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
garrymiller | @garrymiller | Mar 14 8:03am

Hey @mfv, I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how tough it can be to take that first step—but trust me, it’s worth it.

For me, quitting wasn’t instant, but what really worked was tracking my progress and finding something that kept me accountable. I used an app called PuffStats, which showed me real-time data on how my body was healing, how much money I was saving, and even when my cravings would peak and pass. Seeing those small victories kept me going.

I also wrote down my "why"—the real reason I wanted to quit. Every time I had a craving, I’d read it out loud. It reminded me that smoking wasn’t just a habit; it was something I wanted to leave behind for a better version of myself.

It’s been over a year now, and I haven’t looked back. My advice? Take it one day at a time, track your progress, and don’t beat yourself up over slip-ups. You got this! 💪🔥

REPLY
2 replies
hubert | @kuma | Mar 14 9:21am
In reply to @garrymiller "Hey @mfv, I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how tough it can be to..." + (show)
@garrymiller

Hey @mfv, I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how tough it can be to take that first step—but trust me, it’s worth it.

For me, quitting wasn’t instant, but what really worked was tracking my progress and finding something that kept me accountable. I used an app called PuffStats, which showed me real-time data on how my body was healing, how much money I was saving, and even when my cravings would peak and pass. Seeing those small victories kept me going.

I also wrote down my "why"—the real reason I wanted to quit. Every time I had a craving, I’d read it out loud. It reminded me that smoking wasn’t just a habit; it was something I wanted to leave behind for a better version of myself.

It’s been over a year now, and I haven’t looked back. My advice? Take it one day at a time, track your progress, and don’t beat yourself up over slip-ups. You got this! 💪🔥

Jump to this post

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
Mentor
Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Mar 14 9:21am
In reply to @garrymiller "Hey @mfv, I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how tough it can be to..." + (show)
@garrymiller

Hey @mfv, I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how tough it can be to take that first step—but trust me, it’s worth it.

For me, quitting wasn’t instant, but what really worked was tracking my progress and finding something that kept me accountable. I used an app called PuffStats, which showed me real-time data on how my body was healing, how much money I was saving, and even when my cravings would peak and pass. Seeing those small victories kept me going.

I also wrote down my "why"—the real reason I wanted to quit. Every time I had a craving, I’d read it out loud. It reminded me that smoking wasn’t just a habit; it was something I wanted to leave behind for a better version of myself.

It’s been over a year now, and I haven’t looked back. My advice? Take it one day at a time, track your progress, and don’t beat yourself up over slip-ups. You got this! 💪🔥

Jump to this post

Hello @garrymiller, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. What you just posted was so very helpful to those who are in the process of trying to quit. Even though the original post was made a few years ago, what you shared will help someone right now who may be reading it.
Great advice, and wonderful that you quit. I did too after 42 years of dedication to my cigarettes. What works for some may not for other, the only way that works is the one that works for you! Welcome aboard Connect, have you had a chance to find any other groups here that interest you?

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