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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> smoking
        
(Message started by: maffumatt on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:16pm)

Title: smoking
Post by maffumatt on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:16pm

My wife and I both smoke and we figured up how much we spend on cigs each month, and its alot. Who has quit and how did you do it? I have been smoking since I was 11 snd have tried several times but i just never had it in me. Its harder than it seems like it should.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by echo on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:25pm

I've attempted many many times. It's all in the will power for me. The fact , as odd as it may be, is that I enjoy smoking, therefore I have no will power to quit.

I wish you and your wife the best. Good luck.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by sandie99 on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:30pm

Good luck! :)

Too bad that you and your wife don't live back here in Finland - otherwise I could have helped you quit. I have never smoked, but I did help dad to quit.

Sanna

Title: Re: smoking
Post by seasonalboomer on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:33pm

9 years and no smokes. Was up to 2 packs/day prior to quitting. I would love to help anyone quit as it was one of the most life-changing, perspective opening moves I have ever made. Did the cold turkey route and believe it is the only way.

be glad to share my experience if you're interested. I've got strong opinions on it and believe deeply that everyone has more power over it than all the stop-smoking programs, quit smoking products, and big tobacco messages want to lead you to believe.

scott

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Guiseppi on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:46pm

I've never smoked but my brother, a 2 packer a day, says quitting is easy. He's done it hundreds of times! Good luck to you.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: smoking
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:47pm

Oh good grief -- does this mean you're putting me in the no smoking sections in Atlanta for lunch from now on???

Hugs BD

Title: Re: smoking
Post by ExplodingEyeBall on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:57pm

I have been smoke free for just a little over 4 months now. Been smoking since 6th grade and I'm 43 now.

I did it by bitching, moaning, complaining, irritating my co-workers and ,most of all by eating everything that didn't get out of my way.

I've save a lot money though but I have also gained 26 pounds since Nov 18th, 2005.

Good luck. It's a tough fight and the cravings will always be there. You just have to be strong and fight it.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by aprilbee on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 3:58pm

I quit cold turkey and took welbutrin...never wanted a cig, and my husband still smoked, and it never bothered me...I did start again, but when I do quit again, I will go the same route...

good for you guys and good luck...oh btw...wash EVERYTHING..your clothes, your car, your furniture...it will all stink to high heaven!! ;;D

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Jonny on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:05pm

The way I figure it I could save about $7300 a year if I quit.....LOL ;;D

Title: Re: smoking
Post by imnotbub on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:15pm

10 years without cigarettes. Just stop. It sounds hard, but it's all about how bad you want to quit. There is withdrawal. Fun stuff like your brain swelling [smiley=bomb.gif] but in about ten days the actual physical addiction is gone, it's just a matter of getting out of the habit by then. Tapering off or switching to 'milder' smokes is a waste of time.
Just tell yourself you don't want one [smiley=sayno.gif]everytime you think you do. Worked for me!
Steve

Title: Re: smoking
Post by ExplodingEyeBall on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:19pm

What made it easiest for me was telling my red headed wife that I wanted to quit.

The last thing I want now is to have a red head pissed at me. Especially one that I sleep with.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by maffumatt on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:20pm

I smoke 2 packs a day at 3.50 a pack thats 7 dollars a day x 30=210 dollars a month =2520 a year plus what Mary smokes its up to 3500 dollars a year. Hell if I could save that I could afford a vacation every year.
Scott, I'm interested.
Matt

Title: Re: smoking
Post by pattik on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:40pm

Listen to Pat, because he's DOING it. ;;D As for me, I smoked a half of a pack a day through my 20's. What inspired me to quit was a greater desire to start a running program which was incompatable with smoking. I think it helps if you find something to replace it.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:41pm

man, I hear you. I started when i was 11 also.
We spend at least $175 a month.

I have tried to quit too, but its too fuckin tough
B$

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 4:57pm

As of Feb 27th I have been smoke free for 2 years and have NO cravings! And hubby is a chain smoker.
Like April I used Wellbutrin and it really helped with the withdrawls. But I've heard wellbutrin will mess some people up...so beware. Doesn't work for everyone.
I also read a LOT on this site:
http://whyquit.com/
and totally educated myself and got totally disgusted with myself always having a smoke in my hand at all times. I also changed my habits. Smoked outside instead of in front of the computer, etc.
Then just quit.
Best of luck to you and your wife Matt!
Just try not to kill each other if you quit at the same time. Been there, done that, lol.
Mast

Title: Re: smoking
Post by floridian on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:04pm

on 03/22/06 at 15:46:46, Guiseppi wrote:

I've never smoked but my brother, a 2 packer a day, says quitting is easy. He's done it hundreds of times! Good luck to you.

Guiseppi

You are Mark Twain's brother?? Very Cool. 8)

Title: Re: smoking
Post by echo on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:05pm

on 03/22/06 at 16:40:24, pattik wrote:

.... What inspired me to quit was a greater desire to start a running program which was incompatable with smoking. ....

I found that even when using a wind proof Zippo it was difficult to light a smoke while running. I usually have to stop for a moment to light up.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by tanner on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:14pm

Matt, I am throwing mine away tonight and I am going to try the Scott method. so let me know how you are doing and Scott I will take any advice you have to offer.

..................tim

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Jasmyn on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:24pm

I tried to quit for all the left reasons because America brought in this law and it became a law world wide, because it is unhealthy, because you couldn't smoke in public places anymore, because it is addictive and all the other legitimate reasons out there in the world.

Then... I realized, I don't wanna quit, I like it, it is my dummy/pacifier, I'm gonna die anyway and a very legitimate reason... it stopped my bronchitis from re-occurring every year.(Tar is good for bad lungs) ;)

This may not seem to other people like a good reason to be smoking but because I used to be a health freak and it got me nothing but in the nunnery, I think after the age of 28(when I started to smoke) I became more humanized, less aggressive, less judgemental, more humble and a total addict. ;;D

Matt, good luck to you and your wife. In the bigger picture everything is for you if you quit. [smiley=thumb.gif]

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Melissa on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:36pm

100% Free and Very Effective...

http://www.quitsmokingonline.com/index.htm

It deals with the psychological aspect of quitting, which is 95% of the battle.

edited to add: I smoked for 12 years, quit for 1 year and 5 months, started up again during 2003 cycle, quit again on January 23rd, 2005. Made it through my recent Dec.-Jan. cycle smoke free and doing awesome. I never want to start back up again. I may say I do sometimes out of frustration, but I'd never actually do it.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by medic1852 on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 5:45pm

My New Years resolution was to try and quit smoking, (notice I said try). Anyways I used the patch and it was working well for me, I gained ten pounds, my wife did not want to quit so she was smoking and that made it hard. Also my partner on the Ambulance smokes so there was another strike. I plan on trying again soon. Probably this weekend. The up side to the patches is you have some vivid dreams which to me was COOL! I love to dream everything is safe..

Rodger

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Ree on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 7:46pm

When we went to the convention in 2003 the doctor there sat with me and together we observed the smoking habits of this rare breed of Cluster headache sufferers... it was like a sci fi movie watching them light up one from the other... very few did not smoke... its not easy to quit. My hubby Dave started again (after 8 years a sweet smellin non smoker), in a weak moment about 12 years ago promising to quit every other weekend... still smoking... it's become a big bone of contention between us... I keep uping the insurance and know, I will probably be alone in my elder years.
My sis in law just quit without much effort she used the commit losenges. love to you and good luck ree

Title: Re: smoking
Post by cootie on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 8:13pm

I quit after new years........not smoked since and kinda think jus plain STOPPING is easier then slowin down or whatever else ya mite wanna try. I was basically a social smoker if that makes sense......but I loved it !!!! I got to smokein too much when out (considerin I don't smoke at home all week).......was a pacifier for sure........then a few weekends in a row I got really sick when I got home. Wierd when the one turnin green is the designated driver......barely made it home a few times. I fineally think I smoked myself SICKLY so I quit !!!! Now I hate the smell and how my hair and clothes smell around cigs but I don't complain.....I just notice it more and also think me smokein helped deal with everyone elses peutrid stentch. So I went from love to hate.......fickle Pam

Now I jus drink more when out....but if I'm drivein I chew off my fingernails and pick at freckles on my arms.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Charlie on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 1:22am

I'm so glad that so many have quit. It isn't easy. I quit May 25th 1980. Never touched it since. I smoked about 30 cigarettes a day and probably five small cigars a week and a some pipe tobacco now and then. I really miss the "mechanics" of pipe smoking....very guy thing.

I was successful because at the time I was drinking a lot of beer at a bar but knew that I wouldn't be able to do it unless I took a break from the Labbatts. I went about 3 months with nary a gulp and it worked. I was able to stick with in even after hanging out on the Buffalo Bills bar bus we used to go to the games.

Good luck kids.

Charlie

Title: Re: smoking
Post by chewy on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 6:46am

After 25 years of hard drinking I quit alcohol

After 20 years of drug use I quit narcotics

After32 years of smoking..........Got a light pal?

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Kate in Oz on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 7:12am

Hey Matt, I'm wishin you all the very best for giving it up... and thanks for posting this thread!!

Scott - please any help you can send my way... I would be most appreciative.

I started smoking around 13/14.. gave up for 18mths (33yr) when I was preg + most of first year of sons life.... took it up again when I got back to Uni How does one write an essay without a smoke ??? and a little of the green stuff (also I smoke rolling tobacco - love the ritual of rolling... possibly more than the actual smoking??)

Decided at 35 that was it - would give it away - don't want my son to remember me smoking.... pfff

Birthday in a few weeks, will be 37 and have said a couple of times recently I'd like to give it away... I started seeing a guy last year who doesn't smoke so when he's around I'm always conscious of the fact that I STINK and look ridiculous with a fag hanging out my mouth. It is not cool, hip, sophisticated....

Birthday falls on Easter Sunday... rebirth and all that seems like the perfect time and all BUT had to light one up whilst reading this thread - my little security ::)

HELP

Kate

Title: Re: smoking
Post by LeLimey on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 7:13am

Well Matt be thankful you don't live here! Cigarettes here cost about £4.50 per pack of twenty (Oh it goes against the grain to not type fag! ::) ) This is about $7.65 per pack. If you're smoking 2 packs a day then you'd be paying $15.30 per day or put another way.. your weeks holiday here would cost you $107!
A year of smoking for you alone here would be $5600 approximately.
So if you don't give up make sure you bring a load with you! Had I better let you know the duty free limits on what you can bring into the UK?! ;;D

Title: Re: smoking
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 7:27am

In New York City a pack of Marlboro cost $ 8.00---simply ridiculous !!! I was a two + pack a day smoking freak. I went to this Russian Doctor in Braintree Mass. and he actually made me stop for 5 years. I don't know what he did BUT it worked.Then I went back and became an even stronger smoker. Last July I became so disgusted with myself that I challenged myself to see how long I could go without a cigarette...........haven't smoked since. The key is to stay busy whenever possible. I won't lie to you---I miss it everyday, especially after meals or with a cup of coffee....BUT......as time wears on the craving diminishes......YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: smoking
Post by deltadarlin on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 7:57am

Feb. 27, 2005 was the last day I smoked after 33 years of the *habit*. I was smoking up to 2.5 packs a day, EVERY day. I used Wellbutrin and it worked like a charm (well, at least I didn't kill anyone). Before I actually hit my quit day, I had gotten down to half a pack a day. Jimbo doesn't smoke in the house now. So far, I think I've gained 12 pounds.

When we were in Dallas at the convention last year, I figure that I passed my *trial by fire*, given that you could cut the haze with a knife.

It's not easy to quit and it can be harder to stay quit, especially when everyone around you is smoking (sometimes you get a bad urge to cold cock them and take their cigarette). BUT, it can be done, a big part of it is the *mental* cojones to do it.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by maffumatt on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 8:12am

If you guys can do it so can I, I have 3 packs left from my carton, Friday will be my last day.
Matt

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Dragnlance on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 8:25am

Hey Matt,

I have never smoked, so have no advice for you. However, I am keeping my fingers crossed, and hoping you can beat the addiction.

Just keep thinking to yourself, "if I buy cigs, I am giving money to companies that are trying to make me addicteed by adding chemicals to make nicotine stronger. They are trying to harm me..."

get pissed off

Title: Re: smoking
Post by kimmiedawn81 on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 8:41am

I agree that it's all in the willpower, it's not easy, but you can quit if you really want to. I just quit January 2nd. So, I've been smoke free for around 2 1/2 months. I replace it by working out, b/c I am already kinda big, so I wanted to lose weight and quit smoking. I am much healthier, smoke free, eating healthier and I work out, so I've lost some weight in the process.

Trust me, the first week or so is kinda tough, but after that I felt amazing.

You can do it!

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Melissa on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 8:57am

I found that willpower had nothing to do with it, but discipline did.

Just my experience.

There are many old cliches, like, "I don't have the willpower to quit", or, "the withdrawl is very painful", that simply arn't true.

Please, anyone who wants to quit, has trouble staying quit, or finds it very difficult to resist any "urges", please read the link I posted.

It's only a 10 day course, that is short on number of words, but powerful on what is written.

love,
mel

edited to add: here's an example http://www.quitsmokingonline.com/quitsmoking/lesson1c.htm

Title: Re: smoking
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 9:15am

Think of the Advertising slogan for Nike... [u][/u]JUST DO IT !

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Charlie on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 12:38pm

Quote:

Just keep thinking to yourself, "if I buy cigs, I am giving money to companies that are trying to make me addicteed by adding chemicals to make nicotine stronger. They are trying to harm me..."

If you think that's bad; one of the tobacco companies, Phillip Morris perhaps, is the one selling $40 a box nicotine, etc. quitting smoking pills. http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/grenade.gif

Charlie

Title: Re: smoking
Post by LadyElaine on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 1:52pm

I would be rich if I did not smoke. I have cut way down. From 2 packs a half a pack aday. I find I smoke more when I am around other smokers. Durning the day when I am home alone. I don't think about it. When Buddy and Deveny come home I am out on the proch smoking with them.

Good luck hope you can stop, I know just by cutting down I feel better.

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Richr8 on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 2:08pm

I'll bet I hold the record for quitting. I have quit atleast once a month,every month for the last five years. I have tried, cold turkey, patches, inhalers, welbutrin, hypnosis, accupuncture, patches and inhalers together, welbutrin and patches together, double patches, tapering computer, and still nothing satisfies like that first hit. Fugedaboutit, I give up! [smiley=looser.gif]

Nah, not really. I'm trying again this time tapering and inhalers. Arghhh! ;;D

Title: Re: smoking
Post by Drk^Angel on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 2:25pm

Cold turkey is definitely the way to go. Cutting down just makes the withdrawl longer. You'll never ever get over being addicted, but after the first couple of weeks you'll just have momentary cravings, primarily during high stress situations or during events you used to smoke regularly during. Being a CHer, you'll know what to do for them... Just keep reminding yourself that you can get through it... It will end.

The last time I quit smoking was a couple few months ago, and it was the easiest I've ever had, and it'll prolly shock you what I did as much as it did me... I didn't avoid smokers (Actually, I continued to sit in the smoking break room on all my breaks), I didn't wait 'til my last pack was gone (I carried the rest of the pack I had everywhere I went), and I didn't force myself not to smoke during the expecially bad cravings (I let myself have a few to get through stressful situtations, but only the real bad ones, and I didn't let myself have more than one and didn't let myself keep smoking after the stress was worked out). It goes against everything I ever thought about quitting, but after a month, I had 12 cigs left from that last pack (Smoked 2 before quitting, lost 4 when my case fell out of my pocket and those 4 landed in a puddle, and smoked 2 while quitting). Up 'til about a month ago, still had 8 of those cigs (Gave them to ppl who asked if I had a smoke... You'd be surprised how little ppl care if cigs are stale if they actually have to bum 'em off someone else). Just remember, it's always that last craving that causes you to quit quitting.

PFDAN................................................ Drk^Angel

Title: Re: smoking
Post by maffumatt on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 3:20pm

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the advice, I'll be gone for awhile and I think this is a perfect chance to quit. Everyone be well, and Ill see you in a month or so, I'll let you know if I was able to kick it.
Matt