DAY 1 without smoking

well i put a nicotine patch on last night before bed.  i have been awake for almost an hour and i have very mild cravings.  I am 33 and have been smoking since i was 21.  i am determined to never smoke again.  So you wonderful folks are going to be my escape in case i need some comfort,  i will try and post everyday as i walk through the changes in my new life as a non-smoker.  My husband is 40 and has been a smoker since he was 16 or 17 years old.  He would like to quit also but he has no will power.  So i will do the walk of shame first and show him it can be done and hopefully he will follow suit. any comments or suggestions are happily accepted from any of you out there who have successfully quit.  p.s. the myrtle beach marathon is valentines day and i am going to do the half so now would be a good time to stop smoking.

I've never smoked but grew up in a house where both my parents smoked 60 a day for years & years. They both successfully quit (cold turkey!) over 10yrs ago and have never looked back. My Mom admits she still loves the smell of smoke (as a non-smoker I can't get my head around that! LOL!) but will never go back. What she did was put her cigerette money into a jar and when she made it to six months she had enough to take her & my Dad on a  small cruise- she was in shock about that! Quitting smoking is a little like losing weight- your Husband won't do it unless he really wants to- but maybe if he sees it can be done he'll come on board?

Anyway- I just wanted to say Good Luck- its a huge step to becoming healthier (& wealthier! LOL!) so I hope you make it?

Hi!

I quit cold turkey in May, so I know what you're going through. My husband is a smoker so I had to do it on my own as well- and it made it all that much harder to be around him and smell the smoke.  Do you smoke in the house?  We always went outside to smoke, so that made it a little easier on me- would your husband consider smoking outside as a courtesy to you?   

One thing that helped me was to eat carrots (the chewing, not to mention the shape of the carrots somehow was effective when I was craving).  I also chewed a lot of gum.  My advice would be to keep your mouth busy with something low cal.

Also, it may take awhile to get used to doing your daily routine without smoking.  I know that the drive in to work was my favorite time to smoke, and that activity sparked off MAJOR cravings for the first few weeks after I quit.  So be prepared for that sort of thing.

BTW, I've relapsed once.  In October, I was really drunk at a club and I smoked half of a cigarette.  I couldn't finish the whole thing because I started feeling sick.  The next day, my lungs felt like I'd ran a cheese grater over them.  If you can make it through a few weeks or a few months, you are going to feel so good physically that to turn back to smoking would be insanity. 

Good luck!

he smokes outside.  and yep the drive to work today is going to be rather miserable.  I did just eat a nice breakfast and now of course i want a cigarette but at least i have a patch on and my craving are 1/3 of what they have been in the past when i tried to quit.  I quit once before for almost a month and i felt so good and happy.  then i found out my husband was cheating and smoking cigarettes behind my back, we were to quit together.  and that is how i relapsed.  i have that half marathon on valentines and i just can't smoke anymore.  i have this really bad cough and congestion, i can't even hear anything my ears are all clogged up. i chewed alot of gum.

Oh- one thing that helped me with the cravings after a meal was drinking hot herbal tea in place of the cigarette.  I've found that replacing smoking with a healthier habit helped a lot.  Focusing on doing something new kept my mind occupied and away from smoking, if that makes any sense.  

It's also good to have a goal in mind (like your half marathon)!  For me- I love the fact that I can go to the movies now and not be a miserable grumpy b*tch when I come out because I've had to go 2 hours without nicotine.  I know it's mean of me, but I poke fun at my husband all the time because he has to light up the second we get out the doors after a movie.  At the risk of sounding hokey- it's amazingly euphoric to realize you're no longer a slave to a chemical addiction!

I found my cough and congestion became slightly worse for the first few months after quitting.  My doctor said this was my cilia repairing itself and moving all the gunk that was built up in my chest and throat.  It eased immensely after a few months though.  So be prepared- things might get a little worse before they get better.

BTW- feel free to message me if you ever need support from someone who has been there! 

I don't smoke myself, but my friend from work was a smoker since he was 14 and he quit cold turkey 3 years ago (he is 36 now). He has not smoked since. You will do it!!

My dad quite 3 years ago (after smoking 2 packs a day for like 20 years). He used the  Lozenges, but he's still on them.

I quit cold turkey in Oct of 07 after 11 years of smoking (I started when I was 15-16 too). But having sugar free gum around helped a lot.

My advice is, you have to really, really want it and be ready to quit.

Know, you can never be a "social smoker" (1 cigarette at the bar or at a party will just put you right back to day 1), physical addiction only last about 2-3 weeks but mental addiction can last a life time, but it will get easier over time.

Your doing it! Stay with it and Good luck!

Kudos to you.  I quit smoking about 10 weeks ago (cold turkey) after smoking for about 30 years. My husband quit last April and I had promised myself I would quit by my birthday....which I did.  I've never felt better. I have more energy and can actually run without feeling like I want to keel over.  I do find myself snacking more, but I try to keep lots of fruits and vegetables close by. Gum...gum lots of gum....Hang in there...it will get easier!  The best part is your clothes don't stink anymore AND I feel like I got a raise! 

Irishmum

That's a great idea about putting the money you would spend on cigs into a jar and see how fast that adds up.  I wouldn't mind going on a cruise!

I quit smoking over two years ago, after attending a funeral, where the person was 48 and died of stomach cancer.  He was a smoker for years and years.  However, I did go to the doctor and get zyban which really helped me. For the first week, it makes you emotional, but it really helped with the cravings.  I still want one now and then, but will not give into the urge.  It was also hard as my boyfriend smoked too.  However, he smoked outside. Best thing I ever did.

There is also a really good book on stopping smoking, I think it was "Alan Carr's - How to stop smoking the easy way".  He said that you are not giving anything up.  Look at it as what you are gaining. 

I wheezed a lot and the day after I quit, it was gone.  A few times over the years, I quit and started. Immediately, I would be wheezing again.  I am one of those weird people that started smoking at 36 and quit at 42.  Should have known better than to have started.  Good luck.  Quitting is the hardest and the best thing that I ever did.

Hey there!

Just want to say I think it's awesome you're quitting and to let you know that you don't have to do it alone. 

Take advantage of all the great resources that are out there.  Most states have quitlines (1-800-quit-now) or  go to websites like the American cancer society or the American lung association for help from counseling to medications.

You are taking the biggest step in this effort that we all share to become healthier and again huge Kuddos!!

I quit smoking almost 8 years ago (cold turkey).  I was smoking over two packs a day.  I had started going to the gym on a regular basis and was trying to get back into shape.  After my hardest workouts, I would light up.  Those after workout cigarettes started tasting bad and causing me to cough and sputter.  I decided at that point that it was time to kick the habit.  Within a few weeks, my energy levels were returning.  During my workouts I started coughing badly.  That lasted for several weeks, then cleared up.  When ever the cravings hit that were almost unbearable, I would go for a walk, or to the gym and work out.  The workout seemed to help take the edge off.  At that time, I couldn't afford the expensive patches, gums, etc. (However, looking back, the money not spent on cigarettes probably would have paid for it)

Don't give into your cravings!  Find something that will help you cope.  Exercise, carrots, whatever you can.  You won't regret it!  My husband still smokes, but mostly just chews tobacco.  When ever he does smoke I can smell it and the smoke actually smells awful.  It definitely keeps me from ever considering it.  

Last but not least, reward yourself. (I like the idea of putting the cigarette money in a jar).  Every time you hit a new milestone, get yourself a treat!  I new shirt, a trip, new workout clothes.  What ever motivates you.  

IF YOU GIVE INTO YOUR CRAVINGS, chalk it up to a mistake and continue on your way.  We're not perfect.  Just like watching food intake, we don't throw it all away due to one bad meal!

Good luck!  Keep Strong!  Look forward to better health and being able to run a half marathon! 

Well, Today is my second day of not smoking and I am trying my hardest to push through my cravings! I am definately going to be keeping up on this thread! The eating carrot sticks seems like a good idea.

I'm 24 and tried my first cigarette when I was 6, started smoking on a regular basis when I was 8, and have quit on and off ever since! I have had 2 children and with each I quit smoking while pregnant, and a few other times I have quit as well. Every time has always been cold turkey (as now) and I hate those smoking aide things they make me feel either nauseated or just taste (to me) worse then a cigarette.

So Here is what I have been doing and plan on until my craving completely pass:

SUNFLOWER SEEDS- helps a great deal, cons of it though are they make your tounge numb and mouth sore after constant eating, and the sodium in take can't be that great for you granted it has to be better then smoking itself!

BUBBLE GUM- Not only the chewing but the inhale/exhale of blowing the bubble actually helps me in the feeling that smoking gives me from that same inhale/exhale.

CUTTING THE CAFFEINE: For me my morning (and lasting well into afternoon) coffee has always been my favorite partner to my smoking, so for me cutting down from a pot & sometimes even two pots of coffee a day down to 2 cups a day is helping.

SUPPORT FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS: My husband is also a smoker and today will be his first day without smoking so he is trying his best so we can be supportive of each other. Also don't think of this as being "a walk of shame" but a walk to being healthier that should be made with your head held high no matter how silly all that chewing and gnashing at the gum & candy may make us look!

SO WE CAN DO THIS!!!! We are on a road to a healthier lifestyle and a life that we can live longer and enjoy to the fullest!

I quite a little under a year ago.  Honestly, the best thing for me was to see how much easier it was to breathe when I was physically active.  Running is easier, swimming is easier, weight lifting is easier.  Everything is easier.  Plus, not spending money on cigarettes really is a huge plus. 

I also enjoy being able to smell myself at the end of the day without disgust. 

Only time I ever want a cigarette now is when I'm drinking, so I stopped drinking as often, which has been doubly good for my health.

My boyfriend still smokes occasionally and it drives me crazy.  I feel your pain. 

Goodluck!

Hey,

Its awesome that I find this post because today is also day 1 for me with quitting smoking. Only difference is Im 18 (started when I was 14/15) And I decided that I dont want the health problems and physical problems associated with smoking. I tried before but couldnt do it seeing as most of my friends smoke. But Im determined this time. I hope I dont relapse but Ill try my hardest. Good luck to you as well...I will keep up with your posts as motivation.

xxjadelyn

Good luck! If you find that the patch isn't working for you, my mom quit with a pill her doctor prescribed to her. I don' know much about it, so talk to your doctor if your interested. 

Allen Car's book mentioned above is a book on cold turkey smoking... I know because I bought it.  I also quit last April...  I started with the patch for a week, but after reading the book realized the patch was only keeping me addicted to nicotine and in withdrawal.  I tore the patch off after a week and it was the best thing I did.

Free website - same type of info as the book above - www.whyquit.com.  Joel Spitzer has several articles on that websiite and an e-book that is FREE.  It helped me tremendously.   It can help you get educated on nicotine addiction & that helps alot.

I wish you luck - you can do this! 

Congratulations! Quitting smoking is a fantasitc idea! I quit 5 yrs ago after smoking more than a pack a day for 15 yrs and it was the best thing I ever did! The cravings will go away and it will get easier. A physical craving lasts less than 3 minutes, so be prepared with things to distract yourself ... drink some water, walk the dog, have a bath, take some deep breaths. 

My best friend also just quit 2 months ago - her husband quit 2 years ago. Quitting is the latest trend ... everybody's doing it

Check out the web site quitnet.com - it helped me a lot.

Congratulations on quitting smoking.  I quit smoking on January 5.  But I did it with the help of my doctor.  He gave me a prescription of Champix.  It's great.  I never even crave those nasty lil cigerettes now, and feel healthier than ever.  Now I just need to make sure I keep the weight off.  Don't get discouraged if you gain a little weight while you are quitting smoking.  My doctor told me I would gain weight even if I don't eat any differently than when I was smoking because nicotine works like a diuretic.    He told me to just be wiser about what I eat and make healthy choices!!   Keep up the good work!!

I am almost 68 years old and started smoking when I was 13....looks like 55 years of a bad habit according to my math. About a year and a half ago it felt like someone was standing on my chest and I knew that was not a good sign. Plus I'm overweight by about 90 lbs and I became a pleasantly plump couch potato. Something had to be done. I had tried patches and gum and cold turkey to quit smoking but obviously no will power. Went to my doctor and he couldn't write out a prescription for Chantix....fairly expensive and I didn't have much confidence it would work. But I was determined because my health dictated it. Have been smoke free (no cheating) for over 13 months now. Joined the local YMCA which I visit about 5 times a week....hired a personal trainer and have lost 20 lbs since I joined April 2nd, 2008. I feel great can walk effortlessly a mile or more and have a fairly aggressive workout regimen. Oh...and I'm eating healthy also. Sooooooooo look....if I can do it.....you and your hubby can do it! And just think of all the money I have saved and also how much I spent in 55 years. Will be the best and perhaps the hardest thing you ever did but well worth the effort! Don't give up or I'll hurt ya!!! lol Good luck!!!!!!

I quit a week ago on my 40th birthday. This has not been the first time I tried this, but this time, I feel absolutely awesome and empowered. I read Allen Carr's incredible book "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking", the same book others have referred to on this board. The book was a complete eye opener and very unconventional compared to the usual anti-smoking berating that has very little effect on a smoker's mind. I wished I had read this book 18 years ago ... Grab a copy of it, you'll be thankful, too. I wouldn't say that it is "easy" to quit, but with the right motivational tools and real advice from a smoker who quit after smoking 5 packs a day, it does indeed become a lot easier.

I try to not to substitute any cravings through eating. I have bought myself a mini trampoline, and whenever I feel the urge to smoke, I jump on it and bounce for a while, sometimes I continue with some other exercise, but as long as I can get myself to do a little bouncing (which has lots of health benefits aside from distracting me from thoughts of smoking), I'm OK.

We are all in this together. Hang in there and let us know how you are progressing. Be patient, be strong. Good luck.

Original Post by bygones:

Irishmum

That's a great idea about putting the money you would spend on cigs into a jar and see how fast that adds up.  I wouldn't mind going on a cruise!

 I think she was totally shocked by how much money she was just 'burning' away!

Plus now, now she can smell smoke on other smokers and realises thats how she used to smell, not pleasant!  I really think it knocks out your taste/smell senses?