Health & Fitness

Giving up smoking?

Health & Fitness

Posted by: kezza

3rd Mar 2010 01:05pm

I am 51 years old and have smoked cigarettes since I was 16. I have always looked after myself- good nutricious food, exercise etc, but now that I am at this age, Im finding that what they say is true- Its killing me! Yes I know- it doesnt take a genius, but please remember, that when I started smoking, the advertisers were allowed to say just about anything, so they did, and it was not the truth, though I suppose I got sucked in. Now I hear how bad it is for you all the time- and I get really angry. Why didnt they tell us then, instead of showing us celebrities whistling, and horses riding up mountains and telling us it was cool to smoke! I am totally addicted now, and am finding it nearly impossible to even contemplate life without my cigarettes. Has anyone got any success stories, or advice? and what about thoughts on advertisers?


Comments 69

Lorrymay
  • 10th Mar 2014 03:29pm

Hi kezza
I am 56 and smoked all my life but have given up, this is how i did it. Firstly forget that its an addiction it is mostly a brain game, i started by dropping milagram of smokes from 16mg all the way to 1mg. I know what you are going to say yes you dont like it but your brain and tastes get ysed to it , drop every fortnight and change brands and stick with new brand once you get used to it change brand and milligram again until you get to 1mg. Then you buy the 4 mg nicorette gum or lozengers dont give up you will get used to taste and like satisfaction also put a dish of almonds nuts dried fruit on table you walk past often and nibble, orange juice the real stuff also kills any craving for cigarrettes, when you eventually decide to start the nicorrette plan it for a week first, get it into your mind that your a non smoker first before you give up and get the timimg of your last 5 smokes correct, that is, you wait until about 1pm on last day then smoke the last 5 one after the other you will feel sick thats the point, after your last make sure you smell your fingers then remember that smell put the contents of ashtray in glass jar, wash hands and smell the difference. Finally whenever you feel like a cigarrette tell yourself that if in 10 minutes you feel like one you will go buy some, trust me you wont you will be over the craving by then. If all else fails take a deep breath and smell the contents of the jar that will cure you. Make sure on day you have given up to wash your hair scrub every bit of nicotine off you You can do this. The reason you pick 1pm is so your brain gets used to you not smoking before you go to bed, make sure you have a nicorette 4mg gum or lizenger by your bed to drop in your mouth before you get up GOOD LUCK THIS WORKS , let me know how you go

Anonymous
  • 29th May 2012 07:43pm

ok so try to give up one day, if you find it extremely difficult then cut your cigarettes cm by cm, once a week. it may seem weird but trying doesnt hurt. Youll get use to having smaller cigarette time nad then eventually it wil make it easier to quit.

Alex
  • 25th Apr 2012 11:10am

I have cut down my smoking by watching the clock. Only smoke on the hour and half-hour. Takes a while to get used to it. The next step is to organise an activity that will occur during scheduled smoking time (eg shopping) and that knocks another fag off the total. Works for me.

I don't mind smoking as long as it isn't excessive. There are some benefits. It relaxes and improves concentration.
Research in Switzerland has clearly demonstrated that and the research was unbiased. It was conducted at the request of the World Sports Authority on drug use to see whether smoking gave athletes an unfair advantage. No decision to ban has been made yet.

KiKi
  • 20th Feb 2012 01:39pm

I know where you're coming from.I found another solution Works for me !.My hubby still smokes tobacco, he has to give up too ,working on it,because we can live much longer,so I started with electronic cigarettes,tobacco flavour no smoke just a harmless vapour, add a few drops of nicotine if you HAVE TO,then cut out the nicotine liquid and use tobacco and mint flavoured liquid vapour. I buy the e-cigs from China saving 100%wholesale on line. e-cigs unlimited.com and it works for me, tastes like a cig, you still get a harmless nicotine, and there is no smell. About advertisers? In the USA a smoker took a cig company to court and won a million dollars. Some have had success with hypnosis,some stop cold turkey, some took on a new hobby etc. Any addiction is hard to shake.
Everybody is different though, I tried everything, you keep at it till you find what works for you.You will find you too can live without tobacco, it is tough but we got to bite the bullet, I told myself tobacco it tastes awful and it stinks, I just puff on the e-cig no harm to anybody. Good luck, you can do it too.

Anonymous
  • 17th Jan 2012 07:36am

Hi. Wanting to quit is the first step. Congratulations. Today is my one week anniversary of Quitting. And its not easy. Whatever method you use, telling myself, "I'm a non smoker" helped. And understanding the way your brain works helps. The reason you crave ciggies is because your 'primal brain' believes that your body needs nicotine to survive because its has had it for so long, therefore when your body starts to run low on nicotine levels its sends signals to your 'intelligent brain' telling you to have a ciggie. So next time you have a craving try telling your body that its ok, its not going to die, its just lieing to you. (Sorry about the laymans terms.) Good Luck :D

bonrob
  • 10th Dec 2011 05:05pm


Hi Kezza
got hypnotised 4 months ago havent had a smoke since 57 years

Anonymous
  • 8th Dec 2011 08:27pm

yes i would love to give up smoking. I tried by cutting down and was doing really well until stressful events happen and then i start smoking more. I dont want to take any drugs to stop me so i think cold turkey would be the only option for me i would love to see natural inexpensive ways to give up though.

Brad
  • 21st Nov 2011 09:53am

Doctors can now prescribe medication to give up smoking and there are also hypnosis, however you really need to make the decision to want to quit as it is a known fact that smoking is a common mental state of mind and having the will power is something that is in a mind set.

chicababe
  • 5th Nov 2011 12:02am

hi Kezza im 58 and smoked since i was 14 .tried ' every thing' to stop.then i read the satistics'.70% had a succuss rate of giving up if you had a religion or higher force' that you put your faith into to help you do this.its been nearly 5months now and not one puff.no side affects that I can't deal with.drinking water and deep breaths gets me through easily. I had a checkup and im in perfect health.I did use the patches for one month and weaned myself off them as I put my faith in God .good luck

ozziedigger
  • 31st Oct 2011 01:20pm

gooday Kezza,don`t knock yourself around,you have a very common problem that
many people have come up against.Some win--some don`t.
I have been through the works,--heart,--throat,--arteries etc.and i knew it was to late to stop any more damage caused by smoking.I had the same thoughts you have.I tried blaming everything on something else,but ahah,i still smoked the same.I was frightened i wouldn`t see my daughter marry,SO i cut down,I knew i was prolonging the agony,but i held the craving feeling until i had 1 smoke after a meal,that`s 3 meals a day,3smokes a day ( better than 30).
I now saw that the ads were true.You Do See A Big Improvement in your life and health.How much better would I be if I was nicotine free? All I had to do was
eliminate the craving for 3 times a day.I did it and i am a happy man waiting
for my daughters` marriage early next year,and then my first grand kids.
Be strong kezza,you do this you will be happy.

hoppy55555
  • 9th Jun 2011 05:41pm

I smoked for over 30 years,I think.22 years ago I woke from a over 10 month sleep.Told that.After being run over and 242 breaks in body,two rupturded lungs,not a ounce of memory.I do not even remember my own mother.I am now 48 years old as I am told.What I am saying is that I have given up last DECEMBER.It is now 6 months and am I ever glad that I gave up.It is exstreamly hard even now.Determination really helps.If you want to really give up,even though it sometimes appeares imposible.JUST TRY.We are going to.

Stufish7
  • 16th May 2011 08:30pm

I have never smoked, so let me get that out of the way. But my daughter's husband's mother smoked all her life. Then last year she went to a hypnotist and he got her to stop smoking almost overnight. She has never felt better.
I have got some tips about giving up smoking on my blog www.4abettalife.com. if you are interested.

Anonymous
  • 15th May 2011 08:46am

I am 50 years old and I have just had my second heart attack. My first one was 10 years ago and they told me then to give up. Did I? Nooooo. I put it to a artery collapsing, nothing to do with smoking! I am trying again after my second one, same artery, same thing, stent put in. It is not easy like you say, I have been smoking since I was 16-17. Yes, the advertisements made it look good hey! My partner is trying to give up with me this time. Occasionally we slip up and have one, but we are doing well. I am finding it hard sometimes, but want to give up because deep in my mind I know it is killing me slowly, I just have to retrain my brain like the doctor has told me. Retrain it to not wanting smokes. Not easy, but getting there slowly. Good luck, I do know what it is like.

Marylou
  • 12th May 2011 06:24pm

I gave up 10 years ago on the 18th May after several attempts and had been smoking for 22 years. I found a website which offered support and ideas to help you through the worst of the withdrawals also enlisted the help of an ex smoker who I rang whenever the urge got too much along with the use of patches. Giving up was a little more difficult for me as my husband still smokes and has no intention of giving up. I wish you luck in your endeavour but remember if you do not succeed this time leave it for a few weeks, set a new date to try again. You can only succeed if you are 100% committed to doing it.

shapaka
  • 4th May 2011 11:25am

Hi,i know how u feel all too well. The only reason i myself quit, was when i fell pregnant with my first son. I was probably doing a half a packet a day and that was over ten year period. I cannot tell u what a difference it has made just habit and social wise. Always sneaking out and hanging for that ciggi at work,at home,weddings,family functions,etc. I come from a non smoking family, so always felt like a thief every time i needed a smoke. Its funny how u never notice that smell that lingers with u when u are a smoker. The smell on your breath,clothes, hair,home.....i cannot stand it right now. I am so glad i did it back then, especially now with the laws that restrict u from smoking in most public spaces. Good luck with trying to quit, just do it u will feel so much better and your body will thank u for it and most of all will add more years to tour life than taking years off.

alttech
  • 19th Apr 2011 12:27pm

I am 62 and last November I had a lobectomy ( removal of half my left lung) after a CT scan revealed a tiny tumour- the scan was for an unrelated ailment. I gave up the day before the op. I had smoked for over 40 years. Nothing like having your life saved as an incentive to stop smoking. I haven't smoked since and never will again ! By the way they got all the cancer clean and I didn't need Chemo so I was extra lucky, but the pain is still with me and will take a while to heal completely.

Alan S

peppi6
  • 27th Feb 2011 11:14pm

what is champix?

midnightlady2010
  • 25th Feb 2011 07:16am

Hi, I'm 55 andI was a smoker for 25 years smoking 40 to 50 a day. I tried many, many, many times but failed BUT last December 1st, I started taking Champix, which is prescribed by the doctors and I haven't smoked since. I was very a non believer and wasn't really convinced anything would work. I now call this drug a "wonder drug"! Honestly I cannot believe how easy it was to give up the fags!!! Even if I at times think of a fag, I very quickly forget about the idea, it just seems to change your mind with ease. Many, many, many people apparently have nausea because of the tablet, but I just made sure I took it between meals, ie: have a little to eat, say half of your meal, take the tablet, then finish your meal. I never was ill in any way and am still amazed how easy it was. Go the your doctor and have a chat with them.

GRHadgkiss
  • 25th Jan 2011 09:08pm

I gave up on my birthday last year after turning 30. Yes i know 12 years isnt all that long for a smoker, and i had tried to give up 4 times the year before with no success. I never smoked at work (12 hours) but i could smoke a pack of Marlboro Reds in 4 hours if i was drinking, which i did a fair bit too.

Went to the Doc and asked to get on Champax cause i wanted to quit, and she basically told me that she wanted me to try other options first. So once again I went cold turkey and ive now been smoke free for just under a year, just to spite my Doc (hahaha, i can be stubborn)

Now, i havent read the replies, so im sorry if i repeat someone elses comments, but i have to said to friends 'Everytime you put out a smoke, take one day off seeing your kids grow up'.

Addiction is a strong thing to break, but a habit can be had in just 5 weeks... Try it, break the habits u have daily and see the difference.... start small if u need to, no one is perfect, but as long as you start :)

I hope this helps in some way :)

P.S. - i still occasionally feel like a smoke after a good meal and a beer, but the cravings are no way near what they were :)

stretch
  • 20th Dec 2010 01:27pm

man oh man
i am 40 days of the champix have smoked since i was 6 and am still fighting the urge to light up
bought a second hand bike thought this may help
oh i forgot i have emphozema was imformed i would live for rufly 2 years and then hello to the old bed and the nurse wiuld not hope in either
so am trying
i recomend the champix but it has been the 4th go at it
only 41 years old
never to old to say no i want to try again
champix is available through the drs once a year treatment though las for a few weeks
still go through the floor with agro
give it a go and who knows we may be able to say to the kids you will regret lighting that up
think about the grandkids
want to anoy the kids from a wheel chair at the age of 100 or a hospital bed at age 70
give the champix a go man

diva
  • 18th Dec 2010 10:07am

I stopped smoking at around age 50 and I did it having gone on a course called Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking - not sure if this course is run in Australia, but I know that there is a book you can get. The thing is to turn the idea onto its head - instead of thinking that you are 'giving up' or 'quitting' something which is a pleasure - think instead that you are becoming a happy non-smoker! The focus should be on where you want to get - not the short term difficulty of not smoking.
If you face each day as a happy non-smoker and keep repeating this mantra - it soon is true.

bren
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:29am

I feel in love with a woman who had never smoked, and made no bones about the fact that she hated the smell of tobacco smoke. At that time I had smoked up to 50 a day for about 20 years. Out of love and respect for her I made the commitment on our wedding day that I would not smoke anymore, and I didn't. It was made a lot easier by an earlier session of hypnotherapy which opened the possibility to me that I could just stop if I decided to.
Ironically, my wife died in July after a long battle with various cancers - and, even though I was tempted to light up during the grief process, I told myself not to disrespect myself and my wife of 17 years by becoming a smoker again.

Ultimately we have to take responsibility for our own choices, and not lay the blame at the feet of those that persuaded us to smoke in the first place. It's only when we 'own' the habit that we can choose to 'disown' it.

ladybug
  • 11th Dec 2010 10:45am

i smoked for over 55 years and one morning just decided i don't need this anymore it has been hard and i have fallen sometimes and had the odd one but i can certainly do without them now and i agree it was a cool thing to do and even doctors in my day recommended smoking for nervous disorders and with all the flash advertising i think everyone of my generation thought it cool to smoke by the way i am 68 so it took me a long time to want to quit. all i can say is keep trying if you can't do it on your own try some of the patches etc that are out there or the quit line but you really have to want to give up before anything else will help.

pauline50
  • 9th Dec 2010 06:20pm

MY husband has smoked since he was 14 and now 46 a long time ,He can't wait to try the nicotine patches when they are made cheaper come Feb2011 . I can't wait either as i think his snoring is related to smoking .He can't go an hour without a ciggy or he starts to stress out.I am sick of sleeping on the lounge as our house isn't big enough for an extra bed .I do not think he will ever give up until it is to late or he get's sick then reality might kick in but i am doubtful:(

Anonymous
  • 30th Nov 2010 02:54pm

I started smoking at age 12 stealing from my father (who died from cancer aged 60 in 1988) until I was old enough to buy my own but back then they were easy for children to buy the service station at the school bus stop would open a pack of 20's and sell individual smokes to us I had tried the drugs zyban and the new one twice following directions and the full course but it wasn't until early last year when I was hospitalized with major lung problems and had to have fluid aspirated by needle from around my right lung and subsequently found if I even tried to smoke I couldn't breathe even now some 22 months later breathing 2nd hand smoke makes me gasp. I live in a house with 4 other smokers and they won't listen I get fobbed off with comments like ahhh reformed smokers are all the same and I am only trying to help them.

Anonymous
  • 29th Nov 2010 12:58pm

Try to cut back first, keep a chart then reward your self with the money you are saving. good luck.

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:46pm

Spot on Gel. The reward thing is a VERY good suggestion. You replace one (deadly) indulgence with a much more exciting, healthy and enjoyable experience and after a short while you will crave that instead and THAT is the way to go !! Life is too short to waste on the bad stuff. Go for it, smokers !
Cheers :)

rawleighbloke
  • 27th Nov 2010 07:47am

I was about your age when I was forced to quit when my Doctor showed me the begining og lung disease on an xray and found it quite easy,of course I had a scare but in doing some research I knew full well I was helped by taking antidepressent medication,also my wife had a hard time when she wanted to quit [we had both skmked for more than 40 years] even tried Ziban,spelling could be wrong,but they made her ill,she asked for antidepre4ssents and managed within a short time of course you have to really want to quit but when you manage it it's well worth the effort as you feel better can smell and taste better plus you smell better.GOOD LUCK

Anonymous
  • 26th Nov 2010 03:25pm

I am 48 years old and have smoked for a good (BAD) 30 years of that. 3 months ago I stopped. Got out of bed and, instead of having my usual cigarette, said "I am not a smoker". Like many smokers who would like to give up (because of health issues as opposed to not wanting to smoke - many smokers think they like smoking). This was preempted by reading Alan Carrs - "Easy Ways to Give Up Smoking". And many nights going to sleep promising myself I would give up the next day - and failing....Now I have had the first 3 months of my adult life being a non smoker and it is good...and bad...I love being able to BREATHE!!!!!!!!! I think I felt high for a week or two from getting unaccustomed oxygen through to my brain!! Also, the wonderment that I really was NOT SMOKING!! I had become very despairing, thinking I was going to need chemical help from a doctor to give up. I have used no chemicals, no patches, no gum etc...all good. On the bad side is the weight gain!! Went easy on myself while I was in the throes of giving up nicotine and ate a lot of chocolate etc. Am now feeling a bit more in control so am attacking the weight issue - exercising and eating better....As to advertisers...not their fault...who believes advertisers anyway...I remember the dirty lung scenarios in primary school, teaching us the bad health affects of smoking...I watched MadMen and was amazed by the ciggies being lit up everywhere...nowadays it is liquor....have a drink to celebrate/beat a bad day/party/ etc...ultimately what we consume and do is up to us as individuals and thus we can stop anytime we want to...we just have to want to...

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 09:13pm

'Triffic tricky !! This posting if choc full of good news and I hope it inspires others to be as strong and to tough it out 'cos YOU ARE RIGHT - it is worth it :)
Really lovely that your kids are chuffed with you. Hang in there and dont slip and before you know it you WILL be home and hosed and wondering why the hell you didn't do this earlier. Good to hear. Have a happy and healthy Christmas with your family. Don't forget to reward yourself for your effort :) A nice little something, just for YOU, that you normally wouldn't dream of getting !!

Cheers :)

Anonymous
  • 30th Nov 2010 08:57pm
Way to go tricky :) Gudonyer and gud luck to you. DON'T forget (as someone suggested a little earlier) to reward yourself (you and only you) for the good job. It gets easier and easier, believe...

ThanQ!!! Still a bit needy re. encouragement etc. Can't believe it is only 3 1/2 months...feels much longer. As you said, it does get MUCH easier. My lungs love me so much! Also, my children are SO proud of me! I think they are relieved that they will not have to deal with the terrible health ramifications of smoking...I am happy not to worry them (funny the way kids worry about their parents like parents worry about their kids :) ). Must admit to a little cigarette envy when I see other people smoking and I love the smell (sad). BUT the reality of burning smoke in the mouth and lungs is not what I want. I AM NOT A SMOKER!!! ...and loving it... :)

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 07:04pm
Way to go tricky :) Gudonyer and gud luck to you. DON'T forget (as someone suggested a little earlier) to reward yourself (you and only you) for the good job. It gets easier and easier, believe...

Way to go tricky :) Gudonyer and gud luck to you. DON'T forget (as someone suggested a little earlier) to reward yourself (you and only you) for the good job. It gets easier and easier, believe me. One day soon you will be asking yourself why the hell didn't I do this before now. The GREAT thing is that you are right on track now. Good luck, persevere and have a great Christmas !!
Cheers :)

lizza40
  • 19th Nov 2010 03:50pm

I know just what you are saying although only a year younger than you are now I am trying as hard as I can to give up I have cut it back to no more than 20 over 2 days I still just dont have the full will power to stop. yes I remember all the add's the gorgus guys and girls all puffing away. It all goes to the saying now If Only We Knew Then What We Know Now!!! But you still wonder would it have made a difference to us. But here's hope that we can find a way of giving them up for good and saving all the money that now goes up in smoke.
I hope for all of us that we can find a solution and easy way of saying good bye to them for ever and I hope that someone out there has a good story on how they gave them up and are still of them for good

19chris51
  • 18th Nov 2010 01:53pm

I gave up somking 2 years ago after 42 years, it was not easy, if fact it was Bloody hard,I must say I do feel better, but can not get rid of the weight.
kEZZA i agree with you smoking was made out to be the in thing, cool,when it was slowly destroying our lungs,I am sure that had we known a lot of people would not have taken that first drag, and yet still at times I feel like it, I am not going to get hooked again, may be I would have been so ( I can do anything) I would have still smoked, but we were not made aware of the conserquences.....or given a choice of conserquences...

19chris51
  • 18th Nov 2010 01:53pm

I gave up somking 2 years ago after 42 years, it was not easy, if fact it was Bloody hard,I must say I do feel better, but can not get rid of the weight.
kEZZA i agree with you smoking was made out to be the in thing, cool,when it was slowly destroying our lungs,I am sure that had we known a lot of people would not have taken that first drag, and yet still at times I feel like it, I am not going to get hooked again, may be I would have been so ( I can do anything) I would have still smoked, but we were not made aware of the conserquences.....or given a choice of conserquences...

woosif
  • 18th Nov 2010 08:44am

You can do anything you want, climbing everest pass through pain barriers, walk with new prosthetic legs - comon mate life is a CHOICE you have one now, I am presuming you have kids or grand kids - do it for them if not for you.... how will they feel if you die! I have one sister-in-law who smokes and shes now not invited to places as she polutes everyones air, YOU have to try you cannot blame it on old marketing they didnt know what we do now.... STOP and think what do you want! choices choices choices 51 shit thats so young.

kerry
  • 8th Sep 2010 11:09am

As a cancer nurse I wish you all the best in giving up, I have seen the heartache and tears from and for those left behind watching someone they care about die. Lung cancer has poor outcomes.

terribrown
  • 5th Aug 2010 09:41am

Well--kezza and Dogs---there was so much anger going on between you two, you might be saving your lungs but you will both surely get ulcers!!
Me --I thought it was so funny, I just had to go and have a smoke to calm down.

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:09pm
Well--kezza and Dogs---there was so much anger going on between you two, you might be saving your lungs but you will both surely get ulcers!!
Me --I thought it was so funny, I just had to go...

Hi terri. Nah, no anger on my part, believe me. I just can't fathom people who don't take responsibility for their own lives and won't stop looking for someone, anyone, else to blame for everything. Hey, I'm 71 years old, healthy lungs and not one tiny little ulcer, only a healthy self-esteem, sorry about that.
*anyhow. Enjoy your fag and I really hope it doesn't affect your health :) Cheers.

julieo63
  • 3rd Aug 2010 04:42pm

My Hubby is 50 and today(3rd Aug) is his one year anniversary of giving up smoking. He tried patches and medication. In the end he just went cold turkey. His habit was costing him $250 month. Like the adds say what could you do with the money! He still craves cigarettes but thankfully has not given in. He has other health issues that concern him enough not to add continuing smoking to the mix. I think you need to make the decision mentally and once you do that it is easier. Any time you crave a cigarette you need to do something else to take your mind of it. My hubby phones me and tells me he loves me every time he gets a craving. He doesn't ring me as often any more but I know that he is winning the war against smoking.

hubbu
  • 23rd Apr 2010 06:54pm

hi every one well it's me again i had my hynothrapy session. It was all good but I still cant get rid of those craving and i keep thinking of it. So I lit up one cigarette oh boy it felt good and since 12pm it's 654pm right know and the crave has come back hard whst do i do?

kezza
  • 23rd Apr 2010 08:18pm
hi every one well it's me again i had my hynothrapy session. It was all good but I still cant get rid of those craving and i keep thinking of it. So I lit up one cigarette oh boy it felt good and...

Hi Hubbu, I really feel for you. I know how easy it is to get into the false belief, that its only ONE! What we forget is. . . . its the first of MANY etc etc. All you can do, is try and learn from this mistake, but most importantly- TRY AGAIN tomorrow. And if that doesnt work- try the next day! As long as you try- you are doing better!! One day you WILL be successful, so dont give up!! Just believe in yourself, make up your mind that no matter what it takes- One day soonh you will be a non smoker! I know we can do it! Good luck!

Jules65
  • 14th Apr 2010 03:43pm

I am not sure if I am able to mention a site - So If I do something wrong I sincerely apologize.

I know of a site with a pretty good article.

Copied A Paragraph here...

Quit Smoking – Try Health Instead

How to Quit Smoking Successfully – What is the Key? Is it the stop smoking medications? Perhaps a quit smoking program? Choices, Options, so just what is the Best Way to Quit Cigarettes?

http://mentalhealthweightloss.info/common-complaints/smoking-quit/

Hope you find this information helps...

Dogs
  • 13th Apr 2010 03:16pm

Step 1.....stop blaming 'THEM'
Step 2......take responsibility for your own health.
Step 3......Do it like they say "ONE day at a time"
Reward yourself, drink heaps of damn water when you get the 'urge'. Exercise. Don't eat junk food to compensate. Keep on telling yourself that you are doing this for YOU. Challenge yourself every day youre stopping smoking. Keep your fingers crossed and good luck :) Took me 30 years before I decided I wanted to live as long as I could. Hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life - but, DAMN !! I did it - 25 years ago !!

Anonymous
  • 18th Mar 2014 09:07am
Hi! DOG!!!! Sorry- but you obviously feel holier than thou, and were mistaken in your assumption about people BLAMING THEM!!!! Not so- just telling it as it is, and talking to people who want to...

just dont smoke

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 07:10pm
good suggestion for the chrissy present.
i also would rather 'honest' than 'polite' in a discussion about anything. At 60 years young I am very over being politically correct. It is actually...

Yes terri. One of the really nice things about being middle-aged (like us!) is that you DON'T have to be PC. If people can't handle it when we tell them what we truthfully believe, well then, that's just too bad. We are what we are and we know it and are proud of it. People who can't accept that don't, or shouldn't, really count in my book :) Yep, another good Christmas coming up, hey ?
Cheers :)

terribrown
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:58pm
Gudonyer terri. I know it has to be the hardest thing to do, I also know what you are saying but I find the best way with a lot of arguments/discussions like this; hat only real and constructive...

good suggestion for the chrissy present.
i also would rather 'honest' than 'polite' in a discussion about anything. At 60 years young I am very over being politically correct. It is actually about time people accepted constructive critism when they ask for advice - in my opinion it is time for us all to speak up and be counted ( woops, I am going off on a tangent here) Have a fun holiday season to you too..

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:35pm
very commendable, dogs. I just wish I could quit like you have. My husband did it 'cold turkey ' 25 years ago and, of course, he keeps reminding me of the fact.
I didn't think you were 'holier...

Gudonyer terri. I know it has to be the hardest thing to do, I also know what you are saying but I find the best way with a lot of arguments/discussions like this; hat only real and constructive way is to .... be honest. I love using the expression, when someone asks for my opinion.......do you want HONEST or POLITE ? It sometimes helps to ask that :) A small suggestion - ask your husband for a Christmas present.......that he won't remind you anymore how he managed to stop 25 years ago and instead become more active in helping you do the same. Presumptious of me but well intentioned :) Good luck and Merry Christmas :)

terribrown
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:22pm
Hi kezza. I am Dogs not DOG. Boy, do you have some issues other than smoking :) What I've read is that you have been smoking for 35 years and 'now I hear how bad it is for you and I get really...

very commendable, dogs. I just wish I could quit like you have. My husband did it 'cold turkey ' 25 years ago and, of course, he keeps reminding me of the fact.
I didn't think you were 'holier than thou'
I think you are actually trying to help us smokers.
But, like kezza, some of us do get a bit 'antsy' when we are trying to quit.

Dogs
  • 30th Nov 2010 03:25pm
Hi kezza. I am Dogs not DOG. Boy, do you have some issues other than smoking :) What I've read is that you have been smoking for 35 years and 'now I hear how bad it is for you and I get really...

WOW yourself Lotsa !! I just read your ridiculous comment. I suggest you read the whole thread carefully and you WILL see that I did offer advice as requested. It's just that kezza didn't want to hear that sort of advice !! So where do I read ALL of your advice and offers of assistance and suggested alternatives ? LOTSA indeed :)

Anonymous
  • 30th Nov 2010 03:04pm
Hi kezza. I am Dogs not DOG. Boy, do you have some issues other than smoking :) What I've read is that you have been smoking for 35 years and 'now I hear how bad it is for you and I get really...

WOW I have only just joined cafestudy came upon your answers to kezza. It really is people like you who carry on that give reformed people a bad name whether it be smoking or drinking or what ever you have reformed from there is no need to PREACH the way you do. Offer advice, assistance and alternatives don't PREACH.

Dogs
  • 25th Apr 2010 08:11am
Seriously DOG! Can you please stop making assumptions!! I do have problems, just like everyone, - But I'm working on it, and me, and one day I'll be smoke free, beside that, I have No idea what...

Hi kezza. Quote Has anyone got any success stories or advice unquote.
And you say I am judgemental and insulting !?! WOW ! Mouthing off like you do, you have some hide to accuse me of that when you "have no idea what you're talking about" Buy some manners when shopping for Nicotine patches next time. Irritability, brusqueness with others etc etc all symptoms of withdrawal. Suggest you be aware of it and you try and snap out of it. End of my conversation with you ..........................

kezza
  • 24th Apr 2010 09:27pm
Hi kezza. I am Dogs not DOG. Boy, do you have some issues other than smoking :) What I've read is that you have been smoking for 35 years and 'now I hear how bad it is for you and I get really...

Seriously DOG! Can you please stop making assumptions!! I do have problems, just like everyone, - But I'm working on it, and me, and one day I'll be smoke free, beside that, I have No idea what you're talking about. If all you can do is judge, and insult, then truly- Dont reply!! You are boring me- so lord knows how anyone reading this feels! I responded to your tone- NOT NICE! Snap out of it. Anyway thanks for your good wishes, but I'm just fine, and smoke free for 7 days and proud. Damned good luck to you!!!!

Dogs
  • 23rd Apr 2010 09:29pm
Hi! DOG!!!! Sorry- but you obviously feel holier than thou, and were mistaken in your assumption about people BLAMING THEM!!!! Not so- just telling it as it is, and talking to people who want to...

Hi kezza. I am Dogs not DOG. Boy, do you have some issues other than smoking :) What I've read is that you have been smoking for 35 years and 'now I hear how bad it is for you and I get really angry' 'They' have been telling us for twenty years that it is bad for you. What I said was stop blaming 'them' or anyone and just take responsibility for your own health. I found the only way I could finally beat the addiction was to sit down and have a honest talk with myself. I told myself that I HAD to beat the addiction and found that the only way I was going to be able to do it was, that failure was NOT an option this last time. Of course I had tried to stop before, many times. I found the idea of taking it just ONE DAY AT A TIME the only way to achieve it. A glass of water (tea or coffee definitely a nono) and some form of exercise every time I had the urge, when I could, really helped. The first day was easy, the first week easy then it started to get really hard. One day at a time was the mantra - to myself FOR myself. The addiction is likened to heroin and the difficulty of breaking that. I ONLY achieved it because I did it one day at a time. One week followed, then a month etc. Every month I would give myself some sort of reward. It took 2 years before I lost the strong craving for 'just one'. I'm 71 years old now and still fit and healthy and looking forward to another hiking holiday in NZ shortly. I am not on a high horse :) Just proud of myself and glad I finally was able to be strong enough to break the addiction. Finally - 'high horse' & 'holier than thou' ?? Wow ! - best of luck to you Kezza :)

kezza
  • 23rd Apr 2010 08:12pm
Step 1.....stop blaming 'THEM'
Step 2......take responsibility for your own health.
Step 3......Do it like they say "ONE day at a time"
Reward yourself, drink heaps of damn water when...

Hi! DOG!!!! Sorry- but you obviously feel holier than thou, and were mistaken in your assumption about people BLAMING THEM!!!! Not so- just telling it as it is, and talking to people who want to be real, and share their experiences, as I did myself. Too bad if you think its got nothing to do with advertisers, because only a fool doesnt see how they manipulate us all- from young children to the elderly- or Take-away food to funeral insurance. Like it or lump it, they do influence us, and admitting that does not mean that we dont take responsibility. The opposite is the case, in fact, because from what I'm reading most of us are trying to give up smoking, and just being honest about the diffeculties we face. So congradulations on your success, but please- GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE, and DAMNED good luck to you!! :)

194659
  • 30th Mar 2010 06:19am

i am 63 yrs old and when i was 51 i realized that i had to give up smoking. i went to a hypnotherapist and the suggestions that he put in my mind successfully allowed me to give up smoking. he told me whilst i was hypnotized that, even though i knew that i was a smoker, every time i tried to put a cigarette into my mouth, i would vomit. it worked for me and cost me $70. if you smoke a packet of cigarettes a day, you save that money the first week. this equates to $3,600 approximately every year. that's a pretty big saving in my book.i do think, however, that if the government paid this fee for us in the form of a medicare rebate, at least 80% of people would be able to give up smoking. of course, the hypnotherapist should be the real deal and not some-one trying to make a quick buck. personally, i visited professor Harry Stanton here in hobart. hope this helps others

paradox
  • 21st Oct 2011 03:18pm
I am so sorry- Ah boy do I feel like a prize dill!!! I obviously did not read your suggestion as thoroughly as I had thought, because I thought you were suggesting Acupuncture- not hypnosis. I...

Hi kessa, I am an ex smoker and just before I stopped I was smoking between 80 and 90 cigarettes a day. At that time I had been smoking for well over 35 years and had tried to give up before, but never fully succeeded. This time however i had an added incentive. My daughter was expecting her first child and she had to stop smoking and I was told that if you want to smoke you go outside and do it there. Now that (for the amount that I was smoking) was not an option and I consulted my GP. He prescribed patches and told me to see him in 2 weeks for a lighter dose of patches. Living in Darwin at the time due to the humidity the patches kept falling off all the time and I got frustrated. When I was halfway through the second lot I gave up using the patches and lo and behold I have not smoked or wanted to smoke since. My advise is that you must first of all "want" to stop smoking and than really stick out the first 7 to 8 days. I'm glad I stopped and really hope you can too. Good luck

kezza
  • 9th Apr 2010 07:06pm
hi kezza, i don't know what you are talking about in relation to the needles. professor stanton did not use any needles on me. if some-one gave you needles to hypnotize you then they are not the...

I am so sorry- Ah boy do I feel like a prize dill!!! I obviously did not read your suggestion as thoroughly as I had thought, because I thought you were suggesting Acupuncture- not hypnosis. I have no idea why I read it like that, but no- sorrry again- I meant acupuncture! Now, to go back- I have not had hypnosis, but I have heard from a few others who say it worked for them. I have been on the champix for 9 days now, and even though Im still smoking, I have cut down heaps, and today I noticed that smoking tasted fowl, and was very unsatisfying!!! With luck, I will continue to be revolted, and disatisfied. Once again, very sorry for the confusion, but thanks for replying. Here goes nothing! Wish me luck!

194659
  • 9th Apr 2010 06:31pm
Hi! And thanks for the suggestion, but I did try hypnotherapy once. I dont really know what happened, or why this happened, but I, started crying uncontrollably as soon as the therapist placed...

hi kezza, i don't know what you are talking about in relation to the needles. professor stanton did not use any needles on me. if some-one gave you needles to hypnotize you then they are not the real deal. you need to look up a good hynotherapist in your city/town. hynotherapy is done with the power of suggestions. you should not have been given any needles to hypnotize you. let me know how you go. it is worth it. believe me !!!!!!!

kezza
  • 30th Mar 2010 07:29pm
i am 63 yrs old and when i was 51 i realized that i had to give up smoking. i went to a hypnotherapist and the suggestions that he put in my mind successfully allowed me to give up smoking. he told...

Hi! And thanks for the suggestion, but I did try hypnotherapy once. I dont really know what happened, or why this happened, but I, started crying uncontrollably as soon as the therapist placed the needles, and just did not stop. The first thing I did when I got in my car was light up, and NO side affect- so it didnt work for me. Your story has made me think again. Maybe I will give it another go. Anyway- Its TIME!!! I have my prescription of champix, and I am starting to take them tomorrow. Oh God- I am really frightened. Not so much because of what I may go through, but more that I might fail again. And where will that leave me? Wish me luck!

sue000
  • 15th Mar 2010 02:51pm

you made me think of my mother she could or would not try give up, when she went into hospital for a spider bite, a week after turning 59 on the 7 th August 1989 she was told give up the smokes or you will die, she argued with them and told the doctors and nurses she wanted a smoke either wheel the bed out or she will get out and crawl, they under protest wheeled her out for her smoke, her last smoke, she died early hours on 9th August 1989. Her lungs were black from smoking......
I too started smoking at 11years old, I used to sneak smokes from my mother until I was able to buy them myself, when losing my mum I decided to quit so every time I lit up a smoke I will tell myself how horrible, awful they were and how they smell bad and how they helped my mother die, it took me a week of telling myself but I could not pick one up or wanted to smoke again.....
my brother who is in hospital at the moment with cancer and they also had to stick his nearly all black lung together has only a matter of time, and he too just turned 59yrs old on 2nd March he gave up smoking the same time....So please try your best to give up the smokes and LIVE for yourself and family....Love and best wishes....

can88
  • 21st Nov 2011 10:41pm
Please don't try champix.
My daughter is using it -so I did a lot of research and the info is worse than smoking. It has been linked to mood swings and even suicides. Do some internet research...

Champix can have side effects as any drug can. The information around suicide is correct but tends to be limited to people with a history of depression and / or other mental health concerns. Champix can be the wonder drug the vast majority of people who have used it successfully will attest too. I myself have used it successfully and would report side effects of very lurid and lucid dreams. I would also suggest to not stop taking this drug cold turkey. As when you start the drug you titrate up to the recommended dose. I suggest you titrate off as well as the drug acts as a stimulant and a quick stop can induce a mild depressive state. You are right to be wary. All drugs can have unintended results. Please watch your daughter carefully when she comes to the point of finishing her course. Good luck to her.

midnightlady2010
  • 25th Feb 2011 07:28am
Please don't try champix.
My daughter is using it -so I did a lot of research and the info is worse than smoking. It has been linked to mood swings and even suicides. Do some internet research...

I used it (some 2 months ago) and found it the best "wonder drug" EVER!!! I was never ill, didn't have mood swings and certainly never thought of suicide. Don't know what sites you researched on but if you are in doubt perhaps the best would be to talk to many/some pharmacist, doctors or anyone int he medical profession to get several opinions, as I wouldn't believe everything on the internet. It would be interesting to hear how your daughter is going?!?!

stretch
  • 21st Dec 2010 11:09am
Hi Stretch
While i realize things work differently for different people, it was merely a consideration for people to be aware that sometimes there can be side-effects from any drug.
My...

ok lets take a few moments and go see a dr as apart from side afects with medications it only takes one letter to be changed or number and the medication may have the same name dont trust television to much as even if it talks about being a dr less than 1 out of 5 documentaries give all the facts
and a trainee can be called qualified
and not all but a lot of internet sites are put togeather by tafe and school pupiles as a joke so if you can not verafy it dont put all your trust into it
think of it as a police man with no identification badge but has a uniform and a gun belt available through the internet but he can not duplicate the badge number or apropriate identification

have a great xmas and a happy new year

terribrown
  • 20th Dec 2010 02:13pm
ok who gave you this advice
what drs and internet site are you looking at
dont be scared to go for a second opinion a second dr as champix works with no mental disorder
but it took...

Hi Stretch
While i realize things work differently for different people, it was merely a consideration for people to be aware that sometimes there can be side-effects from any drug.
My information was from extensive research on the internet and a couple of telecasts on 'current affairs' articles on tele
have a safe and happy festive season.

stretch
  • 20th Dec 2010 01:31pm
Please don't try champix.
My daughter is using it -so I did a lot of research and the info is worse than smoking. It has been linked to mood swings and even suicides. Do some internet research...

ok who gave you this advice
what drs and internet site are you looking at
dont be scared to go for a second opinion a second dr as champix works with no mental disorder
but it took the 4th time at it to work
but i still miss lighting up
plaese verafy the information given to you

AKG
  • 1st Dec 2010 07:08pm
Please don't try champix.
My daughter is using it -so I did a lot of research and the info is worse than smoking. It has been linked to mood swings and even suicides. Do some internet research...

I've heard the 'horror stories' about Champix as well but I'm here to say that each case is different.
I am nearly 40 and have dealt with bouts of depression since I was about 12 or 13 years of age. I experienced post natal depression after the birth of my youngest child so I've some experience with being blue.
Having said that I have been a non-smoker for 10 months and counting with the help of Champix.
I do not consider myself strong-willed. I attemped to quit smoking (I started when I was in my mid-teens) several times using various methods including cold-turkey, patches, gum, hypnotherapy, common-sense, reading every single piece of literature ever written on the subject etc, etc ad nauseum... And then with the help of my GP we decided to try Champix. My doctor monitored me closely with weekly 'checkups' to monitor my mental health. I think the only thing I ever yearned for or felt blue about was loosing my old friend stinky-ciggy. I got over that though.
My advice is it's sort of a 'choose your poison' situation. Champix worked for me and thousands of others without terrible side affects. I'm happy to say I am a non smoker because of Champix.
Good luck.

terribrown
  • 30th Nov 2010 06:16pm
I am so sorry to hear that- you and your family have had a rough trot. I think that could be part of the reason I have not been scared into giving up,- I have no blood related family, and so have...

Please don't try champix.
My daughter is using it -so I did a lot of research and the info is worse than smoking. It has been linked to mood swings and even suicides. Do some internet research and try some other way to quit.

kezza
  • 15th Mar 2010 04:01pm
you made me think of my mother she could or would not try give up, when she went into hospital for a spider bite, a week after turning 59 on the 7 th August 1989 she was told give up the smokes or...

I am so sorry to hear that- you and your family have had a rough trot. I think that could be part of the reason I have not been scared into giving up,- I have no blood related family, and so have had no-one around me die. I cant imagine how awful that would be. I have one daughter, and she smokes, and beside the guilt, I really wish she would give up too! I will try harder- I just need to pscych myself up again. I am going to try that medication-champix? I think its called. Thanks for sharing with me. I hope all is still good with your brother!

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