Quit Smoking Tips and Tricks
I quit smoking May 5, 2006 after almost 30 years as a poster child for cigarettes. If I can do it, you can. Trust me. Better yet, ask anyone who knows me. I loved to smoke. Got pissed off when anyone talked about quitting. Tried a couple of times to quit and failed fast and miserably.
So, if I can quit, you can quit. And, I was amazed at how easy it was. Truly! I just didn't know before.
Here's what finally worked for me and some tips and tricks I learned from others who beat the nicotine addiction.
What you'll Find Here:
- Almost Three Years Later. . .
- What it's really like to quit
- Smoking and Sleep
- Share this lens and Save a Life
- How to Help a Smoker Quit
- Trying to Quit?
- Two More Quitters!
- Staying Quit
- Will this be the year you finally quit smoking?
- The Easy Way to Stop Smoking
- Question: Do you have to be "Ready to Quit?" Answer: NO!
- Pick your Quit Day
- Understand the Addiction Factor
- Things to do Instead of Smoking
- Tweet your Quit
- Quit Smoking Essentials
- Quit Smoking Drugs
- How long have you or did you smoke?
- Celebrating Your Victory
- Quit Smoking Forums
- Featured Lenses
- Are you a quitter?
- Donate to Squidoo Charity Fund
Almost Three Years Later. . .
Still Smoke-Free
And, it hasn't been all smooth sailing--life never is. But, I've learned to live with the frustrations and changes of life without reaching for a cigarette to soothe me.
I still maintain that quitting is easier than I ever thought it really would be. I rarely think about smoking now and I certainly don't sit around wishing I had a cigarette. I do not remember the last time I wanted to smoke now.
You can have the same freedom--from the health damage, the expense and most of all, you can conquer a very nasty demon, too. Addiction is a bitch. But, you do have the power to beat it. And, once you do that, you will always know that being a quitter makes you a winner!
Smoke your last cigarette now and don't look back!
What it's really like to quit
When you make it through day one, you will realize you can do it!
Days 2 & 3--Not as bad as day one, but pretty rough. Withdrawal is a bitch. BUT, you can do it. Chew gum, take walks, read, take a bath, cook, cry, hit a pillow. Whatever, just don't smoke. You're doing it.
Days 4 through 14. You won't feel good, but you'll think about smoking much less as time goes by. Keep doing other stuff and rejoice in becoming a NONSMOKER!
After two weeks: You'll start to look for your cigarettes out of habit instead of craving. Takes awhile to break the habits, too, but you will start to feel better physically. You are a nonsmoker now. Celebrate often! Tell everyone.
So, here's the low-down:
Three days of feeling like crap. It's like having the flu, only a bit worse. Quit on a Friday night and plan to stay home that weekend. On Monday, warn everyone when you go back to work that you'll be a bit cantankerous for awhile. (You can even be snarky with some who deserve it and blame it on not smoking!)
Then, two weeks of feeling edgy as you complete the withdrawal. Stay hydrated and active to remove the last of the nicotine.
After two weeks, you just have to remember you are a nonsmoker and learn to live life that way. It's all done by then. And, you are the bomb!
Smoking and Sleep
Why your insomnia might be nicotine related
Turns out, I was waking up after four, five or six hours because my body wanted a nicotine fix. Sad, but true. Oh, the smoker in me came up with lots more reasons for waking up--needing to pee, being thirsty, somebody's snoring, etc.
Now, I can sleep through almost anything and I really love getting eight hours of sleep at night.
After you get through withdrawal, you will find sleep is much more restful and refreshing when you no longer smoke. And, odds are you will sleep longer, giving your body the true break it needs.
Share this lens and Save a Life
You will not be in withdrawal forever.
You can learn to drive, eat, talk and even drink without smoking.
You will feel so much better.
If you quit smoking, you can do anything.
So, share this lens with the smokers you know. Just gently ask them to read it. Today could be the day they choose to quit. And, it truly is the first day of the rest of your life!
Quitting smoking is like breaking free of slavery--addiction is enslavement. But, you can escape and be free! For LIFE!
How to Help a Smoker Quit
There is a middle-ground between being a pain and giving up on helping a smoker to quit.
One reason addicts do not particularly like hearing from non-addicts or even ex-addicts is that there is a negative judgment implied in the "you oughta quit" message. Another is that it is easier (in the short-term) to keep smoking than it is to quit.
Here are some tips for gently urging them to "go for it" and not being a busy-body buttinsky.
1--Know that the smoker is stronger than the addiction. Appreciate that they don't know that. Don't argue, plead, or get upset. Just suggest and move on. Then, suggest a few days/weeks later. Don't be smarmy about it.
2--Offer help. All other addicts get to go to "rehab", but smokers (the most prevalent addiction and the one hardest to quit) have to do it in the course of their normal lives. No fair! LOL--really, offer to help watch kids, cook, run errands, turn the other cheek for the first couple of weeks. Be a mini-rehab!
3--Buy them stuff! LOL--bribery works. Seriously, send them this lense, buy the book: The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method
and some other quit-aids:--NicoDerm CQ STEP 1 - 3 Week Kit - 21 Clear Nicotine Patches
--Lozenges 4 mg - 7 Pop Pacs, 24 Lozenges Each -
168 Original Flavor Lozenges
--Walking shoes (exercise helps ease symptoms and speed withdrawal)
New Balance Women's WW558 Walking Shoe
Point out positive benefits of quitting:
--More money
--Can do so many things without getting itchy for a smoke: go to the movies, visit non-smoking friends, eat in any restaurant, fly, hang out in non-smoking areas.
--Don't have to stand outside in horrible weather to get a fix.
--Can shout to the world: "I QUIT!"
Trying to Quit?
Stats say smokers try several times to quit before they succeed. How about you?
Two More Quitters!
And, the whole obnoxious ex-smoker thing. . .
And, one of them used to razz me about being an "obnoxious" ex-smoker always preaching to smokers! HA! Trust me, he's going to be worse than me!
Here's my take on that: We owe it to other smokers to tell them the truth about quitting. We are glad we did it and wish we'd done it sooner. We have a better perspective than never-smoked people, you know. We can tell them "Heck, yeah, it's hard--you're kicking a drug addiction! But, it's so worth it and it's not nearly as hard as you imagine!"
So, if you're a quitter, let us know, and spread the word!
Staying Quit
But, staying quit is the problem. And, the solution to staying quit is simple, too. Just don't ever smoke again.
That is the key. Once you are a non-smoker, stay that way by remembering "NOPE" Not One Puff Ever. That way, you never get re-addicted to smoking and you never have to quit again.
Everytime you are tempted, just remember NOPE. Do something else and the temptation will go away in just a matter of minutes.
You can talk yourself into smoking--you have proven that. Now, talk yourself in to never smoking again. NOPE -- a negative word for a positive life change!
Will this be the year you finally quit smoking?
Make the best New Year's Resolution of your life. . .
Want to make 09 Divine?Choose this year to quit smoking. The timing is perfect!
Read all the info on this lens first. Then, pick out how you want to do it. Then smoke your last cigarette and then beat your addiction forever! You'll be invincible then! (Truly, I think all superheros are ex-smokers!) LOL
Bookmark this page -- you can refer to it, ask for help, try a new tactic. Keep the info handy!
Yes, I am one of those obnoxious ex-smokers who wants everyone to quit. And, I've convinced many people to join me on the no-smoking bandwagon. Because it's so liberating to be free of the monster of addiction and I want everyone to experience the life-changing (and life-giving) freedom and health that come from quitting.
You deserve to quit. You are so worth it!
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking
Seems like a no-brainer. But, I do believe it gives you a very easy-to-understand explanation of addiction and why you smoke. Which makes it easier to not smoke.
Buy it, or get it at the library.
Keep smoking.
Read it all.
Then quit.
I can't tell you exactly how this book helps, but I highly recommend it. I read it. I quit. Millions more have, too. Just spend the money and read the darn book.
It is one of the cheaper ways to quit, and after reading this book, I decided not to use nicotine replacement therapy. Once I "got it" about the addiction, I wanted to get the agony of withdrawal over with ASAP.
That's the key to this book and the key to quitting an addiction. When you finally "get it", it's easier to stop the addicting behavior.
This lens (like this book) is another way smokers can "get it". More exposure to the info means a higher success rate.
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Question: Do you have to be "Ready to Quit?" Answer: NO!
I think that's BS. Here's why:
One--I was not "ready to quit". Didn't really personally want to quit. Most addicts don't, by the way. But, I didn't want my boyfriend to get oral cancer, and I knew that he would not be able to quit and stay quit if I still smoked. I didn't quit "for him"--you can't do that, but that was a big motivator for me.
Two--Interventions (just like on the A & E tv show) are never about being "ready to quit", but many of them work. True, some of those people seem to be at "rock bottom", but many aren't. And, many, if not most are so "not ready" that they raise hell with their friends and family for tricking them. Yet, some manage to kick their addictions by accepting the intervention and getting help.
So, even if you are not "ready to quit", you can still quit smoking. And, the sooner you quit, the better. Trust me on that.
Pick your Quit Day
Choose the day you will end your addiction and get back your life
You can do the same. Pick your day!
Understand the Addiction Factor
Smokers are just as addicted as methheads!
Seems like a "duh!" statement, doesn't it? Well, I was watching Intervention on A&E and thinking "Why don't those idiots see what their addiction is doing to their lives, families, looks, etc?" as I was putting out one cigarette after another.
One night, I actually saw myself and could do nothing but laugh at my hypocrisy and stupidity.
You are an addict (just like I was) and once you "get it", then smoking seems rather silly.
Things to do Instead of Smoking
Handy to hang on the fridge, your desk, car, cubicle, everywhere
It helps to have a list of alternate things to do when the urge to smoke strikes.
You will be over the cravings soon, they only last a minute and they are never overbearing!
Combat your thoughts
When you think of smoking, have a craving or by ha more...0 points
Tweet your Quit
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- DebonairKunt
- i need to quit smoking, black lung or some shit is imminent
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- adriarichards
- Uploading video, "How to Quit Smoking for Good" to @askadria from 4/15/2009 show -- I quit smoking September 2006 after 14 years
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- delammon
- i need to quit smoking
Quit Smoking Essentials
Put together a little quit-smoking kit for yourself
OFX00016 - Premium Ready-Serve Premium Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice mixed with water is great for the first few days. It keeps your blood sugar stable.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
New Wave Enviro Tinted Stainless Steel Water Bottle (0.6-Liter, Green)
Drinking water helps wash the nicotine out of your body. Plus, it keeps you hydrated and you'll need that.
Amazon Price: $9.90 (as of 07/12/2009)
Silly Putty Original Egg
My favorite--you can carry it anywhere, squeeze it hard when having cravings or crankiness and it gives your hands something else to hold. Plus, it's dadgum fun!!!!!!!!!!
Amazon Price: $4.80 (as of 07/12/2009)
Quit Smoking Drugs
Drugs which help you quit smoking
It works by reducing the pleasure of smoking and easing withdrawal symptom. It supposedly has huge success rates. Ask your doctor about it.
Zyban or Wellbutrin has been used for years to quit smoking. It is an antidepressent and when it first came out, many patients using it quit smoking, too, so it became prescribed under the name Zyban. My boyfriend used it and quit. I tried it, but didn't like the gastro side effects--caused indigestion for me. It is still a prescription drug, and if you have seizure disorders, do not take it.
Nicotine patches, gums and etc. Used to be available by prescription only, but you can now buy them without a prescription just about anywhere. They are good for gradual withdrawal. I used the patches before and they do make withdrawal symptoms much easier. But, I was never able to quit with them. (I tried once for just a few days, and this was before the latex-free ones--I had some pretty uncomfortable skin reactions.)
Some people use them very successfully, though, so they are a fairly inexpensive option--I think a week's supply costs about the same as a carton of cigarettes. I never tried the gum or lozenges personally, but they are another option worth considering.
My opinion is that whatever works for you is a good thing. You may have to try several options or several different times, but the end result is the same--you have to break the addiction and then break the habit.
You can do both and it is easier than you think it is. If you make it three days, that's the worst of it. Two weeks and you're done with withdrawal!
Start right now!!!!
How long have you or did you smoke?
I smoked for about 28 years before I quit. How about you?
Celebrating Your Victory
It is important to remember your quit day and celebrate it. On November 5, I celebrated my 18 month quit anniversary. (That's a whole year and a half!).
Share your victory in the comments section--every one who quits makes it easier for everyone else to quit! We all can reach back and help someone who's in the shoes we used to be wearing!
Quit Smoking Forums
When you need to vent or are looking for some fellow quitters.
- Why Quit
- Great information about addiction and the dangers and results of being a smoker. Also, great forums.
- Quit Net.
- I only used the Free Support at Quit Net, but it was really good. They have a paid support option, too and it is probably a great deal if you need it. They have some good resources--the quit smoking counter was lots of fun to see everyday.
Featured Lenses
Read more lenses on how to or why to quit
You never know what will resonate with someone. Keep on keepin' on. Read all you can. Try again every day. You can certainly do this! Hey, trust me--if I can quit, anyone can!-
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Are you a quitter?
How did you quit? Share your tips and hints with others trying to beat nicotine!
Feel Lucky wrote
Yup! Still not smoking.. just over a month now!! Soooooooooo excited.. It's the greatest feeling!!
Posted March 10, 2009
Deborah wrote...
in reply to Feeling Lucky Woo-hoo! Look at you, Feeling Lucky! NIne days is almost there! Hope you're still at it--if so, you're a non-smoker now! How freakin' cool is that?
We've all been there, done that -- beating addiction does suck, but you CAN do it! You are STRONGER than your addiction! Never ever give up!
Remember: NOPE: Not One Puff, Ever and you'll never be addicted again!
Here's to VICTORY over nicotine!
Woo-hoo! You'll love your new life! I surely do!
Deb
Posted March 02, 2009
Deborah wrote...
in reply to KristinaParker So glad this info helps! I'm on a mission to educate and help more people to quit!
Posted March 02, 2009
Feeling Lucky wrote
Currently on my 4th week of Champix.. last cigarette was 9 days ago.. the urges are less than trying cold turkey (at least for me).. I feel edgy at times and I just want to feel like a true non-smoker.. I know it will get easier and this site is so empowering!
I "practiced" quitting a few times before.. nicotine patches, gum, laser.. cold turkey, but failed because I gave into the cravings and didn't take my decision to quit very seriously. This time is much better! I owe it to myself!
I want to carry on with life... without smoking, not having to stand in the rain just to get my fix, hiding the addiction from my employer, dreading long meetings because I couldn't smoke (if I did at break time people would know I smoked).. smelling like smoke...
Sorry for the novel I just wrote, but it felt good to get it out.
I'm stronger than any cigarette company!
Wish me luck everyone!
PS - because I hit a week without smoking, I treated myself to the spa.. I could get used to that! :)
Posted February 19, 2009
Feeling Lucky wrote
Currently on my 4th week of Champix.. last cigarette was 9 days ago.. the urges are less than trying cold turkey (at least for me).. I feel edgy at times and I just want to feel like a true non-smoker.. I know it will get easier and this site is so empowering!
I "practiced" quitting a few times before.. nicotine patches, gum, laser.. cold turkey, but failed because I gave into the cravings and didn't take my decision to quit very seriously. This time is much better! I owe it to myself!
I want to carry on with life... without smoking, not having to stand in the rain just to get my fix, hiding the addiction from my employer, dreading long meetings because I couldn't smoke (if I did at break time people would know I smoked).. smelling like smoke...
Sorry for the novel I just wrote, but it felt good to get it out.
I'm stronger than any cigarette company!
Wish me luck everyone!
PS - because I hit a week without smoking, I treated myself to the spa.. I could get used to that! :)
Posted February 19, 2009
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