I smoked my first cigarette in 10 days just now

[lifeform]

and feel a genuine buzz. damn. I couldn't stand myself anymore - alienating everyone that comes in contact with me. Didn't see what it was doing to me. I really was proud of myself, but my personality changed. Any ideas on how to keep this from happening? I have not been so bitchy in my entire life as I have been for the past 10 days.

[Bossy Monkey]

1. I thought that was what the patch was for

but I'm sure others with better info will check in momentarily

[lifeform]

2. I used the patch for a few days, but

wanted to rid my body entirely of the poisons. I don't want to be hooked on using anything.

[BlueState]

5. It has been almost 3 months smoke free for me.

I know what you mean by wanting the poisons out of your body. I was really quite eager to move beyond addiction. The thing is you gotta do what you gotta do. If the patch keeps you from going crazy use it!

This time I used lozenges and they helped. I think unwrapping and eating the lozenge when I got the urge was the closest substitute for lighting up. I would recommend this or gum. The strange thing is I stopped using it long before the recommended period but didn't completely lose it.

I have tried to quit unsuccesfully at least a hundred times, so I know exactly how you feel right now. The important thing is to keep trying. It is easy to convince yourself that you are hooked and there is nothing you can do. Not true - perservere!

[Warpy]

3. The patch can

...help prevent that urge to bite everybody's head off. Drugs like Zyban work by raising serotonin levels to stop the cravings.

Who cares how you quit? Just quit. Do it now.

[Stevendsmith]

4. Quitting

I used Nicorette gum for a couple weeks. After that, I smoked small cigars when drinking alcohol. Within a few months, the urge for cigars just went away. I haven't smoked in nearly two years. The key for me was always reminding myself of the health implications.

[liberalnurse]

6. Oh No......

Hey, I suggest a regime of the nicotine patch and the inhaler as needed for cravings....At the same time.... Really, it worked for me.

[lifeform]

7. The thing is, I'm not experiencing any cravings

I haven't even been thinking about it that much anymore, but as of this afternoon could no longer stand being so damn grouchy - emotionally unstable. Maybe the zyban would be the way for me to go, but I hesitate because I want to not rely on anything.

[LynneSin]

9. Zyban is similiar to Prozac

and from the folks who have quit using Zyban will swear by it. I've only ever had to use prozac for about a year and it did a world of wonders but I didn't want to spend the rest of my life on it so I quit taking it. But when I got off the prozac I knew that I had worked through my problems (I had become depressed after moving and taking a new job that I had hated!).

If that doesn't work print out this picture and hang it anywhere in your home or work where you would regularly find cravings to smoke. Buy a small picture frame and put his picture in it so you can carry it with you.

This is Mitch McConnell - he is the largest recipient of tobacco profits and he wants you to smoke. And if you're like the rest of us Evil DUers - you probably aren't very keen on Mitch McConnell!

[Blue-Jay]

8. I just lit my first

in ten minutes. No nic buzz, but it's still yummy.

Damn those tobacco companies for putting out such a horrible (yet wonderful) product. Damn them to HELL!

[LynneSin]

10. This is for you Blue-Jay

I posted him earlier but I thought I'd give you a boost as to why you should quit. Unless you like having Mitch McConnell in the Senate - I know he wants you to smoke so he can make money from the tobacco lobbyists!

[Blue-Jay]

12. Ahhhh.

Were it only that easy... (heh. after I typed that, I lit another. I'm weak)

I haven't quit for two reasons. 1) I like smoking. I like the taste, and it satisfies my oral fixation. It gives me something to do with my hands as well. 2) I'm vain. I admit that freely. I'm afraid I'll gain 20 lbs if I quit.

I tried the Zyban, and it made me feel wonderful, but my insurance provider won't cover the cost of a drug that is perscribed for smoking cessation (sp?). Apparently, the greedy fucks are willing to bet that I'll switch jobs (and subsequently insurance companies) or die before I rack up an assload of bills for cancer treatment. Maybe I should tell my doc that I'm (wink-wink) depressed, and he'll perscribe Zyban or Wellbutrin to help. My insurance will cover a depression-related perscription, but not one that help cure my of a deadly addiction. Go figure.

[caledesi]

11. Get Commit Lozenges...better than the gum.

They last longer.
Don't ruin your teeth.
You get a buzz!