That's It, I Quit

[Joseppi]

Smoking

I started smoking in September of 2004. Exactly five years ago. Well, I decided to quit. I told my grandpa that I was going to finally quit smoking on his 80th birthday. Well, today is his birthday. I haven't had a cigarette in 2 days. It is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I'd love nothing more than to sit out on the porch enjoying a nice cigarette.

But I'm not going to do it! I went 20 years without smoking, and I can't conquer a five year habit. And yes, a lot of it is the habit. I realized that if I do the motions of smoking, (smoking an imaginary cigarette) I feel a little relief. It's nothing like the orgasmic head buzz I'd receive from a real nicotine-filled death stick. But it's better than nothing. Which ironically is exactly what it is.

I just hope I can pull this off for good. NO, I'm determined to! I'm tired of people treating me like I have Leprosy, being looked down upon like a burden to society, and staining my teeth which are already ugly enough. I am done!

I know that I can't pick up another cigarette EVER AGAIN! If I do, I'll just be one of those smokers who use to be an ex smoker who use to be a smoker. I will always crave cigarettes from here on out. But if I smoke just one, I will fall off the wagon. I refuse to do that!

What is the hardest habit you've ever had to break?

[Zach]

Good for you! I hope you will keep this high level of dedication to the cause. Remember that many addictions (cigarettes being a heavy hitter) are primarily two-fold: psychological and physical. Your body will crave the nicotine (as well as some of the purportedly "non-addictive" additives), but those physical "needs" will lessen each day, and will eventually fade completely. The psychological addiction takes much longer to dissipate.

A way to boost your morale is to regard each day that you don't smoke as a victory (which it is)! In the initial phase of quitting, you will feel like each day is a little more difficult to maintain your promise. However, NOT smoking is a habit as well, and as you develop that more positive habit, it will become natural to you. Though the craving may always be there, it will stop posing a threat after a while.

Keep it up; you will succeed!

[Christian]

Congratulations! And keep it up! I hope you kick this habit for good!

[Odd One]

Dude, right on. You can do it!! Sounds like you have the right motivation.

I also quit smoking cigarettes when my son was 2 & asked me about it. My mom smokes & he had seen her smoking & he asked me if I smoked. I didn't want to lie, so I decided to quit cold turkey right then so technically I wasn't lying (he didn't ask if I HAD smoked!! LOL)

I still smoke an occasional cigar mostly when I'm golfing or playing poker with my buddies but quitting cigs was the hardest thing I've ever done.

[paulmason]

im doin the same lol i started at some time in 2004 aswell and iv been quittin recently, iv been usin nicorette patches and inhilators, the inhilators really work so i suggest u give them a try and yeah it is hard

[locoduc]

Awsome. My wife stopped for 3 years because of our son being born and breastfeeding. Hope you get to the point of not thinking about it. Ever notice when you get busy there isn't a thought about smoking until you stop for a break? Might help getting a hobby to occupy yourself. Good luck.

[Joseppi]

This is definitely one of the hardest things I've had to do. I'm on my 3rd day. Which means the nicotine is still out of my system. I've had a few cravings today.

And my sister and her husband quit about 2 years ago. And they have been really self-righteous non-smokers. (Which is much worse than a smoker IMO.) And my mom and my cousin are trying to quit too. I dreamed last night that all 4 of them started smoking again and I caught them and was pissed! But even then in the dream, I didn't smoke.

[Becky]

[RandyF]

The hardest thing I've had to quit is drugs and alcohol. Almost 4 yrs sober and there still isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about using. I will always remember the taste of beer and the buzz and the rush from drugs. I still smoke cigarettes and hope to quit one day, but that might be just as hard if not harder. Good Luck. Take it a minute at a time if you have to.