I QUIT! The quitting smoking support thread.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Just want to provide some encouragement guys...keep it up.

The best moments are when you realize you just had a "trigger" and made it through without a craving. An old boss made me want to smoke as soon as they appeared in my sight lines. After one particularly nasty experience with said boss, I didn't even think about having a smoke. The realization afterward was enough motivation to keep going!

[schteve_d]

Just thought I'd pop in with a few words of encouragement.

I was a very heavy smoker; about a pack and a half a day for a very long time. For a very, very long time I really didn't think I could ever quit.

I have now been quit for over two years and I can honestly say that it is the very best thing that I have ever done for myself!

Once I truly wanted to quit, I really didn't find it as hard as I expected and I had tried to quit multiple times before. You can do it! If I can, you can! Keep it up, it IS worth it.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Still holding strong. I met up with a smoker friend today and I didn't even get too bad of an urge when she lit up. 8 days and counting.

[First Lady]

Just checking in.

I'm going to Quit Core.

My target quit date was Feb 8; I actually ended up quitting a day early on the 7th.

Internet is one of my triggers....thus I haven't been online much.

I had a few motivating factors but big one was ... Grandkids..

[Pacem]

Keep up the good work people!

A few things just to let those know that its so worth it in the end.

I smoked since I was a teenager. I've hit the gym off and on for years since I was a teen. Sometimes I woudn't go for like 18 months or so. Long stretchs without going to the gym isn't unusual for me. About 6 months after I quit (found out I quit last June) I started going back to the gym. And WOW. What a difference. Whenever I was on the bike in the past, it would take 2 minutes and I would be breathing heavy, my hole head would be red and sweating ridiculous amounts. Now when i'm on the bike I can actually breathe in a nice slow relaxed manner. My face doesn't change colour, I still sweat like a pig, but whatever. That change alone was just awesome. I was shocked and it made me feel great.

I also noticed alot of people are avoiding their vices. I went the other route and met them head on. In the past when I quit i'd avoid the triggers, this time (after reading the book) I just met them head on with little no problem. Alot of the triggers are just mental. This time around, I drank on the days I usually drank. I played video games (made me want to smoke playing games). I still smoked weed (always needed a smoke after a joint) I went to home poker games. BTW, home poker games now suck because of how much smoke there is. 8 - 10 chain smoking men playing cards produces a #### ton of smoke.

One story shortly after I quit. I was at a pub with my wife her sister and her fiance. He's a smoker. We were on the patio and this particular patio you can smoke. There were ashtrays around but I think maybe 1 other person was smoking. Having to watch him look around before he had to light up was good for me to see. Watching him trying to put his smoke underneath the table and trying to exhale the smoke out of peoples way was also good for me to witness. I knew exactly what he was going thru as i've been there and done that,. Not having to do exactly what he was doing made me feel good inside. Knowing that I would never have to be in that uncomfortable position was great for my self esteem. Same thing with watching people standing outside shivering this winter.

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I found the same thing. Even after a year, I would still get an occasional urge, but you learn how to manage it. I still think it looks cool to smoke... as stupid as that sounds. I haven't smoked in about 7 years.

Do any other ex-smokers still smoke in their dreams like I do? I wonder if it is common.

Yes! I always wake up pissed off because I thought I just smoked... takes a few seconds for the sleepy haze to wear off before I realize I didn't smoke, lol.

[pylon]

5 days down. I have noticed how much better my circulation already is. After my workouts, i am starting to get veins showing up across my shoulders and chest. Havent seen that since my mid twenties. And they seem to be sticking around after the pump wears off.... cool.

I just realized I will be able to celebrate my first full week of non smoking by going to the heritage classic on Sunday too. Great little milestone to look forward to.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

This thread is prime evidence of why smoking should be banned.

Good call. Prohibition is extremely effective, at empowering criminal enterprises. People will smoke, drink, do drugs ect regardless of what the Nanny state wants.

Back on topic, this thread is one of the best ideas I've seen on this board. Good luck to everyone in their desire to improve their health.

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by First Lady

I had a few motivating factors but big one was ... Grandkids..

My "Thanks" to your post was on behalf of your Grandkids. I'm sure they'll love having a happy and healthier Grandma around for longer!

Keep up the effort, and don't hesitate to lean on the community!

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by pylon

5 days down. I have noticed how much better my circulation already is. After my workouts, i am starting to get veins showing up across my shoulders and chest. Havent seen that since my mid twenties. And they seem to be sticking around after the pump wears off.... cool.

I just realized I will be able to celebrate my first full week of non smoking by going to the heritage classic on Sunday too. Great little milestone to look forward to.

That's awesome Pylon - the first week (as I'm sure we all know) is hellish. Getting through it unscathed is tremendous accomplishment buddy!

And here are some cool facts for you:

1. ALL of the nicotine is gone from your system. You've slain one of the two big demons. All that's left is to defeat the behavior!

2. As you mentioned, your circulation has already begun to significantly improve.

3. Your lungs are already working ~10% better.

4. You're into the "Threes" stage. You're likely to get around 3 triggered cravings a day, each lasting for around 3 minutes. It's already getting easier!

I'm going to forego commenting on the Heritage Classic though.....I'm overcome with jealousy.

[Lee Fogolin]

Great job everyone. Today is my last day of smoking. Almost done the book and I'm getting excited. Tomorrow I wake up a free man!

I'm loving the encouragement this thread is giving me.

[flamegame]

I sometimes smoke when I'm drunk...how do I stop!!!??? hehe

[dissentowner]

Well except for that 1 slip I have managed. Still irritable as hell at times.

[HitterD]

Well, I just put out my last smoke! First day of the rest of my life starts now.

This thread has been inspiring, thanks to all for the encouragement and information.

I'll be checking in here frequently to get some support and offer some support of my own.

Hope everyone continues to do well, as I plan on doing the same

[dissentowner]

I have been avoiding my smoking friends like the plague for now. Same with coffee.

[FireFly]

I'm sure some of you remember when almost a year ago (February 23rd it will be one year,) I broke my leg. The doctor at that time asked me if I was a smoker and I said yes. They suggested that I quit for at least 3 months because of the chance of clotting is increased and then to really scare the poop out of me, they said that if my leg clots, I could have it amputated. Of course, I didn't believe the hype and asked how often people clot. The answer was 1 in 10 will clot, but almost 4 in 10 smokers will clot. Now, not all clots result in amputation but it was enough for me to quit smoking.

That and they didn't give me a walker or crutches for 3 days so I was bedridden and couldn't smoke.

Yes, I have smoked since then, however I now consider myself a non-smoker.

I wish you all the best of luck! It's hard but it's worth it!

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by flamegame

I sometimes smoke when I'm drunk...how do I stop!!!??? hehe

Quit going outside with your friends!

[Uncarved]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Quit going outside with your friends!

I found it easier to go outside with friends that smoke. At least that way you can still be social with them, just not smoking. I actually found that it didn't really bother me that much to join them outside. If you are waiting for them to come back you may feel like you have been left out of something.

[frinkprof]

Forgive me if bringing this up or if talking about it doesn't help you guys who are trying to quit, but I was curious how you guys started smoking in the first place and maybe what in your background (parents who smoke, group of friends you hung out with, etc.) you think may have contributed to this.

For me, my parents smoked when I was growing up but I never had the desire to even try it and have never been a smoker. I've had the odd celebratory cigar in my adult years, but nothing other than that.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

Forgive me if bringing this up or if talking about it doesn't help you guys who are trying to quit, but I was curious how you guys started smoking in the first place and maybe what in your background (parents who smoke, group of friends you hung out with, etc.) you think may have contributed to this.

For me, my parents smoked when I was growing up but I never had the desire to even try it and have never been a smoker. I've had the odd celebratory cigar in my adult years, but nothing other than that.

For me, it was typical teenage BS.

I was in a small town in Minnesota for the summer and there was a hot bad-ass girl I wanted to get with. She smoked and I wanted to fit in, so I started smoking that summer.

When I went home at the end of summer, I pretty addicted.

[dissentowner]

I started as a young teenager back in the 80's because everybody who was cool smoked. Access was so easy back then. Neither of my parents smoked.