Seer666

Well, I'm not to sure where this should go, so I'll post here. If the moderators feel the need to move it, they can move it..

Anyway, as of the time of this posting, I am 19 days without a smoke. And I can say this. It fucking sucks. This is by far one of the harder bone headed ideas I've come up with. I've been smoking 18 years now, and to be honest, I have no real clear memories of a time I didn't smoke. This has been a learning experince all around though. I am finding out how far my will power can take me. I am also finding out just how fuckedin the head I am. I've always been a moody mother fucker. I am now, even more so. I've been thinking about it, and realised that all the things I'm seeing about the way I act when I'm nic fitting can't just be blamed on quiting. Everything was there already, it's just being let out of the box now. It's been a long tiem sense I've really looked at the things in my head to try and fix them, and now I am finding all kinds of petty emotions and thoughts. Many of them I can trace to the roots, now that I can look at them, and from there, remove them, or at least try to. I guess what I'm wondering, is if any of you people have tried to kick the habit (this or any other one), and if so, did you find the same sort of thing happened to you. Well, wish me luck. I'm just taking it one day at a time. Here's hoping willpower is stronger then adiction.

__________________
Bad spellers of the world untie!!!

I am the one you warned me of

I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

kid astronaut

good luck with it. i don't smoke, so i can't offer any real advice, but i gotta say i admire a person who can hold out that long against something that they obviously want very badly.

here's hoping the cravings will start lessening soon.

Amnesia620

Since you've known me over the years, Seer666, you know of my trials and tribulations in the past 5 years I've been subjected (and, in some cases, subjected myself) to. I've gone through three seperate addictions, and have rid myself and my life of their poisons and poisonous influences.

I've been right where you are, Seer.
When I moved into the 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment (had the gay roommate who was an alcoholic that moved out and I paid the full rent and bills for the remainder - 6 to 8 months - of the lease) I spent 18 months learning who I was, fixing the faults of mine that I saw, all the while remaining single during this time.

I won't say it wasn't tough, and lonely...but it's a confidence and self-esteem booster and I found that, after the 18 months were up, I was happier, healthier and had acquired a deeper understanding of myself, my friends and my family.

I know that, majorily, quitting smoking may be different (more difficult, certain areas having more of an impact than others) for you than it would be for me. However, as I read your post, I think you are starting to see things about yourself, changing yourself to your liking, and you will view, in the end, everything and everyone around you differently and more clearly than ever before. I'm sure of this; enforced belief by my own experience and what other people have said they experienced.

Just so it's said and understood, you know I'm here for you. As a friend, to lend an ear or give advice if requested, but mostly, I am someone who's empathetic and honest. A person who cares about you - who always will.

I am very proud of you, Seer. I hope that you are able to reach your goal(s), through your best effort. I admire your strength and independence in this venture. You have 150% of my support, Seer. Now, and always. xoxo

__________________
For example, I find that a lot of college girls are barbie doll carbon copies with few differences...Sadly, they're dumb, ditzy, immature, snotty, fake, or they are the gravitational center to orbiting drama. - Amnesia620

scarletleo

Here I am to throw in my two cents on you kicking the habit. First of all, WOOHOO! I'm so proud of you, as this is quite a project. I've done it once, for the health of my li'l one. It wasn't just that smoking everyday was a struggle; different parts of each day I also struggled with. After meals, first thing in the morning, right before going to bed, I would smoke a cigarette, even reaching for them (where I had kept them in my truck) while driving. Quitting was even harder when I had to endure other people smoking, but each day that I avoided them, I felt stronger, like I was conquering this habit of shit.

Outside of the bullshit that goes along with being pregnant, I felt better. I was in 90% humidity, couldn't take a walk without heaving, out of breath, after only two blocks. My mind and personal issues didn't come into play until after I went back to smoking, I felt weak, and still do, for giving in and making excuses; to this day, the reality of my weakness eats at me.

I've already decided that I will be quitting, for good I hope, by the end of this year. I'm doing this for myself and my little one this time. I'm ready to be healthier and stronger; hopefully, it will help keep her away from smoking when she gets older. Anyhow good luck and keep it up!!

Starlight4

I guess if you consider trying to kick the habit of "running away" is a bad habit, the answer to your question, seer666, is yes, I have and still do feel similar to how you're feeling right now. Throughout my life, I've always had a way of running away from my problems by either burying them or just not letting them bother me... now that I'm trying to deal with them, I feel like I'm finding out A LOT about myself and a lot of things I'd like to change too. It's been hard to look at myself and really see who I am. I really am proud of you for trying to quit something that is so natural to you. Good luck!

How do you feel about all your self realizations?

jhkayakr

My wife kicked "cold turkey" about 6 years ago. And has not had a cig. since. Good luck, it can be done.

__________________
........gotta need for speed....

iccky

There's a thread in tiled living that has a lot of good tips on getting through that first rough couple months.

I just quit in August, and while I'd only been smoking for a few years, it was not a fun experience. But it really does start to get better after the first month. So really, your almost through hell.

If you need some motivation, think of it this way. You're almost through, and if you started smoking again now those 19 days of hell would be totaly wasted. Plus, you'll have to go through it at some point, so why not now when you've already gone through half of it.

Good luck man

squirrelyburt

Been there, done that...it really does suck, but every day you can get past is one day easier. I tried quitting a couple times but never was able to until I wanted to for myself. Use the patch or ask your Dr, they can prescribe a med which is actually an anti-depressant. One of the side affects is it takes away the desire for smokes. Two of my friends used it. Hang in there bud!

__________________
If you've ever felt there was a reason to be afraid of the dark, you were right.

Seer666

Well, today is 3 weeks to the day. 2 weeks and 6 days and 12 hours longer then most people though I would make it. Nice little bench mark, I think. It is amazing some of the changes I'm noticing already. At PT the other night, we did a 2 or 2 and a half mile run. I could breath through the whole. I rean better then I have in YEARS. It felt damn good. Never been big on the work out thing, but I am thinking that maybe it is time to start hitting the gym a bit more. Something to take up some time. I have to say though, that why I physicaly feel better, mentaly I'm a freaking wreck. That will get better with time though, I am sure. God I just hope it's soon. Just let me say to all of you, thanks for the support. Quite an out pouring here in pretty short time. I can use all the support I can get right now, so thanks.

kid astronaut, Thanks for the kind words. Every bit helps.

Amnesia620, I know that you understand very well how things are. It's one of the reasons I've had so much respect for you. You can be a tough little bitch when you want to be.

scarletleo, I know what you mean. We have this huge stair way at work, and I am always winded by the time I get to the top. I am already starting to feel better though. Just remember, you already proved you can quit once. No reason you can't do it again. Good luck to you.

Starlight4, How do I feel about them? Well, honestly, some of the things I'm seeing there I just can't stand. Guess you don't realise how much baggage you have until you try to move, huh? Well, it won't be the first time I've had to take a good hard look at myself and do a little cleaning. I just wish I could have found a way that didn't involve possibly pushing a few people away from me. Hopefully they will be more forgiveing of me then I am of myself.

jhkayakr, cold turkey is the only way to go, in my eyes. It's like taking off a band aid, youknow it's gonna hurt, so just rip the fucker off and be done with it instead of trying to ease it off and feel every little hair get ripped out one by one.

iccky, congrats on kicking it. And thanks for the pointers. Anything to try and keep what little sanity I have left.

squirrelyburt, I've found my big life saver is trident gum. I should have bought stock in that stuff, cause I'm pretty sure I've bumped it up a couple points these past 3 weeks.


Anyway, almost time to hit the sack. One more day down. Thanks for the support folks. It does help.

__________________
Bad spellers of the world untie!!!

I am the one you warned me of

I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

Arroe

yeah, go to the gym. you will find yourself getting that "natural high" from working out, and you won't need cigarrettes anymore. you'll also become more health concious and you'll turn down smokes and candy for some fresh air and protein bars. plus you'll have someplace to focus all that extra energy.

I've never quit smoking (i never started), but a few weeks ago I gave up caffeine for Lent. I think I'll keep it up after Easter anyways just because I know I don't need it and I know it does nothing good for me.

Eight

Nice one - well done for trying.

I gave up on Newyears eve 2001 - Just thought what the hell am I doing and stopped. Not looked back yet (been smoking for 7 years)

Not much help to you I know but it does show it can be done.

Now and again I get the urge to have a smoke but never give into it.

You just have to be a stubborn git and dig your heals in and things will get easier.

BigBen

Hey, good for you.

I quit about 50 times before I finally put the pack down. I just want to say that although quitting cold turkey is the way to go...

Don't kill yourself if you slip and have one. I would beat myself up for a couple of days when I would crumble and have a smoke. I should have done what I eventually did:

Stopped worrying.

I want you to adopt a new self-image: A Non-Smoker. Not an ex-smoker or a smoker who is in the middle of quitting, but someone who does not smoke.

If you lose your mind and run out and buy a pack, or bum one off a person, then what would a non-smoker do? They would go about their lives and continue to not smoke... an ex-smoker might think of themselves as weak and worthless. A smoker who is trying to quit might think of themselves as a failure.

I would have one smoke, beat myself up, then have the rest of the pack, feel worse, and the quit attempt would be finished. It kept on dying. What eventually worked was my frame of mind changing. I refused to let one cigarette, or one pack, or one carton that I smoked tell me that I was a smoker.

Imagine the looks I got when someone would walk up to me while I was puffing away and say “Hey Ben, I thought you quit smoking!” as if they had just caught me in the most embarrassing situation.
I would calmly turn to them and smile as I replied, “Yes, I have quit smoking and I feel great. This cigarette that I am having has no bearing on that.” I WAS THE ONE IN CONTROL. The cigarette lost its power.

I quit smoking, and I didn’t quit quitting.

Keep it up.

__________________
3.141592654
Hey, if you are impressed with my memorizing pi to 10 digits, you should see the size of my penis.

snowy

I was a smoker and I won't relate the story of my quitting. It was too easy to be helpful.

But being a former smoker I know lots of former smokers, and one of my friends, who had a bear of a time quitting, assures me that it will get easier for you. She just celebrated one year smoke-free with a party. She says the most important thing is to celebrate those milestones and remember how far you've come.

Good luck.

__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

ratbastid

It'll get easier. I've been clean since March 1, 2001--four years and 14 days!

I'll tell the truth, though. There are still times when I'll smell second-hand smoke, or I'll see people smoking, and it just completely takes me over and I'll have an enormous PHYSICAL desire for a cigarette. Only thing is, I've now got 4 years of practice at beating those feelings back.

c172g

Here comes my two cents...

First off, well done making the decision to quit. Something that helped me was a note I carried in my wallet everywhere. I listed out the reasons to quit smoking...

I smelled better
My clothes didn't stink (you probably are just starting to notice how bad your clothes reek, if your sense of smell is starting to improve yet)
My sense of smell started to get better
My sense of taste began to get better, food actually had a taste
I didn't wake up each morning with shitmouth (I still do, but non-smoker shitmouth rocks compared to smoker shitmouth)
I traveled a lot, it was very inconvenient to be a smoker. Get off the plane, high tail it outisde to burn one, back through security, catch next plane, etc.
Almost $5 a pack here in Michigan, I smoked 2 1/2 packs a day. I can have a lot of fun with $375 per month besides squash it out in an ashtray
You'll most likely live longer, assuming you don't get run over by a truck
I had a newborn daughter, and I'd like to be around to see her get married

The list goes on & on...customize yours, carry it, and when you get the slightest notion of having one, read the list over.

Exercise. It helps take your mind off of the smokes. Do something fun. Buy yourself something nice. Put yourself in different situations than you would normally be in where you want a smoke. Take a drive. Go for a walk. Do what you don't do. Visit the neighbors, bake cookies. Don't worry if you gain a few pounds (though when I quit the energy boost was so tremendous I started jogging twice my normal amount & kept it off), you'd have to gain almost 100 to offset the bad effects of smoking.

Good luck, and stay the course...

ironmaiden7o7

Good luck with this. I can't offer you any real advice on this because I'm not familiar but can say that being around people that smokes while you're trying to stop doesn't help atall.

Grasshopper Green

Congratulations to you!!! I've never smoked, but my mom, brother, and sister all do (or did) and I know that it is hard to quit. I don't have any helpful advice or tips, just words of encouragement. Here's hoping to another smoke free day!

__________________
"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

mr_camo

Good work!! Best thing you could ever do i reckon.

Amnesia620

Hang in there, Seer. I know I can be a tough bitch, it's what has kept me alive long enough so that I could hear that from you. How else would I put up with you? Joking aside, I admire your strength, if not for quitting then for proving so many people wrong! Someday, maybe, I will follow in your foot steps...keep giving me reason to...remember, Seer, you can do this.

__________________
For example, I find that a lot of college girls are barbie doll carbon copies with few differences...Sadly, they're dumb, ditzy, immature, snotty, fake, or they are the gravitational center to orbiting drama. - Amnesia620

Blasphemy.

Quick question, because of certain events in my life, today has been the second day that i've quit smoking. I stumbled upon this thread by accident.

Does anybody know how long it takes for your body to detoxify the nicotine in your body? Or how long will it take to rejuvinate your lungs, or will they always be in rough shape? I'd really like to start running or something along those lines.

iccky

I think I remember a video in health class that said that it could take up to a decade for a heavy, long-time smoker to totally clean his or her lungs out. But eventually, it does go back to normal. Keep in mind this is a health class video, not always the most reliable source.

For me quiting smoking did nothing for my lung capacity or fittness, but that's my own fault. At the same time I quit my class schedule changed so I basically didn't leave the house 3 or 4 days a week. This actualy made quiting easier, as I'd never smoked in my home and mostly smoked when walking to or from something. Still not good for the ol' physical fitness.

So my advice would be to get out there and run now. Your lungs and body will catch up, a bit slower then if you'd never smoked but they will. And the exercise will make quitting easier (or so I'm told).

balefire88

Good luck to you on quitting. It really does sound rough when someone has to give up something even though every part of their body is aching for it. I hope you can stay ciggarette free, and I'm going to show this to my good buddy in the hope that he'll be motivated to try as well.

thalakos315

i'm actually in the process of quitting myself.. going on week 2

i suggest keeping yourself as active as possible.. the more engrosed you are in an activity (mental or physical) the less likely you are to think about smoking..

start eating breakfast!. most people skip breakfast.. i've found that if you have something to eat right when you wake up, it helps stem the cravings
you don't even have to eat much.. a slice of toast and a glass of milk helps

always remember that you don't need them, your better than that.

breathe deep and take time to really appreciate the benefits of not smoking

if your 3weeks smoke free then your over the hardest part.. good luck!

heres hoping we can both stick with it

wolf

I quit about 5 years ago. It does suck. Keep at it, it's the best thing you can do for you body. Smoking absolutely will kill you, and the earlier you stop, the better.

__________________
Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.

mikec

after smoking for about 15 years, I quit....

for 6 months, now I'm back on them.

I know they're bad for me, but damnit I enjoy smoking.

fuck it!

__________________
Until the 20th century, reality was everything humans could touch, smell, see, and hear. Since the initial publication of the charted electromagnetic spectrum, humans have learned that what they can touch, smell, see, and hear is less than one millionth of reality

Seer666

Well, it took me about three days to get over the physical withdraws. That was a pretty rough time. I'm still a moody bastard, but I'm starting to clam down. As for running, just go to it. I can't believe the difference I've seen in just 3 weeks. I'm in the navy, so they make us PT all the time, and I will say this, I am runn faster, longer and better then I have in YEARS. I also have started running on my own more often, just as somethign to do to fight the urges. Keep at it. It sucks, no other way to put it, but the end pay off is worth it.

__________________
Bad spellers of the world untie!!!

I am the one you warned me of

I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

crow_daw

Man, you are greatly inspiring me to me attempt this myself, but I just don't WANT to yet, you know what I mean, but I know that I'm probably going to stay in the state of mind my entire life, so I'm going to have to sometime.


ughh

__________________
"We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

Seer666

I know what you mean. Took me 18 years to get to the point where I wanted to. If you don't want to, you aren't going to, simple as that. Only reason I made it this long (24 days now) is I want this. Hard as hell sometimes though.

__________________
Bad spellers of the world untie!!!

I am the one you warned me of

I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

jorgelito

I love this thread!!

Everyone, let me give you my testimony.

I smoked for 15 years. 3 1/2 years ago I quit cold turkey and have been smoke free ever since. Let me tell you how I did it.

1. You have to want to. I made the clear and conscious decision to quit smoking. I woke up one day, looked at my family and decided I wanted to live. I could see how much smoking hurt them cause I was hurting myself.

Be disciplined, not half-assed, no excuses.

2. Surround yourself with support - girlfriend, family other friends, clergy, teachers etc. Try to avoid other smokers if you can.

If your friends smoke, get them involved: Start a betting pool, winner take all. Each person contributes so the total pot is at least $1000 - at the end of the year, whomever is still smoke free takes it. If it's tied, even better, split the pot. If everyone has quit after year split the pot and celebrate, you're all winners.

3. Substitute - I snacked on carrots, apples and pretzels when I quit. It helped a lot. The crunchier and crispier ones were more effective a gummy bears too: Something about "oral fixation"...

4. Create a stake - I labeled a large jar, "Smoke Free" with my start date (April 19th, 2001 - [Patriot's Day in Massachusetts get the connection? Freedom?] ) on it.

Since I smoked a pack a day, I would put the money in the jar every day instead. $4.50 (the price of Marlboro Lights in LA at the time). I also kept a calendar so I could "see" the progress.

After a year or so, I took it to the bank. I had approx. $1800 in ones, fives and quarters. The teller thought I was a small merchant! When I told her my story she was so excited and wanted to call her sister to tell her my method. Then she gave me a lollipop. *yay*

I opened an account and may buy a bond or whatever. I really should take the family out, or vacation. Who cares, I've got $1800 that otherwise would have been in the nice deep pockets of big tobacco. And, I am healthier, happier - life is good.

Price of a pack of cigarettes
- $4.50
Price of smoking a month
- $135.00
Price of smoking for one year
- $1642.50

Playing basketball with my grandkids
-Priceless

Good luck and spread the word.

Amnesia620

One idea is to tally up the cost of a pack of cigarettes per day for a full week. Should be about $35/week since each pack is about $5 with 7 days in one week. On payday, put (if paid bi-weekly) $70 into a special account, savings, or keep a record in a book. Everytime an overwhelming urge occurs, look at the amount saved from not smoking...this is just one of the benefits of your struggle through this.

__________________
For example, I find that a lot of college girls are barbie doll carbon copies with few differences...Sadly, they're dumb, ditzy, immature, snotty, fake, or they are the gravitational center to orbiting drama. - Amnesia620

irseg

I'm a smoker. I haven't gotten around to quitting yet, but if I were to, one thing I'd strongly recommend is to stay away from alcohol.

When I'm hanging out with friends who don't smoke, I don't really even think about smoking. They aren't smoking, I can't light up in their house, we're usually busy doing other stuff so it's not like I'm bored and idly grabbing cigarettes, so it's not much of an issue. But when we start drinking, that's when the cravings start to kick in.

ngdawg

All these stories of quitting are inspiring-wish mine was. I quit twice, first time for 2.5 years. Gained 20 lbs the first time over 6 months, 25 lbs the second time over 2 months. I am high-strung, easily stressed and don't have the most patience in the world. My house smells, the walls are yellow and my sinuses are shot. (last xray-6 months ago was clear, though-go figure).
So why don't I quit? Because someone would die by my hand, my clothes wouldn't fit,and I'd get even more depressed than usual.
I admire everyone who had the fortitude to stick with it. It really is the hardest thing I ever attempted, and, while I succeeded for a short time, I know that somewhere inside me, there's the strength to do it again. Just not right now.
Good luck!

thalakos315

you quit cold turkey didn't you? try using the patches, or that "smoke away" they have out now (i've heard really good things).
they say not to do it.. but even when your on the patches don't force yourself to drop the real thing all at once. smoke only outside, limit yourself to a cigarette only when you feel you absolutely need one, and most importantly, keep yourself busy. work on painting your house, and eliminating the smell, thats a huge motivator i'm coming up on a month now smoke free.. they say it takes 10years for your lungs to recover from regular smoking, but even after the first week you'd be amazed at how much better you feel

Stick

I stopped smoking about 8 years ago. Patches helped, but I only used them for a couple of weeks. I wanted to stop because it cost too much. I still get the odd craving now and then, but it's easy to dismiss it. If you're determined you will stop.

__________________
ominous adj.
Menacing; threatening. Of or being an omen, especially an evil one.

muttonglutton

Way to go, Seer!

I've made a note of never smoking, so I don't know what it's like to quit aside from a number of friend's laments.

You said you were thinking of going to the gym, I think that's a great idea. Working out takes your mind off of things suprisingly well, and giving yourself yet another reason to care about your body never hurts either.

I commend you on how well you've done so far, and have no doubts you'll make it even farther, as far as you want. Hopefully forever.

__________________
Cellar Door.

Blackthorn

I could tell a long story about the impact of being a life long smoker had on my recently deceased father and maybe at some point I'll share some of that. There are probably countless threads here touting the health risks of smoking so there's no need to do that either.

Seer666 - if you've made it one day you can make it two. If you've made it two then you can make it three. I applaud you effort and after watching both of my parents try desperately to quit I know that your struggle is not an easy one. Don't give in. You are stronger and larger than that craving. Your story should provide inspiration to others hoping to make your journey so please keep us up to date!

__________________
What are you willing to give up in order to get what you want?

jhkayakr

True, you have to want to quit. My prodding and harassing my wife to quit did not work until she decided it was time. She takes Triptan medicines for migrains and one day after taking her medicine, she was smoking and developed heart palpitations. It happened a couple of times and we associated the palpitations with nicotine and her medicine. We have since discovered the skipped beats can be a normal side effect of the medicine and had nothing to do with the cigarettes. It did , however, scare her enough to quit smoking. She has not smoked since, but every so often still gets the "urge". Luckly never follows through though. Good luck Seer666.

__________________
........gotta need for speed....

viejo gringo

Smoked for 34 years...started at about 15--(hey, I thought I looked tough)....burnt all of my kids at least twice, and then one day I realized I was addicted to smoking..

that done it, I quit cold turkey.

3 years ago my doctor asked how long I had been off of smoking--
"20 some years" I said....not soon enough he said...see you in the morning for a triple bypass..

now that will scare the s--- out of you....and you will talk to your
GOD...and swear to never do it again...hang in there --it is worth it..

Seer666

Well, this thread has really taken on a life of its own. That is kind of cool. Thanks to all you for the words of support. I'm finnaly to the point where I'm not goin phyco all the time now. Just every now and then. I tell you, I have really learned a lot about myself through this. That is a discusion for later though, just thought I would let you know, that I am still hanging in there. One day at a time.

__________________
Bad spellers of the world untie!!!

I am the one you warned me of

I seem to have misplaced the bullet with your name on it, but I have a whole box addressed to occupant.

Amnesia620

...with you, Seer666, every step of the way...

__________________
For example, I find that a lot of college girls are barbie doll carbon copies with few differences...Sadly, they're dumb, ditzy, immature, snotty, fake, or they are the gravitational center to orbiting drama. - Amnesia620