for you! I'm happy for you!! Why is a PILL any different than any other way people quit smoking cigarettes? Cig's have tar and other scary things mixed into it. They compare cigarette smoking to smoking heroin, it's just as addicting.

My mother quit 25 yrs ago, her Doctor looked at her lungs before she quit and they told her it was bad. After 6 months of quitting (the patch) her lungs improved 40% that's huge in 6 months. Now can you tell me that the patch is bad idea because she didn't "quit the nicotine?".... No she quit Smoking, period!

I'm happy to hear you are smoke free and your health is improving!

Thanks, but sadly my lungs will never improve. That's the point. The smoke and nicotine damaged them, on my behalf because I did it willingly, beyond repair. That's the nature of degenerative lung disease I'm afraid. I was one of those folks who thought it would never happen to me, no-one expects to get lung disease do they? I ask folks I know in person if they're prepared to take the risk of not being able to trot across the road or walk into town whenever they need or want to. Whether they're prepared to take the risk of having to live with a nebulizer and possibly a portable oxygen tank whilst they're still relatively 'young'. That's the reality of such illnesses. No lie, no joke.

I don't think I've ever said that NRTs (nicotine replacement therapies) and other symptom relief methods are not useful tools, I think they're invaluable... when used with an end in sight.

There are recommended times to take/use these things because we addicts tend not to want to reduce our intake if left to our own devices. That's what I'm like anyway.

On this last time of trying to quit I finally did as was recommended (did as I was repeatedly told in other words) and took the Champix exactly as recommended for 12 weeks (the first two smoking as is recommended). It really helped to make myself accountable to others and started my own quitting thread on a UK BF site. I posted every day without fail, the good and the bad of quitting, also took on board some handy hints and tips from folks who'd already quit successfully.

I know what made this final quit work and that was I wanted it; wanted it soooo damn bad that I resolved to deal with all the difficulties in social situations, the sitting at the computer not chain smoking, being with friends and not wanting to stop them indulging in their addictions, the extreme levels of anxiety and murderous irritability with patience and will-power. No amount of tablets, NRTs or positive words could replace it...for me anyway and something which continues on a daily basis as most folks I know smoke. Especially at those damn meetings for addicts who've given up the other lovely drugs

Anyhoo, this isn't about me but about you and your quit. I understand why you might feel a little defensive about your method of quitting in the light of my thinking-out-loud rambling about the ecig 'phenomenon'. It was probably the wrong time for my rambles and I shall be more mindful of that and probably take it away from this thread. Please know that I wasn't and am not judging you.

I really do wish you all the luck in the world, it's a fabbalus journey to start and you're right, baby steps are necessary and believe it not I'm in there rooting for ya, just like I am for anyone giving up, whichever method they use. I hope you turn those baby steps to strides.

Remember folks, if you don't take the first one...you know the rest!

[not2shygrrl]

Never fear........this thread is still here..... for all who want to read words of encouragement, and/or need some support in choosing to quit smoking or thinking about it. Some of you are in different stages of having quit.....good for you in your decision and keeping up the status as a non smoker and for those who have quit in other ways.....good for you that no longer are you inhaling that toxic smoke! As I like to say.........be a proud quitter ! <wink>