[archipelago]

I've been trying to quit for a long time now. I absolutely hate it. And now I have a dear friend who has lung cancer when she quit a long time ago. But even with a patch on I still cheat. I'm really trying but with anxiety and depression it feels impossible.

Today since it is the first of the month, I've decided to put a stronger patch on, just up one notch and try really hard not to cheat. I really wish there were someone I could talk to when I feel like smoking or about how hard it is. Even my shrink who is great doesn't seem to get it so I don't bring it up, but I am actually starting to feel concerned because I don't want to ruin my health and am afraid I already have. It's actually a dangerous addiction that is underestimated.

[gayleggg]

Yes, you are right it is a dangerous addiction. My mother died of COPD caused by her many years of smoking. She quite after she found out she had it but it was too late. Though it may have lengthened her life some.

I quit smoking using the patch. I found it easier by finding something to keep my hands busy. I played my GameBoy relentlessly. I did needlework but know it was the GameBoy that saved me. You can't stop in the middle of playing Mario for a cigarette.

Good luck. If you ever need help getting through just PM me.

[archipelago]

Thanks so much for the encouragement and offer. I'm getting by. It's not easy though and probably bad timing because I'm also going through a depressive episode and have the end of grad school term approaching, but nevertheless I've started the process and don't want to turn back now.

[gayleggg]

Sometimes it is easier if you have to stay busy. Since you are in a depressed state reduce the patches slower. It will help keep you chemicals in your brain more leveled out.

[archipelago]

Thanks. I'm surprising myself. I'm actually getting through without many serious cravings. I hope this lasts a few more days because then I think I could really do it. I'll stay at the patch I'm at for a while, at least till school's out and then I can afford to be a little fuzzy headed.

[gayleggg]

Good for you. You are doing great. And you will feel much better after you quit for a while and your lungs clear out.

[archipelago]

I had an ugly fight with my husband and my shrink is away so I didn't have any support and felt quite triggered and almost out of control. I ended up taking off the patch and buying a pack of smokes. It's so frustrating. I really thought I was dealing but this sent me running back to my old crutch. UGH!

[gayleggg]

That's okay, you can always start again. I didn't quit the first time I tried. You can still reach your goal.

[HealingTimes]

It took me about 8 attempts to quit. I finally did it, just over 3 years ago.
I used visualisation and would really recommend it

[archipelago]

Thanks so much. It is great to get the support and understanding. Also to know that others have managed and how.

I took a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course and believe that that might help me. I'm a Buddhist anyway so meditation can be used when I need to feel more calm and get perspective. Also it focuses so much on breathing that I am reminded that really want is healthy is to take a deep breath not to suck on smoke.

[jiminkade]

((Arch)) I have been a. Marlboro man for almost 50 yrs now..arch this is a really tough damn habit to kick..you get a ton of points from me just trying to quit.. Comes at you various fronts and just lighting up again gets. Insurmountable..

There is a huge website quitnet.com. With. Thousands of good ppl in. Varying stages of process with just trying to quit this bloody habit.. Lots of forums and chat rooms crowded to give you some help..

Please register there for some good help.. Jim

[gayleggg]

I'm sure you will get to your goal. Just keep working one day at a time.

[archipelago]

Thanks so much. I feel like trying again. It is during a stressful time, but if I trust that the patch is providing the nicotine, then I just have to concentrate on the habit of putting something in my mouth. I've filled the frig with healthy and low cal drinks plus extra teas. I also do have some light sedative meds that I can use judiciously if I get edgy and anxious. I will also look into the quit smoking web site. I tried one before and it helped because people really understand what it is like. I just started cheating so felt dishonest about posting, but I should have just come clean. I just didn't think there was much awareness about mental health issues and so I didn't feel all that good about explaining that to people. Here I feel like that is understood so I don't have to hesitate. It's good to know that there are people who have beaten this tricky and difficult addiction.

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by archipelago

I've been trying to quit for a long time now. I absolutely hate it. And now I have a dear friend who has lung cancer when she quit a long time ago. But even with a patch on I still cheat. I'm really trying but with anxiety and depression it feels impossible.

Today since it is the first of the month, I've decided to put a stronger patch on, just up one notch and try really hard not to cheat. I really wish there were someone I could talk to when I feel like smoking or about how hard it is. Even my shrink who is great doesn't seem to get it so I don't bring it up, but I am actually starting to feel concerned because I don't want to ruin my health and am afraid I already have. It's actually a dangerous addiction that is underestimated.

Sorry to hear, I've heard Zyban helps! Best of luck!

[Petra5ed]

I have so been there, and yes, it is really hard. For me what it took was trying a few times. I tried the patch, and I tried gum, and then I tried wellbutrin. What finally worked for me was a combo of 4 things at once: I bought an e-cigarette with no-nicotine cartridges and I'll explain why in a sec, I used wellbutrin, I also used Chantix at the same time, and then I made sure to read at least one anti smoking add or info of some kind a day. I ended up obsessing with how bad smoking was, and then I started to identify with the fact my grandma died of lung cancer before I was born. When I was freaking out I'd puff on the e-cigarette and it would help me some. The Chantix and wellbutrin combo did seem to help take a lot of the mental anguish away. I literally came to hate cigarettes and be repulsed by them by reading all this bad stuff and getting super mad at the cigarette companies. Also, I chose to go no-nicotine about a week or two into Chantix mostly because nicotine leaves your system completely in three days, so the physical withdrawals which are awful only last 3 days. The mental addiction is insanely powerful, I mean it is crazy how hooked I was psychologically on those cigs. (Cravings still crop up today, but not very often.) I think the thing that helped the most with the mental part was that I went so far as to read emphysema and lung cancer support chat rooms. I'd ask a therapist before doing this though, because it had some negative consequences as well.

[hermitix]

I have had a few failed attempts at quitting in the past but this time I decided I would finally do it. I had been at the hospital with my boyfriend and seeing all of the patients made me uneasy. I started thinking how I didn't want to end up there and how devastated my family and friends would be if I came to them with news that I had cancer or something. Been smoke free for 17 days. So far, so good! I was able to quit by using a vape pen. You can load the chamber of the pen with flavored liquids that contain nicotine (there are also flavors with no nicotine). There are different levels of nicotine available depending on how much you smoke a day. The atomizer in the pen turns the liquid into pretty much water vapor, but you smoke it like a cigarette. It's battery operated and charges with a simple USB charger. What's great about it is you can use the vape indoors and smoking it mimics the action of smoking a regular cigarette. These electronic cigarettes are moderately priced. I got mine for about $80 which included all of the necessary parts and a full bottle of liquid. The liquid lasts quite long too. I keep my pen with me at all times and smoke it whenever and mostly wherever I want, especially when I'm craving a cigarette. There's also pens with different levels of power which controls how much smoke you inhale at a time. I've included a picture. Hoefully it uploads. Vape stores are popping up all over, so I'm sure you will have no issue getting one. Hope this info helped. I wish you luck in quitting. Let us know how it goes!

[archipelago]

Wow, thanks for the great replies, encouragement, and ideas. I'm going to try again with the patch today. Chantix has worked for me in the past, but my shrink doesn't like the side effects so has cautioned me not to use it again. I think I can do it with the patch. I just have to have the energy to fight it through but with the depression and then some triggering I didn't feel strong enough. Now that my meds are starting to work and it is almost the end of school I think I might be able to get a decent chance. I will keep trying. If it has to wait a week until school is over, that's okay too. Thanks so much. I really need the reassurance and I will look into suggestions.

[gayleggg]

I'm here if you ever need support just PM me.

[elevatedsoul]

im taking bupropion, still smoking... at first i experienced a little decrease in desire to smoke, less urge, but the "need" is still there i guess because its a form of coping right? still smoking anywhere from a few cigs - lil more than half a pack a day. i was smoking more though so i guess it may have helped me cut down atleast, i was previously smoking close to a pack - 2 packs a day and even 3 packs on some crazy party day, i've heard that some people taking wellbutrin quit indefinitely and somepeople just keep smoking, id like to quit though because its hard to smell nice when yo smell like a smoke shack :/ i did try the disposable e-cig though and it something that you would have to get used to but if i could afford it i feel nearly 98% certain i could kick the cowboy sticks

all i can say is hang in there, dont get mad at yourself if you 'slip up', quiting isnt the easiest thing to do so give yourself kudos for trying/wanting to quit

[archipelago]

Thanks. I'm continuing to smoke but cut way down. It's finals week and I think I have enough stress already. So by the weekend when school is all over with, I'm going to put the patch back on and wash all my clothes! I hate the smell and the taste already. I really want to do this even if I have to spend a week in bed.

[move4word]

Started on wellbutrin about a week ago. Smoked 1-3 cig a day. New med made me feel just aweful when I tried to smoke. Maybe this it! Feeling hopeful

[archipelago]

Congrats! That is great. I actually might join you because I need something for depression and so far the meds aren't working. It is a side benefit of Wellbutrin.

[reesecups]

Just my personal experience. Happened to be put on Wellbutrin and the cigs tasted awful. Made me less inclined, then I also used the patch at the same time. That was 14 years ago. Good luck!

[987catjump]

Having a very tough day here. I am only on day three. I feel like I am going crazy! I am all over the place

[BurgRon]

Hi all!

I recognize this response may be a bit late, but better late than never I think.

i am a former smoker and can relate to the difficulty of quitting. I tried for several years to quit and had several stretches of cessation. I even had one that lasted for 7 years and one night I gave in to a whim to try "just one". Big mistake! So I struggled for a few more years to regain the smoking abstinence and finally achieved it once and for all when I decided to pair stopping smoking with an exercise program. I quit cold turkey, and from day one I was resolved to quit for good, and after I started feeling better I realized that I had NEVER felt better, physically and psychologically, and it became apparent that this time I would sever that thought that lay in the back of my mind "once a smoker always a smoker". I didn't want to sabotage that feeling of well being I had for the first time since I started as a teen. Once that idea was replaced by wellness, I had no problems. That was several years ago, and I wouldn't go back to it for anything.

I think I remember seeing somewhere that hurdles to cessation of smoking are conquered in "three's", and each time you surpass a hurdle at a "three point" you improve your chances of completing the next trial of "three's". They are:

The first three hours
The first three days
The first three weeks
The first three months

Once those had been achieved then I knew i had kicked the habit for good. I'm happy to report I've no cravings, and a little abashed to admit I've become "one of those" who complain about smokers who pollute the air in public spaces.

On a side note, I will admit since I've stopped the exercise program, I've compensated with food, and that is something I'm still working on. Maybe I'll see you over there in the Food section.

All the best,

Ron