I want to quit smoking. I’ve tried several times before but the longest I’ve ever lasted was 1 week. My husband has agreed to quit with me but the last time we tried that we nearly killed each other. I know there is no easy way but some tips would be appreciated. How did you manage to quit? I know the nicotine is out of your system in just a few days but does the desire to smoke ever go away?

No patch.
No gum.
No pills.

I just said to myself I am putting them down. I never smoked again. The way I see it – Lie to yourself, and you are nothing anymore. I have not smoked since that day 8 years ago.

Everyone is a bit different as far as discipline goes. Good luck. I hope you quit!

I sort of unconsciously picked up smoking during a stressful point in my life, and I realize now that it’s stupid and I’ve gotten rid of my cigarettes and I’m starting tomorrow to quit. During this past month I’ve smoked somewhere between 5 and 7 cigarettes a day. I have never felt addicted, necessarily, but I know I could be once I stop. I’m just wondering how hard it’s going to be, and how long the crappy feelings are going to last. Basically, I need some motivation and reassurance.

motivation:
your health, your looks, your smell, social exclusion

reassurance:
The longer you wait, the tougher it will be. If you’re apprehensive now, it’ll only be worse later.

Good Luck!

I’m not a heavy smoker, I only smoke about 5 a day, but I still feel the addiction and I want and need to quit completely.

What is the most effective/successful way to quit smoking? I’ve been cutting down little by little. Is that the best way or should I just quit cold turkey and force myself to not smoke through sheer willpower?
I don’t use the patch or gum because I don’t believe in using crutches like that.

mattyboymma, Smoking addiction can be extremely serious. Many everyday people have lost jobs, homes, family, friends, and loved ones simply because they could not break thier smoking habit. I recommend you seek some help. I found a site that has addiction information and a directory of addiction treatment clinics so you can help. http://www.addictionselfhelp.com

Live strong

I have been smoking cigarettes in social situations or when I’ve been stressed since I was 15 years old, now 21. On average I probably smoke two or three packs of cigarettes every six months. I love to smoke, and it helps me de-stress so much listening to music and having a cigarette in the car on the way home from school. Everybody knows they are terrible for you, and they cause an array of cancers. How do I stop doing this? How did you quit smoking?

If you can just quit, for the love of God, do it! I am you in 22 years if you don’t. I was dx’d w/cancer 6 years ago, and even *that* wasn’t enough to make me quit! I just finally quit with Chantix 67 days ago, but I’m telling you it is MISERABLE! I still crave a cigarette several times a day – night time being the worst. The chemicals are all out of my body now, so all that is left is the worst of it – the psychological addiction! My mind is a scary, scary place to be left alone!

If you are smoking 60 cigs in 180 days, you can put them down. Do it, if for no other reason than quitting when you smoke 30 a day is REALLY HARD!!!!

Good luck!

I quit smoking in 1971. Except for a few cigars I haven’t smoked since and my last cigar was in 1977. Have you quit or are you trying to kick the habit? I quit cold turkey without a support group or any kind of medicine or other aid. Once I firmly decided to quit I had no trouble staying quit, but I did backslide several times on the way to successfully quitting. I never doubted I could kick the habit, though it was not easy to quit after years as a smoker.
Between my first serious attempt to quit smoking and my final successful attempt there was a span of six years and probably four or five tries to quit. It was not easy, and the hardest part was being around other people who smoked. In one of those tries I was smoke-free for nearly three years before I backslid into the habit. So I respect anyone who has tried–failed or succeeded–and I fully sympathize with those who have the habit and want to quit.

Great answers, everyone. Thanks for participating. If you’ve quit, congratulations. If you’ve tried and failed, I respect your efforts and wish you the best.

The cost is one factor that helps me stay quit. When I last smoked cigarettes cost about 40 cents a pack.

Hi warren..

congrats on that time its impressive.. i have been free for over 5 years now.. after smoking for more than 40 years.. the thing that worked for me was a support group..

the biggest challenge, was to become convinced, i couldent smoke just one..

Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.