Want Some More Good Reasons to Quit

This was posted right after I quit ...only one post from this soul...not sure what happened but it sure made an impact on me... Name was Alamich...only one post...guess she gave up..she may never know how this inspired me at day 10October 17, 2007 I am 38 years old and I have been smoking regularly since I was 18,stop smoking now, sneaking cigarettes once in a while from age 12 on didn't really count, I thought. Around a pack and a half a day. I smoked through all 3 of my pregnancies with the rationalization that my mom smoked while carrying ME, so it would be fine. All of my babies were big and healthy, so I felt vindicated. My first son would get croup and asthma-like illnesses, I'm sure it was from his father and I smoking in the house, in the car.. everywhere. Never really occurred to me back then though. When it did, I just shut it out of my mind. By the time my second son was born, with a new husband, I had graduated to still smoking in the house, but with a fan blowing out the window and blowing into the fan. Or going down "into the basement" (standing at the basement door in the kitchen acting like there was some smoke-sucking monster down at the bottom of the stairs who would magically grab all the smoke out of my kitchen and dispose of it for me) As time went on, we went outside to smoke more and more. We had a bathroom that we locked ourselves into to smoke and one day, one of us took a mop, dampened the head, and made a streak across the ceiling. It was amazing. That's when we started heading outside, but we'd cheat in winter by smoking in the house.. but smoking really fast to get it over with and not smoke up the house too much. Yeah. When I had my 3rd child, our daughter, we were still mostly smoking outside but still smoking in the car...with the windows open, holding the cigarette close to the cracked window and trying to exhale through the crack as well. Not only did this put our kids at risk of having a red hot cherry blown back into their faces, but they also got to enjoy the bitter cold in the mornings "Mom.. it's snowing in my face, are you done smoking YET?" "Mom, it's RAINING out there, I'm getting soaked! PLEASE shut the window!" I'd holler back "It's only cracked, not THAT much rain is getting in! Sheesh, fine, I'll put it out." And then I'd put it out and feel a mixture of guilt that I couldn't wait until we got to our destination to smoke, and a feeling of "Damnit, I wasn't done yet!" There was an incident with our middle son when he was a baby, where he ran into my husband's cigarette and got a large hot ash in his eye. I remember him screaming in pain all the way to the hospital and my crying while trying to comfort him on the ride. I remember looking at that beautiful blue eye and it was completely black, full of ash, and how terrifying it was. My husband lost it in the bathroom and I had to step up and be the only adult. It was a horrible time. His eye is fine now, he's 9 with no long term effects or scarring, but just through pure luck. We both tried to quit together in the fall of 2002. We lasted around 3 days, I think, and then my husband decided that he was going to have a cigar. His rationalization was that having a cigar wasn’t really smoking since he didn’t inhale, and he ALWAYS had a cigar in Fall. I called him a cheater and a liar, said “Screw it” and started smoking again. Of course, we both did. I’ve had pneumonia, bronchitis, breathing treatments, inhalers. I’ve been hospitalized and on an IV and walked outside of hospitals, dragging my IV behind me, wearing nothing but a gown and maybe socks.. to have a cigarette. I’d then shuffle back to my hospital room, coughing and hacking. In the last ten years, I’ve gained 30 lbs. My teeth are yellow, my fingers would stink, the price of cigarettes has gone up to from $4.50 to over 5 bucks a pack here, and I ran out of excuses. My daughter was the catalyst. She is 5, incredibly clever, and holds my heart firmly in her little hands. She would pepper me with questions and I would give her the stock answers that I gave her siblings earlier,smoking cessation, the same ones my mom had given me when I begged HER to stop smoking and I was a little girl. I think we all know the excuses and the hypocrisy of telling our children that what WE are doing is a horrible nasty thing and THEY must never do it, and that they just can’t possibly understand the addiction and how HARD it is for us to quit… so they’re best off just never ever even trying it and not ending up doomed and addicted like Mommy. My quit date was October 2nd, 2007. I’m on Chantix, and it really has helped the cravings. The very important thing for me right now is that this is for me. I cannot be dependant on whether or not my husband quits. I want to be at my children’s graduations and weddings and the births of my grandchildren without coughing, hacking, stinking and maybe dragging an oxygen bottle around. Also, importantly, when those days DO come when my job as Mom has evolved into something way less hands-on, then I am really looking forward to discovering me, and my life, and seeing things I have always wanted to see. My mom died suddenly from a brain aneurysm last October 12th, 2006. She was only 57. She was a chronic smoker and had COPD, a purse full of inhalers, lozenges and Advair, but it was the hidden secret flaw lurking in her brain that snuck up and snuffed out any more chances she had. I could die like that. Fall from my chair on one day and my children could be deciding what to do with my organs the next. That would be fine compared to a long drawn out self-inflicted suffocation that I would be gifting myself with in my future if I kept smoking. So I’m clean for 15 days now. My husband is still smoking. I don’t have the energy to deal with him and whether or not he’s going to quit, but there’s no smoking either of our cars, now nor the house, so it’s just the garage that’s stinky and occasionally he’ll smoke in one of the bathrooms when he’s having his morning "sabbatical". I can’t take responsibility for the health and welfare of 3 kids, fighting a horrible addiction for myself, and then topping it with whether or not he’s strong enough to do it. I do get a chuckle when he’s the one who’s got to run for cigarettes now, we used to pull names out of a hat when neither one wanted to go do it. He’ll be the one standing outside in the snow this winter sucking one down before we drive home, I’ll be able to sit in the nice toasty car, watch him, and be glad it’s not me. When my friend talks about taking a train trip from Michigan to California, no longer will I have a clinching in my gut when I think about how it would be to be on a train that long without smoking, how I’d be able to get off the train to smoke, etc. Heck, right now with the money I’m saving from not buying smokes, it’ll make that train trip just that much easier to afford if it comes to fruition. My smoking calculator says I have saved $120.00 and that’s in just a little over 2 weeks. Can you believe that? I spent THAT much money on something that was poisoning me? I am such an idiot. Or was. I’m trying not to be now. Going to the gym helps as well. I went every day for a while but my daughter had a cold and I either got her cold, or my body’s draining from quitting, or both, and I haven’t felt like working out the last few days. I miss it though, and it’s funny because I was such a sloth and so happy to just sit on my ass getting fat when I was smoking, I stop, and suddenly I have energy and want to become active again. I had no idea that smoking was holding me down so much. That’s all for now.

What makes me smile........

Anytime my husband goes anywhere our 5 yr old daughter rushes to his side and announces "I'm going". She doesn't care where he is going.......it could be to go fill up the car with gas......she's going with him. The other kids never want to go with either of us anywhere unless they are benefiting from it somehow. Yesterday my husband was running out to the store to buy eggs for me & of course Cori (our daughter) was rushing around to get ready so she could go with Jeff (my husband). My husband opened the car door for her to get in and asked her "Cori why do you always want to go with me? she looked at him and said because I don't want you to ever have to be alone".The look of pure joy on my husbands face was priceless.Glad to be here...........enjoying this wonderful life So THANKFUL to be smoke-freeSharonSmoke-Free 1 month,smoking cessation, 2 weeks,stop smoking, 4 days - life saved MINE

When and why I smoke- tell me what you do to break free

Please share with me what works for you when you encounter one of those triggers that usually ended with you lighting up a cigarette. I smoke when:I wake up in the morning, usually within 15 minutesI sit down to the computer to check emails, or play a gameI get in my car to drive to work,smoking cessation, the store, or just about anywhere else.I finish a long exhausting or time consuming task. I light up a cigarette as sort of a reward for my hard work.After I finish eating a meal.When I am talking on the phone.Coffee or lunch break at work. This is a really hard one. I have developed some very close friendships with the people who seek refuge at the "smoking hole" at work. They are dear friends of mine,stop smoking, and I feel I would miss them terribly.One of the biggst triggers is the close people around me that smoke. I spend a lot of time at my parent' s house, they live only 2 minutes away. And in that household, there are 3 smokers. Not to mention, my beloved neice and nephew who I would die if I didn't get to see every few days. Thankfully, due to the recent relationship changes I have made in the last 2 y ears, I don't have any "stress relieving" ciggies. Mine are all habitual and boredome smokes. And what have you all done the last couple days before your quit day? How do you prepare for such a life altering change in your lives?2 days and counting until the big day. Maybe only one, if I can prepare myself today. After all, I go back to work tomorrow. Share your wisdom! Help me butt out that very last cigarette TONIGHT!

Why why why--------

Why am I still stuggling like it was day 1?Why do I feel everyone here has some kind of key that I must not have on my ring?Why am I still biting peoples heads off like a damn shark?Why am I still mourning the loss of my first quit on 8/3...it is gone,quit smoking now, I did it!Why,Herbal cigarettes, when I watch the neighbor lady smoke outside her front door, do I still want to run over and snatch that sick stick out of her hands and drag on it till I feel better?Am I just one of the newbies that the seasoned quitters saw as a loser all along? Do I just not GET IT? What am I missing?

The nicodemon

Did anyone ever see, touch,Herbal cigarettes, feel or had an actual conversation with the nicodemon?If believing in the power of the nicodemon makes quitting smoking more difficult,quit smoking, who wants you to believe in the nicodemon?First of all there are the cigarette companies. They don't care why you THINK you smoke as long as you keep smoking. They get sued, raise the price of cigarettes, keep making a profit and laugh all the way to the bank with your money.Then there are the nicotine replacement products companies. If the smokers who are trying to quit didn't believe in the nicodemon, they wouldn't have any customers.I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade. However, if quitting smoking is more difficult because you believe in the nicodemon you found a perfect scapegoat to remain a smoker. Instead of pointing your finger at the nicodemon, bend that finger 180 degrees until it is pointing at yourself.You will be pointing at the only person who could make you a nonsmoker, and you can make it easy or you can make it difficult.

Sunday pledge a bit early

It's been a week of hell at times and a hell of a week at times - I'm so psyched for all new and great people I've met here so far and really appreciate the support and encouragment. I'll take the tips you all offered me earlier for my trip to ME. tomorrow and look forward to catching up on Monday. I'm putting my Sunday pledge in early - this will make Sunday #2 that I don't smoke - not one puff for me - it's gonna be a SUPER SUNDAY!!! CJ - Free and Healing for Seven Days and 32 Minutes,quit smoking, while extending my life expectancy 11 Hours,stop smoking, by avoiding the use of 140 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $37.93.GO PATRIOTS!

Texas Stadium Implosion 4-11-10

A friend of mine works for a crane company that's pretty close to the Dallas Cowboys' Texas Stadium in Irving,stop smoking now, TX that was imploded last Sunday. Jerry Jones, owner of the Boyz, and his organization put together a knocked out stadium in Arlington, TX which we've named The Dallas Palace (or the Death Star by others). Some of us were saddened to see the old stadium be destroyed. It's only a couple of miles from my house and I went by it at least once almost every day since it was built. Held so many memories - good and bad - 3 Super Bowl Teams, Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Lee Roy Jordan,quit smoking now, Bob Lilly, Moose Johnston and some of the most heartbreaking losses ever. I could go on and on. That stadium will always hold a spot in our hearts. (note: can y'all hear them there Texas accents????? - I don't speak like that, trust me).http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HafKtF6Z ... ded#at=164

TONIGHT IS HARD...

I am not needing an SOS...but I got to say I have some serious personal stuff going on and I really have some urges tonight, the cigs are pretty much right in my face and I am very tempted. I know I will pull through. I am strong even though some people in my life say I am not. I am fighting some serious things right now and beating them WITHOUT smoking. I must be an alright person if I can do that. Just feeling down tonight...I will be fine...I dont care if anyone makes fun of me for coming on here...if coming on here helps me from not picking up a smoke then thats good. Have a good one all. JoJo

Thursday Joke- OK, I'm late, but all get out is breaking

out here today!!! AAAAHHHH Wife helps out the copA male driver is pulled over by a cop and the following conversation takes place:Man: What's the problem officer?Cop: You were going at least 75 in a 55 zone.Man: No sir, I was going 65.Wife: Oh Harry. You were going 80.(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)Cop: I'm also going to give you a ticket for your broken tail light.Man: Broken tail light? I didn't know about a broken tail light!Wife: Oh Harry,quit smoking, you've known about that tail light for weeks.(Man gives his wife a dirty look.)Cop: I'm also going to give you a citation for not wearing your seat belt.Man: Oh, I just took it off when you were walking up to the car.Wife: Oh Harry, you never wear your seat belt.Man: Shut your mouth,smoking cessation, woman!Cop: Ma'am, does your husband always talk to you this way?Wife: No, only when he's drunk.

The Urge Hits

The urge hits! You have been off cigarettes for a long period of time. You have not thought about cigarettes for days, maybe even weeks. But now, right now, you want a cigarette. Sound familiar? It should. Your experience is shared by most of the 33,000,000 ex-smokers in today's society. The thought of a cigarette is aroused by some situation, person or surrounding. Often you have no idea why--all you know is that you want one and you want it fast. There are two ways to get over the urge for that cigarette. First, you can borrow, buy or steal one and smoke it. That will satisfy the urge for that one cigarette. It will also create an urge,quit smoking, a need, a full-fledged addiction for another one plus an additional million (if you live long enough to smoke a million) after that. Considering this, taking a cigarette is not a preferable solution. The other method of getting over the urge is, simply, don't take one. You don't have to take a pill, a shot, a candy bar or a drink. All you have to do is something else. Go back to work,smoking cessation, take a walk or just take a deep breath of fresh air. The urge will pass in seconds and once again you will go hours, days, weeks and eventually months before you have another urge. Stay happier, healthier and better looking and smelling. Joel Spitzer

That's how the fight started

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift. The next year, he didn't buy her a gift.When she asked him why, he replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"And that's how the fight started.....************************************************************************ A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'And that's how the fight started.....************************************************************************ I asked my wife, 'Where do you want to go for our anniversary?'It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said.So I suggested, 'How about the kitchen?'And that's when the fight started....************************************************************************ My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed. I turned to her and said,smoking cessation, 'Do you want to have sex?''No,' she answered.I then said, 'Is that your final answer?'She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying 'Yes.'So I said, 'Then I'd like to phone a friend.'And that's when the fight started....************************************************************************ I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer would make her look better at night than the cold cream.And that's when the fight started......********************************************************************* I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first. 'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.'He said,stop smoking, 'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?''Nah, she can order for herself.'And that's when the fight started.....************************************************************************My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping the channels. She asked, 'What's on TV?' I said, 'Dust.'And then the fight started....======================================================================My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to200 in about 3 seconds.'I bought her a scale.And then the fight started...

Tipsylass has ONE MONTH

Okay, I'm jumping the gun by 36 minutes, but I'm just so excited I can't contain myself. To celebrate my first month anniversary, I've written a haiku series (because nothing says one month anniversay like haiku, right?). To read, please drink a frothy latte,quit smoking, wear your favorite black beret, and snap your fingers.The Beginninginhale heat, dark air,smothering cigarette smokepaper-iron lungThe Yearsflecks and flicks of ashanother burned blouse,Herbal cigarettes, a scarmy volcano selfThe Endone month, I’m a puff-in, free, a sea-bird in flighton wafts of new airKaren

Tomorrow is my quit day! Yikes.

Hello! I was suppose to be earlier this week but got pushed back... however tomorrow is the day! I'm also running in my first race tomorrow morning so I thought the whole thing would be very symbolic. However I am SO ANXIOUS today. Every ciggrette I have I think to myself... "This is my last morning ciggrette." or "This is my last smoke in the car." I know I should be saying "Yeah! I'm not giving myself cancer anymore!" but I'm not always that positive. I'm pretty frustrated too,Herbal cigarettes, because this Chantix medicine isn't working one bit. The last time I took it I would put a ciggrette out before I finished it because I just didn't want one. This time I'm fiend. I'm not even getting the side effects from Chantix! I swear,quit smoking now, they gave me a placebo! Anyway... I almost wish this day was just over and all the anxiety would go away. And the sadness too. I know the nico-demon is NOT MY FRIEND but sometimes it feels like I'm really losing one.

Too many annies....not enough time

Our family sure has grown lately (which is a terrific thing). The only problem is the list of daily anniversary's are a bit overwhelming. I think we all feel bad when we don't have time to congrats everone....as I noticed on some of these lately there aren't many replies.....We love to reconize the accomplishments but it's becoming very time consuming. Maybe if we all put our heads together we can come up with a more manageable way of doing it....not to mention all the work that Debbie has to do!!!! What about if we have just one daily congrats listing all the anniversaries for that day????????Lets hear from you all and see if we can come up with a good system..... p.s. If I am butting into something that I should be the just don't listen to my ramblings....not trying to start anything....just me being to lazy to reply to so many each day Rhonda

Successfuk QUITTERS

mimi brought this up earlier today I had put the Bobs World link up So many articles that were once posted day after day ( I refer to YEARS ago) have been lost along the way This is a great site the article is AN EXAMPLE of what is available for reading gleaning learning and holding ontoso take what ya need leave the restand recognize PERSONAL ownership and responsibility are truly what ya need to face deal with to make this journey IT is your own. Companions are just that( company along the way) Seek and YOU shallfind..Portrait of Successful QuittersPosted by Wendy (Login Wndy)ARTICLE: A Portrait of Successful QuittersBy Fred KelleySuccess leaves clues. These clues are a roadmap you can follow to improve your chances of becoming a successful quitter. Smokers who quit successfully have common characteristics, and take common steps along the road to becoming an ex-smoker.You can follow those steps. You can duplicate them. There is no copyright or patent on the steps necessary to quit smoking.The formula for successfully quitting smoking is not a closely guarded trade secret like the formula for Coke or the recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken. All who wish to copy the success of other quitters may do so, freely.Here, then, is a portrait of successful quitters.Successful quitters are motivated. They have reached a point in their lives where they have become disgusted or concerned about the effects smoking has ontheir lives and/or the lives of people around them.Successful quitters are honest with themselves. Smokers tell themselves many lies to help justify smoking. Quitters acknowledge the dangers of smoking.Successful quitters stop making excuses. There never will be a perfect time or situation or alignment of the stars to quit smoking.Successful quitters accept responsibility for their habit. They acknowledge that they made the decision to start smoking, and that no one else can quit for them. They quit blaming their parents or the tobacco companies or anyone else.Successful quitters admit they have a weakness and an addiction. They also understand there is no shame in the addiction.Successful quitters admit they may need help and are willing to seek outside support.Successful quitters plan their quit. They write down goals, dates, obstacles etc.Successful quitters set a quit date.Successful quitters develop a belief in themselves and their own ability to overcome smoking. Without self-belief, smokers rarely quit. Successful quitters seek ways to improve the belief that they can quit.Successful quitters usually make several attempts to quit before finally quitting permanently. Persistence and determination are critical to quitting.Successful quitters become very attuned to what triggers their smoking; then they eliminate as may triggers as possible. For example, many smokers like to light up when they go to a bar. By avoiding the bar scene, quitters eliminate this trigger.Successful quitters find a quit buddy to support them. Family members or friends can often quit smoking together, and support each other in the process.Resources on the Internet are also available to help smokers find support buddies.Successful quitters remove barriers to quitting. Simple steps such as disposing of all cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays remove the temptation to smoke.Successful quitters are willing to make tough choices. For example, quitters may have to distance themselves from friends or family who smoke.Successful quitters are willing to experience the discomfort of quitting. Withdrawal symptoms keep many smokers from quitting. Successful quitters tolerate the symptoms and learn how to deal with them so they can quit. They understand that most things in life worth fighting for require some effort and discomfort.Successful quitters see themselves as non-smokers. They have a specific goal or vision in mind.Successful quitters begin exercise programs. Exercise relieves stress, counteracts weight gain that many quitters experience, heightens feelings of well-being, and makes quitting easier.Successful quitters are willing to try nicotine patches and gum, Zyban and other smoking cessation aids. These products don't help everyone, but they do have a proven track record.Successful quitters meditate. Meditation helps reduce stress and clear the mind.Successful quitters often seek a higher power to help them as they struggle against their addiction and cravings. Spiritual support makes most anything easier to accomplish.Successful quitters alter their diet. Fruits, vegetables and more water can serve as substitutes for cigarettes, while helping the body heal.Successful quitters help others quit. They feel a sense of duty to share what they have learned, so others can become smoke-free.Successful quitters reward themselves for staying smoke-free. They make a list of rewards,stop smoking now, both large and small, that they give themselves the longer they remain off cigarettes.Successful quitters remain on guard for months or even years after they quit, knowing that all it takes is one puff to start smoking again.By following in the footsteps of successful quitters, you can dramatically improve your chances of quitting smoking. Begin working today to adopt these success traits so you,smoking cessation, too, can be a portrait of a successful quitter.

Summer Virus

is soaring through my area........my kid has had a fever since Saturday and it is lasting approximately 7 days for lots of kids,quit smoking now, pediatricians will not even see kids with the symptoms because it is so everywhere and adults are very prone to it too, they are just saying treat the symptoms unless they get more severe than a 103 fever for 4 days....so.....just hoping ya'll will send me some good vibes and prayers, my little Joey tends to catch all the serious bugs,stop smoking, and I so don't want it, he is just hot as fire unless he is medicated. Man this kid gets sick a lot.Night everyone......sweet dreams and prayers for you all and your quits.Steph

Stress After Quitting

The holiday season is upon us and I have seen quite a bit at different sites where people are getting strong urges to smoke.I think a lot of it has to do with stress and stress is a big association trigger for a lot people when they quit smoking, BUT there are reasons why and I think understanding so helps deal with these urges.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stress is a huge trigger for people quitting smoking and a lot of people believe that on some level smoking relieved their stress. It didn't. Smoking actually creates stress. The whole business of smoking is relieving an anxiety that the previous cigarette created. AN ANXIETY THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'm sure everyone here knows that nicotine releases dopamine, but that it only part of the story. Not only did the brain have to turn it's own sensitivity down to naturally release dopamine, causing the smoker to rely a lot more on the cigarette just to feel normal. Nicotine also had the ability to fit the smoker's adrenaline locks. As the effects of nicotine wore off and adrenaline was pumping through the bloodstream. The smoker was left with a subtle fight or flight feeling. A heightened anxiety. A empty feeling of insecurity and an uncomfortableness. The mind and body were being fooled into thinking that something was wrong. Like the person was in some kind of danger, when in fact, there was no outside danger there. So the smoker would smoke a cigarette and temporarily switch off this feeling and once again feel safe and comfortable. One of the problems with stress, is that nicotine is a very unstable alkoloid. Stress though is an acidic producing event. What this does is it actually causes the nicotine to get pulled out of the bloodstream at an accelerated rate. This will quickly put the smoker into the first stages of withdrawal. So when we smoked and were under stress. This only created a compounded problem of having withdrawal on top of what was initially creating our stress. So we smoked a cigarette. Relieved withdrawal and "felt better". The problem is that after years or most likely decades, the line has blurred between releiving stress and withdrawal. we started to become brainwashed that on some level smoking relieved our stress. It didn't. Nothing changed. The initial problem that originally created our stress was still there. It is just that we were now able to deal with the problem because we were no longer preoccupied with the compounded uncomfortable feeling of drug withdrawal. We had temporarily pacified the monkey. You may ask, " Why do I need to know this. I'm no longer doing this to myself." I think that it is very important to know this, because even when we first quit, our subconscious hasn't....yet. After years of smoking, our subconscious has been conditioned to associate smoking a cigarette with negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, stress,smoking cessation, sadness etc. This is because a lot of times these negavtive emotions caused a real physiological reaction that put us into drug withdrawal. So even when we quit, we have a lot of left over false memories in the subconscious telling us that if we feel stress. Smoke a cigarette and we'll feel better. This may sound like a contradiction, because we no longer want to smoke but in reality it is only our subconscious doing it's job. It is only trying to keep us safe and comfortable and that is the paradox of smoking. Smoking is neither safe nor comfortable, but nicotine has tricked us! It has tricked our subconscious! The previous cigarette created a false feeling of danger. It created anxieties for us, but our subconscious figured something out. If we smoked another cigarette we would once again "feel safe and comfortable." It doesn't really know the difference between real stress or relieving withdrawal, because the two are very similar. It has been conditioned for years and most likely decades of addiction, that when we felt this anxiety for what ever reason caused it, that a cigarette would help relieve it. If you find yourself under a stressful situation and start getting thoughts of smoking. Step back and remind yourself that it is a thought. It is an association trigger. It is not a physical need. This will help your subconscious to break this association with smoking. A lot of people relapse because they fall for this trick. They still believe on some level that smoking will help them relieve their stress and help them get through that bad moment. What they usually find out is that smoking not only did not help them get trhough a bad day,stop smoking now, but it ruined that day and quite possibly the next day and the next...... Don't fall for the lie anymore!! Don't believe in th cigarette!! When we first quit smoking. Knowing why we feel like smoking while under stress may not take away those thoughts or urges, but hopefully it will change how you deal with them. Remember, craves do not last forever. The only people that have craves forever are people that don't quit smoking. Eric I freed myself on 7/7/04

SOS!! I CRAVE A CIG NOW!

I have been up for 2 hours fighting this craving. I use a cut-off straw in lieu of a cigarette, almost like a pacifier, and it usually does the trick. However, this craving is very strong, I can't seem to get it to go away. All I can think about is that one drag,Herbal cigarettes, that will make it all better.Never mind the struggle it's been , it's ludicrous to throw 16 days away. I smoked for FORTY years. This is not easy for me. No one expects me to suceed. If the cravings would lessen just a bit, I might not have to fight so darned hard. ok... posting this now, hope I don't regret it later,smoking cessation, lol.

Smart or QUIT 123 Shot to stop smoking

I was talking to my Realtor today and mentioned I recently quit smoking,quit smoking now, and then she told me how she had smoked for over 30 years, tried everything known to man but could never quit until she took the smoking 'shot' which she said consisted of several shots actually.. including two behind the ear. She said her husband had to drive her home the first night she was so out of it, then fell asleep as soon as she got home. When she woke up in the morning she said it was 'as if she never smoked'..and she never had a nother cigarette. I tried to look up online more info. about this but it seems it's only available in limited areas and there a couple different types (that I posted the names of in the title topic). I happen to be in an area it is available. (I could have saved mysel all this hell? ). Anyway,smoking cessation, was wondering if anyone else has quit on this method, or knows anyone who has... or anything they know about it at all. Logically something tells me it was better to suffer through the quit like most of us have...so we are less tempted to ever relapse for fear of going through it again... the no pain no gain thing... ? From what I'm reading It costs between $400-600 and includes medication for 2 weeks following the shots. I''d love to hear from anyone who's had any experience with or input on this.

Recommit to Quit Smoking

Recommit to Quit Smoking ( http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/prepare ... t.htm?nl=1 )Something about leaving an old year behind and looking ahead at the clean slate of a new one inspires most of us to try. We think about making lasting positive changes in our lives, and we do it with hope and enthusiasm. However, when that feeling of excitement fades within days or weeks, resolutions are often forgotten in favor of familiar habits. We feel guilty about giving up,smoking cessation, but comfort ourselves with the vague promise to try again soon.Change is hard for most peopleChanging how we live takes work and is uncomfortable until new habits become ingrained in our daily routine. As humans however, we're equipped to adapt to any change of our choosing, regardless of how long a behavior has been with us. So, don't despair -- you have what it takes to quit smoking successfully within you. It's just a matter of tapping into it and building your resolve,stop smoking now, and your quit program, one simple day at a time.If your plan to quit smoking for New Years' failed and you're already looking ahead to January 1 of next year as a possible quit date, use the information below to get back on track. There is truly no time like the present to quit smoking, so take some time now to refresh your resolve and make the rest of this year count.Revisit Your ReasonsBy focusing your thoughts on your own personal reasons for quitting, you are laying the foundation for successful smoking cessation. It all starts in your mind, and once you get your thoughts moving in the right direction, taking action will come more easily. 5 Reasons to Quit Smoking I Quit Smoking Because... What are Your Reasons For Quitting?Review What You're In ForFrom headaches to intestinal discomforts, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can leave you feeling out-of-sorts. It may feel like your day is one long, continual urge for a cigarette. But if you pay close attention, you'll notice that most cravings to smoke last only three to five minutes. Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms 5-Minute Craving Busters My First Smoke-Free Day - a Personal AccountTake a Deep Breath and Dive InWhile some preparation is a good idea when you decide to quit smoking, it's easy to overthink it to the point of paralysis. Don't let that happen to you. Spend a little time reviewing the content above, sign up for the free email course below and get acquainted with our support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation. Quit Smoking 101 - A Free Email Course Smoking Cessation Support Forum {Note: This is the about.com forum, if you are interested. I'm certainly not recommending it over the qsmb, but if you are interested, here it is... note from Dunkin }Once that's done, pick your quit date (within the next couple of weeks at most), and get started. Don’t worry that you feel shaky and unsure of yourself. Be patient and follow the steps outlined here. They will help you turn that shakiness into a strength of purpose that will bring you the lasting freedom you're looking for.Remember, you do have what it takes to quit smoking successfully within you right now. Believe in yourself and do the work to put smoking behind you once and for all. And just think...if you quit smoking now, you'll have 6 months of smoke-free time under your belt when New Year's rolls around again. For once, you'll be able to focus on making a resolution that doesn't involve quitting smoking. Imagine that!

so...Off to Defensive Driving School I go.

Apparently 34 miles over the speed limit in a School Zone requires that. My lawyer informed me today, he is hillarious,quit smoking now, he was like(Say his lines in a Gone with the Wind accent)"Hey Sugar they got you for 59 in a school zone Your gonna have to go to defensive driving school."I say"ewwww""He says, Oh Darling, you are gonna have to"Have you ever noticed that if you get an extra dollar, something happens and it gets jerked right out of your hands. I know it was my fault but man I am worried about how much this one is gonna cost me. That is why I don't play the Lottery,stop smoking, if I won a million dollars a million dollars worth of stuff might happen to me. Drive slow........ and KTQ. Steph

Reaffirmation

Ok after smoking for 25+ years of the last 32 years of my life I have not used ANY NICOTINE for 3 Weeks, 2 Days, 19 hours, 37 minutes and 37 seconds (23 days). This is a VERY BIG DEAL FOR ME.Tonight,quit smoking now, I would like to reaffirm my COMMITMENT to not use NICOTINE, to take control of me rather than letting NICOTINE have ANY control over my actions.By doing this I greatly increase my possible lifespan, greatly lower my risks for getting nasty things like CANCER and EMPHYSEMA and other diseses. I am also saving some $$... 160.78 so far.Thank you all for your support on here,stop smoking, and I give my support to EVERYONE of you here who is quitting, whether it has been 1 hour or 10 years.Nick

So proud of my boy! Have to share!

None of you have to read this or even reply lol but I have to share. My 10 year old has to have so many accelerated reader points in order to go on a special field trip next week. He was literally down the wire and read last night for 5 hours to finish the book. He has to have 65 points (throughout the school year). On this test, if he scored 100%,Herbal cigarettes, he would have 66, 90%, 65 points exactly and 80%,stop smoking now, 64 points, no trip. His teacher just emailed me and he got a 90%!! He gets to go! He didn't get to go last year and was really really bummed about it.I was so proud after I read the email that I cried lol.

quitting smoking in sobriety

Hi dudes,quit smoking, I'm new here and new at the quitting smoking game. I'm near 2 years sober and am quitting smoking after being pressured by other sober friends. I haven't smoked in about a week and have been reading the Allen Carr book. I worried about alcohol relapse when I imagined quitting. I'm feeling pretty rageful during my cravings, but not really like picking up. Realizing that nicotine addiction is literally a drug addiciton has helped me stay away. I can't believe I haven't really put it together til a week on this side of quitting.Anyway,Herbal cigarettes, just wondering if any other sober folks post here and how it feels to walk out of a meeting into that cloud of smoke and not join in.Thanks!

Ramdom thoughts....................

First; This is truly the most awesome, dedicated,smoking cessation, serious bunch I have seen here in quite some time. Almost remeniscent of the days of old. Love it! All the enthusiasm and caring and sharing - is sure to snag quite a few "sticky" quits! I love coming here because you just truly ..."feel the power".......all the positive energy here is truly infectious............I have really meant to post more but at the time I am overburdened elsewhere. Shorthanded at work(fixed that one...new hire starts Wed, )...Wild boomerang woman child of 23........left home years ago and back now to do what she should have done at hs graduation.......to come and go as she pleases contribute little......keep praying she'll grow up. She (in my former smoking mind) was much of the reason I either ..kept smoking, ot, relapsed.........I decided no more! I have challenged MYSELF to get through this with NO EXCUSES. Okay ,Herbal cigarettes, all for now Dinner timer calls! Luv U folks!Pam

Six Month Recap!

Six months quit!! I hope you guys don't mind the long post. I thought I would share with you guys some of my thoughts and experiences of the last little while, maybe to help motivate some of the new quitters out there, or to just help some others pass a little bit of time.I still have a hard time believing that I've made it all the way to 6 months... Back in Feb when I started this quit, I had a hard enough time thinking about making it to 6 days, or 6 weeks, let alone half a year. This is by far the longest quit I have ever sustained, and hopefully will be the only quit I will ever need to sustain again.A huge thank you to everyone on this board, for your support, your posts, your congratulations. You guys were a huge motivation for me to keep the quit. Not one puff, ever!To all you newbies, if I can do this, so can you. I was so addicted. I associated EVERYTHING I did day to day with having a cigarette. During those first couple of days of my quit, I thought about smoking all the time, as in every minute. For weeks I would "cheat" by walking myself through clouds of other people's second hand smoke (disgusting huh?). I would go off on a daze all the time at work, multiple trips to the water cooler, rest room, long looks out the window, anything to try and take my mind off of smoking. At home I cooked up a storm, cleaned up a storm, don't think our kitchen had ever been so spotless. I think the major turning point of my quit was about 4 weeks or so in. I remember driving home with my wife, suffering this massive crave all the way back, getting to our parking lot and spending 5 minutes with her talking about how I was gonna drive out to the convenience store right now to pick up a pack, it's okay, I'm just gonna have the one now, and will save the rest for only when I really need to have one again. I had actually put my car back into gear to drive out of the parking lot when she said to me, "No sweetie, you're doing so good, you don't need to do this. Let's just go back in." I heard that, grit my teeth, put my car back into park,Herbal cigarettes, shut it off, and ran inside to sulk. Haven't looked back since. After that, slowly but surely, the difficulties started to fade away. I began noticing huge periods of time where I wouldn't even think about smoking. Sometimes my biggest craves, like after meals, wouldn't even register in my head until an hour or more afterwards. Even when the craves came they were super easy to fight off, as in 10 seconds and it was off my mind. Other people's second hand smoke wasn't so great any more. I would see friends smoke and not even think about wanting a smoke myself. I could even sit there, think about a cigarette, and not even crave for it. Day by day, it started to get easier and easier.I know now that if I had gone out that night to buy that pack, I would still be smoking away. To make the quit happen, and I'm sure this applies to everyone out there, it's all about the battles you're forced to fight on a day to day, hour to hour, or minute to minute basis with your craves. You need to keep fighting them, no matter how little, or how big, or how frequent. Take them on one at a time, beat them down, and move on to the next one. Each time you do it, you get a little stronger, and the quit becomes a little easier. As time goes on, the battles start getting further and further apart. I realized just this morning that I didn't even think about cigarettes at all yesterday, not a single crave. I don't even know when the last time was I had gone a whole day without thinking about cigarettes, probably before I had started smoking. Even when I did think about it this morning it was because I was reflecting on my six month quit,smoking cessation, and not because I was actually craving a cigarette. That's when I thought I would write a post here, to share with everyone some of my experiences this last little while, and hopefully provide some motivation to someone that THIS IS POSSIBLE!!Thanks for reading everyone. Onwards to the one year push.

sooo, am in the Dominacan Republic

Ok not that many will feel sorry for me of course....BUT it is like the wild west out here!!! when I showed at the airport you could swig a beer from the bottle and light yourself a smoke while getting your rent a cardo i have to tell you WHO was in line for the next "agent" behind the 2 fine young men who were getting the party started REAL early( O to be 22 again)anyways it was VERY hard..I was tired and hungry and a bit angry as I watched the smokers go at italthough I was armed with TONS of info I learnt here!! they HAVE to smoke...I dont I am able to walk away and they cant!! they really have no choice...it is light up or feel pretty badly!! I felt well as soon as I got away from themI am also an alcoholic and when i showed at my villa there were two bottles of beer waiting for me in the fridgenow i havent drank in n15 yrs bit they SURE looked good!!I will be going to an AA meeting today or tomorrow over here!! my wife gave the beers away!!isnt addiction fun!!!!! oh well I found other things to make me happy here and life goes onI felt good for coming away from the smoking temptation a winnerBUT seriously it was only the knowledge learned here and why quit and the John polito and carr books that kepot thgat smoke out of my mouth at that instantno doubtif I had quit " on my own" as so many do without a support site or group I would have been a goner!!!!keep your quits...lets all breath well....damn it feels fine today!thanks to all.............

Smokers (addicts) are SELFISH

I've said this a few times but I need to say it again...I can not believe that I used to be one of those selfish smokers. I have friends and relatives that smoke and I have to constantly remind them not to blow smoke in my baby's face...to stay away from the baby when smoking. It seems like common sense but they are so blinded by their addiction they seem to be annoyed that I would suggest such a thing; that I am invading their space and their right to smoke (and blow smoke anywhere). When I smoked I did try to stay away from children and pregnant women...but to be honest if it were a choice between getting my fix and inadvertinly blowing smoke in someone's face I am ashamed to admit that I would have chosen the fix. So sad and disgusting...I am just so glad that I don't feel that need to get that next fix anymore. Yay to freedom!

Quitting Smoking

Today I have decided to join the rest of the thousands of people quitting smoking. I am 41 and have smoked since I was 19,stop smoking, well I started experimenting with it when I was 12. It became a habit 21 years ago! WOW! Thats a long time. I know that it is having an effect on my health because it makes me feel so crappy at times. I am looking for support and courage to get rid of my so called friend that I have had for 21 years. Thats what I have called it, is my friend. It has kept me from eating when depressed and has been a comfort when stressed,Herbal cigarettes, so I thought. But we all know that these little sticks called cigarettes are slowly sucking the life right out of us. I hope that I can do this, and would appriciate any support from anyone willing to give advice. [color=darkred][/color]

poured water in the pack an hour ago

Hi to everyone---have been searching this site for some time now and know that I did it today for a reason. Have smoked for 20 years---bday is in oct and will enter my 40th year on the planet. I'm no math wizz but that is half my life anyway you look at it. I have quit before for short periods of time but I never have had any help and never really read anything on the topic of quitting until now. Considering that it is only an hour since my last cig,smoking cessation, I almost don't feel like I have a right to be here but then again there really is no time like the present and I may as well ask for the support from the get. I love the stuff I have read because I can relate to so so much of it---Standing outside in subzero temps,Herbal cigarettes, putting my 6 year old in the position of telling me to quit or else I will get a disease----spending more time than I care to think about away from my infant daughter because I thought it was ok if I smoked only on a differant level of the house than the one she was on. Sorry to ramble--just feeling very emotional because quitting has weighed heavy on my soul for so long and it is scary----just not as scary as not quitting (there is that old thing about what you know even if it is bad)and all that that entails. Anyway--hope someone out there has the time for this novella and wish me strength.

Out of Town

I'm heading out of town tomorrow for the long weekend. The rest of the crew left in the wee hours this morning. Unfortunately, I have to put in a few hours tomorrow but then Lugz and I will hit the road. We are headed to the Little Sahara Sand Dunes in Waynoka,quit smoking, Oklahoma for some dune riding and drag racing. I can't wait to ride. It is my biggest stress relief. There is nothing better than riding fast and to the limit of one's ability both on the dunes and on the drag strip. I hope everyone has a safe, fun filled,Herbal cigarettes, smoke free Memorial Weekend.

Popping in with some neat news!!!!

Hello to all you newbies, old pharts (like myself now) and just plain quitters! Without this BB I would not be here, because I quit with the help and friendship of this place and beautiful people. It was not always easy in the beginning but it is so very doable as Katiem would say!!!I am soon to embark on a journey that I have wanted to take for a long time. While my mother was alive it was her favorite vacation spot and she so wanted to share it with me, but I was a secret smoker, I never smoked around her and the thought of being with her a week without a smoke just did me in,stop smoking now, so of course I kept putting her off and she traveled without me. I lost my mom 5 years ago. It was so sad and not a day goes by that I don't regret all the time I could have had with her if I just did not smoke or hide my smoking from her. I think she would have still loved me. It has taken 5 years for me to get the courage up to travel to that place and I am leaving on October 15. It is to Nantucket Island. I know I will feel my mom's presence there somehow.I could never take this trip if I smoked. It is by plane and by boat and there is no smoking allowed. I would have never done it. Now that I am a nonsmoker and very comfortable and happy to be one, I will be making the journey. It is quite a distance for me,smoking cessation, but by plane and boat only hours away!!!!Just wanted to say that - there is nothing we cannot attain, nothing is beyond our reach !!!! It all starts with Not One Puff and for me it has been ONE YEAR 2 WEEKS ETC. Have a wonderful day and thanks for listening!!!!

Quitting IS emotional, dramatic and life-altering

It's way to early for me to be up. Long story that you don't want to hear...Anyway, lately a lot of posts have dealt with "it's too dramatic here, I am leaving" or "this site is too emotional, I am leaving."Quitting smoking is an emotional roller coaster. It is a dramactic, life-changing event. That is the way it is. People, each of us different, will have opinions, post remarks, have ideas, etc. Not everyone is going to agree with everyone. BUT, what we must all agree on is that this board is one for folks who have quit smoking and need support. With that in mind it makes me think of a sight I saw this fall. We have a marvelous Habitat for Humanity program here. Several homes have been built over the years. People from all walks of life volunteer: doctors, secretaries, grocery clerks, carpenters,Herbal cigarettes, accountants (you ge the idea). When they come together there are blueprints for the house and how it is to be constructed to meet State and Local codes.Each of the volunteers MUST OBEY THE BLUEPRINTS AND CODES or the house will not reach standards for occupancy. Each person,quit smoking now, or groups of people, can't go off by themselves and make changes to the plans. Everyone must come together to get the job done. THEY ARE THERE TO BUILD A HOUSE.Now, we are here to stop smoking and to support others, as well. We can't each have our own agenda or gather into little groups with a different game plan. All of us have to work toward the same goal. We all come from different walks of life; have different occupations; have varied life experiences and the list goes on and on and on. BUT that doesn't mean than we can come to this forum and want to joggle and jiggle why we are here in the first place...NOT TO TAKE ANOTHER PUFF EVER.We are not here to decide to quit. We are not here to wonder if we should quit. We are not here to hang around until we get the nerve to quit. We are here becaue we have quit smoking and want to gather together for the good and betterment of all those who are members of this little community.

QSMB is the best!

I just wanted to share that QSMB is the best thig that has ever happened since sliced bread.I have met a lot of wonderful people here,quit smoking, but never have I met so many people that share my own dream; the dream of being in control of my own life; of having the ultimate say over my choice whether or not to be a slave to nicotine.Tonight I had the pleasure of making the acquaintence of a newbie just starting out on this journey. I feel elated that this person trusts me enogh to share where they are at in their journey against the siren of cigarettes, yet at the same time I feel humbled by my inability to offer them a solution that is guaranteed to afford them peace from their addictiion. Truly,stop smoking, this is a melancholy position in which to be; I wish I could assure all of you that you will achieve peace; that you will realize your dream of achieving freedom from the bondage of nicotine, in all its forms. Sadly, I cannot do so. It is up to each of you to summon the courage within yourself to face this demon. The best that I can do is to assure you that if you so commit yourself, you WILL achieve the freedom you seek. I pledge my assitance to you in that endeavor; all you need do is ask.

One Little Puff by Joel Spitzer

"Just One Little Puff?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is hard for many people to grasp the concept of how just one little puff can result in full-blown relapse. It just doesn't seem logical to some people. But should you ever find yourself debating the thought of whether or not you could possibly get away with smoking "just" one, think about what advice you would give to a family member or friend who you cared for tremendously, while knowing that they were a recovering heroin or cocaine addict who was for the first time in months or years considering attempting recreational use. Imagine your shock and horror at even the thought of it, especially if you were with them back during the peak of their addiction when it was ruining almost every aspect of life and maybe even putting his or her very life on the line. Would you say to him or her, "well, maybe you are better now, maybe its worth finding out if you could handle just one?" Would you feel the need to do a little research in current journals to see if maybe “one” is an option now? Would you maybe even delve into a few neurological journals to see if the scientists now have a better grip on neurotransmitter pathways that could explain why addiction happens? Then maybe you could say, "Well they are starting to understand a little more of how addiction works and maybe soon they can alter your brain physiology. So now,quit smoking, if you relapse it may not be a big deal for a cure is just around the corner--maybe even only a few years away.” It is more likely that you would you cut through the rationalization and say, "If you do it, you are going to be back where you were when you first had to quit. You are going to mess up your life and everyone around you." The odds are you would go the latter route. You would be horrified and take a firm stand that he or she shouldn't do it -- it would be stupid and even worse, suicidal. Well there is no difference between this scenario and the concept of, “Maybe I can have just one, now.” Well there is actually one difference. It is not medically or physically based, but rather societal. Our societies have not been taught about nicotine addiction. People have been taught about addiction and other drugs. Even though nicotine is more addictive than most any other addictive substance, and maybe even the most addictive of all, people still don't grasp how any administration of the substance can cause a relapse, even though they are taught this about most other addictive drugs. How often has someone asked you after he finds out that you have quit smoking the question,stop smoking now, "You mean you haven't even had one?" This is such a ludicrous comment, and yet so common. Or how many times have you seen literature put out by medical organizations advising a recovering addict to not let a slip put them back to using? The message has been clear and consistent with other drugs, the message being don't slip. Everyone here has been exposed to this discrepancy, not just since he quit, but also for years and decades while he still smoked. You now have to alter a way of thinking that is part of your culture, no matter what culture you are from. The pervasive attitude of the society around you is wrong. The society may accept the danger of smoking but they do not yet grasp the concept of the addiction. You have to be smarter and more informed than the society around you, maybe even your health care provider. It is asking a lot of an individual to think differently than the society as a whole, but in regards to smoking it has to be done. The consequence of not becoming fanatical against a puff is too serious to just dismiss. It will be the loss of your quit, and that can easily translate into loss of your health and eventually loss of your life. You have to be vigilant at all times, to keep reminding yourself that you are a recovering addict. Over time there may be no signs of the addiction; thoughts of cigarettes may have become rare events now and maybe even non-existent. But even at this stage of the game, there is a silent addiction still there that can take you down with full force for making one miscalculation -- thinking that maybe you are different. You are no different than any other drug addict, whether the drug was alcohol, cocaine, heroin, etc. You are an addict for life, but as long as you get the drug out of your system and never administer it again, you will never be set into the downward spiral that the drug sets into motion to its users. In regards to smoking, that spiral is loss of your freedom, your health and your life, which means you can lose everything. To keep what you've got, always remember that to stay smoke free you must NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF! Joel

NRT vs Cold Turkey

I got to thinking about NRT vs. cold turkey. There's seems to me to be reason NRT should have such a failure rate and i think I'm starting to figure out why. I was thinking that people maybe didn't follow directions, quit too soon,quit smoking now, etc. But I think the real reason that people are more successful going cold turkey is because of determination and knowing you have to do it on your own. I think when you decide that YOU are going to quit smoking and are not going to rely on some drug or hypnosis or any other gimmick, then you just do it. I tried lots of times on NRT and the big thing I remember is wondering if it's working. . . If IT's WORKING .....I was waiting for a result. I wasn't working. When you know that you have absolutely nothing to rely on,stop smoking now, then you find that determination and drive within yourself to be successful. I think if the people using NRT kind of try and forget about how "its working" and pretend it isn't even there, just be determined to quit and know that they have to work at it, they'll be successful and the NRT might actually make it a bit easier. Its the reliance on it, that messes you up. The only one you can really rely on when it comes to your quit, is you.

QUESTION RE- PHYSICAL WITHDRAWL

Hi folks. I've read that the physical withdrawl symptoms last a few weeks. Problem is I think I'm still having this after 2 months. I keep feeling a pulling sensation in the back of my throat and a tightness like sensation in my mouth,quit smoking, which is temporarily sated if I pop a sucking candy. Also a tightness in my chest front/back. The physical feeling truly stinks and I keep wondering what the heck is going on. I didn't having any of this prior to quitting,quit smoking now, am starting to think I'm some kind of a nut or something. Did/does anyone else go through this? Sometimes I feel like a cat chasing my tail, not a good feeling.

One man's story of relapse - long repost by LouDub

Brian_g - and all the awesome quitters and lurkers and relaspers of the deadly nicotine, this post is POWERFUL! Smoking KILLS! Do whatever you have to to hold onto your quit, or else live the half-life so brilliantly and tragically written about here by Lou. KTQLouDub posts regarding: Some Smoking thoughts from a veteran quitter (A very long post) To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I've done it a thousand times. – Mark Twain Like Mark Twain I am an eternal quitter, this fact alone attests to the truth that smoking is a strong chemical addiction, and quitting has a high failure rate. The difference between Mark and me is that even though I am smoking now I don’t want to be a smoker any more. I accept that smoking gives me some pleasure but I know the pleasure is only a chemical reaction to a hole being filled by nicotine, a hole that was originally dug by nicotine and one which will never be filled no matter how many cigarettes I smoke. For all of you struggling with your quit as I have in the past, here is a bulletin from someone currently smoking as to why I wouldn’t bother starting again if I were you. The first second you inhale that first cigarette when you have decided to abandon your quit (and it is a decision, even if it is under duress), you will feel a heady cocktail of negative emotions, shame, disappointment, self loathing, and a dirty sort of guilty pleasure. The first cigarette will not deliver the relief you thought it would and will burn down so quickly that you will immediately want another to see if it will give you the relief. Really its just your body building up its supply of nicotine, giving you nothing in return except guilt, smelly breath and headaches. You promise yourself that you will only have a couple but before the evening is out you have gone through 10 and that was by being really frugal and watching the clock to see if your next one was due yet. No pleasure anymore because now you are rationing and you can remember what it was like after a couple of weeks into your quit when hours would go by without you wanting one, but here you are back again craving. You begin by smoking on the sly, walks on your own, or hiding out in the backyard thinking that you will stop again soon that this is just a blip. Soon, very soon, you start telling people that you caved in and that you are only having ‘a few’ until you quit again, but of course you are lying, you are smoking much more than that and the more you smoke the less likely and the more difficult it will be for you to face into a new quit. You feel doubly ashamed because now you are lying to your friends and family and it was only yesterday that they were so proud of you. It takes no time before the sneaky ones you have in your car start to stink it out again, and even though you shower regularly and make sure you smoke outdoors, your fingers begin to have that familiar stench that no amount of soap can ever cover up. And then there is your old friend the morning cough, it unpacks its bags and greets you the first morning after you have smoked, ‘long time no see, I’ll never leave you again’ it says. Even before that you notice things you never noticed when you were a hardened smoker, like the soreness in your throat when you inhale even one, the sinus dripping down the back of your throat when you lie down, and the sulphurous taste in your mouth after a nap even though you have brushed your teeth fastidiously. The money you took out of the bank to buy lunches for the week only lasts 3 days and you have to make another withdrawal. At first you don’t care because you can afford it but it doesn’t take long before you realise that you are avoiding the shopping malls, not because you don’t need any clothes or want to shop, but because the internal auditor inside you is reminding you that smoking must come first. Like an abusive relationship, you have returned to your bullying partner who makes sure it controls everything again, your money, your time, your emotions, your health, your friendships, your self esteem. It owns you again and in return it gently and lovingly administers the poison you love so well. Patiently it waits, nursing you through all those chest infections, sore throats,quit smoking now, teeth and gum problems and wheezing until its finest hour when it becomes your palliative nurse in your final years. So many surprises it has in store for you, will it be the slow suffocation of emphysema where you experience the pleasure of breathing for years as if a pillow was put over your face and sleep sitting up every night until you eventually succumb to exhaustion? Perhaps the double pleasure of Lung Cancer where you experience all of the above with the added pleasure of eternally drowning in your own phlegm while white hot pokers are left inside your lungs for up to nine months sizzling away inside while you cry in panicky agony for your next morphine shot? Perhaps the joys of having a stroke are in store for you, where you are perfectly lucid trapped inside a shell of a body while your loved ones,Herbal cigarettes, perhaps your children take turn to feed you, if you can still swallow, and complete strangers wipe your ass and care to your sanitary needs. Or maybe you will cheat on your Nicotine nurse by having a major heart attack in your forties or fifties brought on by lots of cigarette love, leaving years of unlived life and friends and family behind. I intend leaving Nick again next Monday lets hope this time it will be for good, because that kind of loving I can do without. To those of you who have escaped, stay away, this is not life, this is half-life.

Newbies and all

no matter what curve balls life throws your way......no matter what happens today..........no matter what your husband/partner/child/parent/sibling/friend/co-worker/boss said to you or did today..............no matter what,stop smoking now, smoking cigarettes will not change one thing about any of it.not one thing. no matter what, NOT ONE PUFFif you're thinking of quitting, do it ~ keep it simple, break it down into small increments, one day/hour/minute at a time, it's do-ableif you're quit, stay that way ~ it's easier to keep this quit (no matter what the challenges are at times) than it is to start a new onethis is the best thing I have ever done for myself. As my friend Grooves likes to say, FREEDOM IS SO SWEET. And she knows what she's talking about!As my quit bud Durak said, jump in the deep end of the pool, get it over with, and once you get used to it, the water's fine (or words to that effect - miss you here, Durak!)KTQCheers.... and here's to FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!! ;o)One year, six months, one week, two days, 29 minutes and 25 seconds. 8310 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,smoking cessation,456.82. 4 weeks, 20 hours, 30 minutes.

old cigertte

Ok so I put on my brown leather jacket that I haven't worn since last winter and put my hand in the pocket there was a pack of smokes in my pocket only one in it. of cource I didn't even think of smoking a disgusting old stale nasty cigerette but here is the embarising part I think there was a time not that long ago at all that if i was broke had no smokes and noone was around I would have smoked it. that was really hard to admit but it is the disgusting truth that if I wanted a smoke bad enough I would smoke a stale gross old probably dusty nasty cig because I am an addict and I would have wanted it bad enough

question for anyone who knows the answer....

ok, when I get to 72 hours, the nicotine is completely gone right? But what if I inhale second hand smoke, does that put the nicotine back in my system every time I inhale it??? My husband smokes in the garage,stop smoking now, (we both always have), so it's not floating about indoors everywhere, but when I walk outside and my husbands on the deck or something, am I going to go through more withdrawl everytime???------------------------------------I have been quit for 2 Days, 20 hours,quit smoking now, 20 minutes and 26 seconds (2 days). I have saved $6.93 by not smoking 42 cigarettes. I have saved 3 hours and 30 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 4/14/2007 11:30 PM

Long ~ a passage called 'The Awakening'

This is real long and I hope it is okay here as it is not directly related to smoking but is related to choosing what you want out of life and making changes. I love this passage and wanted to share it with you all. A time comes in your life when you finally get it . . . when in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out: ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate, or approve of who or what you are . . .and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.You stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you,) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself, and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties, and in the process a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.You begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, where you should shop, what you should drive, how and where you should live, what you should do for a living, who you should sleep with, who you should marry, what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are what you really stand for.You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with ,and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing. You stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. Your learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a by gone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.You learn that you don't know everything, that it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and you learn the importance of setting boundaries and of learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.Then you learn about love: Romantic love and familiar love. You learn how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away.You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man or woman on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change so it is with love. And you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms.And,quit smoking, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over, and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK, and you learn that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want--and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity, and respect ,and you decide you won't settle for less. And you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his or her touch . . . and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water, and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that for the most part, in life, you get what you believe you deserve . . . and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. More importantly,stop smoking now, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline, and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears, because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms.And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes "bad" things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state: the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy, and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls.You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself, and you make yourself a promise never to betray yourself and never, ever to settle for less than your heart's desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. Author Unknown[/b]

Need to quit smoking right away!

Hi, I'm just at my wits end right now. I've been a 1/2 pack to a pack a day smoker since I was 20..I'm now 40. I have not been feeling good for many months now and have had a dozen medical tests. Including a very intense complete cardio work up. All my tests have come back normal except I have some sinus tach which is benign. I also get palps from time to time. So, My cardio doc will not do a thing more until I quit smoking. I think he thinks the smoking is the cause.I'm afraid I have a heart condition even though right now things look fine. I'm thin,smoking cessation, I excercise 5 days per week,stop smoking now, eat very healhthy and I don't drink. But, I'm afraid to give up my last crutch in life however,I want to live so I have to. I'd like to go cold turkey. Want to know how bad that is? I'm afraid to wear the patch, chew the gum because I'm afraid it will give me palps and they freak me out. Now as strange as this seems I'm afriad I'll die from the withdrawl.. and that's what keeps me lighting up. How do I get past that feeling and will I die? Also I will not take chantix. Someone please help me.

New Quitter (2)

Hello everyone, I have never been on this site before. I have just quit smoking approximately 2 hours ago and have a lot of questions/concerns. I read the message board before deciding to register, now that I have registered, I am nervous feeling that I have committed to stopping not only to myself but to all of you. In reading the board i have a few mixed feelings, there was one individual who seemed to quit a few times and then disappear from the message board the person is now back and there seems to have been a few nasty responses to the individual returning after not being successful in previous attempts at not smoking. Anyhow my first question, how much participation is expected, as stated I am a new NONSMOKER, and I am already feeling irritable expecially when I feel participants are receiving negative responses. Also is it true that I may have trouble sleeping soon after not smoking, I have a few more concerns but will start with the ones above,smoking cessation, looking forward to lots of support. I am used to having a cigarette when drinking any liquid,Herbal cigarettes, soda, tea ect.. what is a good way to counteract this situation. my mouth is feeling a little watery but dry at the same time, any help would be appreciative.

Made it so far! You can Too!!

i have a post and a pm to share here this evening,,, and it is for the newbiess... short story-i'm an athlete, have been al my life, extreme athlete that is,,, and well, check the grace in this story.... i got here and was in shape but not running and doing much endurance type cardio!! Well, there were some others here doing the deal and i wanted some so i ran,,, and i shared, and i kept the quit and i even went and visited,,, and i got healthier..Well, fast forward,,, I made a mental error in skydiving,,, and got hurt,,, fairly bad... But- of i hadn't been in running shape- i may have died... really!SO- the board and these people- helped me stop smoking,a nd saved my life.and so,,, i had som very bad injuries and had a road to recovery in order to get back ot form IN TIME to not lose my pro-rating... WELL......This place, Katiem with biking, Stephanie (don't lift your head up so high when breathing- KEY) and Shannytowns (what can i say,,, 100's of coaching words that i have saved--- my swimsai) to help me learn swimming,stop smoking, and the Doc for workout and diet accountabiltiy... I would have never made it,.... BUT- today i did. Today i passed a safety course, made my jump without a hitch, and i am re-enstatedd... so-- HERE's what i am sharing...IT IS ABOUT NOT SMOKING!!! and thaty is just the beginning.... I have contributed here and thereee, and at a minimum givin peopl a chance to pay it forward with me as the project....SO, i hit Mimi pretty hard yesterday,Herbal cigarettes,,, but she has gumption and is still reading... - a note to you momma--- tell us why you are grateful for this place, keep a focus on yoru gratitude, show a spirit of thanksfullness, and help the newbiee- its abotu the heart,, not the head.....!!!there is not a single thing i can do better for you than to contnue to live.... i made my jump today and I was thinking of YOU (and you knopw who YOU are)....i thank you!! You all put the smikle back on my mug.Pic below... but first-- let me reveal a lil something about this Eric charactor- I sent him a pm and thanked him for helping me with my quit... (i didn't make any suggestion about how he coule be better-- just a thanks... and he says back to me--- "And for any help that I have been to you in our quit, believe me it is my pleasure....I just love to see people break free from the lies of this deadly addiction!! Talk to ya soon and have a good one! Eric">>>> i will go to the dirt for folks like that... IT IS EDIFICATION, LOVE, DEDICATIN, and LIVIN TO KEEP THE QUIT!!I am a fool of sorts,,, at some point in my life i decided to "do what i want" and ditching smoking was impossible until i found you all. And today i am FREE I am flyingfree...... sweet!!! thnaks allll....you put up with so much crying over my skydiving accident-- here is a pic of my smile0---- no tears in this one...NOW-- GTQ, KTQ, ETQ, and NTAPjoel--- thanks man!

Minimizing Common Side Effects_24246

"Minimizing the Most CommonSide Effects to Quitting Smoking" Blood sugar plummets in many people when first quitting. The most common side effects felt during the first three days can often be traced back to blood sugar issues. Symptoms such as headache, inability to concentrate,quit smoking now, dizziness, time perception distortions, and the ubiquitous sweet tooth encountered by many, are often associated with this blood sugar drop. The symptoms of low blood sugar are basically the same symptoms as not having enough oxygen, similar to reactions experienced at high altitudes. The reason being the inadequate supply of sugar and/or oxygen means the brain is getting an incomplete fuel. If you have plenty of one and not enough of the other, your brain cannot function at any form of optimal level. When you quit smoking, oxygen levels are often better than they have been in years, but with a limited supply of sugar it can't properly fuel your brain. It is not that cigarettes put sugar into your blood stream; it is more of a drug interaction of the stimulant effect of nicotine that affects the blood sugar levels. Cigarettes cause the body to release its own stores of sugar and fat by a drug type of interaction. That is how it basically operated as an appetite suppressant, affecting the satiety centers of your hypothalamus. As far as for the sugar levels, nicotine in fact works much more efficiently than food. If you use food to elevate blood sugar levels, it literally takes up to 20 minutes from the time you chew and swallow the food before it is released to the blood, and thus the brain, for its desired effect of fueling your brain. Cigarettes, by working through a drug interaction cause the body to release its own stores of sugar, but not in 20 minutes but usually in a matter of seconds. In a sense, your body has not had to release sugar on its own in years, you have done it by using nicotine's drug effect! This is why many people really gorge themselves on food upon cessation. They start to experience a drop in blood sugar and instinctively reach for something sweet. Upon finishing the food, they still feel symptomatic. Of course they do, it takes them a minute or two to eat, but the blood sugar isn't boosted for another 18 minutes. Since they are not feeling immediately better, they eat a little more. They continue to consume more and more food, minute after minute until they finally they start to feel better. Again if they are waiting for the blood sugar to go up we are talking about 20 minutes after the first swallow. People can eat a lot of food in 20 minutes. But they begin to believe that this was the amount needed before feeling better. This can be repeated numerous times throughout the day thus causing a lot of calories being consumed and causing weight gain to become a real risk. When you abruptly quit smoking, the body is in kind of a state of loss, not knowing how to work normally since it has not worked normally in such a long time. Usually by the third day,smoking cessation, though, your body will readjust and release sugar as it is needed. Without eating any more your body will just figure out how to regulate blood sugar more efficiently. You may find though that you do have to change dietary patterns to one that is more normal for you. Normal is not what it was as a smoker, but more what it was before you took up smoking with aging thrown in. Some people go until evening without eating while they are smokers. If they try the same routine as ex-smokers they will suffer side effects of low blood sugar. It is not that there is something wrong with them now, they were abnormal before for all practical purposes. This doesn't mean they should eat more food, but it may mean they need to redistribute the food eaten to a more spread out pattern so they are getting blood sugar doses throughout the day as nature really had always intended. To minimize some of the real low blood sugar effects of the first few days it really can help to keep drinking juice throughout the day. After the fourth day though, this should no longer be necessary as your body should be able to release sugar stores if your diet is normalized. If you are having problems that are indicative of blood sugar issues beyond day three, it wouldn't hurt talking to your doctor and maybe getting some nutritional counseling. In order to allow your body to maintain permanent control over the amount of glucose (sugar) in your brain ... NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF! Joel

My first social function since I quit

Tonight I am attending my very first social function with good friends,smoking cessation, where alcohol WILL be consumed.Part of me asks, "Are you worried you will be tempted?"Then the other part answers, "Hell no!You are in control, and you don't need cigarettes to have a good time. In fact, You'll have a BETTER time not having to go stand outide in the cold to feed a crave!"I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!Charlene -I took my life back One Month, Six Days, 12 Hours and 19 Minutes ago,stop smoking now, giving me 2 Days and 11 Hours more time to spend with the people I love, by avoiding the use of 710 stinky ciggs that would have cost me over $284.52!

New Reasons for me to Quit

Not only with what Carsonsgran wrote tonite which I did pm her with a thankyou but for what my sister said cause that cut like a knife-she said she's going to buy a cig making machine & tho she didn't SAY it I knew she's doing this to give me back my machine & that she like EVERYONE else thinks I'll never quit so yeah I know you're NOT to quit for others but right now if that motivates me & gets me going then God knows it can't hurt to try. So when I get out of here in an hour or so instead of running to the gas station for "just 1 more pack" I'm going to the store & getting some coffee nips or cherry cough drops & let that be my new addiction for awhile.

Late Night Stew

MMMMMMMMM anyone up for some late night beef stew??????My lovely brother gave me a boat-load of beef (he has done this before) they buy a cow or 1/2 a cow and give me the meat they do not all eat....course he eats the steaks and such....but OHHHHHHHHH he does give me good cuts, plus LOTS of hamburger. And folks this is the best meat around--fresh off the farm--free-ranging and corn-fed cows-injected with NOTHING!!! soooooo quite a few roasts and lots of hamburger and stew meat....basically a freezer full...sigh...He says he loves giving it to me because of how much I love to cook...hahahaha...So...I get this meat at thanksgiving and I DO already have a lovely pot of stew cooking a we speak. You brown the stew meat in the cast-iron dutch oven, all over and then cover with beef broth and simmer for a bit till almost tender. Add lovely carrots,quit smoking now, small red potatoes,quit smoking, lots of coarsely chopped onion, several cloves of fresh minced garlic, a small can of stewed tomatoes to give it that "extra punch" seasoned with sea salt and pepper, Rosemary and a bit of sugar to take away the tartness of the tomatoes....and thicken with little flour and beef broth to make a delicious kind of gravy (but not too thick)...Serve with corn bread muffins slathered with butter and this wonderful orange-blossom honey...sigh....and farm fresh milk...mmmmmmm you are all welcome to join in a late-night supper there is PLENTY....and the company here is second to NONE!!!!!!.... XOXOXOXOXOkatiem