...and it hasn't been that bad. I mean I haven't been cranky or snappy with anyone, and on a daily basis I take care of my mom who has alzheimers so if that isn't enough stress to break me down then I don't know what is.
The first two days I kept forgetting I quit, and kept thinking, I need to go buy a pack of cigs, but then reality stepped in and I'd say, oh wait, I'm quitting... I threw away all the ashtrays and told my brother and sister no smoking in moms house so I think the hardest part is over. I'm going it cold turkey btw because for me thats the best way.

Little info: I'm nearing 44, started smoking (yes inhaling) at age 12. At age 26 when I lost my dad I quit for 8 years, then stupidly started again and had been smoking since - until now. This time around IS harder but I believe that with determination, anything is possible.

Has anyone else stopped the habit recently? If so I'd like to hear how you're doing. Also if anyone wants to join me, feel free.

I stopped earlier this year for 6 weeks....then, honestly, got bored with not being able to go outside for a smoke and break up my work day ;)

Congratulations to you on your 4 days and lots of good vibes for keeping it up!!! :)

I stopped 2 yrs ago, had to use the patch or I would have killed someone, weirdest thing was for a couple of months I dreamed every night I was smoking, never before or since. It really is a drug thats hard to quit, good job.

I'm down to a pack a week. A couple a day at work, don't smoke in my house or when I'm with my kid. Sometimes at night when I'm really frying for a smoke, I'll go out in the garage a puff one, and stare at my bike. Otherwise, it's mind over matter.

One heart attack + two weeks in intensive care = thirty-five years of smoking down the tubes. Miss it but not enough to start again. If you can do four days You CAN beat it.

Quit on New Years...

had a few today.

BUT I WILL NOT GIVE UP! (quitting that is)

Good for you, Xena. Good luck.
I've considered quitting a few times after watching my mother die from emphysema. That's an ugly way to go. My problem is, I just enjoy it too damn much.
I did quit once for a couple weeks but apparently I musta been a bit of a prick cuz my ex-wife came home, threw a pack of butts at me and said "smoke 'em or get the hell out!".
:smoke

May 26 will be my 1 year with no smoking. I used zyban, and recommened it to everyone that wants to quit. It tells you to take it for 3 months, but after 1 1/2 I felt I didn't need them anymore. Best part of it was I didn't feel like I wanted to kill everyone around me, and I didn't gain any weight. I went on quit.net, and they send you emails once and a while telling you how much money you saved, how many days of your life you saved etc. It's a nice motivation tool. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I truly feel healthier since I have quit. What I think is really funny is that now I look back and ask myself why I was smoking anyhow. There really is no benefit unless you consider dying prematurely a benefit. After the cravings stopped, there is no noticable change in my life, which is why I put off quitting for so long. I swear I have not turned into one of those holier than thou, attack people somking types. I just tell people how it helped me and leave it at that. Anyhow good going to all of you who have or are in the process of quitting.

Good luck Xena! and congrats to al those that succeeded. This August will mark 8 years for me. I used Nicoderm patches and never looked back. I used to lift weight 4 to 5 days a week and right after a hour and a half workout I would light up and think what a hypocrite I was. You have to really want it to succeed.
I tried to convince my wife to stop for a few years with no luck. She had a heart attack 3 years ago and had to get a couple of stents installed. That scared her enough that she has not smoked since.

Good Luck Xena!! I am 44 and in December I had a heart attack and they had to put a stent in. I asked them to put me on the patch while I was in the hospital and didn't smoke for a few weeks cause I was scared sh*tless. Then the demons came back and I tried one and thought hey, I didn't keel over...I really wanted to quit and only smoked one or two a day..... When I got down to the 7 mg it wasn't working at all. My husband and daughter both smoke though not in the house anymore mostly. (though I did catch him last night when he thought I had went to bed for the night) I am back on the 14 mg patch and considering zyban though I don't know if I would be able to take it. I REALLY want to quit but hell, its easier to quit being a crackhead I think...at least if you don't want to be around that it's a choice, with cigarettes, they are all around you everyday and in every store on the block!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. And Xena keep it up!

Great job! Keep it up, one day at a time. It's a habit that's harder to kick than any other addiction out there. I quit over a year ago and it still a challenge for me. For me it was quit or die. Well I ain't dead! Feel a whole lot better.

You can do it!

Denis

Awesome! Keep it up!

Atta Girl, Xena! We're all sending you supportive thoughts, especially us that have been through the withdrawals before....I stopped cold turkey without the patches or zyban...it was tough, but it gets better each day! For myself it was the tenth day when I felt I had the nicotine out of my system...a long ten days, but I'm glad I did it!

Good for you Xena. Keep it up and then you can be my sponser so I can quit too. :laugh

:clap :clap :clap :clap

Quit for two days a couple weeks ago just to see what I would do. Wasn't incredibly bad. My two biggest obstacles are that my wife smokes and I can have some long ass nights at work.

My wife has quit smoking flat cold turkey for a couple years at a time. But she's not ready to do so right now. She is working on some other things that she wants to focus. Then she'll quit. That will make it much easier for me.

As for work, that is the real killer. I work 12hr graveyard shifts. There are nights when I am so frickin' slammed I might only get two smokes (and not all of them) in that 12 hrs. But they just changed the production folks' work schedules so we're not a 24/7 operation all the time now. But in my job, we still are. So that means there are nights when all I am doing is babysitting running equipment and have maybe a combined total of 3hrs of actual work. And to top that off, on those nights, I am the ONLY person on site (normally around 300 people at any given time). After about two nights in a row like that I am going stir crazy as it is let alone trying not to smoke. Like Kath said, smoking becomes an activity, something to break up the monotony. We're steadily taking on more and more work from our maintenance dept. on those slow nights so maybe that will help.

I do want to quit. Bad. But it seems this is the one thing that has always proved stronger than me. Or at least that I allow myself to give too much control too. I get half paniced just at the thought of quiting.

Hang in there Xena! Be my inspiration, I need all that I can get.

Gotwa, I have the same problem. I work in the toolroom at Fedex and sometimes don't see anyone or hand out any tools for my entire shift. This makes for a very long night, to say the least. And I too get panicked when I think about quitting......get low on cigs at home and I can't sleep until I go to the store and buy some. I think the only way for me to quit is to get a bunch of Ambien and just sleep for about a week :smoke

Keep up the good work ....I quit 12 years ago ....and have never regretted quiting .If I had'nt quit I prolly wouldnt be able to afford my bike :tour

Quitting is easy to do....I've done it a thousand times (Mark Twain)

Good for you Michelle, keep it up. I quit for 4yrs & f'd up. It only took one. Now I have'nt had one in about 6yrs, I went on the pill :rolleyes: Zyban. Wellbutrin accually. Helped with the cravings & have not looked back.
Spend a LOT of time on the scoot & buy a fullface (that will help you quit) :D


Dave

Way to go, girl! I quit, myself. It's all in your head after the first day. It's the habit that's the hardest to break. Niccotine is out of your system in 24 hours, so if it's been 4 days, you haven't strangled anyone, and you can deal with the "habit" part, you're pretty much in the clear :clap !

When I quit, it was pretty tough. I tried a few times, and honestly, my major letdown was that I was "afraid" to quit, well, the quitting part didn't scare me, just the mood swings and cravings was what I was scared of. I finally got it into my head that the best thing to do was not to be scared of what was gonna happen for a little while, while I was quitting, but I should be worried about the long-term effects of it, and that finally got me through.

Another tactic I used (and I don't mean to offend any smokers here-honestly), was the "open and honest with myself" point of view. I'd think to myself while watching a smoker light up, "Look how stupid that really looks. Lighting a fire on a stick, and breathing the smoke." Honestly, just watch someone smoke a whole ciggarette, and you'll see what I mean. They'll light it, smoke it, and probably toss it on the ground when they're done, littering up the place! You'll see how silly it really is once you learn to condition your thoughts to oppose it, rather than crave it.

Think of how much nicer you'll smell to other folks. When I quit, I suddenly noticed all my smoker friends smelled like ashtrays, and I must have smelled that way, too :eek: ! YUK! I don't have that nasty "filmy" taste in my mouth in the mornings anymore, and it's a LOT easier to get out of bed every day, too. Back pains went away, and I just felt better ALL OVER!! It's the BEST thing I ever did, and I really hope you can do it to, and relate to my experiences with it.

You can do it! I've got faith in ya!

P.S.-I liked your other avitar better, BTW :wonderlan

Good for you Xena! :clap

Stay strong.

*sends good wishes your way* :)


Bart

[QUOTE=xena]

Little info: I'm nearing 44, started smoking (yes inhaling) at age 12. At age 26 when I lost my dad I quit for 8 years, then stupidly started again and had been smoking since - until now. This time around IS harder but I believe that with determination, anything is possible.
QUOTE]

You hang in there girl,it'll be the best thing you ever did for yourself.
I started at age 9 and was a pack a day at 13 then two packs a day at 15.
Back in the early '70's I was doing far too much of the O'l sex & drugs & rock'n roll lifestyle and being a cid freak at the time I often chained smoked till I was sick.I quit a lot of things since those days but Tobaco was the first. :D I quit at age 18 about 30 years ago,tossed one out the car window into a snow bank one day and never lit another :)
Y2K:smoke

I stroped two years ago after being a chain smoker for years keep in there young lady you can do it yes you can.

Regards Grayfeather.

...I'm going it cold turkey btw because for me thats the best way...Has anyone else stopped the habit recently? If so I'd like to hear how you're doing. Also if anyone wants to join me, feel free.

Way to go Xena :clap

My personal demon is food rather than smoking. One help that I have found is that if you slip up and give into temptation, don't feel as though you have totally failed and give up the whole effort. Consider it as only a minor skirmish in a long battle, and then pick up the fight again, putting the temporary set back behind you.

Good luck :tour

I tried to quit in Jan. made it about 2 weeks and I did feel alot better. I could actually breath. but I got stressed and started again. since I could not quit smoking I decided to go on a diet and lost 30 pound in the last 3 months.need to lose another 10 to get were I want to be. once i get there and keep it there for a while i will try to quit again. i think i will do better now that i am thinking about getting healthy.

hope you make it....

After smoking for 25 years, I have not had a smoke since Feb. 14. A bit more of a jingle in my pocket, my clothes smell better, my house smells better, my breath smells better!! Hey, I may even live a few extra years. I just wish ppl that have never smoked would try and understand the steep road us smokers must climb in order to quit. I am not looking for praise or merit, only an understanding of how difficult of a habit it really is to break.
For me, The first 48 hours were the hardest. Chemical dependency is pure hell to break, only to be followed by a mental game from within my head that felt like 1000 voices egging me on to light up. That little whisper in the dark corner of your mind, reminding you that you are the BOSS!! You can do ANYTHING you want!!! You can light up or quit any time you want!!! Who is to tell YOU, that you can or cannot quit whenever you want!!! Oh yeah,, it goes on for quite a few weeks actually. The little fella on your shoulder telling you that anything is justifiable.
One of the keys was to avoid stressfull circumstances. I realize everyday lives are filled with stress, but sometimes quite a bit can be avoided if you think ahead. Take an alternate route to and from work, if it means less traffic. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you are tempted to light up with other smokers. Take a walk outside instead of a smoke break. A coffee and smoke used to go hand in hand with me, but I managed to convince myself that one stimulant was enough. Unfortunately it was to the tune of a cupcake for a few weeks, but eventually that stopped. Less computer time at home. This was a real problem time for me. I used to sit and chat, surf, etc. for at least an hour or two a day, and smoke the whole time. Limiting puter time was a must. I love my online time, but my health was more important.
Everyone is different, and advise is only golden to those who have had success. Good luck to those who try.

Hey I'd like to thank you all for the support, this place is great! I certainly do know I can kick this, because as I said, I quit before, for 8 years. I can also say that any of you who want to quit will do so when you really want to.
That's the key. You really have to want to. Stressful job, asshole boss, whiney wife, annoying kids, etc, etc - I hate to say it, but these are all just excuses.
As I mentioned, I'm living with and caring for my 73 yr old mother who has alzheimers, and I"m doing it alone. Every single day is stressful, but if I let that stop me then I could be waiting forever, because it would just end up being one excuse after the other. You can certainly talk yourself in or out of anything if you ponder it long enough.
Chainz, your post hits the nail right on the head. It's all mind over matter. After the nicotine is out of the system, it's not hard. But again, if you really really want to quit, the force will be with you and you will succeed. :)
Thanks again everyone for all the awesome support. All of your well wishes makes it even easier. I hope some more of you will finally come to realize that no matter what is "going on" in your life right now, you can do it, and I hope more of you will join me.

Michele

Hey Xena,

I quit about 20 years ago, 2 - 3 pack a-day habit and a pipe for relaxation (heavy smoker). The hardest thing I ever did and the best thing I ever did. After one day without smoking I couldn't stand the smell and wouldn't think of going back. Besides which I have developed a sensitivity to smoke and have a mild asthma attack when exposed to too much. KEEP IT UP, it is the best thing you can do for yourself and all you love, including us.

Xena, My hat's off to you and you have my best wishes. My wife's sister died from lung cancer at age 49 -- so many people were devastated by her death. In addition to doing this for yourself, give this gift to those who care about you. :clap

Funny I log in this morning and read this post.
Last night I threw away a half pack and said enough.

Did not stop for cigs this morning either like I did the last time.

Here's luck to both of us Xena.

Keep it up man. I will send you some strength and good energy.

Good luck to ya, Xena!

I quit cold turkey in 1993. Hardest thing I ever did!! I was like a bear with a sore ass. :madtwo :D

After the initial craving wore off, the hardest part for me was finding a way to occupy my time, because smoking was a pastime as much as an addiction for me.

Believe in yourself- you can do it!

Hey Kent that's great! You can do it bud. The first couple days is the hardest, after that it's just self discipline. Glad to have at least one "quit buddy" here. Hope more join us as time goes on.
Most of my friends are supportive. I do have a couple wise ass friends who have said "oh you won't stick to it". lol. There just playing around but statements like that make me all the more determined to give them a "I told you so".

I'm hoping to save up the money I would have spent on smokes, and do the conversion with it when the warranty expires on the bike. By then I should have saved more than enough in the non smoking fund to get the Nallin 1250 kit. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

WOW! Whatta bunch of great news!

Congrats to you ALL! Personally I had been smoking for 15+ years! I was up to 1 1/2 packs a day! I quit over 3 weeks ago, and all is going pretty good! None since then, and the craving is going away!

I have to admit though, I dont know if I could have done it cold turkey! I have tried that before, just to go back to it. IT HURTS!!! Ugh!

Anyways, a guy I work with was using "COMMIT" (made by Nicorette). I tried one, one day, and went many hours with the urge to burn one!

I went to the store that night and bought a box. I am still using them, but not nearly as much as when i first started. Smoking IS AN ADDICTION! If ya need a little help to take that edge off, these things work. I hope to not have to buy another box of these.

Anyways, GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL! Lets ALL quit giving the Cig Co's our $$, and spend it on the H-D's, where at least you can enjoy it!

Thanks Xena.

Fortunately for me it's the weekend comming up. I've cut down quite a bit to where I was only smoking at work. We have an 8 month old at the house so there's my motivation. So if I can make it through today then the weekend will be fine. Monday morning drive to work and NOT buying will be the tough one for me.

Congardualtions!!!!!

It was 4 months for me on 05/05/05!

I smoked for almost 34 years and I only quit once for about 3 months using Zaiban. Once my prescription ran out I caved and started smoking again. That was back in the late nineties.

This time I used Nicorette and motivation and I hope this quit is for good!

Last Saturday was a cool wet crappy day so I took a ride to the local home center with two of my neighbors in my neighbors pickup truck. They are both heavy smokers, They were sitting in the front seats and I was in the back seat. Between the two of them there was almost always a cigarette burning with the windows only open a crack. I enjoyed every minute of my ride with them. I think I got a contact nicotine rush. But I was never tempted to smoke.

When we stopped at the Mobil for coffee I watched them both piss away over $5.00 a pack for smokes. I did pack the new pack of Marlboro's for my neigbor just for old times.

While I miss smoking I enjoy be an ex-smoker even more than I miss being a smoker. I enjoy the fact that I am finally free of this powerful addiction. I think this is the greatest accomplishment of my life but I also realize this will be a lifelong fight. Lastly I enjoy the $150 a month I am saving by not smoking.

That's allot of shiny new chrome dodads for my bike.

If you ever have a bad time of it there is a very good support website for quitting smoking.

Here it is:Blairsville Quit Smoking Website (http://www.network54.com/Forum/76750)

Keep up the good work and NEVER let your guard down. It only takes one moment of weakness to ruin a good quit! :smoke

It's been 9 weeks here. I wore the patch from Wally World for 4 day that was enough.. I had smoked for 15 years and quite for 7. Then my son started racing Motocross and My EX and I both started again from the nervious energy.

During my weekend with my Kids they both looked at me as I was lighting up a smoke and said Dad I thought you said you were going to quite. I put it out and quite right then and there.

I feel much better. But I did put on about 5-10 pounds :)

Here is a cool thing for all you quitters.

Go here Quit Meter (http://www.quitmeter.com/index.php)

and enter the the day you quit smoking, how much you smoked and how much you paid for a pack of smokes. Everytime you bring it up it will show you how many cigarettes you have not smoked and how much money you have saved.

So far I have not smoked 2420 cigs and I have saved $605.

Who says nobody likes a quitter!!!!! :clap

In 4 days...it will be 10 months for me. after smoking for 32 years....I feel great...and...guess what....My Sportster made me quit !!!!

Last summer I mentioned to my wife that I sure would like to get a Harley.(I haven't had a bike for 20 years). She said...."quit smoking...and use the money you save for the payment on your bike." Well...I quit...a few weeks later we were at the Harley dealer signing papers for my 05 883C.

I used the patch for the first month and a half or so...and then jumped off of them. When a craving would hit, I would go for a ride...or at least go sit in the garage with the bike for a while. This has been the best trade that I have ever made.

Good luck to everyone trying to quit.

Smober Time: 9M 3W 5D 21h 16m 55s
Amount Saved: $1,218.59
Cigarettes not smoked: 9026
Life Saved: 4W 3D 8h 10m

wow $17,640 117,600 cigarettes not smoked. :eek:

congrats on quiting. :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

Ten years will pay for a new Sportster plus some.

Michele

Congrats on quiting the smoke Habit!!! :clap :clap

You Go Girl!!!! :D

Same deal here Bronco!
I made that same trade, and so far so good! I aint gonna lie...... I feel the craving sometimes, but I do the same! I take it for a ride, and the craving goes away! Funny how that works!

I can tell you this! I wouldnt trade it back! NO WAY!

Good Luck!

SC Compact that quit meter is way cool. Thanks for posting the link....and Mike, thanks to you and everyone for the fantastic support. I'm on the 8th day and I feel better than ever.

This weekend has proven to be very difficult and I've been so close to cheating but I have held my ground. It's been raining, cold, and windy since Friday so no outdoor activities of any kind. Fighting the urge with all I've got and am determined not to let the demons win. It helps alot having this thread to lean on for sure. :)

This weekend has proven to be very difficult and I've been so close to cheating but I have held my ground. It's been raining, cold, and windy since Friday so no outdoor activities of any kind. Fighting the urge with all I've got and am determined not to let the demons win. It helps alot having this thread to lean on for sure. :)

Don't do it!!!!

You know if you have one you will just want another one an hour after.

Don't throw away the last 8 days. You have made it this far!

Drink some water, try deep breathing, take a nap.

You know if you give in you will only have to start over again and you will hate yourself in the morning.

Here is a good stop smoking support site.

Blairsville Stop Smoking Site (http://www.network54.com/Forum/76750)



Hang in there you can do it!!!!!

Are you still quitting ? I quit smokin back in 1992 I started when I was 16 still smoke free today can't afford them these days think of all the parts or chrome you can buy ... Pack a day = 365x 4.50=$1645.50 a year or 30x4.50=$135 /month that could be a new sportster payment :wonderlan

I still smoke ... at the age of 57, I was very worried that my life may be shortened by my bad smoking habit.

Enter the Filipina Palm Reader :) (3 weeks ago on my last visit to the PI) ...

She looked deep into the palm of my hand and told me that I would live to be 85!
_________________________

I went and bought another carton of cigarettes.

Ron,

BTW ... A carton of Marlboros cost $5.00 in the Philippines :) ... My Lucky Day!

Congrats to all who have made it this far without lighting up. To those who have tried and failed, it all starts with the first day, so give it another go!! Remember the footbal quote about "A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins'? Well when it comes to smoking, it's the opposite!!
I wrote a little story concerning smoking a few years ago, and it actually helped a few ppl I know quit. I'll try to remember to post it when I'm home from work tomorrow.
Cool smoke meter! Thanks for posting!
Continued Luck to all!!
Buy Chrome, Not Cancer!!!!

:wonderlan I still smoke ... at the age of 57, I was very worried that my life may be shortened by my bad smoking habit.

Enter the Filipina Palm Reader :) (3 weeks ago on my last visit to the PI) ...

She looked deep into the palm of my hand and told me that I would live to be 85!
_________________________

I went and bought another carton of cigarettes.

Ron,

BTW ... A carton of Marlboros cost $5.00 in the Philippines :) ... My Lucky Day!
Still $5 a carton wow

Good for You xena.

I had become an expert at quitting, I had done it soo many times :rolleyes:
I finally quit for good in 1985, cold turkey. The company my brother-in-law and I worked for was moving to a new facility and it was going to be "Non-Smoking". I spent more time in the building then he did, so I had to give quitting serious consideration.
Then he (decides) and announces "I'm going to quit smoking"...
Well, there's No Way he's going to quit and I'm not, no way he's going to "beat" me.
We both quit, using the other as the excuse. Whatever works.

One thing I noticed was that food tasted different, in a good way, more flavor. In fact I stopped using salt about 3 months after I quit smoking.

Keep up the good work there girl.

Grayfeather

SC Compact that quit meter is way cool. Thanks for posting the link....and Mike, thanks to you and everyone for the fantastic support. I'm on the 8th day and I feel better than ever.

This weekend has proven to be very difficult and I've been so close to cheating but I have held my ground. It's been raining, cold, and windy since Friday so no outdoor activities of any kind. Fighting the urge with all I've got and am determined not to let the demons win. It helps alot having this thread to lean on for sure. :)

Well since earlier you adopted me as your quitting buddy :)

Today is day #4 for me now. Weather was just the opposite.. That's bad for me though as I'm used to smoking while doing yard work!

Keep it up! (Both of us)

Good for you Kent, I'm rooting for ya all the way buddy! Good going. :) :clap If it gets tough just post here for support. It really does help!
This weekend was a bit rough, but I'm happy to report it didn't break me. Believe me, sitting inside watching the rain pour down I was tempted to go buy a pack and light up with a good cup of coffee, but I held on and fought the urge and feel much better now.

It has stopped raining and I"m waiting for the sun to show itself. When it does I'm going to take a nice ride on my mountain bike....or maybe dust off my Macro blades...so many choices now that I can actually breathe!

ciggerettes and coffee, did ya happen to see that movie? its a sketch type comedy with a bounch of big name stars in it

theres a sketch with iggy pop and tom waits who find a pack of smokes on the table that belongs to niether of them so tom says since he quit smoking its legal for him to have one (lol) and iggy agrees so they both sneek a smoke

don't stop (quiting that is) now its all will power and distration , ya gotta keep your self distracted so ya don't think about it

Well since earlier you adopted me as your quitting buddy :)

Today is day #4 for me now. Weather was just the opposite.. That's bad for me though as I'm used to smoking while doing yard work!

Keep it up! (Both of us)

Actually I think I am having a little bit harder time now that the weather is nice.

I especially miss the smoke after riding for an hour or two and pulling over. You know the one where you pull over take off your helmet and jacket and just sit back in the sun and relax and light up.


Anyway hang in there!

I especially miss the smoke after riding for an hour or two and pulling over. You know the one where you pull over take off your helmet and jacket and just sit back in the sun and relax and light up.

I know that one too well. One of the reasons I did not ride to the bar this weekend. (FYI: My bar hop is an hour ride down PCH)

According to the quit meter, I've saved nearly $4500 since I quit in 2001.

And all of it is sitting in my garage, chromed, polished, waxed, and freshly lubed. :D

Keep it up Y'all!

Thanks for posting those sites! They are very helpful....I am committed to getting this out of my life for good! Good luck to everyone else who is quitting!

I quit cold turkey 2 weeks ago from 2 packs a day of red 100's. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for posting those sites! They are very helpful....I am committed to getting this out of my life for good! Good luck to everyone else who is quitting!

I am not sure if I posted these before or not but here are some other good websites:

WhyQuit (http://www.whyquit.com/)
This one has allot of good info about why we smoke, what is in a cigarette besides tobacco, as well as some pretty scary pictures of people who did not quit in time. If you ever feel you are about to give in go check out "We Died Young, especially Brian Lee Curtis".


For moral support from other smokers check out:
Blairsville (http://www.network54.com/Forum/76750)
Everyone there is Quit, in the process of quitting or planning on quitting so they all know what you/we are going through in our quits.


People who have never smoked cannot comprehend what we smokers go through to quit and stay quit. Although it has only been four months for me I feel that this is the biggest accomplishment of my life. I also know that I am only one moment of weakness away from starting again and throwing all of the past 4 months suffering away.

Hope this helps and good luck to all!!!!!

Steve :wonderlan

Great links Steve. Here's another one I was just checking out. Nasty stuff. I remember the Pam Laffin commercials on tv.... http://www.getoutraged.com/

1 2 3 SNAP

Take a seat, relax, clear your mind, and listen closely without any distractions to what I am about to tell you. How much would it be worth it to you, if I were to create a miracle for you? How important is your longevity? Wouldn't it be wonderful to know you will be able to spend 1 more summer at the beach, or 1 more afternoon playing catch with your son in the backyard? How about that special candlelight dinner you have been waiting for with your favorite special someone for they’re Birthday next year? I'm sure this would be quite important to you if you were aware ahead of time that these days would not be possible due to the fact that your existence would be shorter than expected. So if this appears to be something you would be interested in….LET’S HAVE A DREAM TOGETHER………….
Picture this in your mind…It’s now 10 years from now. Your life has been a good one. The world has been blessed with your contributions. Time has treated you well. You feel for the most part that your life has been generally good, and it feels great to be alive. But, after a trip to your family doctor for a checkup, you are forced with something new and completely unexpected. It seems the doctor has found an abnormal sound in your lungs. It could just be something minor, but he advises you to set up an appointment for some tests just to be sure. A few days later you receive a call from his office and the receptionist asks you to please come in and see the doctor as soon as possible. That afternoon you return to the office and have a seat next to him. With a serious look in his eyes, not the look you are accustomed to, he looks at you and says, “ I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you have LUNG CANCER!!” The tests all confirm, without a shadow of a doubt, you’re time left on earth will be limited. You feel a coldness fill your entire body..With a sense of urgency you say “How can this be”? A lot of your friends have smoked even longer than you have, and they are all fine! There must be a hundred ppl you know that smoke and they are also ok.. Could there be a mistake? Possibly a malfunction in the xray machine, or maybe a clinical error?? This just can’t be!!! No Way this could be happening to you!! You’ve always taken the extra steps in trying to stay somewhat in shape. A walk around the block after dinner.. A healthy diet. You’ve done a pretty good job of taking care of yourself, and staying healthy. So what if you have a bit of a smoking problem. Lots of ppl smoke, Right? You look to the doctor and say, “ I’ll do anything doc, please just make this go away!!” The Doc looks at you compassionately and says, “ I’m sorry, But you should have listened to me years ago when I asked you to please consider giving up the smokes.” You can hardly stand up..You’re shaking uncontrolably…How will you ever be able to tell you’re loved ones? Who will take care of them? My God there’s so many different things that you will never be able to experience now..You’re child’s 16th Birthday…Graduation from college…The look in you’re son or daughter’s eyes, smiling as they tell you that you will soon be a Grandmother, or Grandfather…If there was only someway, somehow, that you could actually escape this horrible reality….. If you could do it all over again you know now that you would never even look at a pack of cigs!!!…. Oh my God I just d………. SNAP!!
Hey are you ok? Wow you must have really been way out there!! Some Dream Huh?? That’s 1 nice thing about bad dreams, you eventually wake up..If this were not a dream, you would not have the opportunity to act upon it to insure this bad dream does not become a reality.. Now is the time to possibly lessen the chance of having to deal with all the scary thoughts that will have to be addressed in the event that this would actually occur.. So ….now that you are awake, and in control of what may be, Toss those cigs…And lets Dream Sweet Dreams……

Don't want to sound morbid guys 'n gals, but sometimes the facts of life are ugly. I earn my living as a head and neck surgeon. Tomorrow morning at 7 AM I am removing the larynx (voice box) of a 50 year old three-pack-per-day smoker. I constantly warn people about the dangers of smoking and only a small percentage of them ever quit. Michele, your determination is inspiring -- and the support your forum-mates are giving you is GREAT. Hang in there. I guarantee it will be worth it.

Thanks for bumping this back up, Daesdaemar! Having your expertise here on this topic adds to the seriousness and repercussions of this legal addiction. I saw my Dad die from Emphysema (long time smoker), and if I get a choice in how I die, it will not be from emphysema...what a terrible way to go...I'm not sure how much research has been conducted on this vaccine, but it's a hot item in the medical media right now..

Nicotine Vaccine Shows Promise

By Thomas H. Maugh, II
Evansville Courier & Press
05/16/05 7:59 AM PT

The world's 1.3 billion smokers soon might have a powerful new way to kick the habit -- a vaccine against nicotine. Nearly 60 percent of smokers who achieved high levels of antibodies against nicotine after receiving the vaccine stopped smoking completely for at least six months, according to a new study presented Saturday at a meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Fla.

About one-third of those who developed lower levels of antibodies stopped smoking, about the same fraction as those who received a placebo vaccine, according to Dr. Jacques Cornuz of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne, Switzerland, who led the study.
Intriguing Results

"The data clearly suggest that antibodies against nicotine are effective in helping people quit smoking," Cornuz said. "This confirms the concept of vaccination [against smoking]."

Only about one-third of people who received the vaccine achieved the highest levels of antibodies. Before the company can begin larger clinical trials, Cornuz said, it must find ways "to intensify the immunization scheme" so that more people achieve the necessary antibody levels.

That might mean more injections, he said, or higher levels of the immunizing agent in each dose. He estimated it would be as long as three years before new trials could begin.

Dr. Roy Herbst of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston said he found the results intriguing. "The best way to help patients is to prevent them from getting cancer in the first place," he said. "I find it very encouraging that there is something to treat the addiction [to tobacco]."

Smoking is thought to be the cause of 30 percent of all cancer deaths, including 87 percent of deaths from lung cancer. It also plays a role in cancers of the bladder, head, neck and pancreas.
Addictive Substance

But tobacco is very addictive -- more so than cocaine and heroin, according to some researchers. A variety of prevention tools are available to combat smoking, including nicotine patches, nicotine gums and drugs such as bupropion.

"But there are groups of patients who fail all these therapies," Herbst said. Vaccines potentially offer a biological approach to breaking the addiction.

At least four companies are testing nicotine vaccines: Cytos Biotechnology of Zurich, Switzerland, whose vaccine Cornuz studied; Xenova Group of Berkshire, England; Nabi Biopharmaceuticals of Boca Raton, Fla.; and Prommune Inc. of Omaha, Neb.

Xenova and Nabi have conducted small clinical trials and also found promising results. The Cytos trial is the largest to date.
Simple Concept

The concept behind the vaccines is simple. Antibodies to nicotine bind to it in the blood and remove it, preventing the drug from reaching the brain and stimulating it.

"We're basically taking away the positive reinforcement, which is the main reason people can't stop smoking," said Dr. Henrik S. Rasmussen, a senior vice president of Nabi.

The only side effects of the vaccinations were redness and tenderness at the injection site and, occasionally, flulike symptoms that resolved within 24 hours.

I just passed the 4 week point! :)

I have to admit I feel SOOOOOO much better! I did a little hiking this weekend, and man, What a difference! I COULD BREATHE!!!!!!!!!

Normally I would have had to stop to catch a few extra breath's (then smoke a cig!) but not this time! I never knew how much just a few weeks would make a difference!

I did have a hard time this weekend though! I had a BBQ, and had plenty of beers around! I may have killed 2 birds with 1 stone! Drinking just aint the same! I found that I didnt want to drink as much, if I didnt have a Cig to go with it! Not too much of a loss really. I didnt wake up with a hang over, and no lung patties coughed up!

A good weekend!

Great to hear that i'm not alone in this! Its good to read about all of you on the same road to recovery!

Good luck all! I know the reaper was coming to get me!

I've been using my own step-down technique. Figured out how many I smoked a day on average. On the designated day I began a concerted effort to cut that number in half, forcing myself to find something else to do. After a couple of days of that I cut the number in half again, and so on and so on. Kinda went off schedule yesterday while drinking beer and shooting pool at a graduation party. Suprisingly, i didn't feel any increased stress from lack of nicotine today. Tomorrow will be the first day I try to go all day without one. That morning smoke seems to be the hardest to avoid.

I agree 100% !! The morning is the TOUGHEST! Its a battle every morning!

I have about 3 episode a day! Morning, Dinner, and at least one other time during the day, to deal with. It is wierd how them nasty Cig's can have a grip on you!

I've been using my own step-down technique. Figured out how many I smoked a day on average. On the designated day I began a concerted effort to cut that number in half, forcing myself to find something else to do. After a couple of days of that I cut the number in half again, and so on and so on. Kinda went off schedule yesterday while drinking beer and shooting pool at a graduation party. Suprisingly, i didn't feel any increased stress from lack of nicotine today. Tomorrow will be the first day I try to go all day without one. That morning smoke seems to be the hardest to avoid.

I wish you the best of luck, but in my 22 years of doing this I never met anyone who was able to successfully "slow down." Cold turkey it if you can dude -- I think that's your best chance for success...

daesdaemar that is soooo very cool that you are a head & neck surgeon! Having you here will help a bunch I'm sure. I urge anyone else to join this bandwagon if you have been contemplating quitting. This is the best time of year for new beginnings, and what better way to save money to spend on the Sporty. :)

I think it's so important to keep this thread running, that I'm going to try and check it and bump it every so often to ensure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Thanks again for your input Daesdaemar, it really means alot.

daesdaemar that is soooo very cool that you are a head & neck surgeon! Having you here will help a bunch I'm sure. I urge anyone else to join this bandwagon if you have been contemplating quitting. This is the best time of year for new beginnings, and what better way to save money to spend on the Sporty. :)

I think it's so important to keep this thread running, that I'm going to try and check it and bump it every so often to ensure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Thanks again for your input Daesdaemar, it really means alot.

I'm making it my job to make sure you stay off the cigs. As they say, "scream for help..."

6 days for me without a cig!!! I have smoked for 33 years, let me tell you it is really hard. I am using the patch and wellbutrin. This is the first time I have ever quit. Wish me luck....

6 days for me without a cig!!! I have smoked for 33 years, let me tell you it is really hard. I am using the patch and wellbutrin. This is the first time I have ever quit. Wish me luck....

The patch AND Wellbutrin -- you're using the BIG guns. Thant's fine though. Whatever it takes. Good luck and hang in there Sandy...

I wish you the best of luck, but in my 22 years of doing this I never met anyone who was able to successfully "slow down." Cold turkey it if you can dude -- I think that's your best chance for success...

You're probably right, but I've tried everything else...pills, patches, cold turkey, etc. I must admit I lead a pretty wild life in my younger days but when it came time to simply put things down and never return to 'em, I was able to do it with no problem. Cigs get a nasty hold on you and refuse to let go. Never experienced anything else like it.

You go Sandy! Keep up the hard work! Its tough, but I have been amazed on how possible it really is! I would have NEVER guess I could have gone as long as I have!

Somedays its a real struggle, but hang tough, and it will pass, until next time!

GOOD LUCK!

18 weeks 5 days for me. :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

I smoked for over 30 years and only managed to quit once before for about three months using the Wellbutrin. As soon as my script ran out I went back. I would smoke when I had a cold, the flu nothing came between me and my smokes!

This time I am using Nicorette. I still chew 2 pieices a day and could probably give them up but it does help. I find it especially helpful when I am around other people who smoke.

I agree with the others that most people cannot quit via the stepdown method.

I am not trying to blow my own horn here but to me this is one of the biggest and most important accomplishments of my life. I really feel good that I have finally beat this habit/addiction (at least for today).

I think the biggest factor is you really have to want to quit. Also when you hit upon a bad craving it is REALLY important not to dwell on how much you want that smoke. Just tell yourself that "You don't do that anymore" and move onto something else.

By the way it does get easier as time goes by just hang in there and never forget never let your guard down we are all one moment of weakness and one cigarette away from becoming a smoker who smokes again.

Good luck to all of us,
Steve
A smoker who isn't smoking today! :smoke

:frownthre I am not doing too well....as long as I am on the patch I am ok but I still keep finding excuses, cause that's really all they are. Although at the time it seems to be enough until after when I feel like crap. I have only been smoking maybe 5 a day but still.....I am thinking about asking the dr. about zyban, but I don't know if I can take it or not. I am going to see him this week so we shall see. Anyway, keep up the good work everybody....I'm still trying....I know I will beat this though....lets keep this thread going cause it does help to read these.

:frownthre I am not doing too well....as long as I am on the patch I am ok but I still keep finding excuses, cause that's really all they are. Although at the time it seems to be enough until after when I feel like crap. I have only been smoking maybe 5 a day but still.....I am thinking about asking the dr. about zyban, but I don't know if I can take it or not. I am going to see him this week so we shall see. Anyway, keep up the good work everybody....I'm still trying....I know I will beat this though....lets keep this thread going cause it does help to read these.

Hang in there and don't give up.

I think the statistics show that very few people actually quit on their first or second attempt.

Also for additional support try Blairsville Quit Smoking Site (http://www.network54.com/Forum/76750)

congrads. need to try myself. good luck and hang in there.

Well.. Not doing too bad myself.
I got really tempted last week and almost went looking for a smoker at work. Then I had to assist someone in their office (I'm in corporate IT) who is a HEAVY smoker (2 packs per day at least). Just being in the same room with him in close proximity made me ill (might have something to do with his personality as well but that's a whole other story :shhhh ).

However one downside and one of the reasons I did quit was my father, who had smoked for 30 plus years had finally quit for almost a year when I did.. Well I found out he started again. :frownone

I've found you really just need a strong motovation.

Here's mine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/kentcroo/Kyle/2ed556e7.jpg

Spent four hours this morning removing a poor guy's larynx... he was only 50. Not necessarily trying to scare anybody, but sometimes that's what it takes.

It's really great to hear about all you guys/gals trying. Hang in there and bite the bullet. It CAN be done and is WELL worth it.

I quit 45 minutes ago and so far am okay. Seriously, I usually smoke 2-1/2 packs a day. 45 minutes without one is good for me. I don't plan on smoking anymore. I've got 4 sources of motivation all under 5 years old. Wish me luck too.

I quit 45 minutes ago and so far am okay. Seriously, I usually smoke 2-1/2 packs a day. 45 minutes without one is good for me. I don't plan on smoking anymore. I've got 4 sources of motivation all under 5 years old. Wish me luck too.

Good luck... Nothing like kids is there?

Spent four hours this morning removing a poor guy's larynx... he was only 50. Not necessarily trying to scare anybody, but sometimes that's what it takes.


On the contrary, imo it's a miracle you showed up here on this forum and you happen to be in the line of work you are in.................I think this is exactly the kind of information that will snap people into reality.

I know I don't want to have to speak with one of those gadgets that people have to hold onto their throat. And I know I don't want to have to walk around with an oxygen mask on. This site also helps keep me motivated. http://www.getoutraged.com/


I quit 45 minutes ago and so far am okay. Seriously, I usually smoke 2-1/2 packs a day. 45 minutes without one is good for me. I don't plan on smoking anymore. I've got 4 sources of motivation all under 5 years old. Wish me luck too.

Keep it up auwrestler. You can and will do it. I've found it's more mind over matter than anything. The physical addiction goes away quick. Just remember, you won't die without a cigarette, you won't pass out, you won't kill anybody, you won't suffer any agonizing uncontrollable cravings. You can overcome all of that with a little willpower. I'm on day 17 without one. :D My brother lives here and he smokes in my face sometimes. I have been inches away from asking him for one, but you know what? I really don't want to be a smoker anymore. I'm saving money, and I feel better than I have in years.

You're doing great, Xena! Your attitude is going to get you through this, I can tell! Of course I hoped you kneed your brother for blowing smoke at you...ahhh, brothers!

And congratulations to all the other members that are working through this addiction...and don't feel ashamed or weak if you falter...just step back, think things through again, and try it again! It'll work!

I did the twenty year tour of smoking...was able to quit by switching to smokeless tobacco...wrong move...I don't know for a fact, but I think I was getting more nicotine that way than smoking...but seeing some chewers with mouth and throat cancer was enough to jolt me out of that addiction, too! I'm sure the good doctor here will attest that smokeless tobacco is not a suitable substitute for cigarettes...

So hang in there, fellow members...I know having a bag of baby carrots and good weather for bike riding pulled me through the hard spell of quitting! I tried hard candy, but then my waistline told me to switch to carrots and celery! :D

On the contrary, imo it's a miracle you showed up here on this forum and you happen to be in the line of work you are in.................I think this is exactly the kind of information that will snap people into reality.


Here is some more motivation for you:
http://whyquit.com/whyquit/bryanandson.jpg http://whyquit.com/whyquit/bed.jpg

34 years old with a 2 year old kid!!!!!

Great job Xena....I've smoked since I was 14, I'm 42 now, cough-cough...prolly 1 1/2-2 pks a day...been thinkin (wife and me), we should quit, but thinkin and doin's two different things...we did quit drinkin and useing back in '98, but did'nt quit cigarettes, anyway, how's it going at, what, 13 days now....gotta admit it is a nasty a$$ed habit

SC Compact: If that doesn't get people to stop, nothing will... It's really sad though... :(

SC Compact: If that doesn't get people to stop, nothing will... It's really sad though... :(
I think that site over does it a little bit but that is one image that really sticks in my mind.


Here is another one:
http://whyquit.com/whyquit/vonBehrens_big.jpg
A guy that used to work in my building smoked and had this done when he ws in his 40's. He quit after that.

The key to quitting is you really have to want to quit and it still is hard as hell. .

I started smoking when I was 13 and I probably started wanting to quit when I was in my twenties. When I hit my thrities I started to think about quitting more and more and I even tried once. Now that I am in my forties I realized that I have to quit or it will most probably kill me or it will slowly joke me to death and not allow me to do the things I enjoy.

I am not afraid of death but I am afraid of dying, especially dying slowly!!!!! :tour

Keep it up everyone!
Tomorrow at 8:15am will make 2 weeks for me.
I know for a fact that the physical addiction is all but gone. Still fighting that urge to stop off at the 7-11 on the way to work. It is getting better though!

Great job Xena & Kent (everyone for that matter!!) Congrat's! 2 weeks is great! Hard to imagine 1 week, isn't it!?

Im going on 5 weeks, and am doing better than I thought I would! I had to give the coffee, and cut back on the drinkin'! They seem to go hand and hand!

2 weeks will turn into 4 weeks, in no time!

Keep it up, and buy yourself some shiney stuff for your scott!

This is an awsome thread to keep up on! It's great to see that there are many peep's going though the same thing!

The pic's you all are posting will help with any potential weight gain, from the lack of smokin'! Them are nasty!

...and it hasn't been that bad. I mean I haven't been cranky or snappy with anyone, and on a daily basis I take care of my mom who has alzheimers so if that isn't enough stress to break me down then I don't know what is.
The first two days I kept forgetting I quit, and kept thinking, I need to go buy a pack of cigs, but then reality stepped in and I'd say, oh wait, I'm quitting... I threw away all the ashtrays and told my brother and sister no smoking in moms house so I think the hardest part is over. I'm going it cold turkey btw because for me thats the best way.

Little info: I'm nearing 44, started smoking (yes inhaling) at age 12. At age 26 when I lost my dad I quit for 8 years, then stupidly started again and had been smoking since - until now. This time around IS harder but I believe that with determination, anything is possible.

Has anyone else stopped the habit recently? If so I'd like to hear how you're doing. Also if anyone wants to join me, feel free.

Hey Xena~

Congrats! I'm responding to you in particular because while I quit 11 years ago, I live with someone who smokes and her father who also smokes (and also has Alzheimer's). She wants to quit but says the stress of caring for her father and the fact that her father's always smoking is enough to keep puffing away. To each their own I guess.

I'm sure caring for your mom takes a lot, my friend's father can be quite frustrating sometimes.

I remember quitting, and I was a friggen dragon for about the first week. It wasn't even like I thought about wanting one, instead I automatically went to grab one, and when I remembered why they weren't there, I'd get so nasty. So I kept to myself for the most part.

But now 11 years later, I can't stand the smell of it on other people. And they have no idea that I can even tell they smoke. After a few weeks when I had first quit, I remember throwing away a few jackets because I felt like I just couldn't get the stale cigarette smell out of them.

Anyway, good luck and good luck to everyone trying to kick the habit.

Many people will always be able to find an excuse to keep smoking. The one I hear most frequently is "there's too much stress in my life right now -- I'll stop later." I'm convinced that most of the time these are folks who simply like to smoke and don't really want to stop. They use an excuse because they're embarassed to admit it. Bottom line is that it really is tough to quit and those that are trying need our support. I've never known anyone who stopped and wasn't thrilled with themselves for doing so. Hang in there all of you, xena, itsshemp, kent, 74FeHeadXLH, and all the rest of you.

Good job everyone! :clap :clap :clap It's a tough battle but it's worth it. When we are young we feel immortal but as the years go by things change (hopefully). Just take it one day at a time. Sometimes we stumble but keep your eye on the horizon. I gave up smoking 10 years ago after smoking for 13 years.

My next door neighbor lost his wife to cigarettes and he can barely breath in the summer because of his old smoking habit (Emphysema). Then across the fence my other neighbor is gasping and coughing all the time. I know everyone has heard the horror stories and sadly they are true :(

I agree - there's always going to be stress. It just depends how badly you want to quit, it's always hard no matter what's going on.

NICOTINE JUNKIE THINKING

JUNKIE THINKING: "One Puff won't hurt"
RESPONSE: "One puff will always hurt me, and it always will because I'm not a social smoker. One puff and I'll be smoking compulsively again."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I only want one."
RESPONSE: "I have never wanted only one. In fact, I want 20-30 a day every day. I want them all."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I'll just be a social smoker."
RESPONSE: "I'm a chronic, compulsive smoker, and once I smoke one I'll quickly be thinking about the next one. Social smokers can take it or leave it. That's not me."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I'm doing so well, one won't hurt me now."
RESPONSE: "The only reason I'm doing so well is because I haven't taken the first one. Yet once I do, I won't be doing well anymore. I'll be smoking again."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I'll just stop again."
RESPONSE: "Sounds easy, but who am I trying to kid? Look how long it too me to stop this time. And once I start, how long will it take before I get sick enough to face withdrawal again? In fact, when I'm back in the grip of compulsion, what guarantee do I have that I'll ever be able to stop again?"

JUNKIE THINKING: "If I slip, I'll keep trying."
RESPONSE: "If I think I can get away with one little "slip" now I'll think I can get away with another little "slip" later on."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I need one to get me through this withdrawal."
RESPONSE: "Smoking will not get me through the discomfort of not smoking. It will only get me back to smoking. One puff stops the process of withdrawal and I'll have to go through it all over again."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I miss smoking right now."
RESPONSE: "Of course I miss something I've been doing every day for most of my life. But do I miss the chest pain right now? Do I miss the worry, the embarrassment? I'd rather be an ex-smoker with an occasional desire to smoke, than a smoker with a constant desire to stop doing it."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I really need to smoke now, I'm so upset."
RESPONSE: "Smoking is not going to fix anything. I'll still be upset, I'll just be an upset smoker. I never have to have a cigarette. Smoking is not a need; it's a want. Once the crisis is over, I'll be relieved and grateful I'm still not smoking."

JUNKIE THINKING: "I don't care."
RESPONSE: "What is it exactly that I think that I don't care about? Can I truthfully say I don't care about chest pain? I don't care about gagging in the morning? I don't care about lung cancer? No, I care about these things very much. That's why I stopped smoking in the first place."

JUNKIE THINKING: "What difference does it make, anyway?"
RESPONSE: "It makes a difference in the way I breathe, the way my heart beats, the way I feel about myself. It makes a tremendous difference in every aspect of my physical and emotional health."

For all you guys/gals out there humpin' it with the quit smoking routine... HANG IN THERE!!! :) I'm thinkin' of ya' and know you can do it... Please don't let YOURSELF down...

Woo Hoo!
I made it through a night at the bar without one!

Woo Hoo!
I made it through a night at the bar without one!

That's great Kent. How the rest of y'all doin'?

It was a little wierd..
For the longest time it was just a given..
Go to Wally's and sit out on the porch with a beer and hang out and smoke cigs.

Considering I started with that BS excuse of being a "social smoker".
Turned into a 1-2 pack a day habit pretty quick.

Good to know I can still hang out with my friends though! :clap

Fantastic job everyone! Tomorrow will make 3 weeks smoke free for me.

wish my wife would quit

xena: that's just so cool for you...

dmraco: keep buggin' her... tell her you love her and buy her flowers... :)

I ain't got time to read this whole thread...but I will say this:

Starting smoking was the second dumbest thing I've done in my life.

Giving up smoking was easy......................getting off the nicotine gum was a bitch!

I found that a combination of Excel Polar Ice gum and a Fishermans Friend had the same dogs-ass taste as the Nicoret gum and that's what worked for me.

The worst part of quitting was on two different nights I had a very vivid dream that I was smoking.

Could taste it and everything!

Hang in there and don't !!!!! this up by starting again.

Nobody would want to quit more than once.

Best regards,

Brian

Gotta bump this up guys 'n gals --- too much at stake here.

xena, sportsterrific, garman68hd, cyn, dionysius, planb, deicer18, gotwa, y2k, mustangt5, chainz, kent, itsshemp, sc_compact, crow, 1911bronco, flskevin, forensicsgt, sandy57, jeebus, auwrestler197, 74feheadxlh, and dmraco's wife (hopefully) -- all of you (hope I didn't miss anyone) hang in there. Some of us really do care that you stop. You've got our support. Scream for help if need be -- it'll probably scare you out of thinking about a cig...

Good idea daesdaemar.

auwrestler197 and cyn...how are you both doing? I know the first few days sucks real bad, but you will get through it. Hope you both pop in and update us on your progress. Keeping in touch with this thread every day has been a wonderful support system for me. Hope to hear from you and anyone else who is trying to kick it.

Hey Xena and all you quitters,

The best thing you can do for yourself and all you love is to quit. Keep it up, it's worth it, I know after 19 years of not smoking...... You'll eventually feel better, and wonder why you ever played with fire.

Gotta bump this up guys 'n gals --- too much at stake here.

xena, sportsterrific, garman68hd, cyn, dionysius, planb, deicer18, gotwa, y2k, mustangt5, chainz, kent, itsshemp, sc_compact, crow, 1911bronco, flskevin, forensicsgt, sandy57, jeebus, auwrestler197, 74feheadxlh, and dmraco's wife (hopefully) -- all of you (hope I didn't miss anyone) hang in there. Some of us really do care that you stop. You've got our support. Scream for help if need be -- it'll probably scare you out of thinking about a cig...

Maybe we could make this a sticky or give it its own section like "SOBER RIDING".

Maybe we could make this a sticky or give it its own section like "SOBER RIDING".

Not too bad an idea... maybe some potential there???

Heh.. That's why I'm here right at this moment. Reading everything on here for support.
Been fine for 2 1/2 weeks with no cravings whatsoever but for some reason I *REALLY* want one right now.
However.. Not gonna happen so I'm gonna keep myself busy.

Hey Kent the same thing has been happening to me periodically. Lot of it has to do with the fact that it's been cold and rainy with nothing to do ever since I put down the smokes.
I think I've polished my bike 3 times this week just to keep my mind off buying a pack. It's all psychological at this point, and I'm not going to let the devil on my shoulder win. ;)
Good job. Keep fighting. You'll be so proud and happy that you won the battle in the end. :)

Michele

I've had this on my mind since I started reading this thread.

Since you have to avoid actions that used to coincide with smoking, ie; drinking, going to bars etc., I sure hope your all remaining abstinant. :censor

Oh the question on my mind, not the act. :o

a little over 5 weeks, and I still have those days, Kent!!

I normally do very well, but every once in a while, I get a CRAZY craving! Hang tough! It will pass!

Im not sure what it is, but it comes over ya with force sometimes. It's just a matter of being stronger than the urge, and giving it time to pass.

I was put through the test this weekend. I went to a wedding reception, and let me tell ya, I WANTED a smoke! Drinking just aint the same! And let me tell ya, I can do some drinkin'! But without the smokes........ I was pretty mellow. I guess that is a good thing! Ill save my liver too!

Good Luck, and keep up the fight!

You guys are all doing great. It's encouraging to hear how you are simply not going to cave in and continue the fight.

Hey xena, what do you use to polish your scoot???

01Sporty, that's not an issue here in MA because they have banned smoking in public places such as restaurants, pubs, bars, etc. so it's no biggy. :) Most of my friends smoke, so when I go to their houses I'm presented with a bunch of puffers, but I dealt with it before when I quit for 8 years, and I will deal with it from here on in.

Daesdaemar, I use Mothers California Gold Wax, and Mothers Aluminum Wheel Polish (along with cotton baby diapers). If I keep it up at this pace, I'm gonna polish the paint and chrome right off the bike. ;)

Daesdaemar, I use Mothers California Gold Wax, and Mothers Aluminum Wheel Polish (along with cotton baby diapers). If I keep it up at this pace, I'm gonna polish the paint and chrome right off the bike. ;)

thank you :)

01Sporty, that's not an issue here in MA because they have banned smoking in public places

Hmm, Where I'm at, they've ban s*x in public places too. :rolllaugh
I gotta move to MA. :tour

OK in all seriousness, you can all be proud of yourselves, quitting is not easy.
Just stay with it and think about all the $$ your saving, how much better the air (and your clothes) will smell.
And when you buy a new car, it has that new car smell a lot longer.

Regards,

although I am not doing so well. I have been reading alot on the sites that were posted previously and they are very informative but my will power seems not be as good as all the rest of you guys....that and my boss backed into my bike last thursday and I thought my head was going to explode. Ok, so I was parked in his parking place but he wasn't supposed to be here all day....then he comes in and doesn't look and backs right into the front end. I can still ride her and I took it for an estimate Saturday. They say 8-12 weeks for a front fender. I can't even believe it.

I know that we have to find other ways to deal with the stress and I am still trying....I am not going to give up until I beat these things....I am thinking just cold turkey is the way to go and I will try that this weekend since I have a three day weekend and that way I can get the nicotine out of my system without losing my job. Anyway, I am checking in with you guys everyday so keep the posts coming. Send me good thoughts ok?

Never give up! It's worth keeping up the effort!

I have tried a few times in the past, but this has been my most sucessful! I think it comes down to REALLY WANTING to quit! This was my time!

For me "Cold Turkey" wasn't going to work. I knew that! So I started off with some help (see previous post). I am almost on my own now, and doing much better than expected. I really do not want to go back, even though I tease everyone around me, with BS about smoking again! ;)

If you REALLY want to quit, you can. As for stress? I still have stress, and those days are a little tough, but when I get home, I ride my scoot, and all goes away!

Good luck, and keep trying!

It does get easier and yes you really do have to want to quit.

When yo have a bad day think how smoking will help you? It won't. This is just junkie thinking!!!!!

It has been almost 5 months for me now and I am getting to the point where instead of saying I REALLY miss smoking I can honestly now say I only miss smoking.

When I first quit I was watching TV and they had a commercial with a guy and a good looking woman in bed and they were both smoking. When I was a smoker I would have focused in on the hot looking woman but instead all I could see were two people lying in bed smoking.

Even after 5 months I still think the sexiest thing going is a good looking woman with a cigarette in her mouth (LOL).

Anyway hang in there it definitely gets easier.

I know I have posted this link before but I will post it again, this is a wonderful site dedicated to quitting smoking. Everyone on this site is at some stage of a quit, one day one week...3 years.

If you are having a tough time check it out. You will get all the moral support in the world and then some ===>Quit Smoking Support Site - Blairsville (http://www.network54.com/Forum/76750)

Steve

This Wed. is my quit date. I am really going to try this time. I want to get chrome heads for my "Betty" so I`ll use the saved money for that. I Hope! I notice when I ride I don`t smoke so I guess I`ll keep ridding till I get over it. Ha!! Good Luck to you!

3 Months and going strong! I've been told by a few close friends, that I am still a bit "touchy", and not as "easy to get along with", but they still commend me on my willpower. I guess there is always a bit of a trade off. While on a really nice ride on Sunday, we passed a few bikes taking a smoke break. I told my GF that's one of the times I miss the most. She replied with, "yeah but just think how many years you will be adding to enjoy "OTHER" pleasures! With a raised eyebrow and a nod, I cracked the throttle, and on we rode.. ;-)

You gotta read this guys:

FOREMAN, Ark. - A leap of faith proved hazardous for a smoker in need of a cigarette fix after a night on the town.

Jeff Foran suffered trauma to his nose, eyes and chin after jumping from a car traveling 55-60 mph. Authorities said he was trying to retrieve a cigarette blown out of the passenger-side window.

Foran, 38, took the leap Saturday night, state police Trooper Jamie Gravier said.

The driver of the car, Jerry Glenn Nelson, said Foran had asked him earlier in the evening to be a designated driver after a night of drinking.

"Foran did the right thing and asked his buddy to drive him home," Gravier said. "It was obvious he was extremely intoxicated."

Gravier added: "If anything could make him stop smoking, this should be it. The man is lucky to be alive."


I don't think any of you guys/gals want a smoke this bad -- do you???

I remember an incident like that when my Dad picked me up at the airport after I had just finished a long overseas tour in the military...he was a HEAVY smoker and usually chain smoked, but somehow he let his last cigarette go out and he didn't have a lighter or matches...here I was driving his car down the interstate and he yells, "Pull over...now!" I didn't know what was going on...I pulled over and he got out, opened the hood, and then I watched him as he grabbed a live spark plug wire (the car was still running)...it was almost hilarious seeing his body jerk and convulse under the hood while he tried to light that cigarette with the plug wire, but it was kind of sad at the same time realizing how bad that nicotine addiction can be...needless to say, he chainsmoked all the way home after that so we didn't have to repeat that scenario! So as bad as the urges may be, fight it off...go find a diversion...grab a carrot! You've got a whole cheerleading squad here wishing you the best! You'll get many more "Sportster Riding Years" in by quitting, too!

I remember an incident like that when my Dad picked me up at the airport after I had just finished a long overseas tour in the military...he was a HEAVY smoker and usually chain smoked, but somehow he let his last cigarette go out and he didn't have a lighter or matches...here I was driving his car down the interstate and he yells, "Pull over...now!" I didn't know what was going on...I pulled over and he got out, opened the hood, and then I watched him as he grabbed a live spark plug wire (the car was still running)...it was almost hilarious seeing his body jerk and convulse under the hood while he tried to light that cigarette with the plug wire, but it was kind of sad at the same time realizing how bad that nicotine addiction can be...needless to say, he chainsmoked all the way home after that so we didn't have to repeat that scenario! So as bad as the urges may be, fight it off...go find a diversion...grab a carrot! You've got a whole cheerleading squad here wishing you the best! You'll get many more "Sportster Riding Years" in by quitting, too!

Great story planB!

This Wed. is my quit date. I am really going to try this time. I want to get chrome heads for my "Betty" so I`ll use the saved money for that. I Hope! I notice when I ride I don`t smoke so I guess I`ll keep ridding till I get over it. Ha!! Good Luck to you!

Hope you're doin well today Stumble.
Just start picturing those chrome heads on Betty if you're feelin weak! :D

Did anyone watch this last night?

Keep up the good work guys an' gals. It IS worth it, believe me...

I went to dr today and asked about trying Zyban maybe even with the patches. After 30 years and one failed attempt I think I need some heavy guns. I am hoping with the Zyban, I can at least get the nicotine out of my body. Wish me luck!

good luck cyn...

I went to dr today and asked about trying Zyban maybe even with the patches. After 30 years and one failed attempt I think I need some heavy guns. I am hoping with the Zyban, I can at least get the nicotine out of my body. Wish me luck!

I tried Zyban about 10 years ago. I made it 3 months and once the script ran out I went back to smoking. Even with the Zaiban the first few weeks were not fun. It also really screwed up my sleeping at night and I walked around in what I called the Zyban Fog of confusion but hopefully it will work for you.

What the Zyban proved to me was that it is not really the physical addiction that is so tough to beat but the mental addiction. When I quit for 3 months, with the Zaiban, the nicotine was long out of my system and I started smoking again. I was in my thirties at that time so I figured I had time to worry about quitting when I got older (did not really want to quit).

This time I am in my forties and I realized it is now or never and I really wanted to quit. Well I didn't really want to quit but I realized I really had to quit.

I find even after 5 months a day does not go by that I don't think about smoking but it does get easier to just put it out of your mind.

Whenever I think about how nice a smoke would be I just tell myself "I don't do that anymore and it is not an option"!.

Another really important thing is do not dwell on how badly you want a smoke.

This quit I used the generic Nicorette that you can get a Walmart. As a matter of fact I am still using it after 5 months but I only chew two pieces a day. While I hope to eventually get off the Nicorette completely it is not a top priority for me right now. I find that there are constantly things that I am doing for the first time without being a smoker. It is these situations where the Nicorette really helps get me through the tough spots.

The first few days were tough but not that as bad as the last time I had tried to quit with the Zaiban. I think I went through about 7 pieces of Nicorette per day initially, many cups of coffee (strange since smokes and coffee really compliment each other) and I chewed on many straws.

The key to a successful quit is all in your head. You really have to want to quit.

You can do it. I never thought I could. I always joked that they would bury me with a pack of Kools and a lighter in my pocket.

Remember very few people quit and stay quit on their first attempt at quitting.

Good luck you can do it!!!!!

Good luck to all who are trying to quit smoking. Each day is a triumph even after 20 years of not smoking for me. I tried for about 3 years of "cutting down" till I got to the point of going 1 whole day without smoking. At that point I knew I had it licked and I couldn't stand the smell anymore. I thought that if I could go 1 day then I could go 2, 3, 4, you know th rest. Sounds easy but was the most difficult thing I ever did and the best thing I did for my family. The ironic thing is that I lost a son to esophageal and stomach cancer because he smoked and he probably learned the habit from me, think about that and maybe it'll help yuo all to quit. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF AND ALL THOSE YOU LOVE.

Tomorrow will be 6 weeks! Unbelievable! My friends cant believe it! They only knew me as "Shemp always has a grit in his mouth"!

Anyways, I am still using COMMIT, but I am down to 3-4 a day (some days less), after only 6 weeks. It really just takes the edge off at this point, when I think i want to burn one. Its still mostly mental, but still tough.

For those that dont think you can do it Cold Turkey, be honest with yourself, and pick something to help you in those tough times. I can tell you right now, that if I didnt have these things to fall back on, I would have been smoking again. It HAD THAT much control of me!

I feel MUCH more in control at this point, and look forward to having FULL control in time!

Keep up the hard work everyone, and dont let YOURSELF down!

Awesome Shemp! I'm at 3 weeks 3 days, and 21 hours according to the quitmeter (http://www.quitmeter.com/) .
We've had cold rainy weather ever since I quit, making things much harder because I can't ride. Good job everyone, and Cyn, don't worry. You are already on the right path because you want to quit and you are trying. Once you learn how to gain control of your urges, you'll have it in the bag. Self control is key. Like everyone said, the physical addiction doesn't last long at all. Keep trying. You'll succeed. We are all here for you.

I'm at 3 weeks 3 days, and 21 hours according to the quitmeter (http://www.quitmeter.com/) .


Whoo Hoo! Way to go Xena! :clap

We're all pullin' for all of you to "kick the habit"!

Super - Super - Super!!! I am so proud of all of you!!! Please, put me out of business!!! :)

Thanks to all for the support. I am psyching myself up for this big time. I am practically living on the whyquit.com site and have learned alot.

Xena - your my hero, stick with it!! One question (to start with anyway) my husband and daughter smoke although not in the house since I have started this quest. They are very supportive but not to the point that they will quit with me. My daughter (I am working on her pretty hard) said that if I quit, she will. That is incentive as well. The problem though is that my husband is outside quite a bit smoking, how do you handle it with your brother around?

SC_Compact - thanks for your encouragement, I am very hesitant about using Zyban but I figure if it doesn't help or I react to it at least I tried. I have to do this. So I'm getting the script filled tomorrow when I get paid. We'll see how it goes.

Cyn, I was able to get my brother to go outside or at least to his own bedroom if he wants to puff. I've convinced myself that "I don't smoke anymore", "I am not a smoker", etc. Now that the nasty crap is out of my system, I have the mind set that I am a "non smoker", instead of thinking of myself as someone who is "trying to quit". I did quit the day I put them down, and now, I don't smoke. period.
If you tell yourself you are "trying to quit", then you are setting yourself up to slide back and say oh well, I tried.
If you drill it into your head that you "dont smoke", then you will start to believe it. Cannot stress enough how much of it is mind over matter. When you get your mind in that place, you will know it.
We are all pulling for you folks who are struggling so please do not give up because sooner or later you WILL have control over this rather than allowing it to control you.

Xena, your mind set is clear and focused! Terrific explanation !!

time for a bump... How's everyone doing??? Really good I hope. Anybody need some special encouragement??? BTW, remember you can't ride and smoke at the same time unless you're behind some huge windshield or fairing, and that's no fun... ;)

And if you need any encouragement over the three day weekend, just tune into here, and we'll give you all the support you need! Do have a safe Memorial Day Weekend!

time for a bump... How's everyone doing??? Really good I hope. Anybody need some special encouragement??? BTW, remember you can't ride and smoke at the same time unless you're behind some huge windshield or fairing, and that's no fun... ;)

Actually that is one of the smokes I miss the most. I always put a cig lighter on my bikes (except the Sporty) so I could light up without stopping and only one of my bikes had a fairing.

My morning routine last summer was have a smoke while I walked the dog and drank my cofee, then half way through my 30 mile commute to work I would stop for gas and light a smoke leaving the gas station. Although most of it burned in the wind I loved it.

I especially miss the hot ashes that used to blow into my eyes or down the back of my neck while I was riding/smoking.

Unlike many exsmokers who say they hate smoking ...blah, blah, blah I really like(d) smoking. If they came out with a cig that was not harmful to your health I would be back smoking in a heartbeat even at $10 a pack.

Ah the good old days!

SC_Compact: I can't really tell how hard you're pulling on my leg. :) In any case, it's a cute story. I'm glad you're apparently still off the cigs. Have a great holiday weekend and ride safe...

The fact of the matter is I will always be a smoker. I just try and be a smoker who is not smoking today.

I was out riding today and my riding buddy smokes and it was a little tough a couple of times.

I think the thing that keeps me from smoking is not wanting to throw away the last five months.

Sometimes I find it is harder to not smoke as time goes by. When you first quit you are very motivated and very proud of not smoking. But as time goes by some of the feelings of accomplishment weaken.

Lastly it does get tiresome sometimes fighting the cravings day after day after day.......AFTER DAY!

All in all though I am still pretty committed to staying quit. I just like to reminice (did I spell that right?) about the good old days when I was young and foolish and I could smoke my brains out. :smoke

Stay strong,
Steve

What do you think of this Zyban? I got my prescription filled but am still really hesitant to try it. Not doing so well on my own...I go on vacation next week with about 10 other people (all smokers) so I don't know if I should start before or after that.

Cyn....Not sure if you will see this post before ya leave, but I did hear Zyban is one of the most effective aids in quitting.

Hi Xena,
That is a hard place to be with your mother,the stress and all,my thoughts are with you.I had quit smoking,but im burning 3 packs a day again....I tried the gum, and pill route the last time I stoped for 8 months....my dad went the cancer route due to smoking,you would think I could take a hint....not...:)

What do you think of this Zyban? I got my prescription filled but am still really hesitant to try it. Not doing so well on my own...I go on vacation next week with about 10 other people (all smokers) so I don't know if I should start before or after that.

For folks who need the help, the combination of nicotine patches and Zyban seems to be the most effective. Like all prescription drugs, Zyban can have some side-effects and should not be taken by all persons. If your doctor gave you Zyban, then I have to assume that you are a reasonable candidiate for it.

Having said all of that, my experience is that most people that successfully stop smoking do it on their own and do it cold turkey. I believe you really have to want to stop smoking, and that generally means having a good reason to do so. I really wish you the best of luck...

I congratulate anyone trying or for having quit!

Just Do Not give up!

And look how much fun it will be when you walk into an area where folks smoke, you can "Smell" it and then you say to yourself "I can't believe I used to inhale that sh*t":)

Carl2124 thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

Well I've been off the smokes for 4 weeks and 3 days. Haven't smoked 621 cigs, and have saved 155.00, according to the quitmeter. (I love that quitmeter)

I've had several episodes of temptation, but I made it through. It gets easier all the time to not smoke, and as Daesdaemar said, you have to want to quit. Much luck to everyone else who is done puffing and in quit mode. :)

Well I've been off the smokes for 4 weeks and 3 days. Haven't smoked 621 cigs, and have saved 155.00, according to the quitmeter. (I love that quitmeter)

I've had several episodes of temptation, but I made it through. It gets easier all the time to not smoke, and as Daesdaemar said, you have to want to quit. Much luck to everyone else who is done puffing and in quit mode. :)

You go girl... ;)

What do you think of this Zyban? I got my prescription filled but am still really hesitant to try it. Not doing so well on my own...I go on vacation next week with about 10 other people (all smokers) so I don't know if I should start before or after that.

Read the directions that came with your Zaiban. If I remember you are supposed to pick a quit date one to two weeks out, start taking the Zaiban and smoke as you always have. The Zaiban will not let your brain get the same rush it normally gets from the nicotine. Then on the date you picked as your quit date you stop smoking so you probably could start now.

However if it was me I think I would wait till after vacation. Go have a good time eat, drink smoke and be merry knowing this will be your last big hoorah/vacation as a smoker. :smoke

Good Luck!

Steve
Quit 01/05/05

Carl2124 thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

Well I've been off the smokes for 4 weeks and 3 days. Haven't smoked 621 cigs, and have saved 155.00, according to the quitmeter. (I love that quitmeter)

I've had several episodes of temptation, but I made it through. It gets easier all the time to not smoke, and as Daesdaemar said, you have to want to quit. Much luck to everyone else who is done puffing and in quit mode. :)

$155! That's almost the 412 shocks! :D

Glad to see that ya all are still hanging in there! ME TOO!!! Let me tell ya.... Did some pretty serious partying over the holiday weekend, and made it through without a smoke!

I was trashed on Friday night, but still never went for a smoke, or even remember wanting one! THAT suprised me, since my biggest fear was going to be the drinking thing! Got through it, so I figured I'd give coffee a try! Not a problem!

I have to admit that i am still using the Commit [I]for backup, for those really tough times, but I dont really need them anymore. When I do get that crazy feeling (which I still do from time to time) I pop one in, and im good to go. I still have the 3 cig's I had the day I decided to quit! I figured if I can have them near, and not smoke them, then I have it licked!

Good luck to everyone, and keep up the GREAT work! It IS work!

I say use whatever it is that you think will work for YOU! I tried the gum before, with not much luck. What I am using now has worked great, and it is recommended by me. Thats just my opinion.

Good luck all, and keep us up to date!

Quitnet.com just sent me another email. I am now 1 year without smokes! I actually can't believe it is already a year. Hey Cyn, Zyban is the shit (at least for me). I would say to wait until after your trip with fellow smokers, as that is just too much temptation. The first couple of weeks are hard even with the Zyban. What I did was set a date 2 weeks in advance as my quit date, and kept reminding myself of that date. Start taking 1 pill a day for a week (still smoking). Then on the 2nd week start taking pills twice a day. Stop smoking on your quit date and continue to take 2 a day. That first week of no smoking is a bitch I won't lie. You might want to warn co-workers as I got pretty grumpy!!! The Zyban definetly helps, but it's no magic bullet. YOU MUST WANT TO QUIT!! I have a friend that went on Zyban after I told him about, but he did not take it seriously and is still smoking. Now you could start taking the pills before your trip, but I would wait for two reasons. 1) Side effects are very rare, but can happen. You might want to be close to your Doctor just in case. 2) Being around people that don't want to quit might make it hard to start teaching yourself that you do not want to smoke anymore. (If they're not quitting why should I?) I believe Xena summed it up perfectly, You have to keep telling yourself that you are not a smoker, it's a disgusting habit that will only take your money and eventually kill you. I used the coming birth of my 1st child as incentive and it helped as well. Give yourself goals and stick to them. I made good on my quit buddies and I suggest you do the same. I am more than willing to help anyone I can, so if you want PM me.
Jason

Thanks Jason, I appreciate that. I think I will wait until the vacation is over and start when I get back. I KNOW that I will do this. I feel the same way about, if there would be any side effects, I am on other meds now so it is something that has to be watched. That's why I am hesitant to take it but I think it's worth it if it does what they claim.

I probably won't have much time before I leave to get back on here so good luck to all and I'll check in when I get back. My daughter is graduating!!!!!! And then VACATION!! Can't wait...enjoy the journey... :tour

Time for bump up...

Really great hearing all the positive vibes on this subject. You guys 'n gals all hang in there... I'm proud of all of you... ;)

You guys 'n gals all hang in there...

They can all be proud of themselves :clap
I have a suggestions to keep them all on the right track :tour

Those that "give-up" and go back to the nasty habit have to chip-in to buy the rest of us the new XLF T-Shirts.
I'm sure Bert's ADFB spyware satellite is very capable of keeping tabs on them.

Time for a bump up...
No activity on this thread for 3 days... I will take that as good news. Everyone past the nicotine craving and no longer having fits. Hope no one is cheating... ;)
Seriously folks, we care and encourage you to hang in there and tough it out... :)

Time for a bump up...
No activity on this thread for 3 days... I will take that as good news. Everyone past the nicotine craving and no longer having fits. Hope no one is cheating... ;)
Seriously folks, we care and encourage you to hang in there and tough it out... :)

5 months for me on 06/05/05.

Here is my new plan.
I smoked for 34 years and I quit at 47. If I make it to 60 without smoking, I will be smoke free for 13 years. By then my lungs should look like a non smoker so I can start smoking again and I shouldn't have to think about quitting again until I am 95!!!!! :clap

:( SC Compact I hope you're joking.

Well here's my update. Up until last week, I had been thinking about cigs at least once a day. Now, I don't think about them at all. :)

Here's my quit meter log:

Off the smokes for 5 weeks, 2 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes, 51 seconds
Cigarettes not smoked: 758

Money saved: $189.50

Sunday was the first close call I had since I quit on Feb. 14. We just got back from the Miracle run, and decided to have a few cold ones by the pool. After about 8 cold Rolling Rocks, I had a craving hit me like a steamroller! It's a good thing none of my friends that smoke were around, because I may have snuck one out of their pack. It just goes to show ya that you are never out of the woods. 4 months without any close calls, and this one snuck up on me like a butterfly with sore feet. Good thing my girl was there to remind me how far I have come, and how dissapointed she would be if I caved. A dip in the pool killed the urge, and I was back in control a few minutes later. This is why it would be a tough go for me to start frequenting bars again. I just don't need the temptation at this point, and there are plenty of smokers more than willing to let ya bum one. Maybe someday when I have a more secure willpower level...

Ya done good chainz! You're right though, we are like smokaholics - being one cigarette away from starting up again.
There's no smoking in bars & restaurants here in Massachusetts. I guess you don't have that law there in PA.

Ya done good chainz! You're right though, we are like smokaholics - being one cigarette away from starting up again.
There's no smoking in bars & restaurants here in Massachusetts. I guess you don't have that law there in PA.

I was talikng with the security guard at work about the strong long lasting grip these cigs have on us humans. It's almost like it imprints this wonderful euphoric memory on our brains.

I still think about them multiple times every day. It is just MUCH easier saying forget about it and moving on now. I wonder if the fact that I used and still am using the Nicorette has anything to do with it. Although I only chew two pieces a day maybe it is not letting me get past the addiction.

I am taking a day ride up to Lake George today with a couple of buddies one who smokes so I am taking extra Nicorette with me just in case.

I am taking a day ride up to Lake George today with a couple of buddies one who smokes so I am taking extra Nicorette with me just in case.

Smart -- very smart!!! ;)

Xena, it actually surprizes me we don't have a smoke ban in bars here in Pa. Normally Pa. has the stiffest laws on everything it seems. I know for a fact our taxes are high, yet the potholes remain!! I'm also surprized we made the helmet choice a law last year.
Funny part is, it doesn't bother me in the least when I smell smoke. In fact, I take a few breaks a day with ppl that smoke. I have my coffee, and they have their coffee and smokes. Previous to Sunday, the only times I felt any craving at all to have a smoke, was when I got stressed over something. Now I found out even when all is calm and just sitting back relaxing, it can sneak up on ya. The cold beers normally have not brought on a craving for a smoke, but I guess it was only a matter of time. Buddy of mine says I should keep a bowl of pretzel rods on the table when having a few cold ones. Onward we go.......

yep, Im on my third pack of ciggs.....:) did that help any? Im glad those who did stop smoking on here have more will power than me...best of luck!

I am taking a day ride up to Lake George today with a couple of buddies one who smokes so I am taking extra Nicorette with me just in case.

Had a great ride up to Lake George yesterday and only used two pieces of Nicorette the whole day. We had to stop like every hour for my buddy to have a smoke though which becomes a li