[Jessy Day]

I have esophagitis and I know that smoking is bad for me. But, I am not ready to give it up. I can't imagine facing my demons without a ciggie in hand to make me think its calming me down. I think that after I have undergone a certain amount of time dealing with my issues, and after I feel stronger, will I attempt to quit. I plan on tapering off, going cold turkey, or getting a patch.

Welcome to the Community, Jessy Day. Your profile lists a number of concerns. Are you receiving professional help in dealing with them?

It is your life. Hope your plan works for you.

[found'n'lost]

Originally Posted by Jessy Day

I have esophagitis and I know that smoking is bad for me. But, I am not ready to give it up. I can't imagine facing my demons without a ciggie in hand to make me think its calming me down. I think that after I have undergone a certain amount of time dealing with my issues, and after I feel stronger, will I attempt to quit. I plan on tapering off, going cold turkey, or getting a patch.

You're right, you dont want to quit. You'll only quit if YOU want to. Ultimatums wont work either- you'll die otherwise; I'll leave you otherwise; you'll loose your taste; etc. But trust me, smoking is probably the most potent psychologically addictive drug there is, and its nearly all psychological. A few hunger pangs really. I recommend reading Alan Carr's Easy Way To Stop Smoking.

Also, have you heard of the drug Champix (varenicline). This new(ish) drug blocks nicotine receptors in the brain so when you smoke the nicotine has nothing to latch onto. Thereby no signal (high) is sent nor felt. It has a few side effects and alcohol should be avoided, but its the best one. The other med is Zyban/Wellbutrin (bupropion). Its also a potent antidepressant. Better for some, worse for others.

Nicotine replacement gum, patches, etc may work but you'll need a strong willpower for these to help IMHO.

Wish you all the best & fingers crossed.

[DePressMe]

Yeah Jessy, I'm in the same boat with you. I know it's bad for me and I know I will quit, but it just a matter of when and how. It's very frustrating.

[maryjain lockhart]

U won't EVER be able2quit unless u actually WANT to. When you're ready2quit u will WANT2quit. Until then try2think of reasons why u should quit&weigh the pros and cons of quitting. Think about WHY u do it in the1st place. Knowing why you're addicted is absolutely positively CRUCIAL in helping u2actually quit. When u know what drives your addiction you can then find other things2do instead of smoking. When you're ready you'll know. Nicotine is almost like heroin in that it causes your brain to be addicted as well as your body. I quit heroin, but I haven't quit smoking cigarettes yet. I did once with the patch and I quit for a few months but then my mother had a debilitating stroke&it sparked my addiction again.
Mybe when we are ready we can all help each other out by providing support4each other. I know I want2quit I just don't know when. KIT guys&when you're ready we can help each other out! Good luck!