Calling all reformed nicotine junkies...

[NMMB]

So,

Considering that hundreds (or thousands) of people peruse this site every day I’m hoping that there might be a few reformed nicotine junkies here who can help me out. I’ve been trying to quit smoking (cigarettes), but I’ve had no luck. Has anybody here managed to successfully quit? What tricks/techniques did you use? Nicotine gum? “The patch”? Heroin? (I say this only partly in jest; the best success that I’ve ever had with quitting was when I was on strong painkillers - Morphine, Demerol and Codeine – and when I quit the narcotics I went back to the cigarettes).

[guenron]

Quit three times. The last, over 20 years ago, will hopefully remain as such, i.e. the last. Cold turkey everytime preceeded by introspective examination of why I smoked. After three days of physical withdrawal, all that was left was the mental side of it.. I remembered something from an AA meeting I attended with a friend, Hi, My name is ...(substitute any name you like) I am an .... (substitute your habit)... As such there is no thing such as an exsmoker, merely one who has not had one in a long time...

Added:
The initial physical addiction is relatively easy to overcome. By day 3 the shakes are so bad you spill a cup of hot coffee into your lap and don't even notice it. But that really subsides prior to the end of the first smoke-free week. Drink water until you have to pass it, and then go back for more. Believe it or not, it really does help cleanse the tissues of nicotine. The sooner you have it out of your system, the sooner you are over that portion of the dependency. Stay out of situations where you invariably smoked. If you feel like you must have a smoke, just take the hand you formerly held the cigarette in and simulate taking a drag. You'll actually (suffer?) feel the euphoria of that shot of imaginary nicotine. But don't keep doing it, it really does lead to continued dependency.

[jmhUT]

Nicotine addiction has two parts: physical and mental/emotional. The nicotine replacement products can help with the first part. All nicotine replacement products work by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in your system until you end up with none. It's a matter of personal preference how you want the lower dose of nicotine delivered. They worked for some people I know but not me. The nicotine fits were less severe but they lasted longer. It only takes a week or so for nicotine to clear out of your system cold turkey and that is when the mental/emotional addiction kicks in. Not smoking in bars, foregoing the coveted first smoke of the day, smoke breaks at work, etc. These are daily lifestyle habits that are extremely difficult to change. I still cannot go to a bar without smoking. I think the thing that gets most people is that it takes a complete lifestyle retooling to successfully quit. For example, I loved to smoke socially in bars and I lived for my smoke breaks at work. When I quit I didn't go into a bar for over a year. This put a significant damper on my social life that. At work, it soon became obvious that I really disliked my job and smoke breaks were the crutch that got me through. I ended up taking another job. This turned out to be the best move of my career but my point is that it took major lifestyle changes for me to successfully quit.

So, as to products. Replacement products did not work for me. What ended up working for me was Wellbutrin. It's like Zyban and was developed as an antidepressant. I haven't taken anti-depressants before or since so I don't know much about how they work. My doctor told me that Wellbutrin is not really a super-effective AD but an unintended side effect is that it suppresses nicotine withdrawal symptoms. I got a three month prescription but only used the first 30 days. I did not have ONE NICOTINE FIT and did not miss smoking at all. There are side effects though. I was in a complete fog for a month. I had no personality, no drive, no energy, no interest in anything. It was pretty cruddy but better than the fits. I also gained 15 pounds that I have yet to shed. That was alomost two years ago though and I'm clean.

I suspect that ADs are probably the best tool one can use to quit nicotine. I really didn't enjoy being on them but quitting was very easy as it conquered the mental/emotional addiction by completely stunting all mental/emotional activity. This really is no way to live but 30 days is doable and I think my reaction was stronger than average. Thinking back on all the failed attempts and misery it is quite shocking to me how easy it was to quit with Wellbutrin. That being said, my wife quit at the same time and didn't tell me. She took no products, she just decided to quit. I didn't notice or think to ask why she no longer spent her evenings on the back patio because I was basically high. Later on I asked her how she did it. She replied that she came face to face with the awful reality of what the next 30 days was going to be like and just decided to pick up the load and carry it. To this day I am in awe of this. Her point really hit home with me. She knew she was looking at 30 days of misery and she just decided that she could overcome it.
Sorry to be so long winded. I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jeff

[jmhUT]

One last thing I should point out is that once the drugs wore off I was still left with an uphill battle to conquer the mental addiction so this is just a temporary fix to get you over the worst part and ease the transitio. Ron's point cannot be put any better, there is no such thing as an ex-smoker.
Cheers,
Jeff

[NMMB]

So,

These first few responses don't appear to be entirely uplifting/encouraging... but it does tell me one thing; it IS possible... Maybe I'll slap a patch on tomorrow and see if that will keep me from spazzing out... We'll see what happens.

[jmhUT]

Yeah, sorry to be so doom and gloom but I am of the opinion that going into it with open eyes offers a far better chance of success. Definately not encouraging though I admit.
Good luck,
Jeff

[HeadandFaceShaver]

I must admit I haven't quit yet myself but will reign in on the psychological aspects being the residential B & B psychotherapist. Oral fixation anyone? It might be interesting to note that a cigarette tip is about the size of a nipple and the smoke pouring out is warm. Why do some people have oral fixations and others do not? We Freudians would look at the first stage of child development where the developmental task is trust versus mistrust. As an infant all feelings of trust and safety arise during the feeding process. An interesting question to ask oneself is what was known about the quality of one's attachment early in life... was one breast fed, etc.... Anyways, another perspective on smoking.


-Brandon

[JMT]

I quit about 2 1/2 years ago after smoking for about nine years. I "tried" several times without success mostly due to the fact that I really did not want to stop. But, I told my wife that I would quit when she became pregnant. The day after Thanksgiving in 2003 I came home from work and my wife told me that she was pregnant. I have not had a cigarette since. I quit cold turkey and it was actually alot easier than I thought it would be. I think the difference was that this time I actually had a good reason to quit. I still want to smoke sometimes but it has certainly become easier to put it out of my mind. I do occasionally still have a cigar but not even at the rate of one a month, actually I do not even remember the last time I had cigar. If you do quit the first benefit you will notice will be how much better your clothes, hands, car and just your entire person will smell. You also will think that not smoking is bad for you because for the first few days you will cough up stuff that looks like escargot. But in the end it is definitely worth it. I just thought of one last tip. do not buy a pack of smokes and say that after this pack you will quit. This does not work. I don't know how many last packs I bought. When I finally quit I actually threw away a pack that was almost brand new.

Good Luck

[gage0921]

I threw a pack out the window today and bought another one a hour later:eek: I had actually at one point for 3 weeks but I would be around smokers and tell myself it is ok if I just bum one.....day or so later I would bum two and then three and here I am now....I now smoke more than I ever have before...damn near a pack and a half a day. My excuse is that smoking makes daily stress easier but of course that is just mental. I am coming to a place were I want to quit but damnit if I dont enjoy my smokes....especially at the bar.

[luvgravy]

Cold turkey was my way.

I had decided a long time ago that I didn't want to smoke around any kids I might have (seeing the moms/dads pushing baby carriages through town with a smoke hanging off their lip turned me off). So a month before my son was born I quit at the end of a pack. It helped that I came down with a cold within a day or so. I always hated smoking with a cold so that got me through the first week. That was over 2 yrs ago.

Jim is right though... I played the "quit at the end of the pack" game for a couple months before just up and quiting.

You never get rid of the mental craving though....especially when out at a bar with the boys. Those are tough times.

[Jonnybc]

I gave up in an instant. I bought my usual pack of Marlboros on my way to work in the morning and went through my usual daily ritual until I had smoked 6 cigarrettes that was the point I gave up. I just decided I didn't want to smoke anymore and didn't. This happened 15 years ago, I still have the 14 cigarettes left in the pack in a drawer in my bedside cabinet.

The only advice I can offer is don't even try to give it up unless you are absolutely ready to.

[gage0921]

I would love to since my daily 2 mile run would probably be alot easier but I extremely enjoy smoking.....I guess I could light up a cigar when out with the guys.

[vox_rox]

Okay, here's my $0.02 worth (Canadian funds, of course).

I quit cold turkey over 20 years ago and, like has already been said, smoking is somewhat like other addictions in that it never really goes away. But there is a road to success, and it's quite simple really.

What you need to do is recognize that you are addicted and, as such, you may have what is refered to as an "adictive personality." That, simply stated, means that your psychological make up MAY predispose you to addictions.

The secret, then, would be to get over the physical dependancy of your current addiction, that would be nicotine, then substitute that addiction for a new one.

All that you have to do is make sure that the new addiction does not intresect with the old, or you may fall back into it. So don't become addicted to, say, Bingo, if it means sitting in a smokey Bingo hall where you are exposed to your old addiction.

So, what worked for me? Fitness. Start running, even if you've never run before. Sign up for a learn to run class and meet others who do not smoke and whoi share your enthusiasm.

Tried and don't like running? Try cycling. Ottawa has some AMAZING trails right on the doorstep with the Gatineau hills right there. Get an inexpensive mountian bike, google some outdoor and MTB organizations in your area, and get rolling. Great fun.

Too expensive? Look up a Masters swim club in Ottawa and join. It's a great way to spend the winter months, then the open water competitions (Masters are only as competitive as you make it by the way, hardcore to tourist, it's up to you) in the summer in all those lakes in eastern Ontario - fantastic!

Or just by a cheap bike and start commuting by pedaling instead of by car. Start hiking, or take up snowshoeing in the winter. Really easy learning curve and way more physical work then you think, and really good conditioning.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but I think you get the point. PM me if you want me to point you in the right direction. Of course, you can just ignore this and take up something like hunting or fishing, as long as it's not with smokers it's all good.

Or stamp collecting. Or box kite building. Or.....

Peace,

Pierre

[tam.audio]

I smoked for 4 years through high school and have had no problem quiting (1 year). Maybe I hadn't smoked enough to become "addicted" I'm not sure. What I do know is that I decided to stop after trying to go for a run. My main problem was being around people who smoke. There was a period when I would continuously bum smokes, then friends would get annoyed and stop giving them to me, causing me to buy them again. Eventually I went from packs a week to one or two sticks a week, then to none. Now I've developed a distaste for cigarettes, the smell and taste make my stomach churn. So for me it was easy, but maybe I didn't smoke long enough to develp a deep addiction. Mostly it's just sticking to your guns and not giving in to influence.

[Tito]

Mr. NMMB & other’s

Congrats on your willingness to quit. I will just let you know that you can quit and it is easier than you think. Trust me…

What works for one person might not exactly work for another. Just like all the wonderful info on this forum. With that said here was my approach.

I first decided that this was it I was going to quit. “This time for real!” I had lost my mother to cancer, she smoked also, I was convinced that the two were related. So I indulged in my last 18 or so butts all in one afternoon and kicked it cold turkey. I said to myself everyday about every 15 minutes “They’re trying to kill me!!!” that was my mantra. I won’t lie to you. I had a lot of anxiety and I was real jumpy. So I also started running. 1 mile a day none stop at a real aggressive pace to burn off the jitters. Which, also broke me out of my couch potato lifestyle. I also replaced the oral fix with sunflower seeds. I had them at work, at home and especially in the car. After about 4 or 5 days things started to calm down and that’s when I realized I was getting by without my 2-3 packs a day. I just stuck with the mantra and now 3 years later I have only been weak once. On a ski trip, I attempted to smoke one cigarette and then the mantra kicked in “They’re trying to kill me!” and I put it out.

I was hooked pretty badly but the mantra and the seeds worked for me. BTW, I just remembered that I rewarded myself at the end of the year by having my teeth whitened at the dentist’s office $$$, but oh so worth it.

My brother took a different approach. He made a $1500 bet with a co-worker that he would quit that night for one year. He got through the year collected his money and figured that he had gone that far, he didn’t need to ever start up again. He’s now got to be going on 7 or 8 years since he quit.

There are two methods that I know work. Good Luck!

Tito

[hedliniv]

Now I disclose that I have been without a cigarette for only 6 months now, nothing like up above, but what I did was quit right before a vacation. The worst part of this addiction is the routine, ritual, and those first few weeks! If you completely remove yourself from your regular situation, this should help you quit. Two weeks in Russia help me quit. As soon as I got back to the States I had the desire to light up, but with 2 weeks of not smoking under my belt, it was fairly easy to resist. Honestly I also had to quit drink during this time as well as alcohol immediately makes me go into smokers relapse.
Take a trip, start your new life on a positive note!

George

[Kyle]

There are certainly a lot of very true statements in these posts. For 15 years, I used smokeless tobacco (yes I am a hillbilly) and tried many times, unsuccessfully, to kick the habit.

Before successfully quitting, I first had to reach the point where I admitted to myself that it was not something I could "quit anytime I wanted" and that using it was something that I truly loved to do. From this point, I decided that I REALLY did want to quit and then searched out a few ways to replace tobacco (I am a firm believer that you must replace it with something/s). I began a very vigorous jogging regime and also began chewing the hell out of some gum and sunflower seeds. Once I made it past the first three days, things began to get a little easier. I still wanted the tobacco just as badly as the day I quit, however, I had enough tobacco-free days under my belt that I couldn't justify starting again.

Good luck to you. It is not easy but definitely worth it. Think of all the shave gear you can buy with the saved money!

[SSLStudio]

Good Horror stories... for me. if only my mom would stop smoking I have no idea how to get her to stop. specially now she doesnt hold a job she smokes more Id think.

lucky im a health freak so I dont even go near anyone who smokes dirty sick nicotine tar making your lungs loose all capacity to optimum use the 02 .I dont party or go out for the same reason.. smokes everywhere. ridicilous it gets into your clothes so disgusting. in Sweden I partied a bit it is illegal there to smoke inside a bar or disco. you do it outside. but in Prague or budapest..arggh not the same EU law .

Glad I never started smoking.

[NMMB]

Well,

It is day two... and I'm going out of my mind. I opted for gum + sunflower seeds rather than the patch. I think this will be a little easier on me since it reminds me of the smokeless tobacco that I used in the past (for a while I switched from cigarettes to smokeless - but went back to cigarettes since all of the spitting bothered some people including SWMBO).

Thanks everybody for the encouraging words...

[mrob]

You're making the hardest few steps right now--congratulations and hang in there. Just keep thinking how proud of yourself you'll be when you aren't smoking anymore.:biggrin:

[Dennis]

Continued luck. You could take a few pointers from this fellow I am sure...

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037298

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Dennis

[SSLStudio]

Well,

It is day two... and I'm going out of my mind. I opted for gum + sunflower seeds rather than the patch. I think this will be a little easier on me since it reminds me of the smokeless tobacco that I used in the past (for a while I switched from cigarettes to smokeless - but went back to cigarettes since all of the spitting bothered some people including SWMBO).

Thanks everybody for the encouraging words...

If all fails the least thing you can do is buy snus/snuff. its a product from sweden.
its nicotine in a little bag you put between your lip and gums. the benefit is no smoke around you ,the addiction gets its kicks. out of the bag.

good luck with getting back your control of life. and a better health.

http://www.swedish-snus.com/

[NMMB]

So,

After a week I have fallen off of the non-smoking wagon... to say the least, I am not proud of this. I was doing really well until I ended up back in an old routine (having a coffee with a smoking friend while I waited for a meeting)... looks like I'm going to have to avoid coffee with Bob for a while if I'm going to manage to stay smoke free...

[mrob]

Hey, don't beat yourself up. Its just like a diet--if you fall off the wagon don't give up and binge--just shrug it off as a step back and get back ON the wagon.

The fact that you've got the stones to admit this here says more about your true desire to quit than one minor setback. Expect more small steps back, and hang in there! Imagine how much better it will feel when you finally do quit.

[Tito]

So what you indulged. Now just remember "They're trying to kill me." You'll realize that after a while the urges and cravings go away as fast as they came. Once you grasp that concept you've pretty much kicked it.

Tito

[NMMB]

...if you fall off the wagon don't give up and binge--just shrug it off as a step back and get back ON the wagon...

You know, that's a great way to look at it. Thanks. This morning I purchased a pack of my regular brand (preparing to "binge" - or at least go back to my old ways), but I just tossed them (actually, I cracked them in half and flushed them away - but whatever). Just remembering the fits (panic attacks, shaking, etc) that I went through the other day was enough to make me NOT want to have to go through serious physical withdrawl again.

[guenron]

You know, that's a great way to look at it. Thanks. This morning I purchased a pack of my regular brand (preparing to "binge" - or at least go back to my old ways), but I just tossed them (actually, I cracked them in half and flushed them away - but whatever). Just remembering the fits (panic attacks, shaking, etc) that I went through the other day was enough to make me NOT want to have to go through serious physical withdrawl again.
There is something magic about throwing away that full pack.. Hell, my last time I even tossed a chrome Zippo with a solid silver (pre WWI) Deutsche Mark coin on it. In that simple act you recognize your commitment and selfworth. It will lift you back onto the wagon. Take it as a lesson learned.

[Kyle]

You know, that's a great way to look at it. Thanks. This morning I purchased a pack of my regular brand (preparing to "binge" - or at least go back to my old ways), but I just tossed them (actually, I cracked them in half and flushed them away - but whatever). Just remembering the fits (panic attacks, shaking, etc) that I went through the other day was enough to make me NOT want to have to go through serious physical withdrawl again.
Good for you and smart move to destroy them. I once threw some tobacco away in the kitchen trash and went back an hour later to dig it out. Yes, it is disgusting, but that is how bad the addiction is. Keep fighting the good fight!

[mrob]

You know, that's a great way to look at it. Thanks. This morning I purchased a pack of my regular brand (preparing to "binge" - or at least go back to my old ways), but I just tossed them (actually, I cracked them in half and flushed them away - but whatever). Just remembering the fits (panic attacks, shaking, etc) that I went through the other day was enough to make me NOT want to have to go through serious physical withdrawl again.

Congratulations! Now that takes courage. It sounds to me like you have really made up your mind to quit, and that's the most important and hardest part of this whole process--and it is a process, not an event.

Hang in there--anything worth doing is difficult. And this is definitely worth doing.

[SSLStudio]

You know, that's a great way to look at it. Thanks. This morning I purchased a pack of my regular brand (preparing to "binge" - or at least go back to my old ways), but I just tossed them (actually, I cracked them in half and flushed them away - but whatever). Just remembering the fits (panic attacks, shaking, etc) that I went through the other day was enough to make me NOT want to have to go through serious physical withdrawl again.


IF only my mom was HALF as brave as you are that would made my day.....she is not even there at the point of thinking of quiting your way ahead on the right path to enlightment sorry for even bringing up a distraction for you......... nicotine stays nicotine even if you take it up the anus. yes some cultures they use tabacco up the anus for consumption . here's a new meaning to " Up yours "

:lol: :lol:

[Kyle]

IF only my mom was HALF as brave as you are that would made my day.....she is not even there at the point of thinking of quiting your way ahead on the right path to enlightment sorry for even bringing up a distraction for you......... nicotine stays nicotine even if you take it up the anus. yes some cultures they use tabacco up the anus for consumption . here's a new meaning to " Up yours "

:lol: :lol:
Rene, where in the world do you find out this information?:eek: :blushing:

[Suzuki]

Good luck - I started when I had a girlfriend who smoked - now married to someone else and still trying to quit - have gone for a month now, but go off and on the wagon from time to time.

Stick with it - one way to reward yourself is to take the money you would have spent on smokes, put it in a jar and use it to buy yourself something nice (like more shaving stuff). In fact if you can, don't buy any more shaving gear (or whatever else you like) until you can do it out of your "cigarette money". Then make it your goal to save up enough money to buy something really expensive - like some high-priced brush that will take at least a couple of weeks to a month to save up for.

The catch is, if you fall off the wagon, you put the money in the bank and start saving from zero.

Its all about playing mind tricks on yourself and creating the right incentives (beyond not dying of lung cancer, stroke or heart attack or smelling like an ashtray).

Good luck and stick with it.

[mrob]

An "incentive" story. . .

My mom, who just turned 70, smoked 2-3 packs of Pall Malls per day for almost 50 years. She quit a few years back and the difference in her health and appearance is astonishing.

Her skin is clearer and more even in tone, her teeth are clean, her eyes sparkle, and she looks 20 years younger. Food tastes better and she can smell things--like flowers. . .or shave cream:wink: , that she hasn't smelled in years.

Now, I'm not going to lie and tell you that it was easy for her, or that she still doesn't miss it, but she'll tell you that quitting was the best thing she ever did for herself.

Hang in there--the end justifies the means in this case!

[JohnP]

I don't know if it counts, but I smoked cigars (and those pipe tobacco cigarettes) in A-school. What helped me quit was buying a new pack, opening it and having it on me. I told myself that I COULD have one anytime I wanted it, but I just didn't want one. It worked for me. I had failed before, because the instant I tell myself I can never have something again, I want it badly. I guess, in a way, I took away their power over me. I did smoke maybe two from that pack, and every time I realized it just wasn't worth it, and they weren't that good anyway. I think you are doing fine. Everyone slips up once or twice, you haven't lost the war.
If you mess up and smoke one one day, big deal. You did NOT revert to day one. Just keep on trucking. It is a work in progress.
I haven't "QUIT" per se...as I still smoke a hookah...however I'm down to maybe 3 times a YEAR...so I'm basically unconcerned. You are always your own worst judge. Congrats on your dedication so far.
John P.

[NMMB]

... one way to reward yourself is to take the money you would have spent on smokes, put it in a jar and use it to buy yourself something nice (like more shaving stuff)...

An "incentives" game, eh? You know, I see how this would work for many (most?) people, but I really can't imagine that this is a tactic that would/could work for me. I like to spend my free time trying to model "games" like this and figure out why/how agents (er... "people") will respond to (dis)incentives. What can I say? I am a (micro)economics nerd...

Really, I think that the strongest motivation that I have (and will have) is pride. I told SWMBO that I would quit smoking before our wedding (less than 2 months away now). There are very few things that I hate to do more than go back on my word - if I commit to something, then I feel like I must honour my commitments (though, I'll admit that this stubborn pride has caused me many problems in the past).

[Suzuki]

Economist, eh?

Well then, think about all of the personal resources you are expending on an activity that has little personal economic upside/utility. In addition, you should take into account the difficult to quantify externalities, such as the disfavour you may curry with your soon-to-be spouse (I'm no economist, but there's got to be a cost to pissing off your wife/breaking your promise to her!)

Also, from an efficiencies standpoint, think about all of the higher uses you could put the resources you currently expend on smoking to (i.e., more shaving stuff). Similarly, the upside social benefits (I'll leave those to your imagination :wink:) could be quantified and further suggest that ceasing smoking is the rational decision.

However, while you economist-types predicate all of your assumptions on the "rationalagent", your personal approach clearly supports the view that humans are not always rational agents - I'm not sure where that leaves economics generally - but that's for another day (and several strong drinks).

On the flip side, you could be a rational agent in the sense that, for you, the value of honouring your commitments has a greater value (which we could attempt to quantify) than your desire to continue smoking.

Anyhow - just thought I'd take a stab at putting this into "your" language :lol: .

Regardless of your motivation, stick with it.

[NMMB]

Economist, eh?

Well then, think about all of the personal resources you are expending on an activity that has little personal economic upside/utility. In addition, you should take into account the difficult to quantify externalities, such as the disfavour you may curry with your soon-to-be spouse (I'm no economist, but there's got to be a cost to pissing off your wife/breaking your promise to her!)

Also, from an efficiencies standpoint, think about all of the higher uses you could put the resources you currently expend on smoking to (i.e., more shaving stuff). Similarly, the upside social benefits (I'll leave those to your imagination :wink:) could be quantified and further suggest that ceasing smoking is the rational decision.

However, while you economist-types predicate all of your assumptions on the "rationalagent", your personal approach clearly supports the view that humans are not always rational agents - I'm not sure where that leaves economics generally - but that's for another day (and several strong drinks).

On the flip side, you could be a rational agent in the sense that, for you, the value of honouring your commitments has a greater value (which we could attempt to quantify) than your desire to continue smoking.

Anyhow - just thought I'd take a stab at putting this into "your" language :lol: .

Regardless of your motivation, stick with it.

OK, first I feel that I should defend Economists a little here (but only a little - hey, as practitioners of "the dismal science" we can't be that great, can we?). The "rational agent" assumption is very problematic and difficult to explain. When I/we assume rationality we aren't assuming that everybody is rational (making such an absurd assumption would violate itself) rather we assume that the "representative agent" is rational... that is, that "on average" people are rational (if you prefer, your crazy and my crazy roughly balance each other).

Also noteworthy, in my opinion, is the idea that addiction (and acting in apparently irrational ways as a result of addiction) is not necessarily irrational. There is actually a decent amount of literature out there about so called "rational addiction" in the event that somebody is even more of a boring nerd than I am (not my field - don't have the time or inclination to pick up a new field at this time).

I do enjoy hearing a non-economists trying to speak "economics"... it is like bringing your tom-boy gal-pal to a fancy event and laughing while the stuffy old ladies choke on their tea when they see her guns & roses tattoo [note: the gal that I am describing is actually a good friend of mine - and I did once bring her out to a "fancy" lunch where the old ladies were very disturbed/confused by a girl with big tattoos... it was priceless].

Whether or not you speak economics, I do appreciate all of the encouragement. Thanks.

[Tito]

"Give me a one-armed Economist." Harry Truman
I just love that one.

How's about this then, think about your opportunity cost for quitting??? Remember it's all about the allocation of scare resources. I used the incentive program myself by treating myself to a teeth whitening session at the dentist to erase the 15 or so years of yucky yellow brown cig stains.

Keep up the good fight.
Tito

[SSLStudio]

Rene, where in the world do you find out this information?:eek: :blushing:


I was searching on the web info about Snuss, I ended up at a site where this journalist stated problems about tabbaco usage. it is in Dutch so you cant read it. Ron's wife is able to read it though !

im not sucking my thumb here..and please Kyle dont even try it! :tongue:
and if you do..DONT TELL us about it... :eek:

[SSLStudio]

An "incentive" story. . .

My mom, who just turned 70, smoked 2-3 packs of Pall Malls per day for almost 50 years. She quit a few years back and the difference in her health and appearance is astonishing.

Her skin is clearer and more even in tone, her teeth are clean, her eyes sparkle, and she looks 20 years younger. Food tastes better and she can smell things--like flowers. . .or shave cream:wink: , that she hasn't smelled in years.

Now, I'm not going to lie and tell you that it was easy for her, or that she still doesn't miss it, but she'll tell you that quitting was the best thing she ever did for herself.

Hang in there--the end justifies the means in this case!

Awesome Story ! good for your mom your never too old to stop !!!!!

I have to print this and let mom read it..... :001_smile

[rikrdo]

If you are just looking to quit cigarettes I can give you my testimony...if you are looking to give up all tobacco related products...stop reading here.

I started smoking while in the Navy and had a 1 pack a day habit for 9 years. I tried to quit more times than I can remember. Nicogum, chew, dip ...nothing worked.

Joined the civilian world and a buddy of mine turned me onto cigars. I remember the very first one was a Cuesta Rey 95. I stopped cigarettes IMMEDIATELY.

I now primarily smoke pipes...2 small bowls a day as I drive to and from work and cigars on the golf course. They are very relaxing and I feel that is am important part to my physical and mental wellbeing.

The BIG difference is that the pipes and cigars for me are not a habit. Most weekends I dont smoke and I never have the withdrawals that the cigs gave me.

So, with that info....best of luck to you.

[MJB]

Well--

You could try an aversion technique. Take a real deep breath in--as deep as you can. Breathe out half way, no more--then inhale again. Breathe like that for 5 minutes; bet you won't make it the 5, maybe not even one. Its very uncomfortable and duplicates the discomfort of emphysema.

Earlier on someone mentioned the psychology of it. There is a lot of psychology there but no quick fix to address that. Fundamentally, there obviously is a physical addiction but after than there is the psychologic tension to smoke. Unless that tension can either be dissipated, shifted elsewhere, or numbed with medications, you will probably go back to smoking or find another outlet for this aggressive oral autoeroticism (like Telly Savalas and lollipops or all the people who gain weight when thay quit smoking). Many mock Freud--honestly, the guy was an unbelievable genius.

Remember you are not alone. There are countless smokers out there and its hard for all of them to quit. But if you do chances are you will get to live longer to enjoy your favorite shaving products.

MJB

[Wolfman]

I think the key here is really wanting to quit, and I mean really wanting it.

I was unfortunate to have started smoking when I was 12 years old. Growing up in a house where every adult figure in my life smoked, having a corner gas station that had a cigarette vending machine for a $1 a pack, and that the adults didn't care.

It took me three tries over the years but I finally kicked it a year and a half ago with the patch. What made me really want it was when I realized I couldn't even walk down the street without huffing and struggling to get air into my lungs. I just said enough is enough.

[Joedy]

Quitting smoking is not at all that difficult. Why I myself have quit hundreds of times. -Mark Twain



You have to make a decision: Will you allow yourself to be ruled or will you be the decider of your fate?

It's a very simple question; it requires a very honest answer.


Consider also as well, that one day you and your future wife might like to have children. You will learn quickly that sick children are a heavy burden.

When you see that they continue to become sick because of your actions, it will tear your heart apart.

-joedy

[NMMB]

Well,

It has been a little over 2 weeks since I've had a cigarette... However, I have smoked 2 cuban cigars (both of which, might I add, were very nice). I know that "switching" from cigarettes to cigars isn't ideal and certainly isn't my objective here and I don't want to be one of those people who smokes a cigar (or more than one) each day... but I don't think that I mind smoking the occasional cigar, so long as I don't smoke them frequently/regularly enough that it becomes a habit (maybe once or twice a month... maybe not even that often).