Who here has quit smoking?

[Atomikk]

For those who have tried cold turkey, I am proof that its possible to use that method.

What I did was set a date (Jan 1 2002). I did that sometime in the first quarter of 2001. SO I had plenty of time to prep myself for the quit date. On New Years, I was smoking, and smoking... Had a fresh pack... the clock struck twelve... we exchanged hugs and kisses... I offered everyone smokes, and then gave my pack to a random person.

I have been smoke free ever since that day. Dont think about smoking, dont crave smoking, and dont forsee myself taking it up again. To this day, my friends remember that day and are amazed how I stayed smoke free!

I do have to tell you, that the first 2 weeks after quitting were HELL!! I NEVER want to go through that ever again!! Once you get over the 2 week hump... you are home free.

[MoeReefer]

i quit three years ago, went to school to become a Registered Nurse, thought i would be a hipocrit is kept at it. also my brother smoked, we are identical twins and lived together. we both did Zyban for a week and then quit both cold turkey. havent had a cig or even a puff since than.

the nasty phlem you are coughing up is cuased by the irritation from the smoke. the body produces it but cant get rid of it because the cigarettes damage the trachea. the cells lining the trachea have cillia which are little fingers used to move debris and mucus out of the lungs. smoking kills these cells causing all that crap to be trapped in the lungs, so smokers have to cough it out the "smokers hack". they will grow back if you havent smoked for too long.

the biggest thing i noticed was my sence of smell. man when i smoked i couldnt smell a thing.

[PhatSOB]

I quit 5 years ago on my 1st anniversary, wanted to quit before we had any kids, didn't want them growing up in a house full of smoke even though I always smoked outside. Got myself some Zyban and a few weeks later no more smoking, haven't had one since and very very rarely get a craving.

[Bob I]

I quit cold turkey 32 years ago.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by Bob I

I quit cold turkey 32 years ago.

HOLY CRAP BOB YOUR OLD>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wetcoast]

I started smoking when I was 12 after lifting dads cheap US cigarettes - but really didn't get into it all till about 16 where I figured it would do me better to smoke alot.. Yeesh. I've tried the patch (Gave me nosebleeds), Zyban (Anxiety Attacks look out!), Gum (Swallowed it), Hypnosis (Lets try that again?) when I was younger... Fast forward a few years, Met a girl - stopped smoking like that. Time went on, and I realized I didn't like the situation I was in - and honestly me starting smoking is what drew her away (yahoo!)..

Since then I'm a funny smoker... I'll smoke 3 months, and then put a patch on, smoke while on it and stop. Leave the patch on until it slides off in the shower usually 3 days and I'm good... Seems May Long Weekend, until Labor Day I smoke, and then briefly in December...... The more I've done it the more I've found it easier to just stop and not look back.

I have noticed better breathing, no more stabbing chest pains, not having to gasp when the heater is on in my car, better sleeps because I am not getting up at 3 for a puff, can wear the same clothes for days on end if I wanted to as they wouldn't stink like an ashtray, save that 11 bucks per day, and get to be a real jerk to the smokers standing out back of my office that are always there forcing me to wade through the haze to get inside every day..

I wish I never started, but I can't re-do what I've done so I've just learned to moderate my moderation - thats the best I can do?

Good luck to all who are kickin' the habit.