SuperMikey Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 So, the time has come for me to quit smoking. Can't stand the coughing in the mornings and the stink, so i'm looking to knock the habit on the head. The question is - how do I go about it? What worked for people here? I did buy an eLite in an effort to cut down about a month ago but found I was puffing on it when I fancied a fag, and would then say yes whenever someone at work or my housemates asked if I was coming for one. Cold Turkey seems to be the way for me to go, I quit for a month once on it and felt fine, but I need some tips for resisting the temptation... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelvinsRightGlove Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Stop putting fags in your face then lighting them. HTH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Stop putting fags in your face then lighting them. HTH. And whilst you are at it....stop smoking as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I found the best way was to not try and give up at first, just cut down dramatically. Get in the habit of having just one or two a day then when that becomes normal just knock it straight on the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 It's easy, done it loads of times :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 , but I need some tips for resisting the temptation... cut your hands off, that should help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpb Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Getting seriously ill helped me. Still miss it though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearsy Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I do not smoke but I always carry a pack + in the end of each one I have put a small lump of poo. If anyone is ever ask me for a smoke I am give them a Malborough Shite. I like to think this is help them give up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I stopped for two days recently when I was in hospital. First thing I did when I got into the car to come home? Yep you guessed! Silly, silly me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I do not smoke but I always carry a pack + in the end of each one I have put a small lump of poo. If anyone is ever ask me for a smoke I am give them a Malborough Shite. I like to think this is help them give up. I don't smoke either, did once though, think it was for about a week when I first went up to Uni, didn't like it, never bothered to try again (well not with real cigarettes anyway). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Getting seriously ill helped me. Still miss it though... Some sense here. New Year's resolution is a pretty good time as being hungover helps and will probably get you through the first day. Get drunk tonight, or whenever convenient if you can't wait till then. After that it's just a matter of wanting to stop smoking more than you want to smoke, and believing in yourself. I won't wish you good luck because if you want to do it you will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bearsy Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I don't smoke either, did once though, think it was for about a week when I first went up to Uni, didn't like it, never bothered to try again. I'm actually thinking of starting cos since I've come to Brimingham I've noticed lot more people smoke than when I was in London. They love it up here! There is a bus shelter round the corner from me and it has an actual chimney in it! It's a bit annoying in pub when suddenly everyone is f*ck off tho. Maybe I'll just get one of them eLites. Or crack-pipe or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 28 November, 2013 Author Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I stopped for two days recently when I was in hospital. First thing I did when I got into the car to come home? Yep you guessed! Silly, silly me Same for me when I quit for that month, was out of town with the family and barely thought about it for that time - soon as I got to my doorstep in Southampton I was digging around in my bag for the packet! Thanks for the advice as well Manuel, I do want to give up. It's all part of my "growing up" pact - quitting smoking, getting in shape and being more responsible with my finances. Should be a piece of cake... PS: I read the responses to this thread while I was having a smoke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 So, the time has come for me to quit smoking. Can't stand the coughing in the mornings and the stink, so i'm looking to knock the habit on the head. The question is - how do I go about it? What worked for people here? I did buy an eLite in an effort to cut down about a month ago but found I was puffing on it when I fancied a fag, and would then say yes whenever someone at work or my housemates asked if I was coming for one. Cold Turkey seems to be the way for me to go, I quit for a month once on it and felt fine, but I need some tips for resisting the temptation... all the ones i know who gave it up said the got to the point that they really wanted to give it up and had the will power to do it so i think you need to be determined not to give in and not be half hearted . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheaf Saint Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 It's all about your mindset. If you are serious about not wanting to smoke any more then you won't need patches, gum, hypnosis or any of the aids that are available, as you will just stop and you won't find it hard. If, on the other hand, you don't really want to stop but feel as though you should then you are doomed to fail I'm afraid. Smoking is the most irrational thing that anybody can do, and it is incredible the lengths people will go to to try and justify their habit rather than face the obvious truth: that they are just hopelessly addicted. Once you can accept that, you will find quitting so much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjwills Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Gave up 18 years ago, went cold turkey, avoid places where you will be tempted until the cravings are less. Substitute cigarettes are just that substitutes, try the patches, I was alergic to them, or use nicotine gum, you have to chew it and then place against the gum to get the infusion. Great if you need an emergency infusion to get over a craving. Remember you are not a non smoker just a recovering smoker like a recovering alcoholic. If you do not have the first cigarette you will not have the second one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I bought a Liberro Realis e-fag last year, it helped me to not smoke for about 12 weeks. In the end, such was my dependence on it in lieu of a cigarette that I was actually burning my throat on nights out. Fags never did that, so I started back on them. I only smoke 5-6 a day when working, hardly ever when I'm not, but do get through quite a few on nights out. Realistically mine's a force of habit. I am going to give quitting another try in the new year, so I hope to be successful then. It's hard to quit once you start, there's always that temptation. Best advice for youngsters is to not smoke in the first place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 The time I feel really guilty is when my 5 year old granddaughter occasionally catches me with my habit, frowns and shakes her finger at me and says 'Nana, don't do that please'. I never deliberately smoke in front of her but she sometimes finds me out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 It's all about your mindset. If you are serious about not wanting to smoke any more then you won't need patches, gum, hypnosis or any of the aids that are available, as you will just stop and you won't find it hard. If, on the other hand, you don't really want to stop but feel as though you should then you are doomed to fail I'm afraid. Smoking is the most irrational thing that anybody can do, and it is incredible the lengths people will go to to try and justify their habit rather than face the obvious truth: that they are just hopelessly addicted. Once you can accept that, you will find quitting so much easier. Fundamentally disagree. I always smoked but felt I should give up for health reasons. I tried giving up cold turkey and was always hankering after a cigarette. Once I started using patches the desire to smoke almost totally disappeared overnight. For me it was a physical addiction plain and simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I stopped smoking six years ago when the doctor in ENT told me I had to have a throat opp under a local or I would be dead 30 mins and followed it up with a heart attack 4 weeks later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I gave up June last year after 40+ years. When we went down to league 1 I promised myself I would give up when we got back to the PL. I thought I had a good few years left. Cold turkey is the only way. I was absolutely hopeless for a fortnight, couldn't do anything useful. But after 3 weeks it was over, and I haven't looked back. I won't smoke again, ever. Mrs.h still smokes, even in bed, and I haven't felt the urge. Just do it, you won't regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minsk Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 It's all about your mindset. If you are serious about not wanting to smoke any more then you won't need patches, gum, hypnosis or any of the aids that are available, as you will just stop and you won't find it hard. If, on the other hand, you don't really want to stop but feel as though you should then you are doomed to fail I'm afraid. Smoking is the most irrational thing that anybody can do, and it is incredible the lengths people will go to to try and justify their habit rather than face the obvious truth: that they are just hopelessly addicted. Once you can accept that, you will find quitting so much easier. This. Absolutely. If you have honestly decided now is the time to stop you are half way there. However, you still have to take t one day at a time. Get through the first day then, the next, keep telling yourself not to ruin your good work of going without for a day, then repeat every day. I gave up by going cold turkey simply because I just decided one day that I would never smoke again. It was hard going at times (especially parties when my usual smoking mates went for a tab) and I still get the odd craving more than three years later - but I feel a lot better for it. Good luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheaf Saint Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Fundamentally disagree. I always smoked but felt I should give up for health reasons. I tried giving up cold turkey and was always hankering after a cigarette. Once I started using patches the desire to smoke almost totally disappeared overnight. For me it was a physical addiction plain and simple. Oh don't get me wrong, I had the cravings for a few weeks after I quit as well. But I found it much easier to overcome them (they go away after a couple of weeks anyway) because I had reached the stage where I just didn't want to smoke any more, and didn't want to be identified as a smoker. Of course there is a physical side to the addiction, but the psychological aspect shouldn't be overlooked. People who want to quit and say things like "I'll just finish this packet and that's it" inevitably give in and start again, because they are essentially saying "I don't really want to quit, but I'm going to try". If you build it up in your head and convince yourself that quitting will be really hard then it will be. That's why tobacco companies are more then happy to go along with the whole 'get help to quit' thing because they can be seen to be doing something to help people stop, but they know full well that people with that mindset are more likely to start smoking again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 I went from 40 a day to 0 via cold turkey. If you're mentally strong enough you'll do it. If you're weak you won't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChudSaint Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Been told all you need to do is read this book cover to cover and quitting becomes fun.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0718194551 I bought it two years ago, have started it twice but never finished it, still a smoker, I suppose you need to be ready and I could feel it working. Everyone I know who's reached the end swears it the best thing they've ever done, gonna give it another go at New Year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Saint Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Cold turkey for me. Woke up one morning hacking up a lung and decided there and then to quit. Fags went in the bin and that was that. Still have the odd one, once in a blue moon, however never ever tempted to take it up again full time. I overcame cravings by going and having a glass of water every time I wanted a cigarette. Took my mind off the ciggies. there is one method that I have heard of which, whilst I never did it, somewhat intrigues me. The idea is that you don't stop. Instead whenever you want a fag, you have one. However, you must take yourself away on your own and think about nothing but smoking the cigarette. Nothing else, just enjoy the cigarette. Apparently you cut down dramatically and then eventually give up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 Don't try gradually cutting down, it won't work. I gave up 25 years ago - went from 20 a day to zero overnight. The first 2-3 weeks are hell - you won't think of anything else, but if you make it through it gets easier and you know that if you crack you'll have to suffer that 2-3 weeks next time you try. Oh and put the money you WOULD HAVE spent on fags in a piggy bank every day, then in a few months time treat yourself to something you wouldn't have bought anyway as a reward. Worked for me - good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcjwills Posted 28 November, 2013 Share Posted 28 November, 2013 (edited) As said earlier gave up 18 years ago but every now and then especially if I smell a cigar, I think I could do with one them, but know if I do I will be back on cigarettes within a couple of weeks so the best option is not to have the first cigarette. After the first month as others have said it does get easier. As trader said if you put away weekly the amount you spent on cigarettes you will have enough for a season ticket. Edited 28 November, 2013 by mcjwills Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamilton Saint Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 If you are really ready for it, just quit cold turkey. That's what I did. The hardest thing is when you're socializing with friends - having a few drinks. You may want to avoid those situations for a while (a month or two), until you're free of the craving. Once you stop, try not to dwell on it too much. When it does pop into your mind, think good thoughts about yourself - especially about your amazing will-power! Also think about all the money you are saving. Good luck! It's easier than you think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Sanchez Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 I gave up sort of 2 years ago but nearly always have a smoke when I have a bevy, just one or two and I can not take the grief off the wife, chewing gum helped well sort of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 Not a smoker but methods that have helped people I know. Join a gym. Get fit. When you start to see results, you won't want to ruin it. As others have said, put away the money you've saved by not smoking. Quit with someone else. If they are determined too then you won't want to let each other down. However if I they are weak then once they start again you might feel you have an excuse to do the same. Avoid alcohol. Get rid of any lighters. Brag to friends about how well you're doing. Man up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 Don't try gradually cutting down, it won't work. It worked for me. The way I saw it there was two problems, the nicotine addiction and the habit of doing something with your hands etc. I thought best fight one at a time. I cut down to one or two a day and made no effort at all to stop for months. This gave me my nicotine but got me out of the habit of always sparking up. Then it was **** easy to knock on the head completely. And I have no will power at all. The problem is a lot of people just try and give up, then think they fail by having one and just go back to 20 a day because they have "failed" and can't give up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 29 November, 2013 Author Share Posted 29 November, 2013 As of Monday, i'm going cold turkey. Wish me luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latter day saint Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 Good luck. i gave up 7 years ago, which was my 3rd attempt. I cut down my intake by buying the cheapest, nastiest tasting ciggies which made it easy for me to stop as i no longer enjoyed smoking. Can't see me ever going back due to the sky high prices now & the hasle of going outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 Seriously, get this book and read it. Google the reviews, it was released many years ago and is a worldwide hit. It is a fantastic book, it really is. It may work for you, it may not, but its a short book and won't take too much time if you are genuinely wishing to quit. It doesn't preach, and in fact it tells you not to quit smoking whilst reading it. But it completely and utterly changes the way you think about smoking, and makes you recognise smoking exactly for what it is rather than what you think it is. Even if it doesn't help you quit, it's a really interesting read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Saint Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 Good luck mikey. First two weeks can be a mutha, then it's downhill all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint in Paradise Posted 29 November, 2013 Share Posted 29 November, 2013 The best way to stop for ever is this:- Go to bed, light up and then fall asleep. Guaranteed to stop you smoking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 18 December, 2013 Author Share Posted 18 December, 2013 Day 16, not had a cigarette yet. First 4 or 5 days weren't nice but much easier now. Thanks for the advice chums! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 18 December, 2013 Share Posted 18 December, 2013 Day 16, not had a cigarette yet. First 4 or 5 days weren't nice but much easier now. Thanks for the advice chums! Well done! Have a cigar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 18 December, 2013 Share Posted 18 December, 2013 Day 16, not had a cigarette yet. First 4 or 5 days weren't nice but much easier now. Thanks for the advice chums! Well done! Towards what are you putting all the saved money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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