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Any tips to stop the craving to smoke?

Tagged as: Health<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (10 March 2008) 50 Answers - (Newest, 26 October 2008)
A female South Africa age 41-50, *istify writes:

Hello Everyone.

I know this is not relationship advice I'm seeking, but please be kind, and help me anyway.

I've been a smoker for nearly 14 years. Never really smoked much (only about 5-7 cigarettes a day), until about April of 2007. I started smoking more, due to a very stressful job, and a totally smokers friendly office set-up.

Now - 6 years ago, I made myself a promise that I would quit smoking before my birthday in 2008. That is only two months away.

I decided two weeks ago it should be today. (LOL - so far it has been 15 hours without a smoke)

Because smoking is a "self-inflicted illness", I have decided not to take medication.

Do ANY of you have any tips of how to get over the cravings?

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A reader, anonymous, writes (26 October 2008):

ok, seeing this has given me my resolve to quit smoking back. thanks.

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (11 October 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntYES!! This follow up made my day. Congratulations!!! You must update us when you've been clean for ONE YEAR!!

How exciting for you. You must feel super strong at this point... your will power is unbelievable - especially with all the stress that has chanced upon you. I'm so sorry for all of that, by the way. But still proud of you for staying strong.

YES, GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!!!!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (8 October 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello Everybody

Just a very very quick update (since i basically disappeared off the face of the planet for about 5 monts)

On 10 October, it will be 7 months of no smoking.

(bar from about 4 drags a while ago)

During this time, i've lost somebody i really loved, i broke up with Etienne,i had to move, lost my job and even through all of this, i NEVER started smoking again.... So - i'm really proud...

Thx once again for all your support.....

Cheers

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A reader, anonymous, writes (7 May 2008):

It would appear that we've both cracked it then! It'll be 10 weeks - that's about two and a half months - on Saturday 10th May since I smoked.

I think we both deserve a 'high five' or something liquid or both!

Well done you. And well done me. Even my son, who despite suffering from asthma until recently smoked like a chimbly, is giving it a go to try to pack the dreaded weed up. I try to look upon it as denying the bloody government its tax revenue. It's about the only way I can get at the bastards without voting them out - which I try my best to do at each election.

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (7 May 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello EVERYBODY...

I'm Ecstatic.

I promised myself i would quit before my birthday this year, and, it is my birthday on Friday.

I'm proud to say, that it's been 8 weeks and 3 days since my last fag.

How you keeping up Uncle Phil?

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A reader, anonymous, writes (7 April 2008):

Well done mate! I've stopped counting the hours and minutes now, so the damned fags are getting to be more of a distant memory thank goodness. 5 weeks and 2 days now, and very definitely over the worst of it.

I'm fortunate in that I don't have any smokers anywhere near me so the temptation to have a sly drag isn't there. Wednesday might be a slight problem because I have to drive up to the Midlands with my son who smokes rather a lot. 650 miles there and back. Not sure how I'll cope with the stink, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to resist trying to inhale second-hand smoke!

You've certainly got more willpower than I have - there's no way I'd be able to stop if I had a smoker in the house with me, so to my mind you're doing absolutely brilliantly!

Keep it up

Phil

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (7 April 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntToday is 4 weeks.

It will be exactly a month on Thursday 10 April.

It is absolutely awesome not to be smoking anymore, and not to be dependent on those fags.

Etienne is still smoking. 2 weeks later he has still done no better than going 24hours without, BUT - at least he's piped down. Only about 1-3 smokes per day.

I'm trying to convince him, that he is now making those 3 fags SOOOO DAMN important, that at this rate, he will NEVER quit. BUT - everybody's different, and deal with things differently.

AND - females are the stronger species....

LOL (only joking)

How you doing uncle Phil???

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A reader, anonymous, writes (31 March 2008):

Yes, one month, one day, 9 hours 23 minutes and a few seconds.

I had a mate of mine from 'up country' visit over the weekend who smokes like a chimney. It was tempting to say "gizza drag" but I resisted it thankfully.

Anyway - well done you - but beware the 'one drag won't hurt' philosophy - thin end of the wedge and all that. Remember it's the last fag that causes you to want the next one - even if it does taste like the contents of an ashtray! Give yourself a slight slap on the wrist and continue as before. Stay focused!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (31 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello everybody.

Just another quick update...

It was 3 weeks yesterday for me!!!!

I did have ONE drag on Saturday, but in all honesty, i almost puked. The smell actually gets me nauseas.

My partner is doing okay.

He wasn't able to quit yet, but has only had 12 smokes for the ENTIRE week. Monday - Sunday. That is already a lot better than 20-25 smokes per day!

How you doing Uncle Phil??? One month for you!?

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (25 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntYay, fabulous! Wait until you hit that MONTH mark. You'll be feeling amazing. What a great accomplishment!! You are testing your strength and will power and YOU ARE WINNING! Keep going, my sweet!

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A reader, anonymous, writes (25 March 2008):

You're over the worst of it then - unlike Etienne who is at the danger point, but like you say, he'll get over it and I'm sure a man won't let a mere woman beat him at this (at least, that's what you need to tell him!)

Anyway, very well done! That's quite an achievement - only another 5 days and you'll have gone three weeks - 12 days and that's a month!

Cracking stuff.

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (25 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHELLO EVd ERYONE....

I've the passed TWO week mark. Today is 16 days no smoke.

My partner Etienne, has now gone for 36 hours without any smokes, and i'm very proud of him...

He has been so irritable and edgy, that i've had to tip-toe around him... BUT i'm sure he'll get over it...

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (21 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntJIP - that is correct. Many SA women have been this way for ages, however, the men used to be even tougher than the women, and it was solely their responsibility to bring home the dough. - and i must say, THAT is what has changed.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (21 March 2008):

Typical SA woman then eh?

I knew one some years ago lived at a place called Muldersvlei, Cape province, called Margaritha. 1969. She's be aged about 63 now, but she was a young bit of stuff then aged 24! Had a rifle by the side of her bed. Something to do with keeping the natives in check if I remember rightly.

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (21 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntLOL - Thanks Uncle Phil - BUT HONESTLY - my partner is NOT the outdoorsy type. I think that the new millennium brought on an entirely new species of men and women.

I'm not the "average" girl. I'm the one who changes the light bulbs, tyres and the plugs, catches the spiders, does the gardening, clean, cook, look after my daughter etc etc etc.

My partner is the one who pays for dinner when we go out, and pays for our cleaning lady. He is also the one who would rather PAY for someone to change the light bulb / toilet, than spending his precious TIME on doing it. Other than that, all bills are split half way.

I've (sort-of) made my peace with this, but i can promise you that there is absolutely NO WAY that i'll be able to get him OUT into fresh air...

You are also spot on in saying that he's a pussy-cat. He really is, but in saying that, he has his LION-HUNTER moments, when he is utterly frustrated, and THOSE are the moments i'm worried about in the coming week.

Our (very expensive) floor fan (which he paid for), lost the battle against one of HIS HIGH TESTOSTERONE FRUSTRATING moments. I just laughed, but i KNOW that this first week will be BAD for him.

Anyway.

Please just keep on rooting for me (us).

Like i've said, i do feel very very very proud of myself. 10 Days ago (2 days into this) i really didn't think i was going to make it this far without faltering.

ONCE AGAIN, thank you EVERYBODY....

Love & Light

M

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A reader, anonymous, writes (21 March 2008):

Well, I guees it's coming into autumn in the southern hemisphere so I'd tell him to find something useful to do like sweeping up leaves and anything else to keep him out in the fresh air for at least the first week!

Afrikaners are only Dutchmen in disguise anyway! I bet he'll be a real pussycat instead of a lion hunter. Just tell him you'll get his support in this or you'll kick his knackers.

let me know how he gets on!

Phil

(:o)

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (21 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello there.

NOPE - i have not faltered.

STILL going strong. Today is 12 days!

I feel absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!!

My partner told me that he will also quit, and his D-DAY, is on Sunday (to have the last fag) I'm actually quite nervous of what i'm gonna have to cope with, as he smokes stronger cigarettes than i use to.

Anyhooooo - i will definitely be back here to ask for advice on how to help HIM through this. Uncle Phil - maybe you'll be able to help. I have a full-blown AFRIKANER man, with VERY HIGH testosterone levels. So - i'm afraid that he might want to PUNCH something to deal with frustration (don't get me wrong - he's not the aggressive type - NOT AT ALL)

Any tips ALL of you can give to help me to help him???

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (21 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntHope that things are still going strong... if you have faltered, it's okay! GET BACK ON THAT HORSE!

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A reader, anonymous, writes (20 March 2008):

Not heard from you for 3 days - still going strong? I hope so!! You'd better not have cracked!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (17 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntThank you "maatjie"????

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (16 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntONE WEEK!!!!

Killer, dude. So happy for you! Please continue to update us week by week, so we can continue to cheer you on. Also, write to us with any struggles that you find yourself having!!

Good luck and keep going!!!

xx India

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A reader, anonymous, writes (16 March 2008):

Hi Mistiffy

I'm still doing ok, thanks. Still getting the odd collywobble and desire for a swift puff, but those moments are short-lived. Not waking up and coughing up a lungful of crap into the sink any more. Isn't it fun to be healthy!

I'm now at the 192 hour mark. Not bad, it'll soon be 192 days, then 192 months with any luck. And I've saved over £20 already - even at smugglers prices! That's £520 per year. But if I was paying the recommended shop price, tax & duty paid, that would be £2117 a year. Quite a saving.

Keep it up, it does get easier, doesn't it?

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (16 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHelllllloooooooooooo everybody.

Last update (for at least a while)

In exactly 3 hours, it will be ONE WHOLE WEEK of not smoking, and i didn't falter ONCE.

I'm ecstatic!!!

Thank you once again for all your help. I really would not have been able to do this without all your support.

Uncle Phil - How are you doing?

Have a fantastic week - (and hold thumbs for me that i can write back here next week, and tell you that it has now been TWO weeks)

Cheerio

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (15 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntI feel great because YOU feel great. Congratulations, you are definitely having sweet victory. Sounds like you had a fun night! Keep it up, sweetness!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (15 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntJust to recap - It is now 130 hours SMOKE free.

I feel great.

Last night was fine.

Had about five drinks, seated in the non-smoking area, and i was totally fine.

I feel really great.

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (14 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntStill routing you on!! I hate spiders too, oh God. Brave girl.

NO SMOKING HOORAY!!

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A reader, anonymous, writes (14 March 2008):

Basically, if you need a smoke here you've got to go outside in the fresh air.

The price of a packet of 20 has just gone up again in the latest budget, and you're right, it is an expensive habit here, which is why the smuggling industry is doing so well! I used to smoke roll-ups with smuggled baccy when I could get it but it still cost me about £10 a week.

I guess I've now got more to spend on booze!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (14 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntThey passed that law in SA a couple of years back. Smoking is still allowed in some pubs and restaurants, however, ONLY if they have a designated smoking area (which is not allowed to be more than 25% of any restaurant or pub), and they implemented some very strict rules as to the make-up of these designated areas. Totally walled off, separate air conditioning etc.

Also - i'd say that the ppl in the UK have more than just the public smoking law to use as a reason not to smoke. I've visited London twice now. Once in 2005, and once in 2006.

The price of cigarettes should be enough reason for anyone in UK to quit.

Last visit, a packet (silk cut) cost about 5pounds. Back then, that was equivalent to about 55 RANDS. Back then, a packet of cigarettes in SA cost R 17. (1.5pound)

Don't know what it's like at the moment...

Anyway.

Anyway.

Thank you so much for the vote of confidence.

I'm sure i'll be okay.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (14 March 2008):

Last summer, the UK government passed a law that made it illegal to smoke inside any public building, including restaurants and pubs, so I guess anyone intent on packing up the fags here has an advantage over you. Even so, I don't agree with this law or our nanny state. Our government would decree when you're allowed to take a dump and how many sheets of paper are to be used if they thought they could get away with it. But I digress.

You're right - it will be a big test, because that is the scenario that always caused me to fail in the past. A pint and a fag in the pub always seemed to go hand-in-hand. It was impossible to get away from the smell of smoke on a night out. Anyway, I'm rooting for you, stay strong and you'll beat it and when offered a fag you'll be able to say you don't smoke with some certainty!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (14 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHi Everybody

Uncle Phil = Thank you for your support.

I've had a pretty tough week, emotionally. And each time i became depressed or sad, or lonely, i wanted to grab a fag.

BUT I DIDN'T.

I had to catch a 15cm spider, and after that i also wanted to smoke. My partner and i had a huge fight last night, and my first instinct was to smoke.

BUT - I DIDN't.

India said that if i could last the whole week, i would feel invincible.

I know this might be a bit pre-mature, but i already feel that way.

Tonight comes the biggest test.

I'm going out for dinner, and a couple of drinks.

I've already told my partner that we have to be seated in the non-smoking section.

Coz - i won't have a fighting chance otherwise.

Uncle Phil - WELL DONE TO YOU TOO.

Amazing.

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A reader, anonymous, writes (14 March 2008):

Great stuff! You're over the worst bit now, but keep at it because that little nicotine monster is hiding just around the corner waiting to pounce on you in a moment of weakness!

Have you noticed how toothpaste tastes different, or how you can smell things that you couldn't appreciate before? As of tomorrow evening I'll have gone two weeks without, so I know from recent experience what it's like!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (14 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello everybody.

QUICK UPDATE

It has now been 106 hours (just over 4 days) and NO smoking.

I'm feeling great.

Have a fab day all of you.

CIAO

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (13 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntThree days!! Hoorah! If you last for the whole week, you will feel invincible!!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (12 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHi Everybody

Thank you very much for your response Yos.

I do find that reminding myself of how HARD the first day was for me, really helps me NOT wanting to face that again..

Its been 70 hours now. (LOL - Almost 3 days)

I play netball, and i must say that i had a much easier game tonight. Didn't get as tired, and didn't start coughing by half-time. That was an fantastic feeling.

Once again, thanks to all of you.

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A male reader, Yos Netherlands +, writes (12 March 2008):

Yos agony auntI find reminding myself of two things really helped:

- How much I wanted to stop, and how I felt about it when I was smoking.

- That if I started again, and stopped again, I'd gave to go through all the cravings again that I've already resisted. You get sent right back to the start, in other words.

The cravings get much much easier after the first couple of weeks. In the mean time, stay away from any situation where you'd normally smoke, as much as is possible at least.

Good luck!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (12 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHi Serenity

Thanks for the well-wishes.

I went to our local health shop, and they didn't have sunflower seeds, and neither did the normal supermarket. (Bar from the PET-food isle)

So - i bought the Goji-berries instead.

Also not fattening, and they are VERY high in anti-oxidants, so i'm detoxing while not smoking.

Its been 63 hours now. And i'm still feeling great.

Have a fab day, and thanks again for the support...

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A female reader, Serinity United States +, writes (12 March 2008):

Serinity agony auntWhoo-Hoo!!! You go girl!!! Did you try the sunflower seeds yet? They have really helped me a lot. It's a time consuming snack so it keeps me occupied. Don't give up the fight, you're winning the battle and surely you can win the war. Good luck and God bless!!!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (12 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello everybody

Just a quick update.

So - i got through yesterday, with a packet of crisps, a slab of chocolate, and some GOJI-berries.

It is now 58 hours since i had my last smoke. AWESOME.

I feel so much better today.

Technically i've missed out now on about 48 cigarettes, and i feel soooo much better for not having them.

Also - i told my partner yesterday, and he's been very supportive.

He is now smoking outside - which is a great help to me.

And - he's also being very sweet, asking me all the time if i want / need anything.

So sweet.

Thanks once again for your support.

I know i still have a long way ahead of me, but today for the first time i feel as though this is not altogether an impossible task.

If it wasn't for you guys, i would probably be puffing away on a fag right now.

THANKS....

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (11 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntWoo hoo!!! Keep going, keep going!! Well DONE! Tell your partner so that he can be cheering you on as well!

xx India

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A reader, anonymous, writes (11 March 2008):

All par for the course! You've every right to be pleased with yourself, but you're approaching a very critical time. The cravings can get very strong today so be prepared for them and be ready to fight that nicotine monster!

You may get a feeling like your stomach has turned into an empty hole with butterflies in it, and the temptation is to stuff your face with peanut butter sandwiches or something similar. Have a drink of water instead.

Tomorrow morning you'll feel a lot easier, and by Saturday you'll feel a lot better still, and the craving will have died down quite a lot and it won't be bothering you half as much. You won't quite be out of the woods, but you'll be heading in that direction. Now try to look ahead to Saturday.

Refer to the second paragraph of my first answer to you - imagine that last cigarette you had - it's getting more distant and is having less of a hold on you. It's getting so far away you can hardly see, smell or taste it. It's becoming a distant memory. It was your LAST cigarette and you're saying goodbye to it.

Don't give up giving up and don't let that last cigarette grab hold of you again. You WILL beat the little bastard!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (11 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello everybody.

I'm upset - I'm moody - I'm grumpy - I'm tired, but i'm ALSO EXTREMELY PROUD.

LOL - it has now been about 33 hours since my last smoke.

I never realized that it will be this hard, but in saying that, i must say that a feel a lot better today than i did yesterday.

I'm drinking a lot of rooibos tea (i normally drink coffee), and this also has a detox effect, so i'm hoping that this is helping me.

Touch wood. I have not had a craving yet this morning.

Once again, thank you for all your advice and support.

Uncle Phil - i was right. My partner still has not noticed that i'm not smoking. (Only that i'm more moody than usual)

Hope all of you have a fantastic day.

CIAO

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (11 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntWoo hoo, 20 hours (probably even more by now!). The first few days are the hardest. Also, if you falter in your journey (which you SHOULDN'T, but if you do), don't beat yourself up about it. Just keep going, keep being strong, and KEEP RESISTING!!

Whenever you need the support, just write on this board and we'll all be here for continued support!

xx India

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A female reader, eyeswideopen United States +, writes (10 March 2008):

eyeswideopen agony auntWell hang on doll, the first couple of days are the hardest and you almost have day one under your belt. You go girl!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (10 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntIt's now been 20 HOURS.

SCARY how i'm literally counting them off. Usually i don't have enough time in my day, but today is hectic. I really cannot wait until it is time to go to bed (another two or three hours)

I know you guys and girls are busy - so if you don't want to read this, DON'T.

But i think i'll just pop in here occasionally when i feel the need, and vent.

I just spent an hour searching for ideas and tips on the internet. Apparently only 6% of quitters succeed initially. Well - that's a challenge. I WILL be one of those 6% of NUT JOBS out there.

India - thank you very much for your lovely words.

I've tried quitting about 7 or 8 times in the past 4 years.

But about 3 or 4 of these times didn't even last a full 24 hours.

So - today, i'm really proud.

I'm definitely going to the shops first thing tomorrow morning to go buy QUIT-FRIENDLY snacks. I really cannot afford to gain weight, so healthy snacks would HAVE to do.

Thanks once again for all the help so far.

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A female reader, TasteofIndia United States +, writes (10 March 2008):

TasteofIndia agony auntCongratulations! Quitting smoking is SO difficult... every time you feel yourself start to slip, just go and hug your daughter and hang out with her. I assume you don't smoke around her, so she may be a great incentive for you to stay on track. Every time you get the urge, just look at her face and imagine her without her mama around to care for her.

When I quit smoking, carrots were my best friend. The baby ones, yes? Man, I munched on those nearly compulsively... also, just drinking a lot of water helped. Every time I got the urge to smoke, I just slugged down some water instead.

Just be aware of the mood changes that you'll experience. I didn't think that I would be so affected by not smoking, but you will definitely go through withdraws... oh yes, and when you get that urge to munch, try to pick something healthy rather than chips. See, before I munched on those carrots, I munched on white cheddar popcorn. Ended up gained five pounds AND starting up smoking again. Double whammy. Carrots were a much bigger success.

Wow, this was longer than I expected. Good luck!!

xx India

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A reader, anonymous, writes (10 March 2008):

Just as an anecdote - a mate of mine gave up the fags quite successfully by using nicotine chewing gum as an alternative. He's not smoked for probably ten years now - but he's still regularly chewing the nicotine gum because he became addicted to it, so I'm not sure that he saved any money, but at least he stopped sooting up his lungs!

You're certainly going to have your work cut out if your other half smokes in the house, and if you can pack them up in that environment then you've got a whole lot more willpower than I have!

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A female reader, Mistify South Africa +, writes (10 March 2008):

Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question

Mistify agony auntHello everybody.

Thank you for all the replies.

I honestly think that today was the worst day EVER to quit, because i had taken the day off.

I'm currently very proud of myself, for lasting this long, (although i spent about 8 of the 16 hours sleeping)

Annalisa - i already am a parent, and to be honest, this is the main reason i'm quitting. I want to be there for my daughter throughout HER life. I'm quitting because i KNOW it is bad for me.

Eyes wide open - Thanks - i love your idea of the rubber band. Think i'll give that a bash. I have tried ZYBAN before. Took the tablets for 8 weeks, but to no avail. I just was not ready to quit yet i guess.

Uncle Phil - Thanks. Yes - luckily the cravings only do last for about two minutes at a time, and i KNOW i should keep busy. I'm hoping to find things to keep myself busy with. I'm really looking forward to all the BENEFITS of not smoking, including the ability to SMELL. My path is going to be a hard one, as my partner is a smoker, and we do smoke indoors. I know i'm being really stubborn on this one, but he doesn't know that i've quit, and i don't want to tell him until the worst part of this is over. He's really busy at the moment, so i honestly don't think he'll notice i'm not smoking.

Anonymous - Thanks - i like sunflower seeds already, and they are a regular part of my diet, but mainly in salads. Think i'll pop around to the health shop tomorrow to buy a really big packet...

Thank you all for the answers. Please keep me in your thoughts, as i've made the agreement (to myself) now, and i'll be damned if i DON'T keep to it.

If you think of anything else i can do, please let me know.

Love & Light

M

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A reader, anonymous, writes (10 March 2008):

I smoked off and on for 15 years and I stopped by eating lots and lots of sunflower seeds. And I used the shelled kind. It gave me something to do to replace the "habit" of smoking (smoking was more of a habit for me than then need for nicotine). Not only that, but it also curved my craving for food. So I quit smoking and I am losing weight instead of gaining it. It worked for me, but everyone is different. Give it a try, what have you got to lose, your addiction? Good luck and good for you for making the effort!

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A reader, anonymous, writes (10 March 2008):

Everyone is different, but I find that each 'craving session' last no more than a couple of minutes, so if you can get through that period, probably by occupying your mind with something else you'll get through.

Another thing to bear in mind at that 'craving' time is the fact that the last cigarette you smoked was the one that made you want the next one. So if you can stop yourself from having the last one, there won't be another one after that! Sounds simple, I know, but we all know that giving up is not quite as easy as falling off a log!

Once you've got past the first couple of days it becomes a lot easier. The main thing is to try to stay well upwind of any smokers so that you don't get a whiff of the smoke.

If possible go for a hike in the fresh air and tell yourself how much easier your breathing has become since you packed up. There's all the other inducements like the colour of your teeth and the smell of your breath. One surefire way of realising just how bad your breath can be is to smell a smoker's breath after you've not had one for a couple of days. I guarantee it'll turn your stomach.

If you think some mutual support might help, PM me!

Phil

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A female reader, eyeswideopen United States +, writes (10 March 2008):

eyeswideopen agony auntYou could put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it everytime you get the urge. Or suck on sugar free hard candy. The medications they are very helpful so I wouldn't rule them out completely.

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