Member | Status | Smoke Free Date | Money Saved (estimate) |
jordanread (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=8646) | Non-Smoker 1 Day | 06/16/2014 | |
face-punched (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9043) | Badass | 02/11/2014 | $865 |
Blindsquirrel (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=687) | Mental Preparation | TBD | N/A |
szmaine (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9484) | Vaping | 04/07/2014 | $109.20 |
hoodedfalcon (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=3580) | Smoke Free - Chantix & Camping | 04/14/2014 | $.65 |
Maria South (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=7550) | Day 2 | 05/28/2014 | N/A |
Rezdent (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=10514) | Mental Preperation | N/A - Currently vaping | TBD |
unix_kung_fu (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9688) | Vaping | 05/30/2014 | $114.15 |
I smoked my last cigarette Feb. 11 of this year. I have gained a little weight ~10 lbs, but so far I have saved something around 500-600 dollars. This change alone has already paid for my bike in full. I am using the bike to lose the weight I gained from smoking cessation. The point is, you can do this. I got punched in the face and was better for it! Good luck!
My sister has tried to quit more times than I can count. It's always "after this pack I'm quitting." I never really understood how smoking more was going to make quitting easier. If you've decided to quit, but are going to finish a pack it's almost like you've already decided to not quit. Stopping mid pack seems like the way to go. Every day you can look at the pack as a reminder that you didn't smoke yesterday.
Anyways, good luck!
I am in quitting next week. No more smokes.Let's do it!!
Anyone have any experience with Chantix (sp?)?
Ok, I'm in but I am going to use the patch because I have to spend a couple of weeks getting over the psychological part of "doing" the smoking. Yeah, I've been here before and I think the behavioral aspect is the hardest part...finding something else to do.
Yeah, I've been here before and I think the behavioral aspect is the hardest part...finding something else to do. I'll check out Cessation Nation.
[...]spend this weekend eradicating materials, smells in the car and my coats.
I should probably wash my complainy-pants while I'm at it.
Anyone have any experience with Chantix (sp?)?
Lol. Are sure about the vodka? What if I get stopped reeking of it?It neutralizes the odor, and doesn't have much of it's own. The stuff that I saw is that it's used more as a prewash. You can always water it down. :-)
I'll try it. Gotta find some really cheap stuff though.Not a bad idea. I just opened up another checking account to test out the auto-pay functionality compared to my current bank. Maybe I can use it for that, and just transfer $6.00 every morning. :-) Cessation Nation does have a money section under stats as well.
You know, I'm actually feeling in a really good place about this..spring just might be on the way soon, I hope, and the pigsty needs a really good mucking out anyway so I have plenty of stuff I can throw myself at. I'm thinking of a way I can shuttle aside the saved money separately so I can watch it grow on my Mint account since I look at it frequently.
I think I'll set up weekly transfers to a saving account I was just going to clear out because the interest rate is lower than my new checking. Then I'll have that reward at the end of the week. I'll set up a budget line of $0 for smokes in Mint and a competing goal linked to that account...think I'll start the goal at the weekly total so that every time I get there I'll get the Congratulations notification from Mint...then I can reset it for the next week. It will tie in nicely with my general gung-ho feeling about finding this site and employing mustachianism to my finances.That works!! Good luck. We're all on this journey together. However, as (former) smokers, we get the benefit of having a section of that journey involve a group of booby traps and rope bridges and monkeys with blow guns...and withdrawals! I think that makes us more bad ass :-)
I tried to quit many times, and then Chantix came into my life. It worked wonders for me, as long as I took it. The dreams are nuts but that was my favorite part. The problem I faced with Chantix was weaning myself off too soon. I figure, hey, I don't even want cigarettes anymore...I don't need to take this pill anymore...and then the next thing you know you are at a gas station and two days later you've done nothing but binge smoked.
I think I'll set up weekly transfers to a saving account I was just going to clear out because the interest rate is lower than my new checking. Then I'll have that reward at the end of the week. I'll set up a budget line of $0 for smokes in Mint and a competing goal linked to that account...think I'll start the goal at the weekly total so that every time I get there I'll get the Congratulations notification from Mint...then I can reset it for the next week. It will tie in nicely with my general gung-ho feeling about finding this site and employing mustachianism to my finances.That works!! Good luck. We're all on this journey together. However, as (former) smokers, we get the benefit of having a section of that journey involve a group of booby traps and rope bridges and monkeys with blow guns...and withdrawals! I think that makes us more bad ass :-)I tried to quit many times, and then Chantix came into my life. It worked wonders for me, as long as I took it. The dreams are nuts but that was my favorite part. The problem I faced with Chantix was weaning myself off too soon. I figure, hey, I don't even want cigarettes anymore...I don't need to take this pill anymore...and then the next thing you know you are at a gas station and two days later you've done nothing but binge smoked.
Glad to hear it. So where are you at now?
Well...until last week, my last cigarette was last May. So, I am starting this whole thing all over again. :( I am weak.So you with us?
Well...until last week, my last cigarette was last May. So, I am starting this whole thing all over again. :( I am weak.So you with us?
Try not to see it as starting all over again but rather picking up where you left off. Your body will have benefited from all that not smoking time and one week isn't going to undo that benefit suddenly. I've read that's a better way to approach relapses mentally instead of whomping on yourself about it too much.
Well...until last week, my last cigarette was last May. So, I am starting this whole thing all over again. :( I am weak.So you with us?
I am totally with you! I am glad to have some partners going forward. It really does help with the accountability.
Just about three years ago this month, give or take some backsliding, self face punching, and lots of bicycling.
What worked for me was the patch, rationalization, and keeping busy. Realizing that $200 a month got me to the ability to max out my Roth IRA with current contribution, biking to work would stop the car trigger, and actually following the recommendation on patch usage I was finally able to quit.
Keep trying everyone. I'm sure you can do it.
Okay team!! I just updated the first post to track everyone's progress. I'll come in almost everyday to update it, unless a comment is made. I am subscribing to this thread, so I get an e-mail when anyone posts. Statuses are pretty much arbitrary. I figure that once we hit 3 months without a smoke, we upgrade to a Badass Non-Smoker. Feel free to discuss. Comment here if you want me to update anything.
Try not to see it as starting all over again but rather picking up where you left off. Your body will have benefited from all that not smoking time and one week isn't going to undo that benefit suddenly. I've read that's a better way to approach relapses mentally instead of whomping on yourself about it too much.
Thanks. I am trying to think like this, when I am not beating myself up for letting my guard down. I will focus on the positive.
Try not to see it as starting all over again but rather picking up where you left off. Your body will have benefited from all that not smoking time and one week isn't going to undo that benefit suddenly. I've read that's a better way to approach relapses mentally instead of whomping on yourself about it too much.
Thanks. I am trying to think like this, when I am not beating myself up for letting my guard down. I will focus on the positive.
Don't beat yourself up. If you understand why you went back to smoking, then you can make a plan for preventing it from happening again.
I've found that some people forget why they quit in the first place, and think "I can just have this one cigarette; it's not that bad" even though they already worked so hard to get the nicotine out of their system. Something that can help with that is to write down all the reasons why you're quitting, or the top 5 reasons or something, and put it in your wallet so you can refer to it whenever you think "smoking isn't that bad." It'll help if you remember what it feels like to crave a cigarette every few hours, or shell out however many $$s for a pack, or the hacking cough some people have first thing in the morning, etc. Better yet, write it on the back of a picture of your family or children -- that'll really put it in perspective!
Hey all, I just want to check in and see how everybody is doing on this! Keep it up if all is well, if you had a hiccup, just remember that it is a process and just keep at it!Tomorrow is my day, I feel pretty good about it right now...I'll be chiming as the week moves along.
I quit a 2 can a day dip habit last year (gave the last of the quitting supplies away 5 months ago). I used the new electronic cig/vaping stuff. Made the switch to it and then stepped the nic levels down every couple weeks till I hit 0mg. Found it pretty painless since I still had something to fiddle with, which the patches don't provide. The equipment can be kind of pricey though and the larger higher priced/fancy stuff really does work better than the cigarette look a likes. If anyone wants to go that route I'll answer and questions I can and give opinions on equipment.Yes, I picked up one of these too figuring that I blew it on the patch before an need the fiddling aspect...we'll see. It is much more satisfying that the ones that look like cigarettes!
I think smoking was a symptom of something else that caused me to constantly want to put something into my mouth. I'm still working on it, but I think if you realize that there's something else going on in your head, you can work on that without smoking.My experience is that there are always some other underlying things that are uncovered when one quits smoking. I don't know that I agree with the fact that those are the cause, but that's just because it seems like an excuse to me. I don't mean to undermine your discoveries, and you could be right. I've personally found that if I take the approach that it's something I chose to do, I can choose to not do it. That being said, realizations of that nature can definitely be helpful on the road to bettering ones-self. Mad props to you for quitting, and being successful for so long. I know that eating is something people do (shit, I do it too) when they quit. Do you have any suggestions for those who go down that route?
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.
I quit a 2 can a day dip habit last year (gave the last of the quitting supplies away 5 months ago). I used the new electronic cig/vaping stuff. Made the switch to it and then stepped the nic levels down every couple weeks till I hit 0mg. Found it pretty painless since I still had something to fiddle with, which the patches don't provide. The equipment can be kind of pricey though and the larger higher priced/fancy stuff really does work better than the cigarette look a likes. If anyone wants to go that route I'll answer and questions I can and give opinions on equipment.
Congrats. I do love the vapor smokes, and have decent luck identifying that the feeling of "smoke" entering my lungs is a major part of my addiction. I find it too easy to slip up when I do that, though. For those who are stronger than I am, would you mind posting your experience here? Product Recommendations, Price breakdowns, etc...
P.S. The fluid one uses is mostly vegetable glycerin with flavor and nicotine added. I know a couple of people who saved a shit-load of money making their own.
I think smoking was a symptom of something else that caused me to constantly want to put something into my mouth. I'm still working on it, but I think if you realize that there's something else going on in your head, you can work on that without smoking.My experience is that there are always some other underlying things that are uncovered when one quits smoking. I don't know that I agree with the fact that those are the cause, but that's just because it seems like an excuse to me. I don't mean to undermine your discoveries, and you could be right. I've personally found that if I take the approach that it's something I chose to do, I can choose to not do it. That being said, realizations of that nature can definitely be helpful on the road to bettering ones-self. Mad props to you for quitting, and being successful for so long. I know that eating is something people do (shit, I do it too) when they quit. Do you have any suggestions for those who go down that route?
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.I quit a 2 can a day dip habit last year (gave the last of the quitting supplies away 5 months ago). I used the new electronic cig/vaping stuff. Made the switch to it and then stepped the nic levels down every couple weeks till I hit 0mg. Found it pretty painless since I still had something to fiddle with, which the patches don't provide. The equipment can be kind of pricey though and the larger higher priced/fancy stuff really does work better than the cigarette look a likes. If anyone wants to go that route I'll answer and questions I can and give opinions on equipment.
Congrats. I do love the vapor smokes, and have decent luck identifying that the feeling of "smoke" entering my lungs is a major part of my addiction. I find it too easy to slip up when I do that, though. For those who are stronger than I am, would you mind posting your experience here? Product Recommendations, Price breakdowns, etc...
P.S. The fluid one uses is mostly vegetable glycerin with flavor and nicotine added. I know a couple of people who saved a shit-load of money making their own.
Hey jordanreads, don't despair we can work on this a long time....
I got this stainless steel model called Double Diamond: two units in a zip case with chargers (USB unit and wall wart) replaceable batteries, and a fill bottle that has a smaller tip than the bottles that contain the nicotine juice. It has a much more satisfying inhalation effect than e-smokes...in fact so similar that I'm not sure that it's really quitting...but we gotta start somewhere so even if we are still nicotine addicts perhaps if we become savings addicts that is a start. And you can't buy smokes with less nicotine as you can with the vapor refills. Mine unit cost $40. The refill bottles cost about $7 and am told by a heavy smoker that they can last at least 1 month, I spend more than that in a day.
I agree -- being a smoker is caused by smoking and nothing else. I just meant that something else was going on as well and after I quit, I seemed to replace smoking with eating. And weight gain is caused by too much eating. So my suggestion is to find a healthy replacement habit. For instance, you may want to try eating 2 big apples every day. Or try to get the most colorful diet ever -- lots of healthy, colorful vegetables. I've been finding that it takes a lot of planning to get so many colorful veggies into the diet. It's a great distraction from an unhealthy habit.I think smoking was a symptom of something else that caused me to constantly want to put something into my mouth. I'm still working on it, but I think if you realize that there's something else going on in your head, you can work on that without smoking.My experience is that there are always some other underlying things that are uncovered when one quits smoking. I don't know that I agree with the fact that those are the cause, but that's just because it seems like an excuse to me. I don't mean to undermine your discoveries, and you could be right. I've personally found that if I take the approach that it's something I chose to do, I can choose to not do it. That being said, realizations of that nature can definitely be helpful on the road to bettering ones-self. Mad props to you for quitting, and being successful for so long. I know that eating is something people do (shit, I do it too) when they quit. Do you have any suggestions for those who go down that route?
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.
You are not doing any kind of nicotine replacement at all?Nope. Due to previous attempts, I've realized that nicotine isn't the major hang up for me. It's mostly psychological hangups. The withdrawals bring that stuff out, and I just need to beat it. Bakari had shown this article: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-beast/201212/quitting-cold-turkey-better-smoking-cessation-programs. I agree with the premise, and have had better luck quitting cold turkey. It may not be for everyone, but I know that is will be the most effective method for me.
I just meant that something else was going on as well and after I quit, I seemed to replace smoking with eating. And weight gain is caused by too much eating. So my suggestion is to find a healthy replacement habit. For instance, you may want to try eating 2 big apples every day. Or try to get the most colorful diet ever -- lots of healthy, colorful vegetables. I've been finding that it takes a lot of planning to get so many colorful veggies into the diet. It's a great distraction from an unhealthy habit.
Ohh and for the weight issues you might encounter I used the loseit! app on my phone. Managed to drop 60lbs while quitting, no it was not easy. My fitness pal is also another highly recommended one.
I found this website from jordanread's link about going cold turkey...I am finding it powerful good bedtime reading for this quitter's eve.
http://whyquit.com/joel/
If you need some motivational face-punches on your journey, this is a good place to find it.
I've been preparing myself lately. I wake up at 8am, work from 9am - 5pm. Smokes cost $12/pack here. I've been good about waiting until after work for my first one of the day, but I go to a bar and get a couple beers, I'll have smoked 5-6.
I know what needs to be done, I just need to do it. Not ready to throw the gauntlet down just yet, but I have an e-cig I'm going to try as a replacement and see how that works.
I will provide updates how it goes but I don't see large amount of success in the immediate future.Like hell. You'll see all kinds of success on this thread :-). There are quite a good number of resources posted in here too. We're here when you are ready...which should be next week or so, right? :P
Alright folks...TODAY IS DAY #1...I tried to be good, but my recent tumble from the wagon makes continued tumbles easier to justify when hanging out with a friend who smokes and shares smokes freely. So, yesterday was a bad day, a really bad one, as I smoked 4 (!!!) cigarettes. So, today is a brand new day #1.....WOOT!! Hit us up if you think you're going to slip. We've got you!!
Alright folks...TODAY IS DAY #1...I tried to be good, but my recent tumble from the wagon makes continued tumbles easier to justify when hanging out with a friend who smokes and shares smokes freely. So, yesterday was a bad day, a really bad one, as I smoked 4 (!!!) cigarettes. So, today is a brand new day #1.....WOOT!! Hit us up if you think you're going to slip. We've got you!!
Alright folks...TODAY IS DAY #1...I tried to be good, but my recent tumble from the wagon makes continued tumbles easier to justify when hanging out with a friend who smokes and shares smokes freely. So, yesterday was a bad day, a really bad one, as I smoked 4 (!!!) cigarettes. So, today is a brand new day #1.....WOOT!! Hit us up if you think you're going to slip. We've got you!!
Thanks! I think it will be really helpful to have this awesome group of people cheering each other on!
I listened to an interesting podcast by "freakenomics" over the weekend with the topic of quitting smoking. As a non-smoker, not sure if any of you would enjoy it or be annoyed by it, but seeing that my mother and both brothers smoke, it peaked my interest.
I have done very well today with my new ecigarette. I did not put a patch on but decided to try this after much reading...so far I feel that I had an easier day than I would have on the patch. With the patch I might have had no cravings but would still have jumped up every so often to have a cigarette and then felt crestfallen when I realized what I wanted to do but couldn't. This way I really had no such moments...I would just use the vapor pen. It is sort of cheating a bit more than using the patch but I don't care whatever works. It is a different taste and sensation but similar enough to be satisfying just enough to get by.
Anyway, I don't think it's premature to say today was a success because I am home for the night with no cigarettes....but because I have my "puffer" I don't feel the acute anxiety that I'd feel otherwise.
I saved $7.80 today.
Here's some commentary on from people trying to quit by "vaping".
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/02/local_smokers_offer_thoughts_o.html
http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/1fe207/do_you_vape_has_it_helped_you_quit_smoking_or/
Thanks!! I feel a subdued and cautious optimism. Getting through a weekend will be the hard part but I've got a whole week to get in the groove for it.
Day two, made it home safe with no cigarettes. Saved another $7.80.
I feel that the first 7 days, in particular, the weekend will be the hardest....at work it's harder to smoke much anyway, but also I'll want a couple beers at some point and I really think that could be a problem....WAAAAAHH!!!!Complainy-pants alert!
I guess that means I'll be saving in the beer department too.
How's everyone else doing?
[...congrats to szmaine...self-pity stuff...excusitis...]
Went on a three mile walk with the pooch. All was well [...other stuff...]
UGH.
I did make it home without cigarettes
So you are not using Chantix or any other helpers at this point?
[...congrats to szmaine...self-pity stuff...excusitis...]
Went on a three mile walk with the pooch. All was well [...other stuff...]
UGH.
Fuck You HoodedFalcon. Take a longer walk tomorrow. You barely mentioned the best part:I did make it home without cigarettes
Hell yeah you did!!! ...How much did you save by not smoking until then? I'll update your stats accordingly. I don't need to give you shit, and neither do you...you just get to go through those first stages of withdrawals again. :P
Ahh! And this is why I love this forum! Just the kick in the pants I needed.
So, I've bought 3 packs now...I am $19.50 in the hole. Bah.
Ahh! And this is why I love this forum! Just the kick in the pants I needed.
So, I've bought 3 packs now...I am $19.50 in the hole. Bah.
When you smoked full time (last week) you probably smoked more than you did today, right? Let's think short term for now. Focus on the little wins. How much did you save by not smoking until after the dog walk?
Hoodedfalcon, you gotta figure out what to do with that pack of butts tonight...get a plan quick, are you gonna smash them? Or what? Sit and ask your self....do I really want to still be doing this in 10 years...20 years? Every day is a new day to start over. Get back on the Chantix!! Ok - I see you just posted..yes, take the GD Chantix and don't mess around anymore...now start figuring out what you are gonna do at home differently to distract yourself...exercise? Hobby? Something? How long can you stay on Chantix?
My employer recently gave all employees free access to the university fitness center. I should really use it but need to get a couple weeks further along to avoid public phlegm hacking episodes.
Hoodedfalcon, you gotta figure out what to do with that pack of butts tonight...get a plan quick, are you gonna smash them? Or what? Sit and ask your self....do I really want to still be doing this in 10 years...20 years? Every day is a new day to start over. Get back on the Chantix!! Ok - I see you just posted..yes, take the GD Chantix and don't mess around anymore...now start figuring out what you are gonna do at home differently to distract yourself...exercise? Hobby? Something? How long can you stay on Chantix?
Doing great, jordanreads! I don't know how you can keep them around! Sitting there, mocking you....Do you give them the finger every so often?If by "every so often" you mean on an hourly basis...then yes. And then I feel guilty, because there is MMM getting ready to punch me in the face, at which point I do the baby thing, because I didn't give in.
The biking I think will really help you feel stronger about not smoking...your lung function will increase so much faster with a good work out.
My employer recently gave all employees free access to the university fitness center. I should really use it but need to get a couple weeks further along to avoid public phlegm hacking episodes.
jordanread - not sure what you do for a living, but you are a good no smoking coach!
I've been thinking about trying the stare them down approach. Not sure it would work for me, but if I could do that, I would feel utterly dominant.
If you are really going to try to stare them down you should at least decorate them with some meaningful art like jordanreads...
Personally, I think it's total denial to think you can stare them down when it will matter the most...when you are weak! You should dominate their ass by smashing them under your heel into unsalvagable bits!
Hooded falcon,I've been thinking about trying the stare them down approach. Not sure it would work for me, but if I could do that, I would feel utterly dominant.
If you are really going to try to stare them down you should at least decorate them with some meaningful art like jordanreads...
Personally, I think it's total denial to think you can stare them down when it will matter the most...when you are weak! You should dominate their ass by smashing them under your heel into unsalvagable bits!
[...] The gig is up!
Hooded falcon,I've been thinking about trying the stare them down approach. Not sure it would work for me, but if I could do that, I would feel utterly dominant.
If you are really going to try to stare them down you should at least decorate them with some meaningful art like jordanreads...
Personally, I think it's total denial to think you can stare them down when it will matter the most...when you are weak! You should dominate their ass by smashing them under your heel into unsalvagable bits!
Maybe some duct tape art? Part of me is all "I've already spent the money" and the other part of me is just ashamed. The truth is, if they are here when I get home from work tomorrow, I will be smoking them. I know this. I wish I could hide them from myself and then forget where I put them. And I know this will sound shitty, but while I was glad for the 10 months without smoking, I never ever stopped wanting them, and that really sucked. I am like a kid in a candy store right now, and the only thing between me and those cigarettes is Chantix and a long long bike ride.
I know if I could walk in the door, see the pack (covered in duct tape) and walk back out with my bike without passing GO, I will have won the battle and maybe even the war. But I could also very well lose, though the war will rage on.
[...] Part of me is all "I've already spent the money" [...]
The truth is, if they are here when I get home from work tomorrow, I will be tempted to smoke them. Iknowam pretty sure of this. I wish I could hide them from myself and then forget where I put them. And I know this will sound shitty, but while I was glad for the 10 months without smoking, I never ever stopped wanting them, and that really sucked. I am like a kid in a candy store right now, and the only thing between me and those cigarettes is Chantix and a long long bike ride.
I know if I could walk in the door, see the pack (covered in duct tape) and walk back out with my bike without passing GO, I will have won the battle and maybe even the war. But I could also very well lose, though the war will rage on.
Lol. Saw your latest post, jordanreads...way ahead of me! You are an awesome coach!
I only skimmed, so maybe I missed it, but if not, I can't believe there's a smoking thread without linking to the original Quit Smoking thread: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/punching-smoking-in-the-face!/
Lots of good discussion, resources, encouragement, etc. in that one, well worth reading if you're trying to quit. :)Good luckStrong resolve to all of you quitting. It's absolutely worth it!
[...] Part of me is all "I've already spent the money" [...]
If by that you mean that you've already sacrificed potential gains by buying a pack and smoking it, then you are correct. However, if you mean that the money tied up in that pack is an investment in your future health, that can be turned into capital gains by not smoking them, you are more correct...and planning for the future. Come now, if you can't beat them, DESTROY THEM!! I want pictures too.
Moustachian approach . . . sell them on craigslist to recoup some of the loss.
Dark moustache approach . . . sell them to minors to profit.
Moustachian approach . . . sell them on craigslist to recoup some of the loss.
Dark moustache approach . . . sell them to minors to profit.
Dark moustache...I like it. Not the approach, just the concept. All Neutral Evil and stuff.
It's best if you picture Darth Vader with a really big moustache while reading it. :DDone.
1) just finished my last smoke, I have an e-cig I will hit on that
Okay folks. I maybe didn't mention this before, but I am sorta in meltdown mode at work with a major project that is going live on Monday. BLAH BLAH. BUT! I am taking myself out of the no smoking challenge for the time being. Don't worry. I will be back. I promise.Really? Wouldn't that be the perfect time to quit? Get through this, and everything else would seem easy.
Okay folks. I maybe didn't mention this before, but I am sorta in meltdown mode at work with a major project that is going live on Monday. BLAH BLAH. BUT! I am taking myself out of the no smoking challenge for the time being. Don't worry. I will be back. I promise.Really? Wouldn't that be the perfect time to quit? Get through this, and everything else would seem easy.
I have done it that way previous quit times. A general "Fuck you" to the world, including cigarettes....You have no power over me sort of thing. But in this situation, it's just not working for me. I just can't fight everything right now. My current goal is to get through to next Wednesday without losing my shit, and I think that is about all I can handle.
Home early today...safe and sound with no cigarettes! Another $7.80 in the till! Cha-Ching!
Just chiming in to support all of you who are working on this!! (As I look out my window and see a group of students gathered smoking at one of the designated smoking stations on our campus--sad to see college students smoking!)
@jordanreads...um...you don't actually have any kitties, do you? Please don't kill the kitties! LOL
Seriously, you are badass! But, paws off the kitties!
Interesting NYT article from two or three weeks ago about how smoking is nearly gone from the upper and middle class, but remains quite prominent among the lower class.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/health/smoking-stays-stubbornly-high-among-the-poor.html?_r=1
And, since the people who own stocks in the tobacco companies are disproportionately middle/upper class, it's an interesting wealth transfer tool from the poor to the rich.
Hope that helps some of you with the motivation to quit. ;)
Today will make 1 full smoke free week! Savings =$54.60Way to go szmaine! You are rocking it for sure. I am hoping this thread becomes a go to spot for everyone who tries to quit here, so to that end, would you mind posting your experiences and resources for e-cigs on here? Maybe some health benefits, and details of your experiences.
I stopped at the local mom$pop to pick up milk and was asked "Cigarettes, honey?"
No thanks, I QUIT! She said that she and her husband did too...between them were smoking $10K a YEAR! They are also using eCigs. It's amazing how much this product is helping so many smokers...you watch, pretty soon there'll be a huge sin tax on these products!
Alright folks. I am back in the fray. I took a slight detour but I have found my way again. No more. Took my Chantix today like a good little addict, and I am feeling fine. I can't count today as day one, but tomorrow WILL BE. And then day two and day three....I was feeling ridiculous amounts of stress with work last week, but a couple of bike rides to nowhere and I feel much better. Whew.
Pffffft! I quit smoking in 2011, no problem.
I ALSO quit smoking in 2012. I quit twice!
I then also quit smoking in 2013. That's a turkey.
I have not smoked in 2014. It'll be a year in may. I was never a heavy smoker, maybe 3-4 cigs a day. I still feel it especially during stress.
Still here vaping away...but have stepped down to the next lower nicotine rung.
The unit I am using is a generic eGo CE5 that I stumbled on at the local smoke shop but is also apparently sold online, cheaper...
http://doublediamondeliquid.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PGId=5&PId=17
I am using the e-liquids by the same company...menthol for me.
I have nothing to compare them to, but the unit works well. I charge one battery while using the other, the head that attaches to the eGO battery is known as a "clearomiser"...I have no idea how long they will last but I just washed out on tank easily, dried with a blow drier as I was instructed by google results and reassembled...works fine. I don't plan on having this crutch forever!
Edit: health benefits? I don't really know yet, I guess cuz I didn't really have much problem before...I think I get winded a little less easy but time will tell since it's been such a long winter I'm out of shape from hibernating anyway. I'm not sure that vaping is totally harmless either, there is a lot of controversy on this and not much data. But it feels better...The smell of butts/smoking is disgusting to me already and when I see/smell others smoking I have no urge to get some...now that really IS something!
Personally, I haven't been having too many issues with cravings, per se. I'm definitely still in the throes of withdrawals, but it's more like being angry and feeling shitty instead of craving smokes. I haven't been able to sleep for longer than two hours at a stretch until last night, and have had a constant splitting headache for almost a week. Nothing helps, and I just want to sit in the dark with a wash cloth. Still, I'm able to separate that from wanting cigarettes. Last night, I gave in and took some NyQuil, Ibuprofen, sleeping pills, and melatonin. Slept for about 14 hours. Feeling a lot better now, but still on a very short fuse.
The desire for cigarettes is definitely reduced, and I switch between hating the smell, and loving it when I smell it on someone else. Hopefully, I'll be indifferent by next weekend. It's been a rough road so far, but worth it. The reduced desire to do anything is really pissing me off, since I am usually pretty active. I am having to force myself to do...well, anything. Hopefully that will fade too.
Ugh, I also had a shitty day yesterday, felt murderous..splitting headache...turns out that one of my units wasn't working right..I know they don't last forever but was able to resurrect one enough to recover today. I came very close to buying a pack but didn't.
I have weird side effects beyond this including hot flashes with sweats. I am around that age..but haven't had this before now so am pretty sure it is a side effect. Read some other folks talking about this on a vaping website...ugh!!I get that on occassion too, and it almost is some type of purging thing for me. After a night of heavy drinking, or eating shitty food, or for a few weeks after smoking, I'll get very hot and sweat, occasionally I'll break out with zits as well. It's sucks, while it's happening, but I almost always feel better afterwards. Granted, I always feel like when I say it always feels better afterwards, it's because everything is relative...so that could be a B.S. justification.
Do you drink caffeine of any kind? If so, make sure you cut WAY down during a quit or it'll keep you awake. Nicotine effectively makes us insensitive to caffeine, so once you take the nicotine away, you'll have a whole new sensitivity to caffeine. I had to cut my coffee intake down from a 6+ cups a day to just 1-2 when I quit.
On the cranky/tired/lazy feelings: The reason we all feel like absolute garbage during a quit is almost always extremely low blood sugar. Nicotine triggers a release of stored energy in fat cells, which everyone's body does, but a smoker's body learns to rely on nicotine to regulate blood sugar. Take away the nicotine and your body FREAKS OUT and can't remember how to release energy stores. It can take up to two weeks for your blood sugar to level out. In the mean time, drink a shitload of fruit juice.
Most of all, hang in there! It gets better.
Stepped down to 12mg e-liquid yesterday, so far so good...
I have marveled over how vague the "usual" descriptions of smoking withdrawal read...I mean just saying the words "mood swings" or "cravings" just doesn't do the topic justice at all. I have been having so many symptoms that I never heard of before, when you start googling those THEN you find out that others experience them too instead of thinking something else is possibly wrong with you.
I found this wisegeek blurb on the topic..the gold is in the comments section where many people have posted their experiences. Its a relief to see others have experienced these hot flashes/sweats, as well as this strange achey muscle/neck pain....but a bit scarey that it seems like it can go on a very long time for some people.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-stages-of-nicotine-withdrawal.htm
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.
The most common side effects of CHANTIX include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don't go away, tell your doctor. You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how CHANTIX may affect you.
I have been having so many symptoms that I never heard of before, when you start googling those THEN you find out that others experience them too instead of thinking something else is possibly wrong with you.
I found this wisegeek blurb on the topic..the gold is in the comments section where many people have posted their experiences. Its a relief to see others have experienced these hot flashes/sweats, as well as this strange achey muscle/neck pain....but a bit scarey that it seems like it can go on a very long time for some people.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-stages-of-nicotine-withdrawal.htm
[...]That site and resources from it have been mentioned a few times, so I went ahead and added it to the resources section. It's got all kinds of good stuff on there. Thanks for the additional links to it.
I highly recommend Joel's quitting library, really excellent stuff. Here's one on gradual withdrawal: http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_01_13_gradual_withdrawal.html. It explains why you're so miserable right now.
Stepped down to 12mg e-liquid yesterday, so far so good...
I have marveled over how vague the "usual" descriptions of smoking withdrawal read...I mean just saying the words "mood swings" or "cravings" just doesn't do the topic justice at all. I have been having so many symptoms that I never heard of before, when you start googling those THEN you find out that others experience them too instead of thinking something else is possibly wrong with you.
I found this wisegeek blurb on the topic..the gold is in the comments section where many people have posted their experiences. Its a relief to see others have experienced these hot flashes/sweats, as well as this strange achey muscle/neck pain....but a bit scarey that it seems like it can go on a very long time for some people.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-stages-of-nicotine-withdrawal.htm
As the month is coming to a close soon, I was wondering how everyone was doing? As always, great work to those who are doing well, good luck to those starting soon, and to those who are struggling, please don't give up! I am coming up on three months since my last cigarette and I have no cravings anymore. I have a hard time remembering what a smoke tastes like in a positive way. It really does get better!
I used to smoke cigs and *ahem* other stuff but have given up for a few years now. I didn't even smoke that heavily but it was still really fucking hard giving it up. I still sometimes sniff the air when someone walks past me on the street smoking.:0
And scary to think that nicotine has such a dramatic effect on your health that withdrawal creates all these long-lasting body changes! But your body will start to bounce back within 24 hours of having that last cigarette! Increased lung function, decrease risk of heart disease, etc. Good luck!
Hello all!
I know the gauntlet has been thrown and the official challenge is over, but I wanted to let everyone know that I finally sat down and looked closely at what I'm not spending on smokes anymore. ($715.85 since I quit.) That being said, I actually save a lot more since I no longer walk into a convenience store every day or two and buy soda/snacks/gatorade etc. that I have gone back and estimated to be more than $150. Total savings since February add up to be at least $865.85! It really adds up everyone, so keep it up or start again, whichever fits, and feel better!
Smokers who use e-cigarettes are actually less likely to quit smoking than smokers who aren’t using e-cigarettes.
Did you all see the rash of news articles last week that e-cigs don't help people quit?
Here's one example: E-Cigarettes Don’t Actually Help People Quit Smoking, According To 84 Different Studies (http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/05/13/ucsf-e-cigarette-study-shows-devices-questionable-benefits/)
Excerpt:QuoteSmokers who use e-cigarettes are actually less likely to quit smoking than smokers who aren’t using e-cigarettes.
Something to consider if you're trying to quit and were thinking about trying e-cigs. :)Good luckStrong willpower to everyone trying to quit!
There was an article in yesterday's NYTimes, citing a big study in England which concluded that e-cigs DO help people quit smoking.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/health/study-gives-e-cigarettes-edge-in-helping-smokers-quit.html?ref=health
From the article: "A large study in England has found that smokers trying to quit were substantially more likely to succeed if they used electronic cigarettes than over-the-counter therapies such as nicotine patches or gum. These results offered encouraging but not definitive evidence in the contentious debate about the risks and benefits of these increasingly popular smoking devices."
Good luck to everyone working on this challenge!
Hi everybody. I am in!!
Hopefully tomorrow, after 12 years, I will be a non-smoker.
Good luck to all of us!!
JUST DONT LIGHT THAT CIGARETTE!
[...]
First day, no cigarette, after 30 a day for 12 years (with a few ultra short interrumptions).
And it was not an easy day, at work or at home. But I made it.
[...]
Well damn... I've been avoiding this thread but for some reason it popped up when I thought I'd clicked something else.
Sigh.
I was born a smoker. Literally as my mom smoked throughout her life including pregnancy (died at 55 of cancer). Got my own cigarette allotment by junior high. I was a 2pack/day for over 10 years.
Then I quit. OMG was that hard. I hear you guys. It sucks.
Smoke free for 20 years and then for some insane reason I smoked a cig at a party. Right back to 2 packs a day.
I tried to quit again multiple times. I moved to e-cigs over 18 months ago. No smoke but still not ideal.
What kept me quit for 20 years was knowing that just 1 smoke would mean I'd have to go through quitters hell all over again. Which I am now working up the nerve to do. Declaring here and now that I am not going to buy more. Will take a few days to run through my supplies but I know I can't quit with anything around.
Thank you jordanread. I needed this.
I am ready, please add me to the list. 24 hours, I'm vaping and not doing as bad as I thought.
Hey there jordanread!
How's it going so far? Quitting smoking was the best thing I ever did... and also one of the hardest (took me 8 attempts!)
Hey Jordanread. ..
Don't be too hard on yourself but don't give up either.
There's a theory that a human can NOT erase a habit. Every time you repeat a habit it strengthens the neural pathways in your brain, kind of creating a permanent super highway that your brain stores as a survival mechanism. Suggested solution is to create a different habit and repeat it.A.Lot.
I successfully quit a 3 pack a day habit by subbing shelled sunflower seeds. It was hand to mouth like cigs - close enough to mimic that pathway. Later I subbed toothpicks for seeds. Yeah it was tough. But easier than trying to live with a hole where the habit had been.
The downside is that it took exactly 1 smoke for me to reactivate that pathway after 20+ years smoke free. Which makes sense regarding the theory that people can't completely eliminate a neural path...but they CAN change to a different path.
My update: still vaping and getting nervous about the dwindling supply.
You can do it, Jordan!!
So tomorrow is the day (or maybe tonight), and I'll finish the smoking chapter of my life. Which will then be followed by the super rich, super buff, super biking Mustachian chapter. This is gonna be awesome!!!
Well I tried to quit vaping last week and failed. Quitting tomorrow AM.Rezdent,
How are you doing Jordanread?
I am no longer vaping, or using any sort of crutch. It's been 48+ hours of any nicotine and I'm cool as a cucumber. I was going to ween the levels of nicotine from the vapes but then I saw this AWESOME VIDEO and it completely changed the way I looked at things.
It is about one hour long but I suggest anyone remotely interested in quitting to watch it all in it's entirety in one sitting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP1ykPUTk_Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP1ykPUTk_Q)
Allen Carr's quit smoking the easy way. Don't mind the Dutch subtitles. It does a fantastic job at breaking down the myths and illusions we use to hinder ourselves from successfully quitting.
passed another big test, thursday night is my one indulgence, bowling league. won it all. before it would be the one night i'd smoke a crap ton of cigs, and usually drink a lot as well.
i had been a few days vape/nicotine free but past thursdays i'd (is this a phrase?) chain-vape with the smokers after i had a few beers. i didn't bring my vape w/ me because i knew i'd cave. i didn't even think about nicotine at all. still getting some mild cravings and adjusting, but it is much easier.
I noticed in the OP the link to Allen Carr's book. I feel that should be made 100 times bigger and take up the majority of the post. I don't know what it is about that book but since reading it in January I'm around people that smoke all the time with little to no inclination to join them. Before reading it I was a pack every 2 days smoker. I don't know if it's hypnosis or what but I highly, highly recommend anyway wanting to quit to read that book.It's a different approach for sure, and it does a great job of addressing the psychology behind smoking. The video that Unix kung fu posted is one of the DVDs of his for those who don't want to buy it. Once people read through the posts there are a few people who mentioned it works for them as well. I might get rid of some of the content in the first post now that this thread has grown.
http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155 (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155)
Hi all!
Thanks Jordanread for your PM and for being here!
I finally come back to report. To report my failure number one million, and my new attempt, the number one million one.
My last strategy was no strategy. Just quit. Cold turkey, from 35/day to 0/day. It only lasted three days. Then, back on over thirty.
I started this new strategy last Monday July 21 and it goes as follows.
For the first week, do not smoke 30 minutes
-after I wake up (7.30am)
-after lunch (1 pm)
-after I get home after work (4.30pm)
-after dinner (9pm)
Then, I add 15 minutes to the above periods every Monday. Right now I am at 75 minutes. Eventually, I will only have very narrow windows between allowed periods. And then... I do not know. I should be able to quit more easily. Hopefully.
I do not count the cigarettes, but I guess I began with over 30 and right now am around 20 a day. Not sure. Awful numbers anyway.
I must say that I tried a different version of this strategy and clearly failed. But hey! I must keep trying!
Good luck to all of us, Jordanread, unix, Rezdent, and everybody kicking this sh-t. We will do it one of these days.
Yes, I have read the book and it is really good. After that, I gave it my try number one million minus 1. It lasted 10 days. Then a bad day at work and home. And to the trash.Not a problem. Do what works for you, and just remember that you got this!
I know what it says about stepping down, but just do not know what will work for me. Maybe, in a few weeks, if I continue with my current plan, I will read the book again and quit cold turkey. I will have to do it some day.
Thank you so much for your attention, Jordanread.
Got pretty drunk last night and had cigarette, even smoked pot for the first time in ever. I'm not resetting Cessation Nation or anything though because I have no desire to smoke and instantly realized I wasn't getting any satisfaction from it.
In a way I'm glad I did it.
Got pretty drunk last night and had cigarette, even smoked pot for the first time in ever. I'm not resetting Cessation Nation or anything though because I have no desire to smoke and instantly realized I wasn't getting any satisfaction from it.
In a way I'm glad I did it.
I just now realized I didn't respond to this, for which I apologize. I'm glad you made that realization, but remember that it's a slippery slope. I'm glad you smoked your very last cigarette, right?
Got pretty drunk last night and had cigarette, even smoked pot for the first time in ever. I'm not resetting Cessation Nation or anything though because I have no desire to smoke and instantly realized I wasn't getting any satisfaction from it.
In a way I'm glad I did it.
I just now realized I didn't respond to this, for which I apologize. I'm glad you made that realization, but remember that it's a slippery slope. I'm glad you smoked your very last cigarette, right?
That was the last one. I never have a craving or a desire to have one unless I've been drinking and I'm around a bunch of chain smokers. I don't go out as much anymore and usually stay away from the beer gardens (thankfully there is indoor smoking ban in my state).
It has been 79 days since I quit, saved approximately $570 and didn't smoke about 950 cigarettes. I think what I am most proud of was getting off the vapes and not being dictated and chained down by something day to day, hour by hour. It's just those one-off times few and far between I need to look out for.
Thank you guys for the motivations!!!It's the only vibes we do here. You've got this, and know that you have support.
I have been thinking a lot about you two these days. You make me want to quit cold turkey right now. But I am afraid of failing again and losing faith completely.
I will continue with my strategy for a couple more weeks (now I am at 90 min after wake up, lunch, coming home and dinner) and will keep focusing on that day when I say 'no more tobacco for me'.
Please, keep the good vibes!
Cheers
To those that are struggling, have you tried Champix?
I used it last year to give up in January - been smoke free ever since. I was a proper 20 - 30 a day, then another 30 - 40 if I went out partying. Smoked for around 25 years. I tried giving up many times - found that Nicotine gum sort of worked, but would crumble when I had a drink.
Anyway, that whole "I need a cig to keep calm" - what a load of junk - I am way calmer now that I am not thinking about when/if I can have my next nicotine hit. Weirdly, people smoking around me does not bother me one iota - I do not have any compulsion to smoke, not even slightly. I thought it might be a constant fight but I do not even think about it know.
Anyway, if you struggling it might be worth checking out Champix - it's worked for a few of us, but one or two got a bit nauseous - I was fine.
I have been following this thread and just wanted to say that I am so proud of you all trying to quit and even if you fail, you are getting back on track to quit again :) It is the hardest thing I have ever done...even harder than drugs and alcohol (10 yrs sober). I quit smoking Dec 8, 2013 because I had this awful, chest crushing cough/cold....so after a few days of not being able to smoke...I gave it up.
Some days I think I was a lunatic for quitting since I only smoked 7-10 cigs a day....I have come to realize that is my addiction talking. I crave cigs to this day and sometimes wish I could just have one more....but there is no such thing as one more, because I will go right back to it.
I have also read Alan Carr's book and it is awesome....maybe I should re-read it every month just to get back on track :)
So. Hey. Late to the party but I'm going to be in on this soon. I'm going to try vaping again with the fancy pants stuff instead of my old unreliable eGo gear from 2012. Looks like everything will come in for me on Friday, so let's call 9/8 my stop date. Unless things don't get delivered on time or get lost. I find the gas station disposables too unsatisfying and don't really want to go with those as a stop gap, even for a few days. That is, I might be more inclined to buy two packs after using one of the cheap disposables.Welcome to the challenge. We've had some pretty good results so far, and we all will do our best to support you.
The eGo stuff worked out ok for me for a while, and fed that fiddling/filling my lungs need. Then I started getting too much of a "this isn't as satisfying"/"uncanny valley" feeling from it. Not sure if it was missing the awful smell of smoking, or the coils wearing out and not producing as much vapor, or some combination of all that and more. Eventually I had too much trouble keeping the things working (even with replacement parts/etc) and just started smoking again.
I'm not planning on punching myself too hard if I slip up and smoke again. However, I am definitely the "bum one, buy a pack later that night" kind of person. If anyone's interested in the vaping stuff I'm going to try, I ordered the iTaste MVP and Aspire Nautilus tank, in addition to liquid/spare coils/cheapy spare tanks. I know that battery/tank issues have caused me frustration in the past, and I'm hoping to avoid that this time around by buying higher end stuff. So, $120 upfront for all that ridiculous vaping gear, vs my 6 pack/week x $7/pack = $42/week habit. $2182 a year. 4% of my pre-tax income. Why am I doing this to myself?
what the matter with you all.Glad to have you here.
quitting is easy!! I've done it loads of times!!
bought my last smokes on Friday. Finishing them today.
I found the biggest help (the times it worked) was to focus on doing something else during the "habit" smokes. IE the - I have my first coffee - light a cig, need a break at work - go have a cig.
Find something to replace the habitual breaks and it'll become easier.
I now live in florida - if you hear of someone wrestling gators later in order to replace a habit... that's me....
actually I'm going to the local bike shop on the way home and browsing -then picking up some stuff to service and ride the bikes.
first morning. have coffee. no smokes... arrgg...I've found that if the coffee is my savior. I got a hand mill, and just enjoy grinding and drinking my coffee instead of my morning smoke. My suggestion is to be attentive to what you are doing. Consciously enjoy that coffee, every sip.
think I may just go for a bike ride.
note to self. don't take money.
other note to self. avoid riding past store.
final note to self. don't kill the kids.
So I had a major setback. I went to Vegas on 09/28/2014 with my GF. The night that we got there, I went out with my GF and her sister to a little dive bar her sister frequents. As we started drinking, they both started smoking. Yeah, you can see where this is going. I bummed one, and within an hour, had bought a couple of packs. And that was all she wrote. I've been smoking for the last few weeks, and pretty heavily. This started quite the little cycle of destruction. I was a bit down that I had failed, started feeling sorry for myself, blah blah blah. I was drinking to excess damn near every night, which made me not bike in, which pissed me off, which made me drink, which made me smoke more. I was doing so well!!! Grrrr. Anyway, I got sick of feeling sorry for myself, and finally got the balls to post here and accept the deserved face punches. However, just being a complainypants suffering from excusitis is not how I roll (at least not for long). So that's where I was as of Friday.
Now where am I? Well, I smoked my last cigarette about 2 hours ago. Last night I took some ZzzQuil and some melatonin so that I could fall asleep a bit after 8. I also ground my coffee, and made sure that the delay brew was enabled on my coffee pot. I set out all of my clothes, and packed my panniers (totally forgot my shoes though, now all I have is SPDs). This gave me enough sleep to wake up a touch earlier than usual. I had two cups of Bulletproof Coffee (https://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/) (video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YjLMdx3YZY) while slowly waking up and starting to move around. I got dressed and hopped on the bike, giving myself the first opportunity to try out my super awesome new headlight (since the sun didn't rise until 7:21 this morning)(SPOILER ALERT: It was awesome!!). I arrived at work after an awesome 9.3 mile ride, and then promptly started clearing some of the damage I've been doing to my lungs by coughing uncontrollably for about 5 minutes. Then I smoked the last cigarette I had. I was very mindful every little bit of it. Everything that I thought I liked about smoking, I paid attention to. The taste, the feeling of inhaling the smoke, the smell, and the effect of the chemicals (the 'rush', if you will). I wasn't that impressed. I tried to remember how I felt for the months before, with better lung capacity, etc. I didn't bring my wallet or any cash today, so even if I feel like giving in, I'm more than 40 minutes away from my money, and another 5 away from cigarettes. I'll check in once I get done with work and get back home. I'm pretty sure I've got this, and I guarantee that I will not fall into that trap again.
To those of you who originally participated, but may have slipped up, remember: we have just over two months left in this challenge, and that is plenty of time to get back on the right track. I could use you here, and I'm certain that being here will help you too.
Sounds a lot like how I un-quit the last time I started again. Booze + smoking girlfriend and that was the end of it. I was back to smoking just like I never quit.
That was in 2000. I smoked a while, then quit again. Haven't had a smoke since 2002 or so. It ain't easy, but don't let one slip-up derail you. Just get back at it and keep trying until it sticks! :)
Sounds a lot like how I un-quit the last time I started again. Booze + smoking girlfriend and that was the end of it. I was back to smoking just like I never quit.
That was in 2000. I smoked a while, then quit again. Haven't had a smoke since 2002 or so. It ain't easy, but don't let one slip-up derail you. Just get back at it and keep trying until it sticks! :)
Funny thing is it was only a problem once I got into a bar that allowed smoking. I've drank, and my GF smokes, and it hadn't been an issue...until I could sit at the bar and light one up while talking. I suppose score one for the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act. :-)
Quitting smoking is easy! I've done it thousands of times
So. I was going to hold off on posting here for another week, and be all "8 weeks without a cigarette. Go me." Instead it's been 7 weeks. Go me.Go You!!!
You could probably ask your girlfriend for a pair of big girl panties if manning up isn't working out for you. Just keep at it.
I've found that drinking leads to smoking and I now drink more then I did back in the day. So my evil plan is to reduce drinking to less than 8 drinks per week no more than 4 at a time. I'll start this Friday with the drinking (drinking only my homemade vodka). Then Monday morning, or perhaps Sunday, cold turkey and chewing gum for me!
I switched to e-cigs a few months ago and never looked back. It was amazingly easy -- I wish every smoker would try it because I'm sure many of you would find it as easy to switch as I did. And although not as healthy as breathing only oxygen, the vape is certainly a hell of a lot better than inhaling burnt plant material.
its been 3 weeks since my last cigarette. one day i finished the last cigarette out of the pack before bed and decided it was just time to quit. haven't had one since. yes its been hard and i still have cravings, but they go away quickly.
i will say that reading this thread and seeing the word "smoke" and "cigarette" brought on a craving. something for those of you participating may want to think about
Hi Guys. I bombed out on the quitting and haven't been here since. I'm not gonna jump on again yet but wanted to say great job to all those who keep on trying! I may jump on sometime again sooner or later. Right now I'm pretty busy working on other matters since my husband passed away a couple months ago. So I'll be around more asking about financial stuff....then resume practicing quitting until I get it right.
So hello again Jordanread and all...keep on truckin!
Congrad face punched, that is truly awesome!