[joe50000]

Hi,

If humor isn't something you respond to very well, then this thread isn't for you. But the advice in here could help you quit, because it certainly helped me quit permanently. I wasn't a long term smoker by any means. I started when I was 22, and quit a few years later. I found it to be a very painful experience at first, but a few days in, I had a revelation that changed my perspective on the whole thing.

The only reason a lot of people continue smoking is that they can't imagine life without a cigarette, or they would do anything for a cigarette when they get a craving, or they just can't fight off cravings. The urge within them is just too strong; and rightfully so, because nicotine is so addictive. But the truth is, that life without cigarettes is so much better, and the withdrawal symptoms are really nothing to worry about.

Think about it this way: all the people in the world who have serious drug addictions, like cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth, have serious withdrawal symptoms, pain, and constant cravings for their drugs. They would do anything to get them: sell their belongings, prostitute themselves, or commit crimes. Their cravings are so intense and the withdrawal symptoms so painful that sometimes they have to be hospitalized.

Now could you imagine ever doing those things for a cigarette? even though they're widely available, legal, and pretty cheap, you'd never stoop so low as to ever debase yourself to the point that you're wrecking your own life just to get another smoke. Could you imagine having to be hospitalized and restrained because of your nicotine addiction? of course not. You'd actually feel better the moment you quit. You'd be healthier and have more energy. You'd get much better sleep and you would be more productive because you wouldn't need to take cigarette breaks. You wouldn't need to constantly hunt down cigarettes when you run out. You'd have more money that you wouldn't be spending on cigarettes. You wouldn't always smell bad or have bad breath. And most importantly of all, you'd cut out all the dangers that come with smoking.

A change in perspective is all you need. Cigarettes might relax you, keep you calm, or help you fit into social circles. But living with them doesn't live up to the harm that they're causing you, and you really can quit anytime you want and not have to suffer. Think about all the people in the world who don't smoke. They don't have cravings, even though they always live their lives without cigarettes. They're happier than smokers, despite never smoking. That just goes to show that smoking isn't really something great and giving you something good. Anyone who doesn't smoke isn't missing out on something. But smokers are missing out on something: life without cigarettes.

[MovingForward123]

I, too was a smoker for 25+ years. The thing was, I wanted to quit and I also didn't want to spend a dime quitting, either. I went to a website whyquit.com (not sure if I was allowed to post that) but the guy Joel never smoked a day in his life, but he has videos, etc. for Day, 1, etc., and I haven't smoked since Feb 25th plus they are over 10 bucks a pack up here! Yikes!

[princess fiona]

Congrats on beating your 25 year addiction MovingForward. I am also a graduate of the whyquit school, smoked for 30 years and I've been quit for over 3 years.

[gnufan]

I like your light hearted approach. Can you tell me how to start to stop? I have smoked, heavily, for 30 years. I want to try it by will power alone because aids I have tried don't work for very long, perhaps because the will to quit, or the choice to quit, hasn't really been made. Any suggestions as to how to make the choice and summon the will?

Thanks,

Laura

[princess fiona]

Hi Laura, I quit because my sister had a heart atack and then was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away last year still smoking, it stopped me thinking that it couldn't happen to me. If you are looking for motivation the is plenty www.whyquit.com a cold turkey education and support site. They explain why the aids don't work. Good luck

Next on my list of things to do...never been a pack a day smoker maybe 3-4 days a pack smoker - but still a smoker none the less. I hate it, I hate the smell in my house, on my hands in my hair. I have one ash tray in my home thats all I allow. I don't smoke all day so it's usually in the evening. I have one or two.

I need to quit but it's like a security blanket when I'm stressed.

Will check out the website - Congrats to anyone and everyone who has beat this addiction!

Think about all the people in the world who don't smoke. They don't have cravings, even though they always live their lives without cigarettes. They're happier than smokers, despite never smoking.

BUT The only thing I don't agree with is that nonsmokers are happier than smokers. I've known plenty of nonsmokers that are pretty dog gone miserable with their lives and theirselves!


J