Q: How Can I Quit Smoking?

zoneric
50
When I look at pictures of smokers that have issues with hearts, blood veins, etc, I get scared and say that I'll quit, but I never do. I have been a smoker since I was around 18, so that's almost 10 years already. I would want to quit, but I can't. Any ideas, suggestions, etc ?
zoneric (rep: 11k) posted May 27, 2012
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21 Answers
rockinnrolla
When I quit I fist started by cutting down on the amount I smoked each day. Buy LOTS of gum, that saved me! I also used the $$$ I saved to buy something special for me. The 1st 2 weeks were the hardest but it gets easier! Good luck Zoneric! :)
rockinnrolla (rep: 112k) posted May 27, 2012
10
drewskidooo
Stop buying cigarettes.

Lol jk I think it is really hard to stop all at once so go gradually. This website has a lot of resources, it even has an app to help you quit. Congratulations on making a life changing decision! http://www.smokefree.gov/tools.aspx
drewskidooo (rep: 791) posted May 27, 2012
20
bbattag
Check to see if your work offers anything to help you. Many companies do. Also talk to your doctor. He may suggest a prescription like Chantix, which some of my friends have had success with.
bbattag (rep: 6.19k) posted May 27, 2012
10
rd995
congratulations zoneric thats the first step you are taking right there the second step will be to try to cut down on the amount you smoke if you can consult with your doctor like bbattag said to make it easier.
rd995 (rep: 28k) posted May 27, 2012
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zoneric
I am unemployed, always at home...so...kinda hard :)
zoneric (rep: 11k) posted May 27, 2012
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gangstabarbie
E-cigaretts :)
gangstabarbie (rep: 8.91k) posted May 27, 2012
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nimrodboy3
that's great that you want to stop, it sounds like you just might need the right motivation. there are many options for you that you can find in the pharmacy. nicotine gum is a way that can transition you off. if taken properly, your body can still get a low does of nicotine to sooth the cravings, however for some people that may not be enough. there are also prescription options available but you'll have to see a physician for that.

there's also patches that help release nicotine into the body as well. this helps since your body gets the nicotine it needs, but you end up tapering it off..which is good. for some people, they prefer an alternative option since their behavioral actions are used to using their hand to pop a cigarette into their mouth. if that's the case, maybe the gum will be a better option for you.

e-cigs definitely help with the behavioral symptoms..but check into it. there are a lot of options out there and we can be your support system. don't feel like you need to do this on your own...it's a big step..and it's very difficult, so i definitely recommend a support system. what helps is to tell the people closest to you. what also helps is to set a start date. if you want, you can also speak to a physician to get prescribed meds that will help prepare for the stop. for instance, if you choose a stop date of July 1st, then your physician may prescribe a certain medication for you to take two weeks prior to that date to help you when you get there.

lots of options..lots of support..GOOD LUCK!
nimrodboy3 (rep: 67.9k) posted May 27, 2012
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praveensapkota
Never say: I gave up smoking several times........
praveensapkota (rep: 38.5k) posted May 27, 2012
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encorez
Both my parents died of lung cancer, and it is a terrible way to die.....that should be enough for anyone to quit.
encorez (rep: 9.93k) posted May 27, 2012
20
dealwagger
Definitely buy something special for yourself with the money you save. That could be a great motivating factor for you!
Maybe it would help you to get a job somewhere that makes smoking a hassle, like at a school or a clinic. If you don't have experience you could always start doing something janitorial, no shame in that.
dealwagger (rep: 9.51k) posted May 27, 2012
10
zoneric
tried e-cigarettes. smoked for around 2 days but they made me feel very bad (vomit, nausea, etc) so I quit them and started on regular again...
zoneric (rep: 11k) posted May 27, 2012
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krmills1
Chantix works!!!!!!!! :) I know its expensive, but if you take it like directed it is amazing how it works!!
krmills1 (rep: 13.1k) posted May 27, 2012
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nimrodboy3
chantix is a prescription option..and that's the one i had in mind when i said you need to speak to your physician.

as for the e-cigs giving you nausea..it's probably due to withdrawal symptoms. your body is accustomed to having a certain amount of nicotine..using the gum and patch helps because it gives the body what it craves, but at a lesser dose...this way you don't have to experience the withdrawal symptoms as much.
nimrodboy3 (rep: 67.9k) posted May 27, 2012
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catchersmom
It also depends on what type of e- cig, I have vaped for over a year, love it
catchersmom (rep: 15.8k) posted May 27, 2012
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cooldiy
have you consider use a electronic cigaret
I smoke too, but I haven't try electronic cigaret。 But maybe I will try some days
cooldiy (rep: 86) posted May 27, 2012
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ancagavs
@cooldiy I think he already said that he used e-cigs and he felt ill.
ancagavs (rep: 5.67k) posted May 28, 2012
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encorez
It really comes down to this, if you want to see your grand-kids......stop smoking now.
encorez (rep: 9.93k) posted May 28, 2012
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opitica
The statistically most successful smoking quitters are those who go cold turkey. Yea it's rough and will require a ton of discipline but that's the best bet for the final nail
--
Jo
http://dealsnfreebi.es
opitica (rep: 1) posted May 28, 2012
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nthsll
Good luck. I recommend cold turkey. I tried cutting back, but found that I would smoke more once I proved I could do it. Kinda a backlash effect. That said...I'm fortunate enough not to be predisposed to actual physical addiction. I usedta smoke, but when I decided I was done, I walked away with no ill effects. Had some cravings, but no real withdrawals.
nthsll (rep: 12.4k) posted May 29, 2012
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toast
Your will power is like a muscle. Just gotta work it out more!

I've never been truly addicted to anything, so I can't actually speak to the ease of this technique. It helps if you do something else when you start jonesing for a cigarette though. Try drinking water everytime you feel the urge to smoke? Like try chugging it. Maybe having to pee all the time will make you want to smoke less after you trained yourself to instinctively go for the water haha.

But congrats on trying to quit. You'll save a ton of money too, I'm sure.
toast (rep: 5.54k) posted May 29, 2012
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zoneric
Thanks. I am willing to do anything :)
zoneric (rep: 11k) posted May 30, 2012
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