The Money Mustache Community

General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 03:27:27 PM

Title: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 03:27:27 PM
Been working on this, but some others wanted me to post in here so they can join in.

STOP SMOKING IN 2014

MEMBERS THROWING DOWN

MemberStatusSmoke Free DateMoney Saved (estimate)
jordanread (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=8646)Non-Smoker 1 Day06/16/2014
face-punched (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9043)Badass02/11/2014$865
Blindsquirrel (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=687)Mental PreparationTBDN/A
szmaine (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9484)Vaping04/07/2014$109.20
hoodedfalcon (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=3580)Smoke Free - Chantix & Camping04/14/2014$.65
Maria South (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=7550)Day 205/28/2014N/A
Rezdent (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=10514)Mental PreperationN/A - Currently vapingTBD
unix_kung_fu (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/profile/?u=9688)Vaping05/30/2014$114.15

RESOURCES

Original Post
I've been smoking since I was 14, and since the 14th is my 29th, I've been smoking for almost half my life. It ranged from 1 - 4 packs a day throughout, with one year long quit, and one 9 month quit. I'm going to be using Cessation Nation (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.horner.ronald.cessationnation) to track my progress.

I've had a couple of hiccups, and managed to make it a week before buying a pack. I realized that for me, having no cigarettes increases my cravings, mostly because I smoke mindlessly, and don't need the additional stress of not having any. I know, it's weird. Anyway, since I've only smoked half of this pack, I decided to keep it around, albeit a bit modified. The cigarettes remain untouched, but I do believe I have managed to create...


THE MOST MUSTACHIAN CIGARETTES YOU'LL NEVER SMOKE
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-joHcBpBg11w/UzxkD1QIo3I/AAAAAAAAI6Y/L6Opz1EbY5g/w972-h548-no/IMG_20140402_131350159-MOTION.gif)
Yes, that is MMM judging me with his eyes, followed by MMM getting ready to deliver a face-punch, followed by a face-punch, followed by a reminder to 'Stache Cash.

I currently have 10 cigarettes in this pack, and you are more than welcome to post here (or in the G+ community) challenging me to prove there are still only 10. I know some others here have done this, and others want to do it. Let's use this as a spot to vent, and for support. I also get a fair amount of support in the G+ community (in my signature), so feel free to come over there.

ATTENTION NON-SMOKERS
There is a very real chance this thread will devolve into withdrawal driven excusitis, complainy-pants, angry incoherent rants, so don't be offended or judge us (on this thread). It's just us being more badass than our addictions. Thank you.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on April 02, 2014, 03:38:26 PM
Good on you, keep it up.

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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: charmonkie on April 02, 2014, 03:44:24 PM
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. 

When she starts again, it's always "well, I bummed one from a coworker, then this lead to that...".  If you have your own you won't have an excuse to bum one off of anybody.

Anyways, good luck!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 04:04:58 PM
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!

Congrats!! The weight gain is temporary. I've done it before, but I have every intention of making sure that I'm buff within a month or two afterwards. I find that the belly-breathing technique involved in body-weight training temporarily reduces my cravings. That, and my hobbies are going to get more physically extreme as I get more in shape. Last time I quit, I made it 9 months, but had nothing that would provide a really nice sense of enjoyment when I really needed a pick-me-up when some other things in life kind of fell apart. Smoking was the easiest way to get that little bit of pleasure. Now, it's going to be something like rock climbing or slack lining. That way, in case something like that happens again, I can get an endorphin rush without reaching for cigarettes. Plus I should still have those 10, even though they'd be really gross that old.

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!

It's a justification thing. As far as the half a pack thing, I had really good luck keeping cigarettes around, so I always had the option, and just needed to prove to myself on a daily basis that I was stronger than the addiction. Last time, I had one cigarette on the mirror in the vehicle, one at home on the entertainment center, and one at the office on my desk. I smoke more mindlessly than anything, and having it right up in my face seemed to make it really hard to quit, but even harder to reach out and grab that cigarette.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: seanc0x0 on April 02, 2014, 04:06:37 PM
Good luck! I know how hard it is to quit.  I smoked from 13-21, and 22-24. It's not easy, but you can do it!  I found the first 3 days hardest, obviously, but after that it got a lot easier. Then around 3-4 weeks, it got hard again.  If you can make it through those, you're almost there, but do keep alert for the unexpected cravings that pop up when you do something unusual, but often enough that you associate smoking.  For me it was finishing wrapping Christmas presents. Even though I had quit in spring, as I finished the last present, I thought "time for a smoke!", immediately followed by a self-facepunch for even thinking that!

Just remember, you CAN do it!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Blindsquirrel on April 02, 2014, 04:44:16 PM
   I am in quitting next week. No more smokes.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 05:12:38 PM
   I am in quitting next week. No more smokes.
Let's do it!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rebecca Stapler on April 02, 2014, 06:13:15 PM
Good luck! I'm rooting for you!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on April 02, 2014, 06:19:36 PM
Good luck to you!  You can do it!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MKinVA on April 02, 2014, 06:39:16 PM
Anyone have any experience with Chantix (sp?)?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 02, 2014, 07:16:43 PM
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. I'll check out Cessation Nation. My quit date will be next Monday because I need a full week before I hit another weekend and can 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?)?

I've tried Wellbutrin for it, not Chantix, and felt like I was awake all night long because of the vivid dreaming that bothers some folks. I heard Chantix can do the same. Actually, the patch has a similar effect on me though far far milder.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 07:28:32 PM
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.

I love the patch. Crazy dreams. They were more effective for recreation for me than for quitting smoking, but nicotine isn't the biggest issue for me. It's a wonderful cornucopia of stupid habits that combine to make me a smoker. :-)

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.

Cessation Nation is mostly just a tracker. It has a couple of games that are supposed to take your mind off of the cravings for the alleged 3 minutes they last. Personally, as far as a replacement, I can't have just one. Sometimes I use toothpicks, sometimes I work the numbers (money saved), but I've recently started doing some breathing exercises related to body-weight training, and that seems to help more than I expected. I also do some binaural beats for relaxation when I start getting worked up.

[...]spend this weekend eradicating materials, smells in the car and my coats.
I should probably wash my complainy-pants while I'm at it.

Vodka works well on the car and coats (thanks mythbusters!!), while face-punches work for the pants ;-)

Anyone have any experience with Chantix (sp?)?

The science behind it seems pretty interesting. Essentially you quit smoking before you quit smoking. It blocks the receptors that react to nicotine, so smoking does nothing for you on the chemical level. I know quite a few people it has worked for, but I absolutely loathe turning to a pill without exhausting all other options. Nothing against it personally, but it is relatively new on the market. The plus side is that you can't fail as long as you take the pill. You can technically keep smoking, but who would want to if you don't get the rush?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 02, 2014, 07:34:26 PM
Lol. Are sure about the vodka? What if I get stopped reeking of it?


Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 07:46:16 PM
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. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 02, 2014, 07:52:15 PM
I'll try it. Gotta find some really cheap stuff though.

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 07:54:48 PM
I'll try it. Gotta find some really cheap stuff though.

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.
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 02, 2014, 08:10:43 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 02, 2014, 08:21:32 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 08:24:04 PM
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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 02, 2014, 08:38:45 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 02, 2014, 08:43:58 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 02, 2014, 09:06:41 PM
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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 03, 2014, 06:47:21 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 03, 2014, 06:48:09 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: matchewed on April 03, 2014, 06:59:25 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 03, 2014, 07:04:30 AM
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.

That's great! I think we will really be able to help each other. I propose we vow to only support each other...no face-punching!
We face-punch ourselves all the time anyway, right? So if one of us stumbles we should feel free to tell each other about it and go from there to help each other get back on track.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on April 03, 2014, 07:06:48 AM
You have plenty of support and encouragement from the non-smokers here, too!  I'm really glad to see this gauntlet being thrown.  You all can do it!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 03, 2014, 07:08:48 AM
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.

Thanks! I will actually read the patch insert. I never have...
A Roth is my ultimate goal for the smoking funds too...Roth/Emergency fund, and if I never have to use it,  to be left to my daughter who is 15 now and has mild Asperger's.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 03, 2014, 07:25:44 AM
Just to get it on the books:

I smoke a pack a day= $7.80 = $234/mo = $2847/yr = $28470/10yrs

See, that's why we bury our heads in the sand...because the truth is just painful!!

edit: For further perspective: That is 8% of my net income!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on April 03, 2014, 07:30:44 AM
And, of course, that's just the cost of the cigs.  Then there is the health cost on top of that.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 03, 2014, 08:57:54 AM
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.

Also, Blindsquirrel...I made up your quit date. You said next week, so I figured that Sunday counted. ;-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 03, 2014, 10:02:34 AM
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.

Thats great! You are are good team leader! I like it that you put up the team members list with status. I am also subscribed to the thread to be an active member.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rebecca Stapler on April 03, 2014, 01:17:44 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Silvie on April 03, 2014, 01:37:29 PM
I just wanted to say good luck to everyone!

I have never even touched a cigarette in my entire life so I can't imagine what it must be like to give up smoking, but kudos to all of you for trying!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 03, 2014, 02:19:25 PM
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!

Rebecca- I think that is exactly what happened...I forgot why I quit in the first place, and tried to tell myself that one cigarette isn't that bad. But I KNOW MYSELF, and I am all or nothing. I can't just have one cigarette. I am fooling myself each time.

I will say that after basically 10 months without a cigarette, I have felt HORRIBLE since smoking. My throat hurts. I have that feeling you get right before you come down with a cold. Just BLAH. Oh, and that stinky smell! I can't wait to un-feel this way.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on April 06, 2014, 11:48:38 AM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: LouisPritchard on April 06, 2014, 11:58:53 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 06, 2014, 12:20:48 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 06, 2014, 12:23:47 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: BlueHouse on April 06, 2014, 01:11:04 PM
I quit a twenty year, two-pack per day habit 11 years ago.  A friend paid $1100 for a five-session hypnosis as a "gift" for me.  I was pissed because I wasn't ready to quit smoking.  All that went through my mind before my first session was "how long will I have to hide my smoking before I can say I gave it a try and it didn't work".  For the weeks before my first session, I wore the patch all day at work, then would peel it off 1/2 hour before I left, then I'd smoke the minute I got into the car, smoke all night and the next day, then slap the patch on again during the day. 
On the day of the session, I wore the patch.  I left the first session with the understanding that I would take the patch off before bed just like always, and when I woke up, if I felt like it, I'd put another patch on, but maybe I wouldn't even need to.  I never smoked again.  I didn't ever need another patch either.  I never felt like I had a withdrawal symptom.  It was bizarre.  Trust me, I was an addict.  I had quit previously and it wasn't easy, but this was just like waking up one day and saying "yeah, I used to smoke.  What else is new?"
I have gained weight - a lot of it.  I can't say I blame quitting smoking.  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. 
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction. 
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 03:36:16 PM
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. 
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.
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?

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 03:47:24 PM
My update sucks!!! - I did slip up quite a bit. I justified it because my withdrawals were causing some major friction with my significant other, so I justified smoking a bit to better manage the withdrawal symptoms. She is leaving for two weeks next weekend, so I was going to smoke until this weekend, that way we only have one day of withdrawals before she leaves (next Saturday - we don't see each other during the week). I realized I fucked up shortly after smoking a pack. The worst of the withdrawals came back, and caused a bunch of friction this weekend. Trying to make it better, only to make it worse. I'm currently at 2 days now, feeling shitty, but using the thought of managing withdrawals to make sure I'm totally clean by the time she comes back.

I'll update my stats accordingly. Not giving up though.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: LouisPritchard on April 06, 2014, 04:25:33 PM

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.

Mods
I used the iTaste MVP ($45ish) its a variable voltage and is all self contained so no batteries to buy. This means if it goes dead you have to plug it in but it lasted me all day so I just charged while I slept. It's nice cause $45 is all there is to spend no batts or charger.

Tesla mod ($70ish) which is variable voltage and/or wattage. You have to buy 81650 batteries ($8ish each and have at least 2) and a charger ($25ish). Expect to be into this one about $125ish.

I liked the variable voltage/wattage stuff just cause I could adjust it based off the tank/juice combo I was using.

Tanks
I tried cartos and iclear 16s and 30s and like the bottom coil glassomizer stuff best, with the iclear 16s being second.

I specifically used the Dbox Puritank ($15ish) with protank heads, would recomend having about 3 tanks on hand as you will drop them or sit on em or something to tear them up. The plus side is you can google around and buy just the bases for a few dollars when they start leaking.

So expect a MVP with 2 puris to run $75ish or a tesla with batteries/charger and 2 puris to be $155ish.

Add $15 for 5 spare heads to either one of those, but heads are also consumable so you'll be buying them as you go. I was getting 5-7 days per head.

It's expensive to get started but just figure what your habit is costing you now (mine was around $200 a month). And while I gifted my kit you can always sell it when you're done to recoup some costs. There's a vaping classifieds sub-reddit on reddit.com if you want to consider used mods and save a few bucks.

Juice.
My favorite vendor by far was http://www.virginvapor.com/ the bed of roses is awesome!
A close second is http://thevaporchef.com/

I liked a 50/50 PG/VG blend but that's personal preference really.

There's lots of forums and a few sub-reddits  with tons of info. It can get really confusing though.

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 06, 2014, 04:44:23 PM
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. 
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.
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?

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 05:00:51 PM

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.


No worries. I'm not despairing. I've got too much invested in this to give in to worrying. :-). Setbacks piss me off, but that's the way it goes. If I get pissed enough, maybe I'll be able to positively redirect it. I've got this, it's just taking longer than I suspected. See my post above. That being said, I now know for sure exactly how bad I get during withdrawals, and the SO being out of town for two weeks never actually happens, so I better get over it before she gets back. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 06, 2014, 06:00:28 PM
You are not doing any kind of nicotine replacement at all?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: BlueHouse on April 06, 2014, 06:13:23 PM
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. 
Good luck to everyone working to overcome any addiction.
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?
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 06:22:25 PM
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.

To that end, I've been eating a primal/paleo diet for over a year, and have flirted (read that: heavily petted) with body-weight training. Some of the additional things I've learned have been extremely useful as far as cravings go. The specific breathing done while training, along with high-fat snacks, all reduce my cravings. Apparently, sex is also known to treat pleasure cravings. Doesn't reduce the actual amount of calories consumed when they are used for nutrition, but once that's met, snacking is reduced.

I've been trying to convince my SO of this, but she's skeptical. Maybe you'll have better luck. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 06:30:01 PM
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 highly suggest the My Fitness Pal app as far as tracking caloric ratios. I am not big on calorie counting in and of itself, but uber-useful if you tweak it. Thanks for the recommendation!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 06, 2014, 07:31:11 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 06, 2014, 07:54:20 PM
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.

You've got this szmaine!!! It's not pleasant, unless one compares it to the long-run, in which case it's the best investment we can make!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on April 07, 2014, 09:06:05 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 09:09:41 AM
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.

Holy Shit!!! $12/pack? Throw down when you are ready, and I'll add you to the list at the top. I'll probably keep this thread going throughout the whole year, just so it's all in one place for everyone.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on April 07, 2014, 09:26:17 AM
Yes.. $11.74 I think. We just pay and pay.

I don't want to do the math.  I estimate I have spent a quarter million or more on cigarettes alone in my lifetime. I'm a couple packs less a week than before, so there is something positive.

I will provide updates how it goes but I don't see large amount of success in the immediate future.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 09:28:15 AM
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
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 07, 2014, 10:31:30 AM
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.....
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 10:34:08 AM
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!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 07, 2014, 10:44:28 AM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 10:45:10 AM
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!

Or yelling at each other cause we're all in a bad mood. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: schimt on April 07, 2014, 11:51:31 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 12:42:25 PM
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.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll listen to it later. For everyone else who is interested, you can get it here (http://freakonomics.com/2014/04/03/how-to-make-people-quit-smoking-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/).
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 07, 2014, 05:27:05 PM
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/
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 06:32:39 PM
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/

Way to rock day 1!! I'll update your stats accordingly. Way to go!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 07, 2014, 06:40:01 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 07, 2014, 06:42:53 PM
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.

I get that for sure. However, screw caution... Put that optimism gun on full auto and go all Tony Montana (minus the cocaine... No need replacing one vice with another) 😁
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 07:24:05 PM
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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 08, 2014, 07:31:09 PM
szmaine- That is awesome news! Way to go. I wish I had such great news. I did make it home without cigarettes, but I wanted one badly. Just one, you see. So I decided to distract myself. Went on a three mile walk with the pooch. All was well until I got back home from the walk and well, I got in my car to go buy cigarettes. I know it doesn't help, but I am really disappointed in myself, first for starting back in the first place, and second, for falling back so solidly into my old habits. I am nothing but excuses at this point.

UGH.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 07:46:02 PM
I know exactly how you feel hoodfalcon...I can't tell you how many times I have done the same thing just like that. Not a good feeling.
So you are not using Chantix or any other helpers at this point? Maybe you should consider it since you really are not so far away from a good stretch without the smokes. The vaping is really helping me better than the patch, because I still have the smoking-like activity. If I tried to go cold turkey like you I have gone a bought a pack within hours I have no doubt.
 
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 07:55:10 PM
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?

I'll update your stats accordingly. Way to go!!

Personally, I'm in a really bad mood, but managing. The whole 10 smokes in a pack thing is friggin' hard!! I know from past experience that it's easier than not having any, but still...jeez it's tempting. I'm actually really glad that I posted it here for the global accountability. I did just successfully sell my super anti-mustachian jeep, and the 'new' sentra got me up to Denver today, but still needs some major work (most likely electrical). That means that I will be riding my bike almost exclusively. I rode it home yesterday, and holy shit I was dying for the first 3 miles. Didn't even want a cigarette when I got home. Hopefully that is going to help. Plus I'll be all buff and stuff. :-)

Now, I recently did a 30 day challenge where I only drank water for 30 days, and it seems like that broke the link between drinking and smoking. The good is that I can drink and not want to smoke. The bad is that when the cravings get too bad, I drink a bit more, and get a nice little buzz. I think I'm okay with that for now, especially with the biking thing (can't drink excessively, and then wake up and ride a bike 10 miles...at least not 2 days in a row), so I'm taking the win.

[...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!!! And tomorrow you'll make it even longer. The day after that, even longer. And eventually, you'll be a non-smoking Mustachian, with all kinds of money in the bank. 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

You've got this, my man. Let's see how long you can go tomorrow!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 08, 2014, 08:44:13 PM
So you are not using Chantix or any other helpers at this point?

Currently not using anything but my failed willpower. I have some leftover Chantix and I have put it in my work bag to take tomorow at lunch. It's really just the evenings I need help with. So, fingers crossed.


[...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.

As far as money saved in the nearly 10 months I didn't smoke. Let's take 40 weeks x 5 packs/week @$6.50 each=$1300.00!
So, I've bought 3 packs now...I am $19.50 in the hole. Bah. 
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 08:48:27 PM
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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 08:50:38 PM
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? 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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 08, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
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?

Hmm...Well, when I smoke, I go full throttle. So, had I bought smokes right after work as opposed to 7PM, we are only talking about two hours. So, two cigarettes = .65? I will take it.

jordanread - not sure what you do for a living, but you are a good no smoking coach!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 08, 2014, 08:59:01 PM
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.

This is a very good point, and 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. I am going to take the Chantix  tomorrow and plan some sort of away from home exercise adventure every day after work. Exercise really does help - you should totally take advantage of the fitness center. You don't have to go all nutso phlegm inducing...just a walk on the treadmill or something. Nothing major.

Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
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?


If exercise seems to help, I foresee a half marathon for you and the dog. :-)

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.

(http://whereisemilylim.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/victory-baby.jpg?w=374&h=446)


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.

One of the biggest issues I've had is that I don't feel bad from smoking. I'm in pretty good shape, bike a fair amount, hike 14ers regularly, etc...

Upping the speed and making it a major time investment help more than anything. For some reason (age?) I can still hit 70% of my max heart rate without issue. Gotta up it to 80% then. :-)

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.

Fuck that! Take pride in the fact that you are expelling all that shit from your body. Anytime someone glances at you funny, just say that you are doing what they are doing, and repairing lung damage on top of it.

(http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/what-you-looking-at-bitch.jpg)

jordanread - not sure what you do for a living, but you are a good no smoking coach!

I'm just a lowly software engineer going through (really fucking bad) withdrawals. I also happen to be super self-aware; couple that with a passion for human behavior and being a dick by nature, I am particularly suited to providing face punches and kicks in the pants. I take no shit, I give no shit. Glad that works for you!!

In all honesty, I find it easier to provide advice to others than follow it myself, but typing it out helps me more than internal self-talk. So thank you all for taking this journey with me.


P.S. I didn't go searching for pictures of babies (except the "Hell Yeah" baby), but a theme developed, babies don't smoke (often), and I'm just going with it!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 09:15:06 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 09:25:18 PM
Yep, that's how you end up still doing it at 47... Not feeling bad from smoking...I always could out hike the non- smoking hikers, do aerobics with no more start up trouble than anyone else...now would be different, though I am still in good salvegable condition. The gig is up!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 09:27:00 PM
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!

Just an FYI, the first time I had success with this, I only had 3 cigarettes. One at work, attached to one of those plastic frame things. In the background was an index card with my YTD spending on smokes, and a note that said that scientifically, a craving passes if not fulfilled. One in the car, hung from the rear view mirror with a twine noose. One at home, on the entertainment center, with a note that told me how much of a bitch I was...that this cigarette would be the start of my relapse (it was insulting enough that even once I started smoking again, that one went into the trash).

Just one of those things I suppose.

[...] The gig is up!

Not a gig, just a speed bump!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 08, 2014, 09:30:45 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 09:46:43 PM
[...] 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.

The truth is, if they are here when I get home from work tomorrow, I will be tempted to smoke them. I know am 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.

I fixed your comment. Don't worry about the war right now. And trust me, I know what you mean about still wanting them. My plan involves dealing with that part later. Once I'm at a month, I'll experiment, and provide my insight as to the best way to handle that. I don't buy into the whole "are you happy living the rest of your life at a <such and such> level of happiness, without cigarettes". I am a goddamn biohacker, and I can fix this!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 08, 2014, 09:51:08 PM
Yes, I know those parts of you like the back of my hand because I have the same parts...we are addicts, plain and simple.

What I'd tell myself about the "already spent the money" thing is that's it's not a waste to smash them anymore than it's a waste to smoke them. It's not like throwing good food away!

Lol. Saw your latest post, jordanreads...way ahead of me! You are an awesome coach!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 08, 2014, 10:19:33 PM
Lol. Saw your latest post, jordanreads...way ahead of me! You are an awesome coach!

I started typing a snarky reply about how I'm not that great, just angry, going through withdrawals, and telling you all what I subconsciously need to hear. However, I realized that I am (hopefully) helping others out by writing these replies full of angst, anger, and round-a-bout support. You guys have made me aware that more than my own success is at stake here. Even if I do get weak, I can't let you guys down and slip up again, so thanks for that. All right, uplifted and well-adjusted Jordan is leaving the building. Time to get back to being the jerk-of-a-coach you've come to expect.

Do these inanimate objects full of poison seriously have enough to control to fuck up your future income and health? FUCK NO!!! And you know what? I haven't seen a single one of you who isn't badass enough to beat these little bitch ass cigarettes into the FUCKING GROUND!!!!! Who's got this? Oh...you do!!

Find out why these little things have such control over you. Is it the nicotine? Get a patch|lozenge|pack-of-gum and handle this bullshit addiction. Is it the oral fixation? Get some toothpicks|gum|pens and go to town!! Is it the stress in your life? Remove that shit!! It's not healthy, and doesn't contribute a damn thing to your life. Can't remove it? Use this as an opportunity!! Run|Walk|Join-A-Gym|Climb-A-Mountain|Bike-To-Work|Do-Pushups|Do-PullUps|Do-Squats|Setup-A-Gym-In-Your[backyard|living-room|kitchen|garage|hallway]|Browse-Bodyweight-Sites (http://dragondoor.com)|DO-SOMETHING.

You are taking on what some consider to be the most difficult thing someone can do. Breaking an addiction. But you know what? That's not the most difficult thing you are going to do. You are going to do so many other things. You are here, so you are going to spit in the face of consumerism and conventional wisdom. You are going to set it up so that you don't have to work until you drop. You are going to work until you don't feel like it anymore. Something piddly like a physical and psychological addiction doesn't stand a chance against you, and it doesn't stand a chance against me. So let's do this!!!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on April 09, 2014, 09:07:06 AM
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 luck Strong resolve to all of you quitting.  It's absolutely worth it!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 09, 2014, 09:13:12 AM
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 luck Strong resolve to all of you quitting.  It's absolutely worth it!

Totally missed that one. I guess I didn't look hard enough. I only saw a couple that were from last year before I started this one. Thanks for the resource. I've added it to the list at the top.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: GuitarStv on April 09, 2014, 09:16:26 AM
[...] 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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 09, 2014, 09:49:22 AM

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: GuitarStv on April 09, 2014, 10:07:59 AM

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.  :D
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 09, 2014, 10:10:09 AM
It's best if you picture Darth Vader with a really big moustache while reading it.  :D
Done.
(http://d30u0kofcv45jk.cloudfront.net/E1025836/E1025836_2.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on April 09, 2014, 01:12:13 PM
Just looked at my mint account.. 7-11... averaging about $300/mo (almost entirely in cigarettes). The local neighborhood bar .5 blocks from my house.. $6-700 on average.  Yeah I got problems.

I only smoke a lot when I drink. When I don't drink my blood pressure is great (test it at home because it's always high when I go to a doc due to drinking/smoking night before), I know I can save almost all of this if try, I'll just have to do this in stages.

1) just finished my last smoke, I have an e-cig I will hit on that
2) going to keep it from 6-7 days a week at the bar to 2-3. Gotta start in small steps.
3) when I do go to the bar, I'm going to limit my beer intake and order water in between, and have a set time limit

I know if I see results in my bank activity I will get more motivation and it will snowball from there. One thing I have going for me is I cook nearly everything from scratch and I can spend more time preparing food which is something I enjoy and will give me something else to do.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 09, 2014, 04:30:54 PM

1) just finished my last smoke, I have an e-cig I will hit on that


So does that mean I can add you to the list, with a quit day of today?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 09, 2014, 04:38:00 PM
While you're at it you can mark me up another $7.80...don't worry once I make a week I'll only update weekly or if I need help.

Safe at home with no cigarettes! Have had two beers (more delicious! My tastebuds are waking up! I love IPA!) and no (ok, very little) desire to go buy butts! Whooohoooo!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 10, 2014, 12:00:19 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 10, 2014, 12:01:43 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 10, 2014, 12:46:17 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 10, 2014, 02:18:15 PM
I totally understand that!! Be sure to come back when the dust has settled!!

Home early today...safe and sound with no cigarettes! Another $7.80 in the till! Cha-Ching!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on April 10, 2014, 02:24:47 PM
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!)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 10, 2014, 03:22:00 PM
Thanks 94! I started when I was 13!! But that was not the first I smoked...I smoked some at 12 and bought several packs of unfiltered PallMalls ( cuz that's what the dad in the family in the upstairs apt smoked, who's kids would steal butts from for us)....anyway bought packs with silver liberty dollars I was given by my grandmother...can you believe it! Talk about lack of supervision...I love my (single) mother, but shit... she really was a crummy parent back then...sorry, it's the truth.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 10, 2014, 03:26:51 PM
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.

I understand. Don't get down. I'll change your status to "Holding pattern" but I'll leave you on the list. This is the 2014 thread so you have some time. :-)

Home early today...safe and sound with no cigarettes! Another $7.80 in the till! Cha-Ching!

I'll update your numbers. Way to go!! Personally, there is a very real possibility that I will murder some cats this coming week, but hopefully withdrawals will start to ease back. Did go to bed super early yesterday, so I slept for 12 hours...that was nice.

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!)

Thank you very much. On behalf of the students' future selves, I highly recommend hitting them with a hose...unless they get all uppity, in which case hit them with a bat or something.

Edited to fix the screwed up quote
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on April 10, 2014, 03:27:09 PM
Wow--12 years old!!  Yikes.  But it looks like you are kicking the habit--and that is so great!!  I'm happy for you.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 10, 2014, 03:34:36 PM
@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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 10, 2014, 03:38:55 PM
@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!

3 of them. One of them isn't too happy with his non-filler food. He really only likes the super cheap Meow Mix, which makes him throw up all over the place. Bizarre.

The other 2 are fine. I doubt I'd really kill the one, but only because he belongs to my GF, and she'd kill me. She's had him since he was a kitten and he is like 14 now. If it was my cat, he'd just be outside most of the time. For some reason the SO doesn't want her guys outside.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on April 10, 2014, 10:21:49 PM
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.  ;)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 10, 2014, 10:34:06 PM
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.  ;)

Oh, with the income inequality argument. :-P Interesting read though. I've kind of assumed as much, but didn't know the numbers.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 11, 2014, 04:11:22 PM
Day 5, safe at home with no cigarettes! Dont even feel tempted really...the vaping is working really well. I haven't really kicked the habit at all...I just have an adequate and far cheaper substitute - so not feeling real badass or anything but do feel good about not wasting so much money.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Hotstreak on April 11, 2014, 09:17:29 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 13, 2014, 06:54:06 AM
Today will make 1 full smoke free week! Savings =$54.60
I stopped at the local mom$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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 13, 2014, 06:23:22 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 13, 2014, 06:50:39 PM
Yeah!!!!!!! Hoodedfalcon!!!!! That's awesome!! Never give up! I think those bike rides to nowhere might come in handy after work too...
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 13, 2014, 07:24:30 PM
I think bike rides to nowhere are the key to everything.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: RetiredAt63 on April 14, 2014, 07:20:10 AM
As the non-smoking child of two heavy smokers, I wish you all the best!  Those of you with children, I hope you are letting them see how hard this is, so that they learn from the get-go not to smoke.  I sure did, watching my parents and living with the clouds of second-hand smoke.

My parents did finally manage to quit, and one of their tactics may be of special interest to the MMM community.  Don't just track that money you would have spent on cigarettes, make it real.  Put the actual cash in a jar and keep the jar some place where you see it often.  And have a plan for it - when you reach $X, the money will be used for Y.  That sure helped them, it was a very visual reminder of all the money that would have literally gone up in smoke if they were still buying cigarettes.

Vanity is another good motivator.  Many years ago I worked in an area with a large elderly population, back when all the banking was done in the bank (no ATMs).  All the elderly ladies who smoked (still smoking in their 80's) had massive lip wrinkles, and leathery facial skin, the ones who did not smoke looked wonderful, soft skin and nice lips.  And around here, where the older francophone population tended to be heavy smokers, I have met men (yes guys, you too) who looked to be in their 80's, and were really in their 50's and 60's.  And of course if they look so much older because of the smoking, what are their insides like?

So when the urge hits, be strong, be financially thoughtful, and think how much better you will look 10 years from now if you have stopped smoking!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 14, 2014, 02:12:39 PM
Today will make 1 full smoke free week! Savings =$54.60
I stopped at the local mom$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!
Way 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'll update your stats accordingly.

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.

Way to go man!! I'll mark you as day one today (which happens to be my birthday, so thanks for that gift). Don't forget to check in!! Bikes are great for this. Keep it up.

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.

Way to go, and thanks for chiming in. Congrats on almost a year!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 14, 2014, 09:58:20 PM
Day one, take 23 under my belt! With the aid of Chantix and a super busy but less stressful day, my cravings were only around 1 or 2 on a scale of 10. So, count this as day 1, officially! Once I make it to Wednesday I will be in the home stretch, since I will be hiking in the woods for the rest of the week and really, no one wants to smoke while hiking in the woods, right?

I feel so much better than I did last week. Plus, I was getting tired of smelling like cigarettes again.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 16, 2014, 04:31:41 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 17, 2014, 12:05:24 PM
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!

Awesome. Way to keep it up. Not sure about the health benefits, but vaporized vegetable glycerin probably can't be as bad as all the other chemicals in an actual cigarette, which are known bad. Also, I here there are some pretty cool things that nicotine does as far as Alzheimer's. Still addictive as hell, but not as bad on it's own as thought. Still, don't smoke, it sucks. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: samburger on April 19, 2014, 09:52:58 AM
Sending good quit vibes to everyone!

I smoked my last cigarette last May, 11 months ago. I haven't had a single real craving since.

I highly recommend Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking. Carr is the MMM of quitting smoking. The book is a little hokey, but it's a great face punch. I had no idea I could quit until I read that book.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 19, 2014, 04:45:35 PM
That's terrific Samburger! You are an inspiration!

Today is my 14th smoke free day and have saved $109.20!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 19, 2014, 05:26:51 PM
So, I spent the last few days in the mountains and I didn't think about cigarettes once while I was there. So, I think my recent slip up won't be too hard to recover from. I have learned, however, that no matter how "over" cigarettes I think I am, it is just a short journey back to full blown smoking. I can't just have a cigarette here and there with friends. I just can't, and I won't.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 19, 2014, 06:14:47 PM
That right! Never ever ever take another puff!! You can do it!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 19, 2014, 07:23:00 PM
szmaine, you are doing awesome! This thread has been a huge help. Such great inspiration! Well done!!!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 20, 2014, 04:07:06 PM
Way to go everyone!!!

HoodedFalcon, glad to have you back on board. You are rocking it!

szmaine, keep it up, I'm glad those e-cigs are working out for you.

Samburger, thanks for the good vibes and the recommendation. I'll add that resource to the tracking post.

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.

Way to go all, keep it up!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: hoodedfalcon on April 20, 2014, 05:48:43 PM
jordanread- you are doing really well. I've been exactly where you are. In fact, when I quit last May, I basically went into hiding for a month. I didn't go out, in part because I was just pissed and miserable but also because I know a lot of people who smoke and I just couldn't trust myself. Hopefully the headaches will go soon, and the sleep will come back. Those two things alone would piss anyone off. Be easy on yourself, and if you gotta take some stuff to get to sleep, I think it's worth it to get through this phase. But hey, at least the cravings aren't too bad, right?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: samburger on April 21, 2014, 07:33:57 AM
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.

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 21, 2014, 06:10:39 PM
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!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 22, 2014, 09:02:59 AM
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.

Glad you didn't. There were a few times where I subconsciously reached for one of the cigarettes I kept on me, so I know how hard it is to just want one. Once I had that weird brain disconnect where I was able to separate the craving with my actual wants. Once I did that, I started poking a hole in one cigarette near the filter every day (I fucking hate smoking a cigarette with a hole). Once they all had holes, I tossed them, but still keep the empty face-punch pack on me. I don't reach for them more than once a day (usually in the morning), but I'm pleased with my progress, as well as the progress of everyone here. You are all rocking it!!

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.

Yeah, it's not so much that, as even when I fall asleep, I can't stay asleep. Not a caffeine thing. Not jittery or anything. Pretty sure it's just my body rebelling to the shock of cold-turkey. Just going to muscle through it.

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.

I almost want to test this theory, but I don't know anybody who has a blood sugar meter, and I'm not willing to buy one. Would be some interesting data, because I am almost constantly in a state of ketosis, and my blood sugar is stable as a rock.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on April 24, 2014, 11:15:16 AM
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
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 24, 2014, 11:54:37 AM
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

Yeah,
I always take the list from smoking cessation side effects as the best descriptions. For example:
Quote
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.

When my little brother quit last year, he actually said the worst withdrawal symptoms hit him about 2 1/2 months in.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: samburger on April 25, 2014, 07:57:45 AM
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

Since you're suffering here, hear me out: Tapering off nicotine is one of the most painful things you can do to yourself. Of all the people who try to taper, only something like 1-3% stay quit for good. 

12 months ago I started tapering off, and it was SO MISERABLE--you know what I mean. You're living it. I had a terrible, terrible month before I switched gears and went cold turkey. I had three shitty days and then all was the right with the world.

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 25, 2014, 11:36:53 AM
[...]
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.
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on April 28, 2014, 02:10:36 PM
Hello all!

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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rebecca Stapler on April 29, 2014, 07:45:07 AM
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

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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Squirrel away on April 29, 2014, 08:08:30 AM
Good luck with giving up everyone.:)

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
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on April 30, 2014, 07:54:51 PM
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!

Hey Face-Punched, thanks for checking in. I try to keep everyone's stats updated on the first post of this thread. We're doing okay. Some folks haven't been around, so I'll be PMing them just to stay on their ass.

For me, I'm pretty damn miserable. It almost seems like I'm somehow introducing nicotine into my system every couple of days, and going through withdrawals again. They haven't stopped, and it sucks. Fortunately, I still often get the disconnect between cravings and actually wanting cigarettes. They still smell delicious (depending on the brand) more often than not, but we'll see how it goes. Until I'm fully clear of these, I don't feel right asking my GF to quit. Her withdrawals usually last 2 weeks, and I've been the reason why she picked it back up, but between the two of us...one of us needs to not be in an awful mood. That being said, I joined the April Cycling Challenge (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/april-cycling-challenge-2014/) and upped my bike commute game. That seemed to be helping (at least until the goddamn wind made me hate nature - cravings drop when the ride is pleasant). I'm also running and jogging (both of which I hate). If you see the pattern, I'm intentionally stressing my lungs, so the negative effects are more prevalent, and the desire to keep up repairing this damage. I am incredibly interested in biohacking techniques, and have researched and experimented with brain-wave manipulation. I might start doing some binaural beats/lucid dreaming/self hypnosis, but we'll see.

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

An acquaintance of mine had really good success quitting smoking cigarettes by increasing the amount of pot she smoked until the nicotine dependence went away, and then dropped the pot smoking back to earlier levels.

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!

One of the things that keeps me going is the knowledge that the human body is so awesome that the damage starts getting measurably repaired after 10 minutes. That's one of the reasons I like Cessation Nation, it keeps track of your last smoke, and you get to see the health benefits in chart form. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on May 20, 2014, 02:16:03 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on May 20, 2014, 03:09:34 PM
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!

This challenge is for the whole year. I'll update your stats. Way to keep rocking. I slipped up a couple of times, but the SO quit yesterday (e-cigs) so it should make things a bit easier going forward.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Ambition89 on May 20, 2014, 03:56:16 PM
SMOQUIT is a great app that tracks how much money you have saved since you quit smoking. It also tracks the days that you have quit, the days you have extended your life, and the total amount of cigarettes you've saved since you quit smoking. Pretty useful app to help with the motivation. Sometimes when I have fallen off the wagon I look at the numbers I already have and no I don't want to get back into smoking and have to start over.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on May 20, 2014, 07:22:17 PM
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:
Quote
Smokers 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 luck Strong willpower to everyone trying to quit!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on May 21, 2014, 08:07:28 AM
I didn't realize this was a whole year challenge. That is awesome, and I will check out that app! Thanks everybody!
Edit: well poo. I don't use any apple devices. Is there something equivalent for windows phone?

Editx2: Found one! If anyone else uses windows phone, kicksmoking has all the same functions it looks like. It even has push notifications when you cross health milestones and stuff. I love it!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on May 21, 2014, 08:45:07 AM
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:
Quote
Smokers 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 luck Strong willpower to everyone trying to quit!

I remember having a conversation about that when they first came out. I am not sure what came first, people thinking about using them to quit, or the marketing. Originally, I always thought they were marketed to make you smoke more, in places (like airplanes, restaurants, etc) where they normally don't allow cigarettes anymore. I think that's what the article was saying, meaning that most people don't make the switch to e-cigs, just use them when they can't smoke a regular cigarette. However, I have seen people (anecdotal evidence...I know) who do make the full  time switch and seem to have success in at least cutting back the amount they spend, and stepping down the nicotine level. Take a look at szmaine's experiences in this thread. My GF started an e-cig on Monday, so we'll see how she does with that. Also, nicotine in and of itself (while still highly addictive, and mostly not good for you) isn't the biggest source of health risks in cigarettes, and hopefully, some of that is also removed from the e-cigs. At some point, I'll find the studies that I looked at before. One of the things that article mentioned that I didn't think of was how the atomizer in an e-cig can potentially "atomize" air pollution. Interesting stuff on it.

Face-Punched and Amibition89, I'll update the resources section in the first post to reflect those two apps for iPhone and Windows Phone as well. Thanks for the recommendations.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on May 21, 2014, 09:58:55 AM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on May 21, 2014, 10:28:10 AM
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!

I saw that, but it seems the vast majority of studies so far say the opposite, so I'd take it with a grain of salt.

Either way, it doesn't matter, because whatever works for you is the best way to go.  :)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MariaSouth on May 27, 2014, 08:41:22 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on May 27, 2014, 08:46:51 PM
Yay MariaSouth!!  Sending you positive thoughts as you take on this challenge!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on May 28, 2014, 02:30:32 PM
MariaSouth, good luck on the journey! It is simple but very difficult to do just what you said. Just don't light another smoke. I am happily coming up on four months smoke free, and I want you to know it gets easier!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on May 28, 2014, 02:32:05 PM
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!

I've added you to the tracking post (1st comment on this topic). Good luck. I'm restarting this week, too, since I suck. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MariaSouth on May 28, 2014, 06:38:52 PM
Thank you all so much for the good thoughts, I need them. And thanks for adding me to the tracking post! What a responsability!

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.

The problem is not all the years I smoked or the possible future thousands of cigarettes I might smoke. The problem is only the next cigarette. So DONT LIGHT THAT CIGARETTE.

I try to remember that if I light that single one, then everything falls down and I loose and I will find myself looking for strength again, for the next five months until I am strong enough to try to quit again. NO. I just do not want to smoke anymore, I do not want to try to quit later again. I hate it.
Dont look back, dont look forward. Just realize that it is bullshit. And it does not deserve doubting about it, or considering just one more puff. If I dont light that cigarette, then the circle will be cut.

Hopefully!
Oh, boy I just want to feel free from this fuc-ing vice.

Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on May 28, 2014, 06:42:30 PM
So glad you made it through the day!

Sounds like you REALLY want to see this through.

You can do it!

DON'T LIGHT THAT CIGARETTE!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on May 29, 2014, 07:50:37 AM
[...]
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.
[...]

Yeah!! Small victories. Every time you don't smoke, you are freer than before. Great job. Stats updated accordingly.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on May 29, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on May 29, 2014, 09:58:28 PM
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'll add you to the tracking post, and welcome!!! Just remember, it's not a section called "Throw Down the Gauntlet" because it's easy. It's a challenge. Bring in brain chemistry, and a lifetime of habits, and you know that you've got your work cut out for you. The support here is awesome, and I think that we'll end up surpassing the original thread. Congrats, you've made the first step, and now you are going on the tracking post...which means you just made a commitment to the entire world (permanently) of you throwing down, and they (we) will hold you accountable. While the verdict is still out on e-cigs (arebelspy mentioned some studies earlier), it's worked as at least a stop-gap measure (see some of the posts from SZMaine). What level of nicotine are you on? Have you identified what your main addiction is (physical, psychological, oral fixation...etc)? I'll be expanding on some of this stuff later, but just curious as to where you are right now.
I'm glad you finally sucked it up (even if it was subconscious...so you say :P) and joined us.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on May 30, 2014, 03:59:17 PM

I'll add you to the tracking post, and welcome!!! Just remember, it's not a section called "Throw Down the Gauntlet" because it's easy. It's a challenge. Bring in brain chemistry, and a lifetime of habits, and you know that you've got your work cut out for you. The support here is awesome, and I think that we'll end up surpassing the original thread. Congrats, you've made the first step, and now you are going on the tracking post...which means you just made a commitment to the entire world (permanently) of you throwing down, and they (we) will hold you accountable.
Thank you.  You're right, this is an awesome community and I am stepping up.

While the verdict is still out on e-cigs (arebelspy mentioned some studies earlier), it's worked as at least a stop-gap measure (see some of the posts from SZMaine). What level of nicotine are you on?

18 or 24 MG.  I try for the 18 when available.  FWIW I've tried Chantix and patches but neither worked for me in the past.  I haven't had actual "smoke" in well over a year since finding e-cigs.

Have you identified what your main addiction is (physical, psychological, oral fixation...etc)?
Not sure but I think mainly physical.  Withdrawal symptoms start in at around 12 hours and get worse.  Foggy, irritable, shaky, weepy, headaches... an irrational time bomb.
 I'll be expanding on some of this stuff later, but just curious as to where you are right now.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 01, 2014, 09:33:21 AM
I am ready, please add me to the list. 24 hours, I'm vaping and not doing as bad as I thought.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 01, 2014, 12:23:38 PM
I am ready, please add me to the list. 24 hours, I'm vaping and not doing as bad as I thought.

You've been added!! Welcome!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 02, 2014, 09:25:30 AM
At about $12/pack, I estimate I saved $24.. or $14 depending on the accounting.. I bought at $10 e-cig that is about 400 puffs or two packs. I made it through yesterday, and even drinking and watching the big game with most unfortunate results, I held up. Even sat around a table with a bunch of smokers and didn't even really consider straying from the plan.

I've been awake for a few hours now, e-cig sitting on the table next to me while I work, still haven't reached out to it for a puff yet. I'll see how long I can go, knowing it is right there. In the meantime, I'm going to mark down $14 on a spreadsheet and will add to that total for the month, and at the end of the month, xfer all of that into my high yield savings account.

The Cessation Nation app has been an inspiration and motivator as well (in addition to everyone in this thread!)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Hedge_87 on June 09, 2014, 07:01:40 PM
I quit chewing tobacco/smoking ~5 years ago (minus a couple alcohol fueled late night relapses) that for me was the hardest part getting past the association of alcohol and nicotine.  I wish all of you the best of luck. If I can do I'm sure all of you can too.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: dharmabum on June 09, 2014, 07:35:01 PM
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!)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 10, 2014, 08:14:34 AM
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!)

Not very well, but kinda good. I'm actually in the midst of drafting an update, and I'll have it posted in an hour or two.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 10, 2014, 08:21:44 AM
Just an update:

Day 10, I have smoked zero cigarettes. Even went out and got a nice beer buzz and hung out with a bunch of smokers on the beergarden. I have not smoked roughly 117 cigarettes in that time, and saved about $70, although it's really $50 I saved due to vaping supplies.

As long as I don't go out (which Im trying not to do to save money anyway) I don't even need to vape.

I hope everyone else is having as much success as I am. After 23 years of this habbit, I was ready.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 10, 2014, 10:41:06 AM
Well, here is my update. It's not happy news, but something good has come out of it. So I've made it to 3 weeks, 2 times since I started this challenge. At that point, the withdrawals had never subsided, and I was really a horrible person to be around. I mean that quite literally. I usually try to be a happy person, and it has been a long journey to become that. I had never been what I called a good person, naturally, and when I finally decided that I wanted to be better, it took a lot of work (hence the whole journey of self-awareness I referred to earlier).

3 weeks, and my withdrawals didn't subside one iota...it made me start to question a lot of fundamental aspects about my life.
Did all the work I did really make me a better person, or have I been self medicating subconsciously?
Who am I without cigarettes?
Are these stupid little things really that big of a part of me as a person?

3 weeks. Constantly miserable, being angry at everything, all those little things that I blew way out of proportion, and just wanting to be left alone. Damn near ruined a relationship of >5 years (details on that down below). So I started again, but this last time, with a passion. I smoked two cigarettes for every one I was smoking before. I actually broke 2 packs a day consistently for the first time in a long time. And still at that point. Grrrr. My body has been freaking out due to the consistent shifts in my physiology, which makes it harder to sleep, which makes it harder to bike in, which puts me in a bad mood, which...

Well that is where I currently am at. That being said...ONWARDS AND UPWARD!!! Here is what I am not going to do: stop the challenge, or pick the gauntlet back up. And here is what I am going to do: quit smoking. I'm still working on a plan, and I'm still going cold turkey. But here are the things I have put in place:
I negotiated a more flexible schedule, so starting tomorrow, I can bike the 10 miles to work, even when my sleeping schedule gets all messed up.
I've allotted specific blocks of time for meditation and breathing exercises. This may include guided meditation, but will definitely include brainwave hacking and binaural beats.
I'm starting a 30 day challenge of no alcohol (I might extend this out like I did previously to only drink water, but not sure yet)
I started reading the Allen Carr book mentioned earlier in this thread.
And this is the big one: I sat down and talked with my SO, and while she was definitely pissed about my behavior during withdrawals, we talked about how much better it would be once I get through them (and she would quit after that). One month. She said she'd forgive me in advance for an entire month of stupid withdrawal behavior.

So I'm resetting my stats, and I will commit to posting at least once a day. I don't have a specific quit date as of yet, but it will be sometime this week. I'll continue moderating this thread, and will freely offer face-punches and support to anyone who needs it. Also, if there is a reference or resource you don't have access to, just PM me and I'll see what I can do.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on June 11, 2014, 10:05:57 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 12, 2014, 08:56:39 AM
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.

I'm not going too hard on myself. I'll get it. I'll detail some of this stuff in a later post, but the "easyway" method has some interesting points. The author seems to have a chip on his shoulder, and the book is a bit dated, but the perspective he's trying to encourage could be beneficial. I imagine I'll quit at some point this weekend. I'll update once I do.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on June 12, 2014, 09:07:48 AM
You can do it, Jordan!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 15, 2014, 09:53:29 PM
You can do it, Jordan!!

Thanks! I did a quick test and went a day without. The good news is that some of the stuff I expected to come up certainly did, and I was able to shift my thinking about it. Still got pretty moody, even though I wasn't necessarily feeling moody. I think it's more that my tolerance for bull shit gets even lower, and I'm more in my head, making the withdrawals something to be happy about (as in I'm getting free of this stuff - one of the "easyway" things that had value) takes enough of my attention that I forget to think before I speak, which makes me dickish. Fortunately, it doesn't happen as often as last time, so I've got some good feelings about it this week. The other "plus" side is that I reset Cessation Nation to how I've been smoking, and the money saved option is ticking quite a bit faster. It's fun to see it go up so far in just a day. 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!!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: NinetyFour on June 16, 2014, 05:38:32 AM
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!!!

Sounds great!  I look forward to hearing about the next chapter!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 16, 2014, 07:32:15 AM
Okay. I am currently smoking my last cigarette as I put the panniers on my bike. Cessation Nation is reset, and I'm off to work.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 16, 2014, 09:10:05 AM
According to Cessation Nation, had I not quit this morning, on average I would have smoked 2.12 cigarettes during the time it took me to bike to work this morning. W00T!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 16, 2014, 11:30:53 AM
hang in there jordan, you got this!

I was just looking at my bank account and not seeing all the transactions at the convenience store, which ultimately wasn't just the smokes but some other things (peanuts, soda, etc) on impulse, that are no longer there.

Cessation Nation tells me after nearly 16 days:

Money Saved: $114.15
Not Smoked: 190.24

I keep thinking of these two things whenever I get the urge. Vaping less and less. Some people have mixed feelings on this, but it really really helped me the first couple of days, especially when having a beer or three. The 'Logic' e-cig is what I use(d).

Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 19, 2014, 02:00:44 PM
Today is going to be a challenge. Fun fact though, some of the stuff I did in preparation has really cut down on the withdrawal symptoms. Not very pissy at all, but I think the biking everywhere has helped. Almost went to far yesterday though. Had to take the dog in to the vet for a follow up, and started getting on my bike, grabbed the leash, and then realized it was 20 miles away. I could do it, but I'd have to get a trailer for the dog. Don't know that he can keep up with me for that long. His limit is usually around 15 miles in a go, as long as I take breaks for him. Ended up driving.

Today, though. Grrr. I'm on a clear liquid diet through tomorrow morning, and while I don't snack a lot, I do a touch of grazing if the cravings don't go away. That's gonna be interesting. I wonder how I'll do? Regardless though, I am really liking my success so far!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 19, 2014, 02:01:32 PM
Oh, and everybody else:

Time for a check in!! How are we all doing? I'll leave this here, and then start sending out PMs :P
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 20, 2014, 09:53:22 AM
Cessation Nation stats:

Money Saved: $142.46
Not Smoked: 237.44

This is motivation enough.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on June 28, 2014, 06:22:25 PM
Well I tried to quit vaping last week and failed.  Quitting tomorrow AM.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on June 29, 2014, 01:08:24 PM
Rezdent, I use the logic e-cig, the rechargable one. I have a low nicotine cartomizer attached, but soon I'm getting the nicotine-less cartomizers and will try that.

Not Smoked: 347
Money Saved (not counting $30 in vape supplies): $208
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 29, 2014, 04:04:07 PM
Well I tried to quit vaping last week and failed.  Quitting tomorrow AM.
Rezdent,

You're still vaping only, right? What route are you taking?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on June 29, 2014, 05:01:04 PM
Yes vaping only - 18 mg.  Going cold turkey now. A bit foggy and scattered right now. I've attempted step downs before but had trouble with getting correct supplies.  Which led to cigarrettes and repeating the process.  I l stopped last week when I ran out, but had unusually high stress levels (that *should* be finished).  I love my family and my job so I bought enough  to last through this weekend.  I threw away my stuff this morning.
Game plan is to keep fruit juice and sunflower seeds on hand.  Plus a rubber band on my wrist to fiddle with - keeps my hands busy.
How are you doing Jordanread?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on June 30, 2014, 12:05:17 PM

How are you doing Jordanread?

Not too bad. Been pretty successful this last time. Did slip up when I had to do the Clear Liquid diet last week. Fortunately, I was able to realize that the cigarette didn't actually do anything that I always thought it did (i.e. it's a crutch, I'm going to miss it, it's a struggle and a sacrifice). Made it a lot easier to get through the withdrawals, and am back on track now. A few more weeks and all the nicotine should be completely out of my system, and I can update my status to a non-smoker. :D

This has been how I've felt every time I haven't smoked a cigarette:
(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/2014-06/27/13/enhanced/webdr10/enhanced-6858-1403889769-31.png)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on July 08, 2014, 10:15:52 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on July 08, 2014, 10:26:09 AM
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.

Yeah, I've read his book. It's a really cool way of looking at things. I'm actually working on a full blog post about it. There isn't anything to give up.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on July 11, 2014, 03:15:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on July 11, 2014, 03:18:19 PM
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.

You are rocking it!! I wonder how everyone else is doing.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: otherbarry on July 12, 2014, 12:03:50 PM
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.

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155 (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on July 13, 2014, 11:12:05 AM
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.

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155 (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155)
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on July 15, 2014, 12:58:26 AM
When the cravings got bad I kept thinking of that little monster in the video running around and just assured myself those were his death throws and I was choking that motherfucker out like the little bitch that it is. 10th day nicotine free, 44th day smoke free. I didn't have a craving before and overall I just feel like I have a bit more energy.

Another positive milestone; I got paid today. Looked at my previous CC balance statements and this one - my CC just happened to update the statement today as well. My monthly spend dropped through the floor, I had been better about going out to the bar, but I went to two somewhat expensive concerts, all that accounted for, I spent about $400 less than the average previous statements.

I paid the statement balance and put what I was saving before in addition to the extra $400 into savings.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on July 25, 2014, 05:10:20 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MariaSouth on August 14, 2014, 07:51:40 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 14, 2014, 08:23:45 PM
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.

Have you read the Easy Way book, or watched the video posted above? They have some interesting thoughts on stepping down the use. Don't sweat the failure...it's a process, and you'll do better this next time. Keep rocking it!!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MariaSouth on August 14, 2014, 08:38:18 PM
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.

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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 14, 2014, 10:34:41 PM
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.

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.
Not a problem. Do what works for you, and just remember that you got this!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 18, 2014, 04:31:55 PM
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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on August 18, 2014, 05:07:19 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 18, 2014, 05:25:02 PM
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.

Way to go!!! I'll update the stats. You've done great! Keep it up. What other things have you noticed since you quit?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: unix_kung_fu on August 18, 2014, 08:02:17 PM
I've noticed a higher net worth, easier to exercise, and getting annoyed when people I'm talking to need to leave to go outside to have a smoke :)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MariaSouth on August 19, 2014, 07:53:49 PM
Thank you guys for the motivations!!!
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
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 19, 2014, 11:10:16 PM
Thank you guys for the motivations!!!
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
It's the only vibes we do here. You've got this, and know that you have support.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: TheFrugalFox on August 23, 2014, 01:16:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 23, 2014, 06:00:43 PM
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.

There have been some discussions up thread about Chantix (which is Varenicline...of which Champix is a generic). You are correct, it's shown success in getting people to quit smoking. It does this primarily by blocking the neuroreceptors that react to nicotine specifically. Essentially, it takes away the ability of cigarettes to reduce your cravings, since your body can no longer process it. A couple of people on this board have tried it, one with success, the other not so much. Thanks for the suggestion, and congratulations on your success. Appreciate you chiming in.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: citrine on August 25, 2014, 02:26:10 PM
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 :)

Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on August 25, 2014, 02:41:29 PM
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 :)

Thanks for the support. I've re-read that book twice since I've quit. It's nice to have a refresher. My cravings aren't so bad anymore, and I'm picking up the workouts. It's one of the coolest feelings having my muscles fail before my lungs. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on September 01, 2014, 06:01:05 PM
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.

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?
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on September 01, 2014, 08:27:24 PM
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.

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?
Welcome to the challenge. We've had some pretty good results so far, and we all will do our best to support you.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: UnleashHell on September 02, 2014, 04:20:41 AM
what the matter with you all.
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on September 02, 2014, 06:04:49 AM
what the matter with you all.
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.
Glad to have you here.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: rocketpj on September 02, 2014, 11:49:22 PM
Don't give up.  It took me a lot of tries to quit the compelling little bastards, but it's now been 17 years since I quit (with an occasional single smoke if I ever get completely plastered, which only happens about once every 4 years or so).

At this point there is no way I would or could start up again.  Smokes are expensive!  And make me feel crappy!  And my wife would not approve.

It took me literally dozens of tries.  When I finally did quit it was while working on a Polish ship where literally every single man on board was a smoker - 93 of us puffing away and I got it in my head to quit.  All of them offering me a smoke as a social gesture all the time.  But somehow the sheer absurdity of it got me through the three months I was at sea with them without smoking, and now it's been decades.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: UnleashHell on September 03, 2014, 03:26:48 AM
first morning. have coffee. no smokes... arrgg...

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.


Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on September 03, 2014, 10:03:26 AM
first morning. have coffee. no smokes... arrgg...

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.
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on September 04, 2014, 05:04:04 PM
Update for me:
I've drifted back into vaping - first a bit here and there with other folks and now finding myself vaping multiple times per day.  Honestly the cravings were ugly and constant.
Sigh.
No cigarettes though - that is a total win.
And 18 mg, not 24.

Will re read the books and sites before planning my final quit.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: UnleashHell on September 04, 2014, 05:14:46 PM
2 1/2 days.
still have all the kids. I think. can't be sure my math skills are intact though.

only blew up at the help desk at work. however they weren't helping.


signs you smoked too much: the week you give up an entire fucking pharmacy chain stops sell smokes!!  should help with the budget if its that much to cvs....
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on September 06, 2014, 02:45:21 PM
All my vaping stuff is finally in. I had resurrected my old eGo stuff earlier this week and it wasn't very nice. Constant issues with the tanks, even a new fancy-ish tank I got on Thursday for free with the juice order. Could be the 2 year old juice I used. New juice is also a lower nicotine dosage (18mg vs 24mg).

My Aspire Nautilus/iTaste MVP combo seems to be doing really nice. Still have some cravings for a real cigarette, but it's tempered by a reliable nicotine fix and increased feeling of "this is awful for your lungs" when I get the cravings. Hopefully this is the gear that ends up working for for me in the long run.

12 cigarettes left in my pack, and I'm not quite ready to throw them away. Next week at work I have someone to train for the entire week, and I want to keep them around to head off any bitchzilla moments in case my cravings get the better of me. But I'm going to see how well I get on this weekend without any.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on September 08, 2014, 01:25:52 PM
And predictably for me, I ended up smoking 11 of 12 over the weekend. I went ahead and finished the last one when I woke up today, but resisted the urge to buy another pack.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on September 15, 2014, 05:12:43 PM
One week in. The Aspire Nautilus tank isn't perfect and does have some gurgling/juice in my mouth issues, but infrequent and way better than anything else I've used before. As in just a touch when it just happens, vs a copious amount with other tanks. I can just blow through the mouthpiece and any stray juice clears out through the air hole. The coil seems to last about a week, and I've used two 10mL bottles of juice over the week.

More importantly, no cigarettes at all this week. I still have some cravings, mostly near the end of work, but I'm managing.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on September 15, 2014, 05:31:57 PM
Folks, I've been a shitty OP for this thread lately. I will get everyone new added to the tracking post within the next day. Feel free to hit me up with any kind of questions or support you need.

You are all rocking this!!! If I can do it, so can you.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on September 22, 2014, 07:01:41 PM
So. Two weeks in and no cigarettes. No more tank issues. I think I wasn't tightening everything up properly, causing the gurgling/juicing issues. Or maybe it just needed some breaking in time. I have yet to "break even" on a purely cigarettes vs vaping purchases, but this should happen soon enough.

While it's still warm enough outside to not be miserable, the vaporizer has allowed me to replace the worst of my smoke break habit at work and get away from my desk. The smell from the smokers doesn't bother me, although I don't particularly want any now.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on October 06, 2014, 12:28:57 PM
Four weeks. The Aspire Nautilus tank eats coils pretty quickly, so I don't think I've actually saved any money yet. Getting close, though, and this isn't really about the money.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: drewski83 on October 15, 2014, 02:42:40 PM
Quit on March 16th, I used the patch and it worked pretty well. I went from a pack and a half a day habit to saving $4270 a year (smokes are almost $8 a pack here in NJ).. Once you get past the first week it's not that bad hang in there everybody.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on October 27, 2014, 08:36:21 AM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: seanc0x0 on October 27, 2014, 11:12:10 AM
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! :)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on October 27, 2014, 11:21:39 AM
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. :-)
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: seanc0x0 on October 27, 2014, 11:26:56 AM
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. :-)

It's funny what triggers smoking cravings. For several years after I quit, I had a craving every time I got done with wrapping Christmas gifts. I always had one once I was done with that task, and it too several years to remove the association.

I can see a bar being a trigger, especially if you used to go a lot in the past. Add in some booze for lowered willpower and you've really set yourself up!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on October 27, 2014, 03:59:30 PM
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.

You hit a trigger and relapsed, Jordan. Then you resolved to quit again. If this was easy, we'd be posting somewhere like the antimustachian wall of shame and comedy instead. 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'm still horribly addicted to nicotine and still have quite a few of my smoking habits, such as getting away from my desk at work and vaping with the smokers. I even forgot to grab my vaporizer one day and had to go back home for it, or sit around feeling miserable and distracted all day. My employer doesn't have any rules against me vaping at my desk, but I don't really like doing it. Once winter settles in, I should probably embrace vaping at my desk if I still need the vaporizer crutch.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Bob W on October 29, 2014, 09:37:55 AM
Quitting smoking is easy!   I've done it thousands of times  ---  I seriously need to get on this.  My longest stretch was about 10 years.    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! 

Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on October 29, 2014, 10:06:53 AM
Quitting smoking is easy!   I've done it thousands of times

Hah!  Nice.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on October 29, 2014, 12:10:04 PM
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.

HA HA! That's the kind of face-punch I have come to expect. (P.S. Told my GF about this, and she said I can't borrow any)

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! 

The funny thing about that is I was able to separate drinking and smoking. Even during the few months I quit, I was able to enjoy drinks without the urge to smoke. I think it was drinking in a bar where I could just smoke that got me. I'd even gone out twice during my time I quit, but didn't smoke. Went out with my friends who did, but it wasn't a huge deal. It was just kind of the novelty of it all. Fucking stupid!!

I did just recently re-read the beer o'clock article (http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/05/20/its-beer-o-clock/) to try MMM's solution, except I have the extremely anti-mustachian characteristic of having a ridiculously high tolerance for alcohol. When he said that you should spend enough to get drunk once per week, I could get on board with that...except that was nothing like a six pack. He he. I might try your route, at least the no more than four at a time thing. I do have some cider brewing that should be ready this week, so that should reduce the costs.

All that aside, feel free to jump on board.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on December 01, 2014, 08:24:08 PM
So.  I know 2014 is almost over and this thread is pretty much dead. But 3 months for me today and I got through nights of drinking a few weeks ago without having a cigarette. I kind of wanted one at the start, but knew I'd break down and buy a pack or two if I had even one.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Rezdent on December 01, 2014, 08:41:26 PM
Fantabulous
Go you!  Awesome!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: pzxc on December 01, 2014, 10:10:17 PM
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.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: fantabulous on December 02, 2014, 09:22:36 AM
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.

I have tried e-cigs in the past and found them unsatisfying. I went somewhat high end with my vaping gear this time around. Not sure if it's the gear, better resolve this time around, or a combination. But so far so good. Definitely recommend smokers try them, and not even worry about switching over completely at the start. I somehow only managed to smoke for 2-3 days after getting my vaporizer, but I know it takes some people much longer or they relapse.

~$190 saved in 3 months for me, even with the more expensive gear I bought.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: MrsK on December 03, 2014, 06:15:21 PM
I let myself smoke 2 cigs a day.  But somedays it is only one as I now only budget 2 packs a month or $14.  I think about how I "should" quit all together and then I think about how much I personally love my frugal habit.  I wish I didn't enjoy smoking as much as I do, but honestly it is right up there with my all time favorite things.  Sigh.  I like reading this thread to get other ideas about smoking.  In the U.S. there is so much shame involved. 

I love to take a walk at night and look at the stars and smoke and think.  The one cig before bed I have never been able to give up.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: whammer33024 on December 05, 2014, 12:33:34 PM
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
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on December 05, 2014, 01:27:10 PM
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

Good for you on quitting. As far as seeing the words go, I have no desire to let them have power over me (also the smell, or being around people who smoke), but I see your point. Thanks for chiming in.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on January 02, 2015, 01:39:13 PM
Well, I did a shit job of keeping everyone's stuff updated, and for that I apologize. I am enjoying a smoke free life after a ridiculous amount of slip ups. I am just curious as to how effective this thread was in helping people. If you succeeded this year, do you think the thread helped? Resources, conversations, face-punches? Is it something worth doing again for 2015, maybe with a spreadsheet or something? Those of you who are still on the path to quitting, what could I have done better to help you?

I'll give it a week and see about the feedback. You've all got this, regardless of what happened.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: face-punched on January 12, 2015, 10:43:47 AM
Hello all! Since I joined the navy I haven't checked in, but I wanted to drop by and encourage those still trying. It has been almost a year and the savings amount to almost $2500. Keep it up for those who are still going, and try again for those who arent!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on January 19, 2015, 04:19:22 PM
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!
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: arebelspy on January 20, 2015, 10:38:13 AM
I'm sorry for your loss, szmaine. I hope you are doing okay.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: jordanread on January 20, 2015, 11:26:48 AM
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!

Hey, whenever you are ready, we're here. Also, you have my condolences.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: szmaine on January 20, 2015, 11:57:59 AM
Thanks Guys! I'm doing ok.
Title: Re: 2014 - Quit Smoking
Post by: Michael792 on July 12, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
So......I'm going to say I'm going to quit. I've got most of a pack right here, but I need to stop. I don't want the long term health costs or the short term financial cost. I used to smoke up to 8 packs a day (only been smoking a year or so, but Korean cigarettes were cheap and I was stupid stressed.) As for now, I'm not really enjoying them anymore, either. I'm just doing it at this point because of the pain I get when I don't smoke. I need to quit being a pussy. I'll update once a week or so, I guess.