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General / Off-Topic Quitting Smoking Diary
- Thread starter JeffRyan
- Start date
David Beckham saved my life
You seem to be doing very well. Good Luck.
If others are trying and in a sort of group-therapy style it helps then this is my story.
For me it was around the 2 week mark that was the hump. I "gave up" loads of times and fell at that hurdle.
I am pretty well educated, well aware of the dangers but I still did it. I think it was probably some sort of mild rebellion. It was not expected of me and I think I liked that. A bit childish really. In your 20s you feel invulnerable.
There were a number of factors that finally helped me round.
1. I was smoking more and more. Breaking rules I had set myself like not smoking at work and in the car. I knew I was heading the wrong way and wanted to stop.
2. I was not really enjoying smoking much, it was a habit rather than a pleasure and one day I totally overdosed. Jun 26th 1998 (England vs Columbia) I had the day off to watch the match. It was a glorious day. I chain smoked about 4-5 packs of red tabs in the afternoon. Woke up the next morning with my mouth and lungs feeling worse than my head. Decided enough was enough - but I could not quit while the World Cup was on so resolved to myself that as soon as we were knocked out, I would quit.
During the Argentina game, I was so nervous I don't think I even smoked during extra-time and penalties. My last ever cig burnt away on it's own.
(Ironically - don't give a stuff about international football these days)
3. Two weeks later, a friend came up to stay. We were heading out to the pub and by habit I put a packet in my pocket. She said she thought I had given up and asked me not to, so in an act of bravado I dramatically threw them in the bin. The whole evening I was twitchy as anything, even considering stealing one from fellow drinkers mouths for a quick puff. She was proud of me though and I made it through.
That was it, no nicotine replacements. That is not for everyone but once I decide to properly do something, I do it. Attempts before had been half-hearted and so failed.
One thing I did notice - at the time I was frequenting pubs/bars a lot (way before ban so surrounded by smokers back then) and instead of drink - smoke - drink - smoke etc. I went drink - drink - drink - drink. So my beer consumption went up, along with my weight. It took quite a while for that to balance out.
In short, as others have said. You have to really want to stop, you need help from friends and it helps if you are a stubborn b*****d. Being able to breathe properly is a great incentive though, that and helping to live long enough to see your kids grow up.
15 years next month and I don't miss it a bit. In fact I get repulsed when I smell it now.
Good Luck Commander!
You seem to be doing very well. Good Luck.
If others are trying and in a sort of group-therapy style it helps then this is my story.
For me it was around the 2 week mark that was the hump. I "gave up" loads of times and fell at that hurdle.
I am pretty well educated, well aware of the dangers but I still did it. I think it was probably some sort of mild rebellion. It was not expected of me and I think I liked that. A bit childish really. In your 20s you feel invulnerable.
There were a number of factors that finally helped me round.
1. I was smoking more and more. Breaking rules I had set myself like not smoking at work and in the car. I knew I was heading the wrong way and wanted to stop.
2. I was not really enjoying smoking much, it was a habit rather than a pleasure and one day I totally overdosed. Jun 26th 1998 (England vs Columbia) I had the day off to watch the match. It was a glorious day. I chain smoked about 4-5 packs of red tabs in the afternoon. Woke up the next morning with my mouth and lungs feeling worse than my head. Decided enough was enough - but I could not quit while the World Cup was on so resolved to myself that as soon as we were knocked out, I would quit.
During the Argentina game, I was so nervous I don't think I even smoked during extra-time and penalties. My last ever cig burnt away on it's own.
(Ironically - don't give a stuff about international football these days)
3. Two weeks later, a friend came up to stay. We were heading out to the pub and by habit I put a packet in my pocket. She said she thought I had given up and asked me not to, so in an act of bravado I dramatically threw them in the bin. The whole evening I was twitchy as anything, even considering stealing one from fellow drinkers mouths for a quick puff. She was proud of me though and I made it through.
That was it, no nicotine replacements. That is not for everyone but once I decide to properly do something, I do it. Attempts before had been half-hearted and so failed.
One thing I did notice - at the time I was frequenting pubs/bars a lot (way before ban so surrounded by smokers back then) and instead of drink - smoke - drink - smoke etc. I went drink - drink - drink - drink. So my beer consumption went up, along with my weight. It took quite a while for that to balance out.
In short, as others have said. You have to really want to stop, you need help from friends and it helps if you are a stubborn b*****d. Being able to breathe properly is a great incentive though, that and helping to live long enough to see your kids grow up.
15 years next month and I don't miss it a bit. In fact I get repulsed when I smell it now.
Good Luck Commander!
Bravo and high-5 to those that smoked and managed to quit, and a hug for those who are still trying to stop. Smoked for a very long time so I understand the pain.
Ian Phillips
Volunteer Moderator
Yes Jeff, getting through the first two weeks is the tough part. Now just don't ever give in to the feeling that you would just like 'one'.
Not even a puff.
Have you start smoking again Jeff ? Several months have passed.
I gave up real cigs (smoked for almost 20 years)almost 8 months ago, I ordered an electronic cigarette and since the day I got it I have been using that solely.
fitness wise I am a new man, I play football regularly and am able to run for 90mins non-stop, I can swim lengths again, very rarely cough and never get that breathless feeling, I have so much more energy and feel mentally more sharp and alert.
It's also great to get away from that horrible smell which I now hate.
Although I now have a mild addiction to the E-cigarette, I am on a low dosage of nicotine, so soon I may give that up as well.
I did try stopping cold, but for me it just didn't work, one thing I know for sure is that I will never go back to the stinkies again.
fitness wise I am a new man, I play football regularly and am able to run for 90mins non-stop, I can swim lengths again, very rarely cough and never get that breathless feeling, I have so much more energy and feel mentally more sharp and alert.
It's also great to get away from that horrible smell which I now hate.
Although I now have a mild addiction to the E-cigarette, I am on a low dosage of nicotine, so soon I may give that up as well.
I did try stopping cold, but for me it just didn't work, one thing I know for sure is that I will never go back to the stinkies again.
Patrick, I saw your post (I didn't realise it was so long ago now) and hesitated in replying. Not because I didn't want to answer but I wasn't sure HOW to answer. Obviously my friends and family have known the truth.
I failed.
After 5 months. The reason I hesitated was because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go into an explanation that sounded like an excuse. But here is why:
anger
Over the last 10 years or so a cigarette has become my coping mechanism, as I'm sure it is to most smokers. It's what I do when I become nervous, when I've had an argument, when work is particularly stressful. When I get home and want to just take a moment.
Without that coping mechanism I didn't find another, I did try a beer, a run, a few other things but internally the anger and frustration level just kept building. I thought it would go away but it didn't.
In september just after James was born I was particularly worried that an anger explosion would in some way rebound on him and confessed to my wife that I was seriously worried. Some of you may remember my post on having a baby in Sicily and the stress I had dealing with my sicilian mother-in-law. We had a huge argument one day that finished with her going to hospital (there was no violence involved I promise!) And after she went and I was alone in the house, I stole one of her cigarettes. And that was it.
I'm keen to quit again but first I need to figure out how to deal with the anger. And having a young baby in the house now I'm worried about him. My wife never really supported me and thought I was much more of an ass the entire five month period and was actually glad when I went back.
But I have to deal with this anger issue.
I failed.
After 5 months. The reason I hesitated was because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go into an explanation that sounded like an excuse. But here is why:
anger
Over the last 10 years or so a cigarette has become my coping mechanism, as I'm sure it is to most smokers. It's what I do when I become nervous, when I've had an argument, when work is particularly stressful. When I get home and want to just take a moment.
Without that coping mechanism I didn't find another, I did try a beer, a run, a few other things but internally the anger and frustration level just kept building. I thought it would go away but it didn't.
In september just after James was born I was particularly worried that an anger explosion would in some way rebound on him and confessed to my wife that I was seriously worried. Some of you may remember my post on having a baby in Sicily and the stress I had dealing with my sicilian mother-in-law. We had a huge argument one day that finished with her going to hospital (there was no violence involved I promise!) And after she went and I was alone in the house, I stole one of her cigarettes. And that was it.
I'm keen to quit again but first I need to figure out how to deal with the anger. And having a young baby in the house now I'm worried about him. My wife never really supported me and thought I was much more of an ass the entire five month period and was actually glad when I went back.
But I have to deal with this anger issue.
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Yeah I quit twice and last time started again when I felt angry and frustrated when I had really annoying trouble with my car insurance about the rates. Such a stupid reason to start again!
Only thing I can say it helps understanding why you're angry. At least for me, I used to get into these brooding moods sometimes and couldn't let go. Now I'm no longer fat, stupid AND angry!
Gonna try the e-ciggy next. Just don't give up giving up! *Phump*
Only thing I can say it helps understanding why you're angry. At least for me, I used to get into these brooding moods sometimes and couldn't let go. Now I'm no longer fat, stupid AND angry!
Gonna try the e-ciggy next. Just don't give up giving up! *Phump*
Well it will be for next time, when the baby will be more great. Be not mistaken, the cigarette ( the nicotine) is a cardiac accelerator. And thus when you are angry or stressed, to smoke a cigarette not slowed down your heart ( your stress). This is the opposite. The appeasement , of your anger is an illusion of your brain. Concerning the cigarette, your brain is as a musical recording. He is on the wrong track. The dependence is only psychological.
I recommend you the reading of a small paperback. Written by ALLEN CARR (he was an chartered accountant). This sir smoked 5 packages by days during decades. He made an analysis, and stopped smoking, overnight without any nicotine patch, medicine or others.
I Read one of these books (paperbacks, some euros). I smoked between 1 and 2 packages by days during 30 years. I stopped overnight without any nicotine patch or other medicine. Just go in for sport and a psychological work.
On 15 March this year , it will 7 years that I have not touched a cigarette.
In the occasion, look "ALLEN CARR" in Google
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The problem isn't physiological, it's psychological at this point. I've read Allen's book so I know the physiological processes involved and the 'biological reality' that doesn't help the fact that when I'm stressed I feel that 5 minute time out for a cigarette is my psychological crutch to just coping and gives me a release that nothing else does.
Why don't you look into vaping, just google 'vaping' , there are thousands of people out there now who have given up cigarettes completely but enjoy vaping instead.
Yes, you may still have the addiction to nicotine, but its a middle ground as you are cutting out all the other bad stuff, the amount of nicotine you take is up to you.
I have been doing it for 8 months now and the physical and mental improvements are very noticeable, although I do get the occasional Gandalf joke from the wife.
I'm not talking about the rip off 'cig-a-likes' that you see in the petrol garages, but the proper ones, there are lots of different models.
Take a look at these forums for information and research :
http://ukvapers.org/
I honestly cannot see a reason to smoke real cigarettes anymore, its a lot of fun experimenting with the flavours and vapours.
Yes, you may still have the addiction to nicotine, but its a middle ground as you are cutting out all the other bad stuff, the amount of nicotine you take is up to you.
I have been doing it for 8 months now and the physical and mental improvements are very noticeable, although I do get the occasional Gandalf joke from the wife.
I'm not talking about the rip off 'cig-a-likes' that you see in the petrol garages, but the proper ones, there are lots of different models.
Take a look at these forums for information and research :
http://ukvapers.org/
I honestly cannot see a reason to smoke real cigarettes anymore, its a lot of fun experimenting with the flavours and vapours.
I smoked for 45 years. Averaged a pack a day for 40 years with almost non stopping. For ME, a 'good' e-cig was the answer. I tried another (greensmoke) and failed. I'm using a tornado tank (rebranded JoyTech) and was immediately able to set down my cigs. When I'm stressed I have my nicotine without so many carcinogens. My breathing is better and sense of taste and smell returned.
I've tried patches, gum, lozenges and all that. Nothing works for me like this.
I can get my finger-fiddling, aural fixations, throat heat and all that comes with smoking PLUS I've opened my eyes to appreciating flavors like apple, chocolate truffle, Tennessee Cured, blackberry and watermelon (to name a few) and refilling my own tank I can mix flavors. After over two years without any issues I recently upgraded to a RCS version (cheaper atomizers) of the tornado tank.
I went through totally wicked e-liquid (they have sales in the UK as well as US) and I'm very pleased with them but I'm here to tell you that e-cigs have worked for ME. Not here to plug a company.
Good luck to you!
I realize everyone is different. My old man quit cold turkey and I never ever could do that. He also went to dentist without any novacaine. YMMV
Added: link to UK store who I went with: http://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/products/electronic-cigarette-starter-kits-products.html
I've tried patches, gum, lozenges and all that. Nothing works for me like this.
I can get my finger-fiddling, aural fixations, throat heat and all that comes with smoking PLUS I've opened my eyes to appreciating flavors like apple, chocolate truffle, Tennessee Cured, blackberry and watermelon (to name a few) and refilling my own tank I can mix flavors. After over two years without any issues I recently upgraded to a RCS version (cheaper atomizers) of the tornado tank.
I went through totally wicked e-liquid (they have sales in the UK as well as US) and I'm very pleased with them but I'm here to tell you that e-cigs have worked for ME. Not here to plug a company.
Good luck to you!
I realize everyone is different. My old man quit cold turkey and I never ever could do that. He also went to dentist without any novacaine. YMMV
Added: link to UK store who I went with: http://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/products/electronic-cigarette-starter-kits-products.html
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That is a big one, just so you know they are not all that size, I use a Joyetech Eroll , which is slightly bigger and of course heavier than a normal cigarette. comes with a usb case where you put the ecig to recharge.
Like Stu2 I have also used totally wicked and was happy with the liquids (i try different types all the time)
there are quite a few different types, so worth finding the one that is right for you if you decide to look into it.
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I just got my "e-cigar" yesterday and don't feel the need to smoke any normal cigarettes anymore! It seems very easy to switch. I would recommend it to anyone who is smoking, quit most of the harmful parts of smoking immediately and worry about the _relatively_ harmless nicotine reduction later (nicotine itself is comparable to caffeine). Oh and it saves you lots of money too. The vapor only contains Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, water, the nicotin level you selected and some aromas. You'll need to experiment with different liquid tastes, but vanilla probably works for everyone
Since nothing burns, there are no cancerogenous substances from vaping. The downside is that I'll start to smell all the tar in my house an will need to wash the walls and stuff (the yellow film on stuff is actually tar not nicotine!). Just FYI I've got a Joyetech eCom now and have ordered Kanger E-Smart set (small) and a iTaste VTR starter kit.
So a +1000 reputation for Riedquat, big thanks for suggesting it.
If anyone has questions about vaping, feel free to pm me. I'm a newbie but I've googled a lot the last days.
Since nothing burns, there are no cancerogenous substances from vaping. The downside is that I'll start to smell all the tar in my house an will need to wash the walls and stuff (the yellow film on stuff is actually tar not nicotine!). Just FYI I've got a Joyetech eCom now and have ordered Kanger E-Smart set (small) and a iTaste VTR starter kit.
So a +1000 reputation for Riedquat, big thanks for suggesting it.
If anyone has questions about vaping, feel free to pm me. I'm a newbie but I've googled a lot the last days.
After a while of vaping I found I could smell if the driver in the car in front was smoking.
I've been vaping for over a year now and won't ever go back to cigs. About 2 months after I started vaping I ran out of liquid and bought 10 cigs. Lit one, took a few draws on it then threw it away; utterly disgusting it was. Why anyone thinks vaping will lead someone to move on to the foul taste and smell of cigs, and pay pay 10 fold for the privilege, is beyond me
My wife, who's never smoked, now has an e-pipe. She uses zero nicotine flavoured liquid and of course doesn't inhale it. She's used it for 3 months now and enjoys the flavours. If it does anything to change her behaviour it reduces the amount of chocolate that she eats.
I wonder if vaping could actually become a preferred substitute for some things, being that the vapour seems to be low calorie. Perhaps vaping may also be a useful method of taking some medications too.
If you smoke, give vaping a try; you can afford it
Nicotine is an appetite inhibitor, I vape and while I probably have gained some weight (I imagine there's other stuff in cigarettes which inhibit weight gain) I don't eat nearly as much as I did when I managed to stop smoking for 5 years once.
Jeff, I read your last post and completely understand where you're coming from. I'd echo the recommendations above regarding vaping, it's not as good as quitting completely but it's a darn sight better than smoking, at it may well help you alleviate the anger issues - it worked for mine.