for all you former smokers: what are some of the effective ways that people you cared about, respected, etc. convinced you to seriously take the step to quit cigarettes? and quit for good? I know a little bit about the addictive nature of smoking-- and how asking someone to quit is like asking them to quit seeing a reliable lover-- and that the smoker really has to decide they want to quit. but for those of you who have quit, what were some of the small, but effective ways that people close to you helped to convince you that you do want to try to quit? and then, what were some of the ways that people helped you in the quitting process, other than the obvious being understaning of your crankiness?

did you quit cold turkey? the patch? nicotine gum?

Please help me find a way to help someone I really dig to quit those awful things. any and all advice appreciated from those who have successfully been through the process of quitting, or have successfully convinced and assisted someone to quit.

EDIT: oh yes, I should mention that this person is surrounded by friends who also smoke, which makes it 10x harder, I know.

 

When I last smoked cigarettes were 35-50 cents a pack. After walking 3 miles into town in the snow, I found out that I only had enough money on me for a sandwich or a pack of smokes. I was hungry. So I quit cold turkey. At that time I also smoked 3 packs a day of unfiltered cigarettes, and 3-5 cigars plus a bunch of weed. A friend and I made a bet as to who could quit the longest, well he died suddenly and I haven't started smoking again, it's been 31 or 32 years. If I start before I die then my friend wins the bet cause eventhough he's dead he wouldn't have started smoking again before I did.

 

The person has to truly want to quit to be able to. I quit 9 months ago cold turkey. I think it's better without people around you pressuring you to quit, because deep down you have to be quitting for yourself, and not because someone else wants you to. I eventually realized how stupid what I was doing to my body was and never smoked again.

The hardest thing about quitting was the habitual smoking... first one of the day, after meals, while driving... I coordinated my quitting with moving and starting a new job. While the additional stress made me want to smoke, I was getting into new routines, and these routines didn't include smoking.

As far as being around people who smoke while trying to quit, that's a tough one. I tried to avoid it at all costs. One other thing to point out. The first couple of days are tough for obvious reasons, but then it gets easy for a while. But after a few weeks you get out of the habit of thinking "I can't smoke, I'm trying to quit" 24-7 and the thoughts of "Well, one cigarette won't hurt... It's been a really stressful day and I need to relax" start. This is probably the hardest period, because I think if I had smoked that one cigarette I probably would have started smoking a pack a day again.

Just my two cents...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jbbrann
The person has to truly want to quit to be able to.

 

I couldnt get stronger in the gym so i just quiit after a year of smoking. It's just like fat people saying they're addicted to food, it's just mental weakness.

 

true, it's all in your head.

 

I think it gets tougher as you do for a longer period of time. Like, for me, I've smoked randomly for a few years, but my bro who's smoked longer, it was tough for him, and for my dad, it's really really hard. I could quit anyday, but it's tougher for older folks who've been smoking for longer.

 

A 1 yr smoker is hardly a smoker. I could've quit after a year with no problem. Probably wasnt even hooked by then.

I agree though some of smoking is in your head but it's more than just a mental weakness. I smoked for 10 years. I used the pill (Zyban/Welbutrin generic) and that helped. About a 2 years after I had a relapse and smoked for a couple months went back on the pill only this time I continued to take the pill about a full month or so after I had competely quit. Now I can't even stand the taste or smell. It's like in Clockwork Orange when they made him watch those movies It truely is a horrible experience for me now.

And also... No one can say or do anything to make you quit. You have to want to quit. Period. I've seen people told if they don't quit they will die or have a heart attack...they keep smoking, because they want to. Some people just like it. To each his own I guess

However be careful with the I can quit anytime attitude. I had the same for the first few years I smoked and it was probably true. But before I knew it I couldn't quit.

 

but has anybody used the patch? or the nicotine gum? any recommendations? I'm thinking it might take something "official" like that-- an established quitting program-- to help this person to quit, esp. since she's surrounded by smokers.

 

The patches and gum are a waste. All they do is teach you a new way of getting nicotine. Zyban actually helps you to get past the cravings which is the biggest part of smoking. Not only that but being around smokers patches and gum won't help either. They'll probably just smoke and use them. I've had friends do that.