Well after seven years I am attempting to quit!!

[speedyfast]

I applied my first nicotine patch today to try and rid myself of the awful habit. Anybody have experience with this?? I hope it works. Keep your fingers crossed..

[Clint]

My dad quite with the patch. I believe you've got to want to do it but it can be done and they do work!!!!!!! Good luck and stick to it!

[MAJOR HAVOC]

they worked for me, quit for two years... though I've since started again.

If you're planning to sleep with the patch on, get ready for the weird dreams you're going to have. Not nightmares, just some really bizarre episodes that'll have you scratching your head in the morning.

[LaserModVee]

Don't quit, it's not all that bad. You can quit another day! Who wants to be called a quitter???

Well, I guess if you must quit, and that is the decision you made, and there is no changing it, the least you can do is pass out your remaining cigarettes to children. Yep, that's right, go to the bus stop and pass them out. Give them to your kids to give to other kids. That way, the major tobacco companies will have a strong customer base for years to come. :)

ONLY KIDDING OF COURSE!!

My wife works for a very major tobacco company, and I always joke about their advertising with her. Especially, how the government and the activists sue her company for marketing cigarettes towards children and so forth. It's a joke.

On a serious note, smoking is not a joke, and quitting is the best damn thing you will ever do. Your health is already improving. Non-smokers don't mind sharing an elevator with you anymore. You'll have more money in your pocket, you can pay for your gas at the pump now, since you don't have to go in and buy a pack of smokes, etc. etc. etc.

Way to go man!
Stick with it
Don't give up
You can do it.
I quit, my mom quit, my wife quit, (and she works for them)

[Balzy]

edge off for sure. I used them for about 2 weeks and was doing pretty good. I guess I didn't wanna quit bad enough cause i went back to them stinky things. HAVOC is right. They do make for some weird dreams. :confused: :confused: :confused: Didn't sleep well at all the first few nights either. I quit wearing them at night and just put a new one on in the AM.

Oh yea, don't go to the bar with a patch on and decide to just have one smoke. You will probably have more than one and you will really feel it if you smoke with the patch on.:rolleyes:

Good Luck. It ain't easy but it can be done. I know a bunch of people that have quit. Some that I thought would never make it but they did. I guess ya really gotta wanna before it works.

One of these days I will get there.:mad: :mad:

[Rickracer]

But I let stress from outside influences keep me from success. I guess I just didn't want it quite bad enough at the time. I too had some serious dreaming going on. I really kind of enjoyed it though, because I don't normally dream, or at least not that I remember. I was doin some "power dreamin". :cool:

[BK]

I did it! I had smoked for 13 years -- and one day I just woke up, reached for a half pack of cigs sitting on my nightstand.... then I told myself "WAIT! I AM A NON-SMOKER".....and that was it! I never touched them again. No patch, no gum, nothing. (oh....except lemon-heads candy ;)

Actually, it was VERY hard, but whenever I had the urge to light up, I just popped in Lemonhead hard candy, and repeated over and over... "I AM A NON-SMOKER".


I did a few things before that day, though. My mom bought me some quit-smoking gum called "Cigarrest", along with a tape. Every day on the way to work, I listened to the tape. Never once used the gum.

The tape told me to "TAKE CONTROL" of the habit -- you can do this by SMOKING WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO SMOKE. For instance, right after you finish one, light another and force yourself to smoke it. Do that as often as you can.

This is a first step in making YOU the boss over the habit, not the habit controlling you. I did that for about 3 weeks before I gave them up cold turkey.

It really worked. That half pack of cigarettes just layed on my dresser for about a month ---- I never touched them again, except to throw them away. :D

If I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT! :)

If not for youself, do it for the people who spend time around you.

Here's a sad one:

I was helping out at my son's school the other day -- hanging up backpacks in the Kindergarten class.....when one little boy handed me his backpack ---- WOW!! It about knocked me down! It flat WREAKED of cigarette smoke!

Then I thought --- "If his backback is this saturated in cigarette nicotine .....just think about that little boys lungs?!?" :(

YOU CAN DO IT!

[speedyfast]

for all the encouragement. i think that postitve thinking and encouragement may help with ahlf the battle. thanks again. by the way check out my posts entitled " new generation of muskoka flyers" and " Mintest Charger STV". What do you guys think, im sad that there have been so few posts on them, i think that charger is a real beuty

[speed]

my wife went on the patch 2 weeks ago so far so good. you have to want to quit hang in there it pays off in the long run. maybe you can by another boat with the money you save.

[Talon2.5]

smokings theworst habit i think i have and gonna be the absolute hardest to kick, they say you have to hit thewall and WANT to quit for it to work ;) guess i havent hit it yet? and my wife is scared when i do :eek:

[woodco]

About 10 years ago I was hit with the flu and in bed for 4 days
straight !!!!! After the flu let go of me I had no urge to smoke I
felt great !!! Especially with the wife not smokin due to being
pregnant with my first son.

Well a week goes by and all was well until the guy in the Ford
Ranger decided cut in front of me ( I was drivin one of our 18
wheelers ) :eek: :eek: :eek: Dumb move on his part !!!!

I was so in shock from the accident I walked to the nearest
minimart and bought a pack and smoked at least half of it
before the accident scene was clear ...... :rolleyes:

Since then I have tried to quit but haven't had any success :mad:

Haven't had the flu since either !!!!!! :rolleyes:

[BathTubBabe]

I have smoked for 27 years, and two packs a day is normal for me. Two years ago I almost quit and I started out with the patch, but I was still smoking cig, couple a day and I realized I was getting more chemicals then if I smoked. So I stopped using them and was doing the cut the amount of smoking by half each week. I was down to about 10 cig a day. I was let go from my job and within a week I was back to smoking full time again. The Patch does work I could tell it helped me the frist few days till I got into the mind set to actually try to stop without the aid of them. I left my cig in the car and only smoked outside, to stop the automatic reaching for one. MY frist attempt was unsuccessful in that I didn't stop but I did learn that I can and that I mostly smoke because I am bored, But I also know that I have to focus mainly on that issue, because it is a strength of will power, breaking a habit that has been almost life long for me.

I wish you luck in quitting, It is the best thing any smoker can do for themself, One day I will try again and I think I will be successful when I do. They are going to kill me and this I know. IF I am asked the one thing in my life I would change if I could do it over and my answer would be " I would never start smoking ".

[us1]

The patch does work good.

[BK]

One thing I did find..... That you won't be any more eager to quit tomorrow than you are right now.

It's just going to take yourself saying:
"I'm going to do this, not tomorrow, but NOW".




Here's the company that worked for me (Empowerment tapes):

https://www.cigarrest.com/

[PKRBKR1]

Psychodelic dreams - wierd - after I applied it at night, I figured out only to put it on in the morning - that was 3 years ago - I think they have something better today than the daily applications.

Man, I have a friend - 42 years old - has emphazima soooooo bad he's on oxygen. Really makes you want to quit so you don't walk around with your little tanks.

[packinair]

monday will be 8 weeks.. I smoked for 12 years a pack a day.. I had NO idea it would be so hard but I am making it. DONT GIVE UP

[gaineso]

SO and I both quit New Years 2000.

She did fine, but I used patches for about a month. Instead of buying the half strength ones to cut down, you know "the Steps" they advertise, I just cut them in half. Worked good.

I worked with a bunch of smokers, although we couldn't smoke in the plant. I went on breaks with them 'cause they were friends. It really helped having the patches.

Tried Nicorrette once. Used it about 6 months and really got addicted to it. Hell of a rush if you chew it fast.

I smoked for about 40 years, 2 packs + a day. It was tough the first couple days, but I wanted to quit. REALLY wanted. The want to quit has got to be stronger than the want to smoke. That, and a little cooperation and encouragement.

Not smoking is ONE HELL OF A LOT BETTER THAN SMOKING.

[VELOCITOY]

HEY PACKINAIR...You're EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying to quit too...I tried the patch but between the dreams/restlessness/lousy taste in my mouth my DR. gave me a scrip for ZYBAN...I haven't QUIT completely, but am down to 4 or 5 cigs a day as opposed to almost 3 PACKS a day!!! To be honest, I LIKE to smoke...I like the taste, I like the "BUZZ", I like that it gives me something to do with my hands!!! The ZYBAN takes your mind OFF of smoking...You "forget" that you smoke...It seems to be working but when I stop COMPLETELY I'm wondering will I start again bcuz I stopped the ZYBAN??? Keep up the good work gentlemen & don't be one of those REFORMED smokers that makes life miserable for the few smokers that are left...SMOKERS...WE'RE A DYING BREED!!! I smell baseball coming on...THERE IS NO GIANT THAT CAN BEAT AN ANGEL!!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LATAPOTATAs>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[B.Mac]

Like any other marketed product they're designed to make money first. I quit ten years ago on an accelerated schedule by cutting the "treatment course" by 75%. Back then they were "prescribed". I used full patch day 1, 2/3 patch day 2, 1/2 patch day 3, 1/4 patch day 4, 5 & 6. 7th day I was nicotine free.
I opened the patch and removed the "gel" according to the dosage I wanted. I never slept with one on (can't smoke when ya sleep) I also did the following..........
1.) I prayed and asked for God's help
2.) I NEVER drank morning coffee for the first two weeks (major trigger)
3.) I left full ashtrays all mixed with water all around my house to remind me how gross smoking is and what it did to my body.
4.) I exercised vigorously
5.) Hard candy
6.) I prayed and asked for God's help
TEN YEARS FREE FROM CIGGERETTES
Thank you Lord!!!
B.MAC :D

[nelsoncat]

My kids keep asking why aunty Dar and uncle Bob smoke. I don't smoke and never have. They want to know why people start smoking. I'm sure there many reasons; any one care to share? BK I know what you mean about the back pack, When Dar and her kids come to our house I about gag. They won't let anybody come to their house but I can just imagine( cigarette smoke cat piss stale beer, yum yum)

Thanks

Craig

[BK]

As an ex-smoker now for 13 years, I have to wonder why I ever lit a fire at the end of my nose, and then inhaled the smoke. I can't remember the first time I did that, or what would have prompted me to want to in the first place, but I guess I was young and didn't fully understand what was going to happen to me.....

But I do know that my family (most ex-smokers) hounded me to quit for years. I remember how aggravating that was. My fiance told me to quit or he wasn't going to marry me. I said "FINE with me! Hope you and your wife have a HAPPY life together!"

-- I ALWAYS had a response for them (excuse) as to why I MUST keep smoking and I was going to defend that habit with all my might. That's because I was addicted to them. Just like drugs.

My response to my family was always the same: "I like to smoke and I feel better when I smoke because it 'calms' my nerves."


But I don't like to smoke anymore. In fact, it makes me gag to even think about them. I don't need anything to calm my nerves. My nerves adjust to stress like normal now. I don't ever want to touch another cig again, no matter how much I "loved" them and defended them before. Why the change?

--- Because I'm not addicted anymore ---


Shortly after I quit, great stuff started to happen to me. I felt 'refreshed' in the morning. I wasn't hog-tied as to who's car I could ride in on long trips, or which restaurants I could patronize and be comforatble in, or ever again have to step-outside into freezing 15 degree weather just to have a smoke. The 'habit' was no longer in control of me. I was FREE!

My sense of smell came back, and I realized how smoke 'sticks' to your clothes and your hair - and everything and everyone around you - your funiture, your vehicle, your kids :( . To non-smokers -- it stinks to high heaven! But when you are a smoker yourself, you never even notice it.

It all happened one day - after looking at another burn hole in my upholstery and a nasty ash-tray nearby - I told myself that I ~was~ going to be a Non-Smoker --- and then I became one the next day. :D

[halveb]

I quit about 15 years ago when I didn't really intend to. I woman at work bought a ticket to a hypnosis deal for her husband who for some reason couldn't go (I wonder what his excuse was;) ).

She offered me the ticket and I said what the hell I'll try it and if I don't feel like smoking after I'll quit otherwise forget it. I went and the room was full of emphzyma volunteers. There was more hacking and coughing and wheezing than I could have ever imagined. I had smoked since I was 12 years old (not seriously at first of course but by the time I was fourteen I was a pack a day) and was 27 at the time.

The hypnosis didn't work (at least I don't think it worked but since I quit smoking I can't really claim a total hoax). I was so busy listening to everyone cough I don't think I was ever put under. However, they did distribute a tape to listen to while relaxing and I think that had a big impact. I would put the tape in while I was going to bed and drift off to sleep then wake up when the tape was done (must not have been totally asleep but I don't really remember what was on the tape).

Don't get me wrong I wanted to smoke but something in me decided to challange myself and I am not a quitter (no pun intended) so I didn't want to lose this challange with myself. I can tell you from my experience that the desire to smoke will linger with you. After 15 years I almost never have the desire for a cigarette anymore. The first couple of years a song, a place, a certain person could set off a real desire to smoke, very powerful stuff.

I remember what helped me. First of all there is something in sunflower seeds that helps to curb the effect nicotine. Nicotine is a drug and there are real withdrawal effects. They told us in the hypnosis session that nicotine is stronger than heroin as far as addiction goes. Chewing sun flower seeds may have helped I don't know but it certainly gave me mouth something to do.

Also, everytime I felt the need for a cigarette I breathed in as deep as I could and imagined the clean air that was filling my lungs. I would actually get dizzy from doing this (kind of a little buzz) because my lung capacity was diminished enough where my brain rarely got such an oxygen treat.

It worked for me I hope it helps you some too. Good luck!!! It isn't easy but if you take it a day at a time it gets easier and can certainly be done.

[speedyfast]

man timeis moving slowly!!!!

[gaineso]

Quit countin' and start breathin'.

Proud of ya. Been there, so I know what it's like.

[BK]

Way to go, Speedfast! Big thumbs up! This will is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself and the people who love you.

You can do it! ;)

[halveb]

Good going Speedyfast. Just remember the longer you go the easier it gets. It isn't a quick fix but it is the right fix. Besides at what those things cost now I couldn't boat if I smoked.

[neily1]

one is too many, one million is not enough.

[95stv'er]

my father smoked 2 packs a day for like 45+ years, i got him to quit when his voice started to sound really raspy . i begged and pleaded with him to stop and im proud to say hes been smokeless for 4 years now . he tried the patch but it made him feel jittery so he did it cold turkey. some can do it and some cant , but he did . the best thing i can say is try your hardest and do it for yourself and your family if you dont make it the first time, just keep on trying , you can do it . good luck ! by the way, my dads voice went back to normal in a few months and the doctor said that what was happening to him are the first signs of throat cancer and other bad stuff . keep some hard candy in your pocket at all times for when you start to crave and after meals go for a walk with a freind or family member .:)

[B.Mac]

I felt like a Pro max instead of a Force within two weeks!!!
an extra 100 horsees!!!! (Gained 30 lbs in 6 months though)
I was underweight to begin with though........
Keep it up!!! Were all with ya Speedfast.......lookout fer coffee:eek:
B.MAC:D

[BK]

About weight gain:

I gained some also -- but lost it within a couple of years. Here's one thing I caught myself doing.

You know how you always have a cigarette just after you finish a meal because you get a big urge to smoke right then?

Well, instead of allowing myself to feel the 'urge', I just kept EATING! and eating.......and eating.......without even realizing it. I gained over 15 pounds doing that. Easy to do if you are at an "all you can eat" restaurant.

So -- just be more aware of doing, and it should help.

And like others have said, keep hard candy nearby (its fat-free). I enjoyed Lemonheads the best! :D

http://www.ferrarapan.com/assets/images/mrlemonhead.gif