[keac]

OK, I know I have been MIA for awhile, I hurt my back in work, and I was not doing to much of anything!

Please tell me how you started your quit! and are you using anything like the patch, or are you one of those like my husband that just woke up one morning and said that it and has never smoked again! I wish that was me!
Please help!
Karen

[Sadie]

Hi - I quit ...hmmm let me think --- in 95. I had tried once before that but was under lots of stress - new job, end of relationship etc.. so bombed. Both times used the patch.

Second time and last time - psyched myself up for it. Had a mental picture of me NOT smoking. I picked up more exercise - particularly aerobic exercise. I stocked up on healthy foods - lots of carrots and celery to occupy my mouth and hands. Lollipops too! I also 'allowed' myself to gain a few pounds which I dealt with eventually

I told lots of people too -- more support and with more knowing you're trying to quit it's harder to fail too! I had to change many routines initially - no coffee in the am, no lingering meals (activities that would spark a nic. urge). I also did major cleaning -- cleaned out car, ashtray, clothes, etc.... and just wait -- after a few weeks you won't believe how much smokers reek of stinkola! And I bought nice hand cream and it didn't take long to notice my hands smelled nice (not to mention my nails lost that 'yellow hue' form smoking.
You CAN do it!!!!

[annharth]

I was just going to write and say a lot of the same things that Sadie did. I was a heavy smoker for years. I have now been a non-smoker for years. I think self-image is a big thing. It's easier to not just quit smoking, but to have an entire health plan in place. Instead of picturing myself as a slightly overweight, unhealthy smoker, I pictured myself as a fit, healthy non-smoker. I worked myself up until New Year's Eve and then at 5 minutes to midnight smoked about three cigarettes at once. I felt very sick until about ten past 12 and then was ready for another. Even so, I was so determined and engaged to a non-smoker that I started going to the gym, I went on a health-kick diet and within a week felt so good, I refused to go back. It's been hard at times. I'm not one of those people who can have one cigarette once a week with a drink. If I start again, I start again. The healthy living and lifestyle change worked for me when nothing else had.
Other incentives? Money! Over here it costs about 7-8 dollars for a pack of cigarettes. With my past habit that would have cost me $50 a week!

I wish you all the luck in the world. Just remember you're in good company. There are alot of us out here that have gone through it as well.

[pokito]

I quit cold turkey.Im on my fourth day.

[Alison22]

I quit cold turkey. Its been 6 months.

[mommysqueek]

I quit cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant 7yrs ago.I still don't smoke,every once in a blue moon if I have a cocktail I will smoke one or two. My husband had the shot about a year ago and still has not picked up a cigerette.

[blossy]

I quit back in April of this year. Went cold turkey but I did have a supply of crown mints on hand. I always liked the minty taste in my mouth and found that it was a good way to prevent me from wanting to light up.