I Spent All Of 2008 Trying To Quit Smoking...

[Yes We Did]

Seriously... All of it. A few months not smoking... a few months smoking...

Back and forth all damned year. (Which probably contributed to some of my outlandish remarks :hide: ) And while I actually smoked less last year than I have since the mid 90s (by far) I still feel like I failed.

I was doing really good in December, but cracked just before Christmas... again.

So... Here I am again...

I quit AGAIN on DEC 26. I had 2 patches left and used them... And then when they ran out... for the first time... I didn't have ANY withdrawal symptoms.

NO Nicotine Fits!
NO Crying!
NO Screaming!
NO Days in bed!

It's very weird seeing as how every other time I have been a complete wreck, and I mean a C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E wreck.

I'm almost embarrassed to say what I think helped me finally do it.

Obama's victory, and finally believing that Dubya is actually going to leave peacefully.

I guess I just feel like it's worth quitting now. It has nothing to do with whether or not Obama himself has quit smoking, I just feel more optimistic now, like I want to be around longer... Yeah, I know, silly.

Regarless,
It is January 8, 2009 and I haven't smoked at all this year, and haven't really wanted to.

I don't know why it is happening this way; why it's been so easy so far, but I do know that this is the longest into any year since 1992 that I can say I haven't smoked.

Just thought I'd share that.

[FSogol]

1. Congratulations. n/t

[spanone]

2. hang in there. it's a tough one to kick...took me a dozen times....been 15 years now

[SoaringHigh]

5. congrats!

they say it takes 30 days to develop a habit...well you are
well on your way sir..

[Yes We Did]

12. I can only imagine going 15 years without smoking...

That's just great.

[VP505]

27. One day at a time,

you'll get there, and BTW, congrats!

[spanone]

31. you can do it. i was a two pack a day guy....you can.

[lame54]

3. As if 2008 wasn't tough enough

[Yes We Did]

7. Tell me about it.

I think I cracked twice due to political news... that and lack of willpower.

[bigwillq]

4. Stay strong.

You can DO IT! :hi: :bounce: :hug:

[monmouth]

6. Bush caused stress, that could have been a cause. I added up the

monthly cost of cigs and after I got up off the floor found a real incentive to quit..LOL.

[Yes We Did]

11. Around $8 per pack here...

but when I was smoking I was down to 6 or 7 a day...

I think it is more the habit than the nicotine now.

[asdjrocky]

8. I've been tobacco smoke free since Jan 5th.

No patches, no gum. I've been about a pack a day guy for many many years, and now I'm done with it.

[Yes We Did]

15. Congrats! n/t

[asdjrocky]

17. And congrats to you too.

It ain't easy, but already I'm coughing less.

[Yes We Did]

54. See Now...

That's what I don't understand. I didn't really have a cough before, or now, and I didn't hack anything up. Like... nothing. I keep reading that I'm supposed to be hacking up tar, but so far nothing?

You think it's because I cut down so much prior to quitting? Cuz really... I haven't coughed up anything.

[WillieW]

94. I guess there is hope for me . . . .

[Taverner]

9. Good job!

I finally really quit smoking a few years ago

True I officially quit NYE 1995, but it was an on again/off again relationship from then until a few years ago. When I went to the patch, I eliminated the need for the taste and the smoking thing. A few months ago I had a smoke just to see what would happen - and it made me ILL.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

10. Best wishes.

I live with a smoker. He is hideous when he tries to quit.... I mean, it is IMPOSSIBLE to live with him.

My best friend quit about 5 months ago- she called today to tell me she really wanted a cigarette but she knows it is insane...

All I can say is, I am happy I never started smoking.

Hang in there.

[John Q. Citizen]

13. Good for you. I quit last May cold. First 4 days were tough, then not so much. I know I can't ever

smoke again because I'm a total nicotine addict. I'd be right back where i was before.

[Yes We Did]

19. Only takes a couple days...

to go right back.

Why couldn't they just be good for you? lol

[John Q. Citizen]

20. One would be my undoing.

[Yes We Did]

23. That's where it starts.

That's what undid me last summer. ONE. I bummed one off someone, within a week I was back to normal.

[sallyseven]

14. That is wonderful.

One day at a time.

[JNelson6563]

16. I've tried to quit and failed many times.

I am quitting again, only on day three, using the patch. It's hard but I think I am more ready than I was during previous attempts.

Standing with you. :hug:

Julie

[Yes We Did]

21. I cut mine in half when I was on them.

But that only worked because I was able to cut down before I went on them.

good luck. stand strong. and find some kind of release.

[azmouse]

18. I've never smoked but I saw how difficult it was for my parents to quit.

Best of luck on getting to a healthier life. You'll be so glad you quit.

[Yes We Did]

22. It's my only vice left...

I quit drinking years ago, quit smoking pot about 3 years ago... started eating healthy 2 years ago...

This is it.

[azmouse]

29. That gives me every confidence you'll kick this too.

You've got a proven track record. :)

Not sure I could give up the alcohol though and I've never smoked pot. I should eat more fruits and veggies and that is the goal for both myself and my husband this year.

[Starry Messenger]

24. Yay!

Good for you demdog78! I quit in April and it's the hardest thing I've ever done. You are right though, it was the optimism of knowing things were going to get better in the world really sustained my quit. I'm glad it's going well for you. It's not silly at all! :hug:

[Broadslidin]

25. Tis sorta pleasant, your not smelling like a dirty ashtray....

:hug:

[Yes We Did]

28. The best is that I'm not waking myself up snoring!

Seriously. I would snore so loud I would wake myself up. The new neighbors... their dogs... they would try to dig through the floor to find out where the noise was coming from.

[Warpy]

26. You're probably the same wreck you were before

but the combination of optimism after so many years of complete pessimism plus the fact that you knew how lousy it was going to be and there were no surprises made it all seem much less dreadful than it was before.

Congratulations!

[Yes We Did]

30. No... Like I said...

It was remarkably easy this time. No withdrawal symptoms at all.

[RiverStone]

32. That rocks!

Behavior is a bear to change - I'm still trying to lose that 15 pounds that I seem to perpetually gain/lose/gain.

And your Obama victory theory has lots of merit. His win assures that much LESS stress we all would have endured living under the shadow of another criminal regime.

My the force be with you! :hi:

[Yes We Did]

40. I dropped 50 pounds over the last few years...

Still have another 50 or 60 to lose...

(I've always been heavy, all the men in my family are, but I was in a car accident and laid up in bed for 6 months and packed on a bunch of weight)

[dbt]

33. You quit smoking almost ON the New Moon.

The old ones say the New Moon is the best time to quit a bad habit. But of course that couldn't possibly be true in this day and age...

:evilgrin:

[shadowknows69]

34. So happy for you

I've been struggling and losing this battle myself all year. You've given me a little more strength. Thank you.

[roguevalley]

35. no drama demdog78. :-D You just beat huge odds and the fact

that the dork is going out and someone good is coming in probably helped. GOod for you, honey.

[lunatica]

36. That's wonderful

I quit smoking many times before I finally quit smoking. I've been a non smoker for about 10 years now. Just remember how hard it is to quit every time you want a cigarette. And be happy that now you don't have to go hang out on the fire escape or the outer building ledges while it's raining and you're freezing your ass off to smoke anymore.

I promise you that there will come a time when the only time you think about a cigarette is when you see someone else smoking. And if you're lucky the smell might even become unpleasant.

[Yes We Did]

42. I already hate the smell.

So, that's a plus.

[ColbertWatcher]

37. Kick and rec for a truly great accomplishment.

Don't give up, you're doing just fine.

[goforit]

38. Awesome job! Look at real 'black lung' pictures every day. Think of people

who get their throats cut out related cancer and are no longer able to talk again.
Think of cancer of the mouth that gets removed to the point it spreads up to the nose and you have to remove your nose.
Think of wearing an Oxygen tank on your back with a nasal canula for the last ten years of your life.
Think about George W Bushs waterboarding technigues....Smoking gives your last dying days the feeling of drowning.
If diagnosed with breast cancer, think about the weakness to the muscle of the side you had the breast removed much less the psych stigma along with it.
Think about how once diagnosed with lung cancer you have a high chance of being diagnosed with brain cancer shortly there after.
On a lighter note....
Your clothes and draperies wont stink any more.
Your friends, kids, wife won't harrass ya any more.
Just think how much money you'll save and how the taxes per pack won't go to state policies you disagree with.
No more emptying ashtrays.
Your skin won't age as fast.
You won't need to think about smoking at restaurants.

Most important of all you have proven to yourself that your willpower CAN overcome all weaknesses before you!!!
And that is one of the most personal challanges any man can conguer!!!

HATS OFF TO ALL YOUR EFFORTS......KEEP IT UP!!!

[madmom]

39. My SO quit several years ago, said if he knew how much better

food tasted with out cigarette mouth he'd have quit sooner. Good luck to ya!:applause:

[Yes We Did]

44. LOL...

I don't want to think about that. I'm an excellent cook and I'm trying to lose weight. lol

[JuniperLea]

41. Congratulations!!

I'm three years free of the nic and I'm here to tell you, it gets better all the time! Good for you!!!

:yourock:

Now, go do the math and see how much money you have been giving the tobacco industry... and start a savings plan;) Vowing NOT to give those murderous bastards one more thin dime of my hard earned money was huge in helping me quit.


And when the smell of burning cigarettes and the suckers smoking them starts getting to you, remember to be kind. It's not that easy! I have to remind myself to feel sorry for them instead of feeling... well, you know;)

I've been told by two (clean) heroin addicts that it is far more difficult to quit the cigs than it is the horse... so pat yourself on the back! What you have done is HUGH!!! LOL... couldn't resist! I'm series!

[Yes We Did]

45. Already got a jar that's filling up with cash.

Would probably be more full if I hadn't cut down so much before... But like I said, it's $8 a pack here, so if I was back to a pack a day, it'd really add up quick.

[Kokonoe]

48. Nice post

Just quit, each day gets better, better for You..

[seabeyond]

43. wow. cause i spent ALL of 2008 doing the same and same results, lol

i am still wanting to be back at the quit.... i liked not smoking.

ok..... deep breath

can do, wink

good for you

damn tough thing, isnt it

[Yes We Did]

46. yes, it has been very tough.

but I think I got it this time.

[Sentath]

47. CONGRATZ!

this is the one topic that I will always kick!

And, more personally I hope you have a cool and clear year

[Gregorian]

49. Yes! That's how it works. I"ve been saying this.

I tried quitting for a number of years. There were no patches back in those days. I rummaged through ashtrays to find old cigarettes. I still can't believe it.

When I wanted to quit, I quit.

But that is a phrase of words. What does it mean?

It may mean you'd like to feel healthy instead of getting that morning nicotine high. For me it didn't hurt to be in a hospital of old men, some smoking through tubes in their tracheotomy.

Let me just give a bit of advice. I found the same thing that keeps us smoking can help us quit. When you feel like a smoke, just postpone it for 30 seconds. That's all. Your mind will become slightly less focused on the desire.

And there is substitution. Put the yearning down for just a moment, and then get something like a bite of food.

Or, another good one is to just smoke cannabis instead. Got an urge? Take a bonghit. That may not be for everyone. But it can be a very enjoyable habit.


Argh. Too many words. :)

[Yes We Did]

52. LOL...

got rid of the bong several years ago, but yes, it was a very enjoyable habit.

Thanks though. :)

[Stardust]

82. I found taking a huge deep breath when the urge struck helped me a lot.

I'm convinced that most of us take shallow breaths, but smokers take nice deep breaths, albeit smoke-filled. So when I'd take a deep breath, my mind was fooled by the intake of oxygen and I'd realize that the urge for nicotine had been magically quelled for a while. Worked for me.

[pipi_k]

93. That's exactly how I got through it too

whenever the urge struck, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and held it for a few moments, then let it out slowly...sort of in mimic of smoking a cigarette.

It worked! It's also very relaxing.

:)

[Gregorian]

98. Excellent!

I've spent decades studying this subject. From running, biking, cardiac emergencies in hospitals, trumpet exercises, sleep apnea.

I think we've got a winner here.

And who knows why? Oxygen, carbon dioxide receptors in the lungs? Muscles? Brain? I might even say that the very act of smoking may be an attempt of the body to accomplish something. But with the wrong means.

Got to run, but this is interesting.

[Stardust]

99. I theorized that we smokers were as "addicted" to the oxygen intake as

much as the nicotine. But having no medical or scientific background, I had no way to prove it. It didn't stop me from espousing my theory anytime anyone would listen, though.

I felt disappointed if someone would be dismissive of such a simple remedy. But maybe it doesn't have the same healing effect on everyone...

[Danascot]

50. My wife tried to quit a number of times

and finally succeeded with Chantix. Three years later she's still "clean". She swears she couldn't have done it without it.

[donco6]

51. I finally quit, too.

Last month was the hardest. But I made it through with only two boo-boos. This month I haven't even had a smoking dream.

Cool.

[Yes We Did]

53. I HATE those dreams.

You wake up tasting and smelling it.

OMG... those are the worst.

[donco6]

55. They are really bizarre.

And so vivid!

But I like having my own breath back. I no longer smell like tar.

[Yes We Did]

74. Yes, I was actually able to run the two blocks to my car...

without stopping to catch my breathe. Although it took me 5 minutes after I got there...

[UpInArms]

56. congratulations!

been a non-smoker now for 2 1/2 years - it took me a year of planning to quit - went around for a year saying "when this (birthday/anniversary/special event) happens next year, I won't be smoking"

picked my stop smoking date - used every crutch available (patches/and that stop smoking antidepressant -can't remember the name) and voila!

no more cigarettes, no more cravings - just a happy release from the ball and chain that controlled where I sat, who I sat with and how I looked at my life

welcome to the club that doesn't pay money to the folks that are killing you

:toast:

[4 t 4]

57. since you started how many times have you quit

for lets say at least a month ? just wondering

[ananda]

58. not silly

Ever since Reagan was elected, I've been
living with varying levels of depression,
upset, and anger.

I think the Reagan years were the worst
because they symbolized the beginnning
of a decline I knew was going to be bad.
It culminated with Bush, and it HAS been
so bad that Obama feels as though he has
to veer to the right in order to govern.

There is no left left.

I haven't smoked since 1983, though..
I'm allergic to smoke; it affects my
inner ears.

But politics can sure drive me to drink
sometimes. ;-)))

[DeepModem Mom]

59. You rock, demdog! K&R!

[Madison knows]

60. Congratulations…if you really want to quit, just keep doing it and

the next thing you know, you will be a non-smoker.

But realize that some people simply enjoy tobacco and do not want to quit. It's their drug of choice.

(I am a non-smoker)

[underseasurveyor]

61. Smoke free since sept 3 2007

And I don't miss it at all. After 30+ years of smoking one to two packs a day I was just plain sick of it.

Congratulations on being smoke FREE :hug:

[Yes We Did]

62. you too! n/t

[applegrove]

63. Congrats. I've been quit 6 months and yes it was pretty easy. On rare occassions

I still crave but those times pass after a minute or so. It feels great and I notice my breathing has improved.

[Stellabella]

64. It takes smokers a LOT of tries before they finally quit.

Each try should be thought of as a practice run rather than a failure.

And congratulations to you - that's wonderful!!

[Yes We Did]

75. That's how I've been trying to look at it. thanks. n/t

[roody]

65. Congratulations! Life is good not being a slave to tobacco.

[AzDar]

66. Well... Cool!

:toast:

[Lisa0825]

67. From someone who lost both parents too young to smoking related illnesses...

sincere congratulations, and best wishes for a long, healthy, happy life.

(((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Yes We Did]

76. Thank you. Now, if I can only get my mother to quit.

She'll be 50 this year, and for the first time she is actually giving it some serious thought. If her husband would just quit being a total asshole about it she might actually do it. He screams at her about it and stresses her out even more; typical authoritarian republican cop.

[Stinky The Clown]

68. Welcome to the club

It took a heart attack for me to quit ..... and even then, not right away. I was home from the hospital for a mere TWO HOURS and was out smoking.

I am so damned glad that I managed to quit.

[ZombieHorde]

69. Today is my third day without smoking. I can't think straight.

[Yes We Did]

72. Tomorrow will be better.

I promise.

[Starry Messenger]

81. (((hug)))

Don't even try amigo. Just ride it out and be nice to yourself.

[JNelson6563]

88. Day 4 here.

Better than day 3. Stay strong. :hug:

Julie

[Jim Lane]

70. Congrats from a cancer survivor!

If you're tempted to relapse, PM me and I'll give you a blow-by-blow account of what it's like to go through chemotherapy and four surgeries.

[Yes We Did]

73. My grandmother died of lung cancer...

So I know all too well. It was the most heart wenching experience of my life.

I'm glad to hear you survived. I've tried to use her as inspiration at times.

[truebluecollar]

71. Dumb as it sounds, its the only way that works...

you just got to outwill the mother-fucker. Every fucking day. Some days every fucking waking moment. But it works. It's worked for me now for two years, three months, two weeks, four days and fifteen FUCKING HOURS...but it works. Good luck.

[JNelson6563]

90. I've been thinking kinda like that this time 'round.

On day one, when I was tempted to add a pack to my purchases at the gas station, I thought about the millions of people who have quit before me. I thought "were they all smarter, stronger or whatever than I?" Then I was all the more determined to join them in the ranks of former smokers.

The thing is when you are quitting it is so easy to believe smoking maybe isn't so horrible. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to escape cancer or whatever. Maybe you can just smoke a couple a day. Maybe this, maybe that....on it goes. But no. That ain't how it works and it is hard to remember that sometimes.

Congratulations on your long term success. At only day four I can honestly say I envy you greatly. :toast:

Julie

[wildbilln864]

77. Good luck!

I'm still stuggling to do it too.! :hi:

[Yes We Did]

79. Good luck 2u2 bill. n/t

[Stardust]

78. Congratulations! It's a very tough thing to do...I had to quit twice before

I'd finally kicked. I bet the Prozac industry in this country is going to take a major hit after Jan. 20th, too.

Good luck ~ and remember, you'll never regret giving up smoking.

[Yes We Did]

80. I just have to remember that when I see people smoking...

They're not REALLY having fun. They're just REALLY killing themselves.

That's been the hardest part.

[pipi_k]

95. Cigarettes are not our friends

Just before I quit the second time (1996) I knew I should, but was afraid that if I gave them up I would have nothing left. They felt like friends to me, you know? I was actually AFRAID to end my relationship with my cigarettes. Just like being in an abusive relationship. I was afraid to let it go, even though I wasn't getting a whole lot of pleasure from it. In fact, I HATED it, even though I still wanted to continue, but only out of habit.

It just wasn't fun any more. It had ceased to bring any real pleasure...the only function smoking had was to keep the demons at bay...what I mean by this is that smoking became a way to calm my nerves and fight down the feelings from anxiety and panic disorders. I was self-medicating with them.

After quitting, I found it much easier to breathe, and I didn't stink, and food tasted totally different.

And I thought...wow...all these years I've actually been shelling out good money to feel like shit and smell like a dirty ashtray.

One of those moments when the light finally comes on, you know?

:think:

[jimlup]

83. DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!

Cold turkey isn't always the best option but KEEP TRYING.

I assume you've looked into behavior modification strategies? That helped me!

[hfojvt]

84. I would say something against Brokaw

At least from my drug class, people have this purity thing. They quit for 40 days and then perhaps go out drinking and smoke a few cigarettes and then go right back to a pack a day habit, like it is all or nothing.

Brokaw's nonsense of "then you haven't really quit" is just nonsense IMO. A person who has two cigarettes a week or five a week, is not a "smoker" in the same sense as somebody who has a pack or more per day.

Just saying that, if you fall off the wagon, it's not the end of the world or a good excuse to wallow in the mud by the side of the road. Rather, get back up and jump back on the wagon. Which you sort of have been doing, and are to be congratulated for, except for it taking a few months to get back on the wagon.

[cboy4]

85. Oh, so that explains your dickish behavior during the primaries.

;)

Good for you.

I had to give up Vicodin after becoming addicted to pain pills ten years ago due to my migraines.

I thought I was going to die!!

I just got very angry with vicodin for doing what it was going to me and it helped I think, but it was soooooo hard.

I imagine quitting the tobacco is just as hellish.

GOOD LUCK BUD and well done so far!!!!!

[Norrin Radd]

86. Good for you! I hope you succeed.

[BigBearJohn]

87. When you were 10 years old, life was enjoyable WITHOUT cigarettes. It can be again.

No one had a worse habit than I did.

I quit.

Beem off 25 years now. (I smoked for 20 years)

You can too.

If you need help or advice, write me.

[dysfunctional press]

91. when i was 10, i didn't have a mortgage, bills, or health problems to worry about.

and what a friend i had in jesus, all my sins and griefs to bear...

now, not so much.

[BigBearJohn]

100. but my point was, it IS possible to enjoy life without having a cigarette.

[lonestarnot]

89. Good on you! Now keep going!

:hi: :hug:

[pipi_k]

92. Congratulations! Quitting isn't easy, but it's worth it...

The first time I quit (back in the early 1980s) I was smoke-free for almost 5 years until a whole lot of stress had me reaching for the cigarettes again.

Some people (like my mom) can have one cigarette every ten or fifteen years and never want another. Not me. All it takes is one, and that's what did it.

So I took up smoking again...about 1 1/2 packs a day...until 1996, when I went cold turkey, like the first time. Haven't had a cigarette since then.

Along with the health benefits, there's also the money saved. Mr Pip and I both quit within days of each other, and we calculated, with the help of a computer program, how much money we've saved. It's well over $60,000 between the two of us. We've gotten some pretty cool stuff with the money we saved by not smoking.


You just have to do it day to day..even minute to minute. You have to tell yourself that you WANT to do it...it's easier to do something if you make yourself believe that it's your own choice and that it's something YOU want to do.

I'm glad you found a reason to quit.

:)

[Alcibiades]

96. Congratulations!

I managed to quit some time ago. It's horrible, what you put yourself (and your family) through for the first few months. Now, whenever I want to smoke, I reach for a can of nasal snuff. I've reconciled myself to not living nicotine free, but at least I'm no longer inhaling a pack of cigatettes into my lungs every day.

[4_TN_TITANS]

97. My New Year's Resolutions start on Jan. 20th this year.

Depression over the direction of the country over the last 8 years has left me with many bad habits to 'change'.