Non-smokers

[willhe64]

Quit 11 years ago, this advice from a buddy helped a lot:

"Doesn't matter weather you have the cigarette or not, the urge still goes away".

[PalmerGA]

Had my first cig at 10 years old. Hated it.
Had my next cig at 13 years old. Was cool, so I stuck with it.
Started really liking them soon after and smoked 'til I was 22. Quit - cold turkey.
Four years later, joined the Army - started smoking again.
Smoked until I was 42. Watched girlfriend's father die of emphazema. Quit for 2-1/2 years.
Mother had serious heart problems. Spent a week with her after surgery. Stared smoking again.
13-1/2 years later (a month ago), I stopped again. I hope it sticks this time.

Times of stress are the most difficult to overcome for former smokers. willhe64 is exactly right though... "Doesn't matter weather you have the cigarette or not, the urge still goes away". And you can NEVER think you can just have one or a few cigarettes and then put 'em down again. I have spent a small fortune on cigs over the course of forty+ years. Such a waste.

I have never had any "smoker's cough" or respiratory problems so I hope all those cigs won't kill me anytime soon. I still have a lot of living to do and retirement to enjoy!

Best of luck to any and all who are making the effort.

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by IL-Tracker

(but fwiw, if I knew I would be dead in six months, I would start smoking right now - loved to smoke, and the odor of a fresh cigarette lighting up still smells good to me)

Shhhhhhhhh.


Me too.

[Rockey33]

I quit 10 months ago. I smoked for 18 years and knew it was time to quit. I got what i believe was the flu and could not smoke. After 3 days I just kept going. I still have cravings. One day at a time! Everyday will be better then the previous.

[Bad@ssCamaro]

Originally Posted by Hammer St. James

They say the physical addiction lasts only 3 days, the rest is all in your head.

[LimaCharlie]

I've never smoked. The smell of it on people who come inside from a smoke break and the stories I hear from people trying to quit is enough to make me never start.

[Bad@ssCamaro]

Originally Posted by IL-Tracker

Quit in October 1992. Was 37 and had smoked since 16. Over the years, gradually smoked lighter, and lighter cigarettes (nicotine levels), so breaking the nicotine addiction wasn't that bad, but quitting the "habit" was difficult.

Remember, the first year will be tough. There will always be something new to remind you of smoking; holidays, fishing, golfing, you name it, it will take a year to get through the "cycle".

With us (wife quit the day before I did), our lives, friends, and habits changed. All for the better. Good luck to you.

(but fwiw, if I knew I would be dead in six months, I would start smoking right now - loved to smoke, and the odor of a fresh cigarette lighting up still smells good to me)

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

Shhhhhhhhh.


Me too.

If it brings you a positive experience then you will be more susceptible to starting again. Once you are physically over the addiction (3 days to 1 week) the rest of the urges come from associations, we relate to experiences that "help" us to feel good when in actuality it really makes it worse. When you are able to overcome each and every association that is related to smoking is when you are truly free from smoking. Some are more strong willed than others, some take a little longer than others. Just keep going and don't give in, Keep Fighting!!!

Another thing I would suggest is to take notice when something positive happens for not smoking - for example, you're with your s.o. who doesn't smoke and they notice how good you smell or even you notice - give yourself credit

Or your with your child and they are having a good time with you and isn't complaining about the smell.

If when your eating and you notice the food tastes better,

if your single, you don't have to worry about somebody saying or noticing that you smell like smoke or even being around your coworkers.

You don't have to worry about burning the seats in your car or having it smell like an ashtray and you'll be more comfortable having people in your car.

You won't have to worry about getting yellow fingers.

You're teeth will start to get brighter and your breath won't be as offensive (unless you're eating garlic, LOL)

Oh how can I forget the biggest one - How much money I'm saving

....and on and on... you get the gist, whatever you notice that is an improvement, realize it and be proud of it, Life is so much better without it

[y2k king]

smoked from 67' to 87' and now i've got a chemo session to sit through weekly for the rest of my days.
give up those smokes cause this just ain't a good way to go.

[HookemHorns]

Congrats and stay strong.

[joey0480]

Those commercials now a days have really gotten to me and have urged me to make the effort and quit for good.

[cam62]

struggling today.. quit (again) yesterday.

[Bad@ssCamaro]

Originally Posted by cam62

struggling today.. quit (again) yesterday.

Don't let it beat you, you MUST be stronger. Don't let a tiny thing like that RULE your life. If you think about it , you will realize it's controlling you, is that what you want? Keep fighting Brother

[PQ]

July 10th almost 2 years ago.

Pretty publicised and a few failures but I did it.

My user name used to be irpq11

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...t=28124&page=9

[upflying]

My dad smoked unfiltered camels for 40 years. He quit cold at age 62..just resisted the withdrawal urges. It was tough.