I quit smoking on 4/8/08

[Droopy]

I was looking for evidence that I don't really hate myself today. Sometimes I have to do that. I was a walking disaster between the ages of 20 and 30. I'm five years removed from that now, but it still haunts me. Using tobacco doesn't mean that you hate yourself, but quitting is a pretty good indication that you don't.

I smoked for 19 years. I started smoking regularly when I was 16. Back then, in the little town that I grew up in, the local stores would sell tobacco to minors and I guess the cops didn't really give a shit. I remember when I was 13 years old going into a little mom and pop's store that was on my newspaper delivery route and buying cigarettes. The guy working the counter would just tell me to put them in my pocket before I walked out of the store. By the time I was 16 my folks got tired of punishing me for smoking and gave up.

But I quit, yesiree. I was up to 2 packs a day of Marlboro Menthol Lights. Around here that cost me about $240 a month. You can buy a pretty nice car for that kind of money. Physically, I feel really good now even though I've put on about 20 pounds. My weight is under control now. I know longer have that wet, nasty sounding cough or any cough at all. There is no more phlegm. And I can take a deep breath without that strange, tickling feeling down in my lungs. I also smell a lot better. :)

I've been taking bupropion (generic Wellbutrin) for about 5 years now as an anti-depressant. It turns out that the drug is also used for smoking cessation. And quitting was a bit easier than I remembered trying to quit cold turkey. The cravings and withdrawal symptoms weren't as intense. You still have to want to quit, though. The drug won't do it for you.

Anyway, I just needed to feel good about myself and maybe encourage others to quit as well. And thanks to all of you out there who quit before me and posted about it. I think that helped. Good day. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Droopy!

Good for you!

I'm really proud that you were able to do this...

Good day, indeed!

:hug:

[Droopy]

2. Thanks

:hug:

[SCantiGOP]

3. Ditto

My wife and I both quit on August 1. She had one little relapse a few days later but that's been it. We both feel a lot better, sleep better, and we estimated that we would save at least $2500 a year. Also, we don't have to ban our 11 year old daughter from the living room (we had a good sized exhaust fan in there) after dinner so we wouldn't kill her. We just got back from a vacation out west, and noted how nice it was not to have to plan the trip - where to stay, when/where to eat, etc-around our cigarettes. She had tried the Chantix, I had tried all kind of gimmicks, but we both did it cold turkey. I still get the craving (I smoked for 30 years) but I'll never light up another one. Well, unless the big asteroid is going to hit tomorrow; then I would go out drunk, naked and in a big cloud of smoke.

[Droopy]

6. lol!

I'd be smoking a lot more than a cigarette if the big asteroid were coming tomorrow!

Congratulations. You'll probably have a craving here and there for a while, but you should notice them getting weaker and less emotionally disturbing. I get one every once in a great while now, but I'm able to let it go and not give it a second thought.

[Haole Girl]

4. You should feel good about yourself!

They say Nicotine addiction is as potent as cocaine or heroin.

http://www.frostillustrated.com/full.php?sid=1256

Be proud of yourself!! :hug:

[Droopy]

7. Thank you

Yeah, even with the bupropion, giving up smoking is one of the hardest things I've ever done. There's a strong emotional attachment to it that a lot of people don't take into account. Quitting tobacco feels like losing a good friend or a lover.

[Mrs. Venation]

5. You Rock Out Loud!

That's one of the most difficult things in the world to do, but it's worth the discomfort.

I quit back in 1989 after an 18-year habit. It is one of the best things I ever did for myself.

[Droopy]

8. Thanks Mrs. V

And congrats on staying smoke-free. :thumbsup:

[lost-in-nj]

9. YEAH DROOPY!!

:hug:


it is something to be proud of and to encourage others to try (but not preach) :)

I quit 2/15/2007 so its been 17 months for me.... and I am using Wellbutrin!!!!

Keep it up!!!!


:hi:


lost

[Droopy]

10. Thanks, lost

And congratulations! I agree with not being preachy. That just makes people feel worse and probably light one up a little quicker.

[yellowdogintexas]

11. You have done an amazing thing! Thank you for sharing it with us!

You have added years to your life, years which will be better because you quit.

I just began Bupropion due to a med switch, still evaluating the way it makes me feel. I find it makes me excessively jittery, but everyone is different

[Droopy]

12. Yeah, I take it as a part of a cocktail of meds for my head

The Wellbutrin was added a little later than the anti-psychotic and the mood stabilizer. I just needed a little lift and I don't take a big dose of it- 150mg a day. The only side affect I've noticed from it is that it makes somewhat horny at times. That wouldn't be a bad thing if I weren't single. :D