[Pikku Myy]

What is the best way to quit? I have tried and tired, and everytime I get into one of my anxiety modes... start puffing again, non-stop Anyone tried hypnosis? Thanks

[MyBestKids2]

I've been where you are, I just gave up on quitting.

In response to your question, I did try hypnosis. In fact, I forked over the extra $200 for a private session. Lets just say, I didn't make it out of the office building before lighting up

I've talked with lots of people who quit smoking. The vast majority have just quit cold turkey. I understand that it isn't the suggested way to quit, but hey if it works. When my Mom died Sept 2001 of lung cancer, I still didn't quit. I even held her hand as she was dying, I still didn't quit. I know I should for all the right reasons, I just haven't put my mind to it yet.

Anyhoo...lotsa luck on your journey. Keep us updated!

[Cthomas]

Ok. so Ive done hypnosis.

Ive done it 7 days ago to be exact. Ive had the urge for nicotene but they taste crappy now. 2x a day so far for the last 7 days.

but then again it was T who did it.

It worked for me.

Dont pass it up so quickly. ive had stressors this week but no terrible urges.

Hope this helps.

Colleen

[smg080474]

I've been in your situation and know how difficult it can be. Keep in mind that smoking is one of the toughest addictions to break, so don't beat yourself up if it takes a few tries.
I haven't tried hypnosis, but here are a few things that helped me quit.

Before quitting...
For a day or two, smoke like you normally would but empty your ashtray into a jar and fill it with water. Once you quit and you have a craving, open the jar and take a big whiff - the smell is soooo offensive. This was a good aversion tactic for me.

When you're ready to quit...
Pick a date to quit and stick to it. This may sound corny, but I printed out a "quitting smoking" certificate (found it online) and wrote in my quit date. That hepled me visualize the importance - almost like graduating and getting a diploma. It also made me feel more accountable because I had put a date in writing.

Coping mechanisms...
Get a bottle of bubbles. The wand keeps your hand occupied and blowing bubbles gives your mouth something to do.
If you hang out with people who smoke, stop for awhile - the temptation can be too strong.
Pull up pictures on the internet of smoke-damaged lungs and of people who have premature wrinkles from smoking.
Cigarettes are way too expensive...think about how much money you'll save.
If you're having bad cravings, try the gum or patch. Another option is Wellbutrin. I can't even stand the smell of cigarettes after going on that.

Did you know that after you quit smoking for...
20 MINUTES

• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate drops to normal
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

8 HOURS

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

24 HOURS

• Chance of heart attack decreases

48 HOURS

• Nerve endings start regrowing
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS

• Circulation improves
• Walking becomes easier
• Lung function increases up to 30 percent

1 TO 9 MONTHS

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
• Body's overall energy increases

1 YEAR

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's

10 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker
• Precancerous cells are replaced
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix, and pancreas decreases

15 YEARS

• Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker

Best of luck!

[iluzhyn]

First time I quit I would limit the number of cigarettes per day....each day one less until I just stopped. Quit for 3 years.
Second time I quit cold turkey....it was not easy. Quit for 8 years. Started smoking again June '08. Hoping to quit by end of July (09), going cold turkey again, maybe this time it will stick.

[Naturefreak]

It's not easy , that's for sure , smoked most of my life.
I quit cold turkey about a year ago because of my
extremely high blood pressure. I hope you find a way
that works for you . Good Luck

[Pikku Myy]

Thank YOU I will definately try all your tricks... especially the sniffing jar Now I just have to pick a date

Originally Posted by smg080474

I've been in your situation and know how difficult it can be. Keep in mind that smoking is one of the toughest addictions to break, so don't beat yourself up if it takes a few tries.
I haven't tried hypnosis, but here are a few things that helped me quit.

Before quitting...
For a day or two, smoke like you normally would but empty your ashtray into a jar and fill it with water. Once you quit and you have a craving, open the jar and take a big whiff - the smell is soooo offensive. This was a good aversion tactic for me.

When you're ready to quit...
Pick a date to quit and stick to it. This may sound corny, but I printed out a "quitting smoking" certificate (found it online) and wrote in my quit date. That hepled me visualize the importance - almost like graduating and getting a diploma. It also made me feel more accountable because I had put a date in writing.

Coping mechanisms...
Get a bottle of bubbles. The wand keeps your hand occupied and blowing bubbles gives your mouth something to do.
If you hang out with people who smoke, stop for awhile - the temptation can be too strong.
Pull up pictures on the internet of smoke-damaged lungs and of people who have premature wrinkles from smoking.
Cigarettes are way too expensive...think about how much money you'll save.
If you're having bad cravings, try the gum or patch. Another option is Wellbutrin. I can't even stand the smell of cigarettes after going on that.

Did you know that after you quit smoking for...
20 MINUTES

• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate drops to normal
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

8 HOURS

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

24 HOURS

• Chance of heart attack decreases

48 HOURS

• Nerve endings start regrowing
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS

• Circulation improves
• Walking becomes easier
• Lung function increases up to 30 percent

1 TO 9 MONTHS

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
• Body's overall energy increases

1 YEAR

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's

10 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker
• Precancerous cells are replaced
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix, and pancreas decreases

15 YEARS

• Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker

Best of luck!

[HotRod74]

I took Chantix when I quit. BUT, I only took it for about 2 wks b/c I had the most horrific nightmares and weird dreams I have ever had in my life. The worst part was how REAL they seemed, woke up several times crying because I thought they were true. On the other hand, I have had other people tell me they had no problems with it. Needless to say, I had been quit for 2yrs 10mths, started back again last Tuesday, due to my current situation. And I do plan on quitting again as soon as I get get a hold of my senses.

[sunflower55]

Hi, Karoliin...

There's many threads on this forum about anxiety and quitting. Please do look through them, and make use of the very good research that has been posted. And there's some great tips posted here too.

For me, the biggest help in my quit was my behavioral changes that supported my quit. We get so used to doing everthing with a sickarette in our hands and mouth. We need to practice and actually learn how to live without them now.

Take a new route to work. Re-arrange the furniture at home. Drink tea instead of coffee. (Oh, and the effects of coffee is more potent without nicotine.) The point is, get out of your routine. By breaking your routine, you are altering your automatic responses, including the triggers that lead you to pick up a sickarette. That's how we learn to live without coffin nails.

At the same time, we can pick up some positive addictions. We might choose to take a walk every time the cravings reach a certain level. We might choose to join a gym, or a chorus. (I did both last time, and stayed quit for over two years.) Some have chosen to do knitting. What is it you would like to do with the time and energy you have on your hands now?

Smoking is like an iceburg. We only see the top of it. But, the biggest part of the burg is underneath the water, where we cannot see it. That is our behavioral patterns. And it's these patterns that we have to change to be successful in our quit.

If you do chose to use a quit aide, remember, they are helpful. But, their purpose is to help you while you develop new behaviors that will sustain you for the rest of your life. It takes about 6 weeks to develop new behaviors. So, while you're using any smoke cessation products, be sure to be practicing these new behaviors, or some of your own!

I've used just about everything. But, my favorite is Chantix. I personally do not have any side effects from it.

I wish you well, and I'm so glad to see others posting here! Hope you'll all continue!
And remember to look at the links for anxiety and relaxation techniques. There's some good stuff on the second page, too.

Peace!

[ashleyscott22sc]

Originally Posted by karoliinareddish

What is the best way to quit? I have tried and tired, and everytime I get into one of my anxiety modes... start puffing again, non-stop Anyone tried hypnosis? Thanks

I know exactly what you mean. I am trying to quit myself. It's hard. I have been smoking since I was 11 years old. Why? Good question..let's just say my dad didn't see nothing wrong with it. And yeah, I am a daddy's girl. But since I got hooked on smoking, my life has went down hill from there. I am 21 now and about to turn 22. When I began smoking, I had to go through a lot of suffering and pain for a cigarette when I was 14. I got raped. Can you belive that?!? Went on for two whole years. Did not tell anybody until I couldn't take it anymore. I was 16 when I finally told myself enough was enough. But not going to go in details, but I am still smoking for now. But, there is a way to stop smoking or at least cut down until you can stop smoking. How? Well, my mom has smoked for years. She finally gave it up. There was a tip she told me how she did it..and I am trying her way. Yes, by doing her technique, it takes time but I know she is right. Her technique was if you want to quit smoking...all you got to do is when you want a cigarette, don't inhale it. You can still have a cig but just puff on it and blow it out. When she told me something like that, I thought it can't be done, but I started trying it. About a week or more, it will be tough. Nothing is easy when your addicted. But the thing is, you got to try. I started this not too long ago, been about 2 and a half weeks now, it's already getting easier on me. When you do that for a good while, you begin to not want one. Because when you are just puffing on it and not inhaling it, your mind is getting back to where you have never started in the first place. Not just all of a sudden your going to quit cold turkey, but you can at least take steps to getting to that point where your body is not craving it no more. And yes, when you are trying that technique, by all means when you go somewhere take a pack with you, just in case. But doing it this way, saves you big money...but I am not telling you it might work for you..just something to try. It will be hard, but what I believe, there is not such word as "Can't" Not in my dictoionary anyway lol. Anybody can! You got to try..but anyway, sorry if this is long. But if it worked for my mom and I am trying it..I bet you can too.