Quitting is very hard....the physiological and psychological withdrawal and addiction are super tough to kick, but it can be done! Get support and proper control of symptoms. Take a walk when the urge strikes. Get advice and help from your Physician....hopefully he's up-to-date on strategies and treatments.

Failing doesn't mean you can't resume your program, and doesn't say anything about you as a person except "Do you have the will to keep trying?".

Anybody who can skin like you do vStyler, certainly has the patience to keep trying, the brains to understand why it's important to quit, and the fine community's support.

So buck up, and shoulders back, chin up, and belly in! Keep soldiering, soldier!       

All the best with it, John... thing is, if you really, really want to quit, you'll do it, so remain positive and you've got it licked.

Not to sound like a mean SOB this early in the year, but if you only try, you won't do it.

Sorry, but you should know by being so good as a skinner. Trying never gets you what you want. It's more the word than anything else.

Before you ask, yes I smoked, alot, before I went into the military and for 15 years more until I realized it was really one of the dumbest things I ever did. Other then stuff you weren't supposed to smoke, I did it. Chewed cigars and pipe stems, I know, you're not supposed to do that.

You can do it, but I will tell you, you never lose the feeling to just have one. It's very much like giving up drinking. You will always want to show people I can have one and it will be okay, but you can't, so don't.

Patches, you don't need no stinking patches (sorry had to do that). How do you quite something by putting a patch on that puts into your system what you are trying to stop doing. Here's another fact, who do you think provides the money to the companies that make the patches. Don't think to hard, you'll need something for the headache.

These aren't your words but:

sounds straight out of a medical journal. You know if it were not for the medical profession, we all might be heathly people. Now that's just my personal opinion.

Do it for you loved ones, your children and family. Do it to show you love them and don't want to miss any time being with them. Just do it.

Good luck, John.

I haven't smoked for over 2 years, but I can't offer much in the way of advice. I didn't use any patches or any other aids; just quit.

Yea, I wanted one for a while ... still think about it occasionally ... but the worst urges passed after a week or two.

Bottom line, for me, is I wanted to quit more than I wanted to smoke.

Good luck... and I'm right here too... day 1 (again)

Quitting is easy.... done it hundreds of times.

Not starting again.... a whole nuther story.

quit once a few yrs ago... 3 months - no problem.... went on break at work, walked to the store on the corner to get some munchies and candy... was half way back across the parking lot when I realized I was lighting one up... still don't remember buying the cigs or a lighter..


grapes/grape juice helps cut the craving

Best of luck John.

Something I found useful was from my neighbor. He tells people "that he never started". For some reason the mind set of not starting something benefited me. So, I quit before the new year and resolved not to start smoking.

I realize they're just words but, for me quitting has sort of a negative connotation to it. Either way take from it what you will.

vStyler - my wife and I are right along with you. We are using something called Chantix. Not cheap but works differently than patches or gum. We are very committed and I told her you were stopping as well. So we are in this together.

Philly0381:

The reason it sounds medical is, I suppose, because I took the time and trouble to learn what I was talking about. Yup, I am a M.D.

Your

Please do stick up for your "personal opinion": Don't ever visit a Doctor again! By doing so, you will undoubtedly live longer, and not have to wait for an appointment! So PLEASE...do us all a favor... stay away from me and my colleagues forever!   

Dr J0622 - you have probably heard of Chantix then - it is different and is aimed directly at the physiological side of smoking.

I can tell you this - we have been on it for a few days - the doctor told us that we didn't need to stop immediately but wanted us to - the documentation actually says there is no need to stop for 8 days - well we stopped after 4 not because we had to but because the cravings just simply stopped.

It is weird but seems effective so far. I know it is far from over but this stuff sure gives you a head start. The downside is the cost - without insurance you are looking at about $140 - $160 US for a month and it is recommended for 12 weeks. It is also only by prescription.

Ah...so it is her fault! Thanks for that!

Just kidding - point well taken. Time to try that abstinence thing - I think this may be harder than I thought.

Oh - thanks for clarifying that!

Thanks for everyone being so supportive

Day 1 5:29 craving badly but not smoked a puff all day.

Sleeping helps.   

Good to see I'm not alone, I wish the others trying to quit the best of luck.