1. < Smoking & Quitting

I want to quit smoking: What worked for you?

Posted by mfv @mfv, May 27, 2021

Hi, I am hoping others are looking for a positive and quick way to quick smoking! I should have done this long ago but here I am! Any comments would be much appreciated! Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Smoking & Quitting Support Group.

vlk420 | @vlk420 | Feb 26, 2023
In reply to @jrsav "Nothing has worked yet. I've gone hours days weeks ando months, even years without smoking. But..." + (show)
@jrsav

Nothing has worked yet. I've gone hours days weeks ando months, even years without smoking. But I always go back.
For the past 3 years, I have averaged about 1/2 pack a week. But I still don't quit.

I'd also say I throw away more of the cigarettes that I light than I smoke.
Pretty foolish

Jump to this post

Don’t stop trying, the last relapse was really hard, but finally I am free, at times I was making up stupid reasons why I needed a cigarette. Good luck on quitting smoking, you will never be sorry

REPLY
emeribe | @emeribe | Mar 6, 2023

Tell yourself the truth you need to go far away from those people that smoke. don't stay alone find something to do day and lastly ask the Holy Spirit to help you daily

REPLY
hubert | @kuma | Mar 6, 2023

In 1985 I returned to the company I had previously worked for. The atmosphere in the company has changed dramatically in the 9 years I had been away. I vividly recall it was not more than a handful weeks. I walked into my office. I had three cigarettes left. I smoked them, wrinkled up the pack, threw it away. Then I started a regimen of drinking water (hydrating) that I kept up for days and days. Along with this regimen I jogged, played handball and swam. I haven’t had the urge to smoke again

REPLY
linatransna137 | @linatransna137 | Jul 15, 2023
In reply to @shack76 "I quit about fifteen years ago, and in my experience there is no one single thing..." + (show)
@shack76

I quit about fifteen years ago, and in my experience there is no one single thing that will work. It took a multiple of changes being made to my daily habits. I'd also suggest putting the idea that there is quick approach aside ending an addiction as powerful as nicotine is not an overnight process. Many people myself included are almost blindsided by cravings long after we thought we'd overcome the addiction.
Here are two things that worked for me:
One; is physical exercise; something works your lungs. It felt terrible to begin with, but as I get in better shape, and farther away from the last smoke I found it helped me stay motivated to quit.
Two; keeping my hands busy was important early on. I had an advantage here, as I play music for a living and practicing involved my hands.

Good luck,
Phili

Jump to this post

Interesting you said about playing instruments because that's what I find the hardest with quitting is that I was a musician since I was 16. Can no longer play anymore as I am very double jointed / hypermobile that my fingers pop out all the time .. but I know If I could play again it would be so much easier ! Any other tips from one musician to another on how to overcome keeping your hands busy?

Many thanks in advance

REPLY
hubert | @kuma | Mar 14 9:21am

Water…..water…..WATER FLUSH YOUR SYSTEM…..it took me about 10 days…..it was 1986. It was a cold turkey process. I haven’t smoked since. Try it. Best of luck.

REPLY
trooperdogg1960 | @trooperdogg1960 | Mar 22 8:24pm

I cut down to half a cigarette for awhile then went cold turkey. A coworker bought me a huge bag of shelled peanuts explaining that it gave my fingers and mouth something to do. I had a 3 day weekend and stayed home eating peanuts. I stopped drinking coffee as it was a major trigger. Everything is a major trigger with cigarettes. Tough it out and do not cheat. The urges get fewer and milder eventually.

REPLY
my44 | @my44 | Mar 23 3:35pm

@garrymiller and @trooperdogg1960, Congratulations on your successes! I enjoyed hearing about what worked for you. Hopefully, those methods might be able to help others who are struggling to kick the habit. Thanks for sharing.

REPLY
sharbern | @sharbern | Mar 31 5:13pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "@mfv, good for you. It's never too late to quit and it seems like now is..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@mfv, good for you. It's never too late to quit and it seems like now is the right time for you. There are many approaches to successfully quite smoking. For some a gradual decrease helps, especially with aids like nicotine patches or quit medications. Others find cold turkey works for them.

But one thing that helps many people is to have others to support you along the way. So, I'm tagging fellow members who have quit to join you on your quit journey. Members like @mcmurf2 @merpreb @iandunlop @bluelagoon @marylou705 @frane1939 and more can share their quit stories, inspirations and motivations. Together, you got this.

MFV, what or who is your motivation to quit?

Jump to this post

Nicorette gum.

REPLY
sharbern | @sharbern | Mar 31 5:17pm

Nicorette gum or the patch. Eating healthy, walking, or any exercise. It is quite difficult to take the plunge, however; the rewards are immense. I was just talking with my neighbor and we both agreed that we are so glad to not have to smoke any longer. We are both in our '70's. The younger you are the better, yet any age is excellent. God bless you.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.