Quit smoking

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I have been following this thread for some time and I am so proud of you guys that are trying to ''kick the weed''..  It is one of life's hardest habits to break.  I know, I have been there and done that.  I smoked for over fifty years.  I stopped back in 95 I stopped because I had a heart attack.  I picked them back up in 03 when my wife of 43 years died of a aneurysm.
In 04 I met Willa and we married in 06 and I kicked the habit again because she asked me to try.  So far so good.
In reading some of your posts on this I am reminded of my dad and my uncle Kenneth.  Dad stopped smoking but he insisted on keeping a pack of Camels on top of the ''reffer'' just in case he really wanted one sometime.  The pack laid there for five years and mom finally threw it away.  Uncle Kenneth decided to stop smoking down at the river one day.  He was a two pack a day Pall Mall, unfiltered, smoker.  He too carried a pack of ciggies until the tobacco simply fell out of them.  He was like poppa, he said he kept them to remind him that he no longer needed them and just in case he really wanted one, he would have one to lite up
Here is the way I succeeded .....    I promised myself that I could have a ciggie Tomorrow and if the craving hit me hard I would promise myself that I could have a ciggie in one hour from now. The real trick is never put one in your mouth again.  If you put it in your mouth.    YOU WILL EVENTUALLY LIGHT IT UP.....  Peppermint life savers worked well for me.  The actual craving never goes away it just gets easier to handle and duller in your memory. 
You guys can whip this smoking thing.
One note to the Marine guy.........
The Marine corps builds men ......................
the Navy recruits men..............lol..... and remember this Marine.  My Navy needs the Marine Corps.  Without them,,,,,  who would guard our gangways and keep our chow lines straight?  Who would bell hop for our Navy officers and guard our Main Gate to the base?         
Just teasing Marine and I hope you know that........... 
God bless our brave Marines and keep them safe
God bless all who serve this great nation
 
I have been lurking this thread since its start and have found relief in that I am NOT the only one having a difficult time kicking the habit for good.  I usually am able to go 2 or 3 days "without" and then it caves in.  A while later (1 or 2 weeks) I can quit again until I again re-start.  I have been successful in reducing the daily habit from "pack and a half" to under a half pack when I relapse, but that isn't good enough !!!

Like many others, after smoking for 50+ years, I have been trying to kick the habit for the past 5 years or so (since a heart attack, stroke, and "stent work")....... Each time some stressful situation arises and I seem to "relapse".....  Now that the most of the "major stresses" have been eliminated I think that I can handle the "minor stresses".

BUT I still have a real problem with smoking and certain activities, such as the first cup of coffee in the morning.  It seems that a cup of coffee and a "ciggie" are inseparable.  I've tried substitutes for the coffee (Sanka, tea, soda, water) to no avail.  Also, an afternoon adult beverage with a "ciggie" is just about mandatory.  Does anyone have a suggestion to remedy this.  PLEASE, do not suggest that I eliminate the coffee and scotch as that would probably put me over the edge.  Really don't want to get hooked on the nico-gum!!!!!!  Do the "e-giggies" work?

Marty AKA Razu, Pollack, Ski
 
Marty.....  try this ........  I want you to start charging yourself for the ciggies you smoke.
one.    do not carry the ciggies with you.
two.    put them on top of a cabinet and out of sight
three.  when you just got to absolutely, positivly, have one, get one out of the pack and put in ten dollars in the place of the ciggie.  If you aint got ten dollars, you dont get a ciggie, and NO YOU CAN NOT RUN A CREDIT OR A PAYDAY FRIDAY THINGIE.  Cash on the barrell head or you go without....
You will be in charge of this and it is up to YOU to enforce the rules about the ten spot. 
If your wife is an non smoker, you must tell her that every Friday she is welcome to look in the ''pack'' and help herself to any money she finds and she go and have her hair, nails, and other woman stuff done at your expense.
If you go all week and have not put anything in the pack then you are free to take a nite out with the boys and do a man thing with the guys.  (dont get into trouble with this)
this just might work for you as ten dollars a ciggie is kinda high for most folks...
Keep us informed.......cj.......

I am ready for our guys and girls to come home now.......cj..
 
Do the "e-giggies" work?

Marty, it depends on what you mean  by "work." They deliver the nicotene, and quite well. I find that there appears to be other aspects of a cigarette that contribute to the addiction. Those are not delivered by the e-cigarette. Things like the smoke - the lighting ceremony - the ashes - the odor. Those aren't there. And the e-cig is quick. Pick it up, suck on it, and you're done. I suppose there is nothing to prevent you from sitting around, relaxing, with an e-cig in your hand, but it isn't necessary.

They aren't cheap. Of course, neither are real cigarettes cheap. I find that the cost, for me, is slightly less for e-cigs. There are quite a variety. I use the throw aways, rather than the refill kits. Tried several brands before picking my current brand.

Some are not consistent in the level of nicotene in a puff. A very strong puff can knock your socks off!

Probably more info than you wanted, but ask if you want more.

Ray D.

By the way, having a rugged time of it, this morning. Not giving in, Got cigs, but not lighting up.
 
The Marine corps builds men ......................
the Navy recruits men..............lol..... and remember this Marine.  My Navy needs the Marine Corps.  Without them,,,,,  who would guard our gangways and keep our chow lines straight?  Who would bell hop for our Navy officers and guard our Main Gate to the base?         
Just teasing Marine and I hope you know that.........

Are you kiddin... I live for these jab's!  Don't ever worry bout my feelings with Marine / Navy jokes, that's for sure.  As a matter of fact, love all the service jibs between service members!

Ray:  You ain't cheating with the e-cig thing, it's no different than the gum or the patch as far as I'm concerned, lighting up is the only "cheat" that I would consider, well that and stickin your head in a fireplace and breathin for the smoke!  Keep it up friend, this quitting thing is where it's at.  Tomorrow morning is one week, doing fine here.

 
Thanks CJ and Ray for your comments........  I don't smoke in the house, car, porch, or yard...... BUT the "man-cave" (garage) sure does !!!!!  I haven't moved the coffee maker out there or a stash "bottle", but the thought  has crossed my mind.

CJ---- I'll try the "dollar in the pack" but I think that it will NOT work, I rarely carry a wallet and "plastic" won't cram in the pack.  Interesting idea though, DW loves the idea !!!!!  She could hardly wait to "spa-it"...... She told me, "You better STOP it or I'll SPA-it" !!!!!!

Ray----- Since the feeling of the "e-ciggies" is NOT real encouraging (others may find them useful) since they are in the same category as the "n-gum" as they both give a jolt of nicotine and thats what I'm trying to get rid of.  I would try the "e-ciggie" routine, even considering the cost and the nicotine jolt IF they worked out in the long run as SUPER SUCCESSFUL.

In any case, I'll keep trying and make it as uncomfortable as possible to have a pack handy.  DW has also tried to stop with me, but (iMHO) caves in much easier than I.  When I see her light one up, my craving becomes unbearable and I join her.  She has been with me on the "No house, car, porch, or yard" but contributes her share of the Smoky Garage.

Thanks for your comments.  I'll just keep trying. 

Marty

PS...... jje postd in while I was composing my reply and I would like to say that I appreciate the Marine/Navy banter that goes on........I even contribute from time to time !!!!!  But being retired USAF I sometimes wonder if the Jar Heads and Swabbies appreciate comments from a Fly Boy!
 
The actual craving never goes away

Actually, I think it does eventually.  I haven't yearned for one for many years and am now truly repelled by the smoke and odor.  Just no attraction whatsoever.

So there is hope - but it might take a long time.  I wish I could remember when the craving went away but it's too long ago to remember!  ::)

ArdraF
 
I agree with AndraF.  I quit in 1998.  I fought cravings for a while, but habit was more difficult to beat back than cravings.  There were so many things that triggered my habitual reaching for a smoke such as morning coffee or a beer.  Neither prompt any kind of thought of cigarettes now and haven't for several years.  Stick with it and "this too shall pass".
 
raz06759 said:
PS...... jje postd in while I was composing my reply and I would like to say that I appreciate the Marine/Navy banter that goes on........I even contribute from time to time !!!!!  But being retired USAF I sometimes wonder if the Jar Heads and Swabbies appreciate comments from a Fly Boy!

Hey there, of course your welcome to join in Marty, more the better.  So you actually earned one of those Air Force Badges while in the Boy Scouts?  Hee hee ehe eheh  :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I would try the "e-ciggie" routine, even considering the cost and the nicotine jolt IF they worked out in the long run as SUPER SUCCESSFUL.

If it helps you quit, go down to Walmart and get the e-cig, cheaper than the doctor and the patch, much cheaper than the gum, if it works it works, tomorrow is my one week anniversary!  I'm enjoying so much reading all the 5-10-20 year posts ... from those that have quit, what a boost.  For me, 35yrs of a habit is going away, what a feeling.  Lost a neighbor last summer (smoker) 53yrs old, lost a co-worker today (non-smoker) however both to heart attacks, both the same age as me.  I'm not going back to the cigarettes.  I've been a bit on edge the past week, however have been forgiven by DW and kids, they know the deal.
 
I agree with Ardra.  Quit in 1989 and haven't had a craving in many, many years.  I smoked for thirty years, but both my parents smoked.  Add the 20 years I breathed their smoke and I can say I smoked for fifty years.  Now I can't even tolerate the smell.  You guys are doing great.  Keep it up!

Margi

 
I had cravings for about 2 years then the cravings went away and not only no cravings since then but I can't abide the smell of smoke. Saves me a lot of money because I stay out of casinos.
 
I too, after quitting, find the smell of cig smoke really yucky! 

Also, the smoke that comes off a lit cig as it is being held or is sitting in an ash tray is absolutely the worst of all.  I suppose this may be because after inhaling the smoke the smokers lungs have absorbed most of the tars and poisons so the exhaled smoke is not as offensive.

JerryF
 
With respect to all that are trying to ''kick the weed'' habit I want to tell you guys this. 
Do Not Get Hooked On Food as a substitute for tobacco.  This is the tragic error so many make when they try to stop smoking.
When you kick the weed you will notice how much better food smells and how much better it is when you eat and eating can and sometimes will make a good substitute for the weeds.  Some folks gain weight like a whale so you will have to be careful and not replace one bad habit with another bad habit. 
If you do get the munchies try celery or radishes or lettuce or cabbage.  Try Peppermint life savers or sunflower seeds that you must crack out of the shell.  Keep an eye on what you eat and don't let it take charge of you.  Salsa is also good with corn chips.  For goodness sake stay away from chocolate and donuts.  They will taste wonderful.  Been there and done that....
One of the oldest ''addages'' when ladies smoked is that the ciggies replaced the craving for food and they kept their ''figure'' longer.  In actuality they looked pretty good in their coffin .....

Nuff said for now guys ...... KEEP UP THE GOOD  WORK  and if you fail just start over and always keep trying.
Be safe my friends........... God bless our troops and bring them home soon ..........cj...
 
Don't know how long we're going to keep up the reporting, but here's my report for today and yesterday. Not good at all. Well, today is pretty good. I recovered from yesterday and am back on track. The e-cig is getting better, or I am getting better at it. Pretty well satisfies me.

Yesterday is a different matter. Family member went in for a 2 week check-up on abdominal surgery. Supposed to be a half hour. That was what was scheduled. Well, time went by and no news. Then another hour - no news. Lot of activity, and I tried to stay out of the way. Maybe I should have asked someone what was going on.

E-sig held on for about 3 hours. (I'd take a break and walk outside, around the corner. Then puff.) Then, she came out with a bunch of new meds and no smile on her face. She had kept secret that her pain was growing, because she wanted to see the original surgeon, and couldn't until her appointment. Well, she had developed 5 abcesses where staples had been, after removal earlier this week. They did urgent surgery to clean out the abcesses, right there in the exam room. That was what all the fuss was about! I should have asked.

Well, e-cig got forgotten, and we had a feast on real cigs for about an hour. I figured I'd have to start over from scratch - or perhaps worse than that. By bedtime, I was back to sane and back to the "inhaler." I am going to continue on, and whip this addiction.

I recall several times in my life where an extremely stressfull event, worse than yesterday, knocked me off from as much as two or three years of not smoking. Gotta find a better way to deal with that kind of stress. Don't expect a repeat of yesterday's event, but you never know what's next.

Ray D
 
Not to worry Ray.  Ain't no body gonna break your bones about back sliding.  Stuff happens and we are only human.  When my wife died suddenly back in 03 I had been ''off the weed'' for eight years.  When I walked into the house after the funeral I picked up a pack of her ciggies (she still smoked) and went back to a pack a day in one day.  Life didnt mean much for a while and I figured it was better to smoke than to ''eat the gun''....
You hang in there brother and KEEP TRYING..........  You got my support for sure
Be safe and ''Never quit trying''.......................cj..............
Nuff said for now ...............
 
Come on Ray, Seajay giving some pretty inspirational advise here.  Let's go, get it back together.  Today is day 8, definitely the hardest so far.  Not sure why at all, holy cow, was on edge all morning, couldn't stop thinking about it.  Still have no intention of smoking anymore, just a hard day.  On a good note, can't believe how much has changed in only one week, breathing and smelling like I have not remembered in years!  Have past the big 'ONE' for one week, now looking for the 'ONE' month.

Now, sorry about posting this quitting stuff, understand it has nothing to do with RV'ing, have felt guilty about that since I started the post.  Must say that reading the RV posts helps keep my mind off the cigarettes though!! 
 
jje1960 said:
Now, sorry about posting this quitting stuff, understand it has nothing to do with RV'ing, have felt guilty about that since I started the post.  Must say that reading the RV posts helps keep my mind off the cigarettes though!!

No need to feel guilty, this is the Shade Tree section where anything goes as long as it's tasteful.  This has always been a "people helping people" forum as well as an RV focused forum.  That's part of what makes it the friendliest place to hang out in cyberspace.

Many of us have been through "quitting", know how difficult it is, and want to support all of you who are struggling right now.  We're proud of you for trying and you'll be proud of youself when you succeed.  Hang in there, guys!

Margi

 
It's under The Shade Tree where anything goes so no problem. We have a lot of lifestyle discussions so this is just another one. Want to make it RV-related, I've never seen an RV 4 sale ad that didn't say 'non-smoker' so you're just trying to join that group :)

I like the ONE method - One Hour, One Day, One Week...And if you falter, start again. I remember easily making the One Week point several times before I finally quit. And if food helps you quit, that's ok. For my Dad it was dill pickles, for me it was stick candy. I'd rather be 20 pounds overweight than smoke.

Good luck. Keep it up. YOU CAN DO IT !

Wendy
 
Want to make it RV-related, I've never seen an RV 4 sale ad that didn't say 'non-smoker' so you're just trying to join that group (http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)

Way back when I was looking for an RV, I noticed that people advertised that there had been no smoking, no pets, no children. Finally realized that smokers and folks with pets or children just don't sell their RVs.  ;)
 

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