Way OT - I'm kicking the habit

[Taren Nighteyes]

I have seen a couple of threads on this issue, and so I thought I would make my announcement here in an attempt to further keep myself from picking up another cigarette.

I have quit smoking. Both my wife and I have gone cold turkey and it is making me miserable.

After 7 years, I suppose it is about time. But damn, it is hard.

I haven't had a cigarette since Monday (same with my wife) and we hope it will stay this way.

Congrats to those who have kicked the habit, and keep trying to those who want to.

Thanks,

Taren Nighteyes

 

[kibbitz]

My father quit smoking after being at it for several years. I'm sure that it wasn't nagging from my mother. Funny enough, it coincides with the declaration of a school rule that fines teachers 1000 bucks for smoking during certain periods, I think. While I believe it wasn't that which got my father to quit, I still have no idea what did. Still, he managed to quit, and you and your wife will too

 

[tleilaxu]

My advice: Start drinking.

No, but really congrats! I'm on two weeks without a cigarette myself

 

[Terwox]

Well, should cold-turkey fail you, don't give up entirely, and try a different method.

If you frequently smoked in one area of the house/outside, try to never go to that place. Yup!

Well, good luck for sure. I hope it works out!

 

[Greybar]

Congrats and good luck!

Both of my grandfathers died before I was old enough to know them. Both heavy smokers, both lung cancer. Here's hoping there won't be a repeat of that sad story for you or millions of others.

I know people who have fought this fight, and it's not an easy one. Best of luck and health!

John
p.s. I grew up in North Carolina, going to a high school named... wait for it... RJ Reynolds High School.

 

[Aaron L]

Keep going! I quit on July 3rd after smoking like a train for 8 years. Haven't had a cigarette since, and you can do it too!

 

[ladyofdragons]

congratulations. my husband stopped 3 years ago, he's never gone back. It is indeed possible to quit. If cold turkey doesn't work for you, however, you might try a more moderate approach:

1) don't smoke inside your house. it's much easier to smoke more inside in the comfort than outside in the rain.
2) try stepping down by scheduling your cigarrettes. That's what my husband did, and it worked very well for him. He went from x cigarrettes per day to 5, then a month later down to 4, then a month later down to 3, etc. until it was one every other day, then he just quit. It's the whole "I can wait 2 more hours for a cigarrette" versus the "I'll never ever be able to have another one" that makes it more bearable.

Though he did gain 20 lbs and was a bear to live with for 6 months or so. Understanding that negative emotional state that comes with quitting nicotine and patience will help you and your wife survive quitting without getting a divorce.

 

[Mercule]

Never been a smoker myself, but I've known more than a few who've kicked the habit. I wish you the best.

Of those that quit cold turkey, one of the keys to success seemed to be the understanding that giving into the craving was giving up control over their own actions -- to a stupid plant, none-the-less. It's your body and under your control alone. Keep it that way.

 

[Ruined]

Congratulations on the attempt to quit, and good luck to both of you. Not a smoker myself, but I've lived with a few different people who had tried to quit over time. It was difficult - some perservered, some didn't.

You should look for alsih2o on this board. He's at three weeks now, I believe. More power to him!

 

[alsih2o]

congrats taren, making up your mind to beat it is the first big hurdle.

you join a chorus of incredibly cool folks here on the boards who are quitters i am approaching week 4 (tomorrow) and i have to tell you tthat while i still get urges i feel sooooo much better for not smoking.

asinde from the physical feelings (like finding it easier to walk uphill) there is the amazing sense of self satisfaction that arises from knowing you have it beat

it is a nasty addiction, and all health issues aside, and all political issues aside that in itself can help to push you to further your quest. self control is the first step to world domination, i think you have to agree

feel free to email me if you need a quick boost of "what the is your problem?!?! you've come this far you have to quit now!"

stick with it my man....money, self-control, health, social acceptability...pick a new reason every urge, and lean on into us when you need it.