Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. Reason for joining this group:
2. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

HEy there!  My name is Lucy and this is actually my first post ever. I stopped smoking on October 1st this year so, Im going on day 20 right now. I had been smoking for 5 years, but the last year I had really become addicted. I just wanted to stop so I quit cold turkey. It didnt become frustrating until about the 3rd day in. At that point I was ready to bite someones head off, but I got through it and I dont crave as bad as I did. Anywho, thanks for listening. Peace!

Lucy G

Hello,

I quit smoking on September 7. The quitting has gone ok but now I am starting to have some medical problems. I came down with pancreatitis in August and was hospitilized for three days. The doctors did some tests and never found out why I got pancreatitis. Then, the begining of October I got pancreatitis again. At that point the doctor said to go on a low fat diet.

I have been working on eating low fat since then. I have lost 18 lbs since May and I am now getting used to eating less and have even been trying to exercise more.

Jamie

I have not smoked for 1 Month, 1 Week, 6 Days, 14 hours, 11 minutes and 21 seconds (43 days). I have saved $159.20 by not smoking 653 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 6 hours and 25 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 9/7/2008 11:36 PM

Howdy Y'all

I quit smoking on october 11th @ 10:30 pm.

I am a 36 year old truck driver, and have been driving for 12 years. I smoked between 1 and 3 packs a day over the last 20 years. I have quit using chantix, and if you are ready to quit it is a miracle drug.

I am also a little over weight, and I dont want to add to that little while getting thru this non smoking phase so I need to get active and eat better.

I started day 1 of my non smoking taking walks and jogging (ouch) 2-3 times a day, only to keep my mind off smokes. But I have kinda run into a wall. I think I need to get to a gym something. I dont know alot of people in this area so it is so hard to find someone to work out with.

Anyway, one day at a time is all we can do, good luck to all of you...Lori

Hey...

I'm Bailey and I'm actually only 17 years old, but started smoking at 13 and about a year ago was smoking almost two packs a day. Neither of my parents smoke.

Anyway, it began as trying to fit in, as is the case with many my age and younger, but I became increasingly disgusted with it, and really tried to cut back. There are certain times each day when I smoke a cigarette, such as on my way to classes. I strongly associate smoking with driving/being in any friend's car, so the first thing was to acknowledge that and do less driving, or sing along with music instead of puffing a cigarette. I started by just cutting out one a day, and so on. Maybe begin with no longer smoking, say, in your house, out to lunch, or just one of the places where you'd usually smoke but can go without.

About six months ago, I joined a gym and started working out about three times a week. Personally, quitting smoking WHILE trying to get in shape has been very effected for me, and has only increased my motivation.

I don't know if this works for all, and I know many of you have been smoking much longer than I have, but I'm just throwing it out there that slowly cutting back while finding a healthy habit such as exercise can be very motivating and rewarding.

I'm still in the process. I smoke on average 1-2 cigarettes per day, but haven't had one in three days. I usually buy another pack when I'm down to five or so, but didn't. For the first time in years I do not have cigarettes at all, and it is so much easier than knowing they're right there. Not having them has helped me think about them less. I know the entire process is much more complicated than that, but once you can drastically cut back, not having cigarettes in your possession really helps. Reaching into the glove-box is much more convenient than going to the store. Good luck to you all!

PS - I live in Ohio, where its not illegal to smoke inside a restaurant or really any building open to the public. Laws are getting increasingly strict about this, and I've heard things here and there about laws possibly going into effect prohibiting smoking a certain distance from a public building.

Hello Everybody! My name is Christoph.  Today is my official quit day! I have been a smoker on and off, mostly on, for about 13 years. I started back in my Rock & Roll days and besides the guitar it's only other thing that stuck with me.  I'm turning 32 in 3 weeks. I've been working out for about 4 months and have been striving hard to eat well. Quitting smoking is all I need to round out my new healthy lifestyle.

I didn't smoke while I served in the military, but the minute I was injured it came back to me like a long lost friend.  Anyway, I'm excited to be part of the group. I've never been part of anything like this before. Gotta admit I'm little curious the kind of support I'll find here.

My Best to You and Yours,

Hello, my name's Whitney and I've been smoking for about 8 years. Two years ago my father died from rheumatoid lung disease, although he never smoked a day in his life. My grandfather died about a year ago from emphysema. As time goes by, I'm realizing more and more that I really REALLY need to quit. I'm on a new diet and exercize plan, and I'm scared that if I quit now, I won't be able to control my eating and lose the 25 pounds I'm trying to shed. I know it's all in my head, but I guess I just need motivation.

I try to tell myself my dad would hate it if I was still smoking, but the truth is, I love it. And I know that's sick, but I can't seem to overcome it. My boyfriend doesn't smoke, so he encourages me to quit all the time. I've already started to cut back by commiting to not smoking around him, but my problem is when I'm driving, or on a break from work, or if I've been drinking or hanging out with my roommates, I smoke like a banshee.

I want to quit and set my date for January 1st. I've switched to lights and have been good at not smoking around my boyfriend. My mother, after smoking for 30 years, says cold-turkey is the best but I don't know. I'm scared of giving up my lover, my nicotine. Any tips from quitters would be most appreciated.

Many many kudos to those of you who have quit, your stories are very inspiring so thank you!

Hi, my name is Liz, I'm 24 years old, and I've been smoking on and off for about 10 years. I quit for the third time last december, and that lasted up until april when things started getting stressful.

I'm at a point in my life now, where it seems I'm starting to settle down. I've met someone whom I think will be my future hubby, I'm working on schooling, and I'm happy. I figure if I'm going to start settling down, I need to make sure its into a routine that won't enable me to smoke for the next however many years.

This is my second day without a cigarette. This is also my fourth day on my diet. I know its a lot to take on, but I have the strength and willpower to do it. The only times I get in trouble is if I put something in my body recreationally, like alcohol. What goes better with beer or what not than a cigarette? Not much.

I figured the best time of day to start quitting is at night, so I had my last cigarette two nights ago. It seems to be working out alright, even with my boyfriend being a 2-3 cigarette a day smoker (I know! I don't know how he smokes so little but still wants to smoke. So weird.) I haven't given in. And I won't.

Lets do this all together!

And I just wanted to say, whitneee, that line about "loving to smoke is sick" is wrong. It's not something you should be ashamed of. We all love to smoke, or used to love it. It's a deeply ingrained habit that is a coping mechanism. That's why when really bad things happen, it's easy for anyone to jump back on and start smoking again. The trick is to find other ways to cope, like exercise, and since you are doing that, you seem like you're on the right track. :) 

Hi, my name is Ginger and I started smoking when I was 12.  I'm 46 now.  My love/hate relationship with smoking has been an ongoing battle for a very long time.  I first quit when I was about 22.  That lasted for two years.  I quit again when I was 27 and made it six years.  Both times were cold turkey.  From that, I have learned not to take it for granted.  No matter how long it has been since I have smoked, I am always just one cigarette away from being a 1-2 pack a day smoker.  That one cigarette is all it takes for me.

Since starting to smoke again after my six year break, I have quit numerous times.  I have used the nicotrol (sp) inhaler, the patch, a fake cigarette for a substitute, wellbutrin, and I've been hypnotized.  I have been successful for various periods of time from hours, to days, to months, to years.  I have always gone back to it.  Major stressors are my trigger. 

I am currently smoke free once again.  I am on day 10 (using the patch again).  I quit smoking on October 23.  My reasons for quitting are many.  Health is an obvious reason.  My father died two years ago from heart disease.  Ironically, I had quit smoking for a number of months and started again when his funeral was over and everyone had gone back home.  I was just going to have one..the story of my life.

Breathing has become difficult, energy had become nonexistant, I felt like crap all the time.  Yet that is not what led me to quit this time.  This time I quit, not so much for myself, but for (or because of) my husband.  My husband smokes...a lot.  He is also diabetic, has heart disease, and last year had a kidney removed because of cancer.  I don't want to lose him.  I simply do not want to bury my husband and be a widow in my 40's.  So I quit smoking.  That may not make a lot of sense, especially since he still smokes.  However, I am trying to lead by example.  Also, my not smoking drastically reduces the amount he smokes.  He loves me and is glad I quit, something he has not been able to do.  Because of this, he smokes outside.  We live in Minnesota, winter is right around the corner...enough said.  He is probably smoking 1/2 of what he normally smokes...if that much.  I am hoping that as he watches me succeed, he will be motivated to join me.  So now, when I want a cigarette, I think of him and what my life would be like without him in it...and I have a glass of water or a piece of gum, or I get up and clean something.

That is my story, sorry for going on for so long.  The only thing I have not tried in the past is a support group...so here I am. 

I am addicted to smoking. I wish I could quit. I have tried everything over and over for 16 years yet this is stronger than me. I am stopping my typing now to make a smoke. I am lost in this. I can't do it. I've tried...and tried hard to quit. It feels hopeless...like my destiny is to smother to death with lung cancer. I don't want this for myself but I am stuck! I don't know if anyone will reply.

I quit smoking 8 weeks ago. Sunday will be 9 weeks for me. i am still using the nicotine patch, but i am on the lowest dosage now. i will continue to use it thru week  12. I really liked smoking but i knew what it was doing to me. i have quit before but only one time longer than this.

I am in the Tennessee Army National Guard on active status and smoking is affecting my ability to do my job.

All i can say is hang in there. stay strong, and don't listen to the voices that tell you it's okay to have just one. it's not.

Just wanted to say that I agree with you 100%, i quit a month ago, and yes at times it sucks so bad with the damn withdrawls, but they get better everyday. I used chantix for about 14 days to help ease the hardest part, it helped tremendously, but when I quit thoses, i had side effects from that and now the nicotine, UGH!, So I decided to use the most powerful tool ever, our Brains!, healthy eating has been real easy for me for a while, but I gave in for a week or so on junk crap food, then I stopped myself, and said, if this is gonna work, no more! My goal was to give the gift of a smoke free bride and a nice body for my finace in Jan.  So that alone is keeping me so focused, I am determined to eat clean and bust my butt for at least 1-2 hours per day, I know this seems like alot but 2 days after I quit I lost my job, right in the middle of my wedding plans, so yes, stress is at the top of my list! but motivation is critical and totally working... Stay focused and eat clean, work out a little harder thank normally, you will be fine and feel great!

congratulations! I know that you can get all the way through the wedding plans and your wedding day without a smoke!

Just remember that smoking increases stress - it constricts the circulation of oxygen into the bloodstream, which makes your heart work harder, which makes you more tired and stressed.

when you're feeling stressed, lean on your support group to get things done, and take a breather. It's next to impossible to have a stress-free wedding experience, rarely do all the plans follow the master plan. but it's completely possible to make it a smoke-free wedding!!! what an awesome gift for your husband-to-be and for your future together! i love it.

My name is Joe I am 40 years old live in Maryland. Divorced and I’m still close to my step-son get to see him almost every day. I am working on career number 2 I went back to school and I am taking Network Management online at Westwood College. I am ex-Navy submariner, served from 87’ to 92’ stationed in Pearl Harbor HI. I now work for the Army Corps of Engineers in Chesapeake City Md as a marine traffic controller for the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Interests include surf-fishing and photography. And today is day 6 without a smoke

History with weight loss has been in the fashion of a YO-YO. I have tried several different diets, but I think it’s my lack a trying harder because I blame my job as a shift worker from getting to that end goal. But now I am just sick and tired of being like this so time to suck it up and “Just do-It”.

History with CC: none first timer here.

Hello!  My name is Heather and I am 28 years old.  I am a smoker of 20 years off and on.  I started smoking when I was 8 years old.  I quit for 6 months back in 2006 and started back due to a stressful time, and been smoking every since.

I am a stay at home mom of 3 childs (name/ages) Cassie/8, Mae/7, Robert/8 mths.  I smoked with all 3 pregnancies.  I tried to quit during my pregnancy with Robert but found it difficult.  I quit for about 2 weeks.

My husband is also a smoker for 23 years.  He talks about quitting but never does and it makes it harder on me I believe. 

The last 2 times I quit even for a short time I quit cold turkey.  Now I try to quit and find it extrememly hard. 

I am wanting to uit because I want to make my life, kids life, husband's life, and house better.

I dont crave a lot of cigarettes during the day when it is just the baby and I at home but once my husband comes home I crave them left and right. 

He tells me all the time that he wants to quit but never makes the move where I have made the 1st move several times but he never followed suit. :(

I am hoping that being in this group will help me quit smoking and stay away from them for good.

Hi! My name is Niraj and I've been smoking for almost 20 years. I smoke roughly 20 cigarettes a day and think of quitting it every time I light one. But, somehow this has gone so deep inside in that I have not even tried to attempt quitting it. I think I really need help... I would be really greatful if anyone out here can help me in this regard. I am 37 and live in India with my wife and 6 year old son.

Hey all, my name is Amy and I am a nicaholic.. I have been with out a smoke now for 96 hours and counting... I started smoking when I was 10. I am now 37 in those 27 years I have been smoke free for 2 1/2 of em.. as you can see I did go back to smoking.. But this time I have to stay quitted..... I have a neuro-muscular diease that effects my lungs.. and well I have pushed my smoking addiction to the limit... My lungs can no longer take it.. I know how good I can feel without a smoke and how much more money I can have.. etc... but I got to tell ya.. I have an addictive personality.. and its hard.... not too smoke. I am disabled because of my diease so my day is limited to being stuck in my house.. so that makes it that much harder to stay off the smokes..... I have been using the chantix and it has helped alot.. I dont feel like I could or would rip someones arm off and beat them with it for a ciggybutt... LOLOL.. My husband is quitting with me and we have had our very lil intense moments but they have passed. for all those qutting and are  putting on weight I have found that sunflower seeds are the way to go. pop some in your mouth and use your tongue to get one and crack it open with your front teeth then grab the shell and toss it.. it really does help with the hand to mouth sensation that we all miss... and its better then a ton of candy... Well thats all I got for now!!! everyone take care and Good luck to you all

Hey everybody,

My name is Moutassem, i am civil engineer,

I started smoking when i was  17, and i stoped smoking on 14 July 08, i ve been using the nicotine shewing gum for almost 40 days, it has helped a lot, after stopping the nicotine shewing gum, i suffered a lot for almost 1 month, and then it s ok, now i fell so much better but still from time to time get the desire to smoke when i think about cig. or be in a situation which remind me about smoking or a about a smoking moment in the past,

how can i deal with such a situation?
i am still resisting and soon i will reach my 6 months milestone ...

good luck for you all

hi. i started at 11 and am pushing 45. i quit for several months starting feb 08, but a severe auto accident, the anxiety of how that impacted my financial life, and being around a friend who smokes have some how slowly edged me back into "playing" in my addiction. i know better. right now, im a few days off, a few days on, a few off, a few on.

i seem to have best luck with cold turkey. the nicotine replacements just make me feel ill. today, im still a smoker, and really dont want to be. i usually destroy half the pack, sometimes more, each time i buy one. because i only want one or two or three or .. .... its a wicked addiction. i spend a lot more per cancer stick.

within a few days, i quit again because i feel so sick and grossed out, naseaus, grungy, stinky, congested. a few days later, my gums start releasing all that nicotine and it sends me craving. i've quit about 20 times in the past few months. 13 times in the 33 years before that.

i feel really good not smoking. then i forget and get possessed. its a crappy evil thing. i can feel it torture my cells, it deprives my body of oxygen, i feel it destroy the health i am trying to build.

thats where i am, in war with friggen ciggerettes. i know i can do this thing, and one thing that keeps me constrained is that i told people who didn't know i was even a smoker that i was quitting, enlisting their support, and hoping shame would help keep me clean. it actually still does. its a very unseemly addiction, makes me stink, makes my skin feel awful, makes even my bedding stink.... i hate it. and it makes exercise harder.

thats where i'm at, somewhere in limbo between being a smoker, an ex smoker, and being a true breather. i want to be a breather, not defined by my relationship history to tobacco. right now im kind of weening again. each time i go back, it feels a little stronger, the addiction. so joining this group is a step in my finding the place in myself where clean and sober from nicotine is the only choice i'm willing to make. 

i look forward to the support, encouragement, and inspiration here that a community brings. 

here is to breathing! 

hi. i started at 11 and am pushing 45. i quit for several months starting feb 08, but a severe auto accident, the anxiety of how that impacted my financial life, and being around a friend who smokes have some how slowly edged me back into "playing" in my addiction. i know better. right now, im a few days off, a few days on, a few off, a few on.

i seem to have best luck with cold turkey. the nicotine replacements just make me feel ill. today, im still a smoker, and really dont want to be. i usually destroy half the pack, sometimes more. because i only want one or two or three or .. .... its a wicked addiction. i spend a lot more per cancer stick.

within a few days, i quit again because i feel so sick and grossed out, naseaus, grungy, stinky, congested. a few days later, my gums start releasing all that nicotine and it sends me craving. i've quit about 20 times in the past few months. 13 times in the 33 years before that.

i feel really good not smoking. then i forget and get possessed. its a crappy evil thing. i can feel it torture my cells, it deprives my body of oxygen, i feel it destroy the health i am trying to build. especially lung capacity and endurance. 

 i am in war with friggen ciggerettes. i know i can do this thing, and one thing that keeps me constrained is that i told people who didn't know i was even a smoker that i was quitting, enlisting their support, and hoping shame would help keep me clean. it actually still does. its a very unseemly addiction, makes me stink, makes my skin feel awful, makes even my bedding stink.... i hate it. and it makes exercise harder.

i'm somewhere in limbo between being a smoker, an ex smoker, and being a true breather. i want to be a breather, not defined by my relationship history to tobacco. right now im kind of weening again. each time i go back, it feels a little stronger, the addiction. i have to stop this roller coaster. its too much stress. just ride the waves of withdrawl, and i'll be fine, i tell myself. 

joining this group is a step in my finding the place in myself where clean and sober from nicotine is the only choice i'm willing to make. 

i look forward to the support, encouragement, and inspiration here that a community brings. 

here is to breathing!