Trying to be a Nonsmoker

[Red]

I used this thread because I didn't know where esle to go.
I also don't even know if I can logon again because of my
old computer and I'm a beginner computer user. I don't even
understand all the icons on this community board.

I couldn't find anyone in my community in the Life Makeovers
so I thought I'd try to find quit smoking support in/on the
Community Boards. It would be nice to have a buddy who has time
to send an encouraging word and some helpful hints.
Thanks!
Red

[WaterLily]

Congratulations on making a major decision that will positively affect your life! I quit smoking the beginning of the year and feel much better. You may find more help if you post on a smoking cessation board. I've found the following sites a great source of support:

http://forums.quitnet.com/community/talk/forums.jtml

http://www.lungusa.org/ffs/

Good luck on staying quit!

[foxgoddess]

Red,

I stopped smoking about 7 years ago. I went through a smoking cessation workshop, and it helped. Mostly knowing I was not alone in my decision, that really helped. These folks knew what I was going through. Misery may love comapny BUT so does success.

You did not get addicted to smoking with your first cigarette, so expecting that you will be free in one swoop...not good.

Why did you decide to quit?

I had tried to quit for others, but until I chose to quit for myself...that's when I met with success.

Susan

[Monastesse]

It is well worth the effort that it takes to give up this nasty habit.
I tried unsucessfully many times,but I finally gave up cigarettes on May 1st of this year.What worked for me may sound a little bit unlikely, but it was one session with a hypmotist. No desire to light up since then... Good luck to you!

[pigluon]

I tried to quit several times before I was finally free of them. The first time, I managed to quit for well over a year...then got back together with a boyfriend who smoked...hard to avoid it...

I tried everything, including "the patch"...what finally did it for me was good old-fashioned "cold turkey" and a heap of determination.

Not sure where you are located, but I'm in the US -- I wrote to the American Heart Association and American Lung Association for information about quitting. They provided some very graphic photos of what happens to you and your body when you smoke too much for too long...but they also provided some encouraging statistics, showing how the lungs can heal over time (some graphic photos there, too)

I also...
threw out everything that could be used as an ashtray.

aired out my home, threw out everything that smelled like smoke.

drank copious amounts of water, and kept a bottle with me at all times.

avoided activities that might prompt me to smoke for the first couple of weeks.

started reading a book about quitting on your own terms (sorry, searched for the title and could not find it)

took the money I would have used to purchase cigarettes for the next year and purchased an expensive watch, so that I would be reminded of my commitment (not to mention the money I would save) every time I looked at it.

the first week was extremely difficult, but it got easier week by week. I was surprised at how quickly the cravings disappeared. I have not had as much as a puff since, and that was about twelve years ago...can also honestly say that I have only had a craving once or twice in that time.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

[Saldar]

Hi! Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking! I quit smoking myself just over 2 months ago and feel great! I also have a thread in regard to my quitting that you may want to have a peek at if you haven't already.

There are two things that where a big help to me for quitting. (Actually 3). One was that I used a homeopathy remedy geared towards quitting smoking. I helped a lot and wasn't dumping "more drugs" into my body for it. In fact, it helps to detoxify you. Perfect! My second was that I sayed around smoker this time. The last time I quit, it only lasted for two years. Reason being is that for that period of time, I wasn't around anyone that smoked. As soon as I was, off I went again! I am now at the point where I don't even really notice when someone else smokes (except for the disgusting smell :) ). Third, smoking is not actually a physical addiction like we are led to believe. It is an emotional addiction. We use smoking to "hide" from something within ourselves. When you become emotional about not having a cigarette, take a look at what is REALLY going on. What is it that is inside you that you are trying to avoid looking at or dealing with? This is a real "biggy" for quitting. Smoking is a symptom, not a cause. Think "holistically". Get to the core of the issue and you eliminate the syptom automatically.

Good luck!

[rosebud2004]

Hi Red,

How's it going? Have you quit smoking? Were you able to find support? I'm not a smoker, but I have a few friends that quit. It was quite a challenge for them. Hope you are doing well.

Tam