Dying for a fag!

[Paulc]

Happy new year to everyone.

I have subscribed to the tired old cliche of giving up smoking as a new years resolution. Its been about 30 hours so far and i am finding it really tough.

I have smoked most of my adult life since i was about 17 - i am 35 now. I was smoking about 15 a day. I have given up before but always ended up back on the fags. Usually through getting drunk. This time i have gone completely cold turkey - no nicotine replacement rubbish. Just willpower.

for anyone in any doubt this is a full on addiction to a substance that is a real toughy to give up - more addictive than heroin they say.

Couple of qs

1. anyone else giving up at the mo?

2. Why do my lungs hurt - i have stopped ffs? They didnt hurt when i was polluting them!

3. Willpower alone- will it be enough?

4. Is it alright that i have been at work all day but havent done a thing except read the Meat is Murder discussion - cos i cant concentrate on anything else??

Anyone who has given up before - fair play to you - i could use any words of advice you may have.

Cheers

p

[Skinner]

Happy new year to everyone.

I have subscribed to the tired old cliche of giving up smoking as a new years resolution. Its been about 30 hours so far and i am finding it really tough.

I have smoked most of my adult life since i was about 17 - i am 35 now. I was smoking about 15 a day. I have given up before but always ended up back on the fags. Usually through getting drunk. This time i have gone completely cold turkey - no nicotine replacement rubbish. Just willpower.

for anyone in any doubt this is a full on addiction to a substance that is a real toughy to give up - more addictive than heroin they say.

Couple of qs

1. anyone else giving up at the mo?

2. Why do my lungs hurt - i have stopped ffs? They didnt hurt when i was polluting them!

3. Willpower alone- will it be enough?

4. Is it alright that i have been at work all day but havent done a thing except read the Meat is Murder discussion - cos i cant concentrate on anything else??

Anyone who has given up before - fair play to you - i could use any words of advice you may have.

Cheers

p

Oh best of luck to you!!!! really, it is a horrible thing to give up completely. Takes over your body and mind. It's a shitty process but has to be worth it in the end. I smoked for nearly 10 years and have been in the process of quitting since April. I cut down to just bumming them while I was drunk. That would average to about 1-2 a week or so. I didn't consider myself a smoker while doing that because I didnt buy packs and while I was sober, smoking was gross to me.

I picked back up again and smoked from late Oct of this year (started at the Moz gigs in NYC due to nerves) till late November. But have been off smoking since.

Its hard not to smoke while drinking but I allowed myself to do so. I think its ok, as long as it doesn't lead to smoking while sober, you't not buying packs, and eventually you do fully quit.

As for your questions...

My lungs hurt while quitting as well. When your body is going thru the withdraw, your lungs I guess purge all of the toxins etc that have built up in your lungs. Some people get a bad cough while quitting. I have heard its your body trying to rid itself of the nicotine and tar etc.
Its all part of the process.

I used the patch for a short while but didnt notice much of a difference. I just went cold turkey. Its a rough ride but its worth it in the end I promise!

As for being distracted at work, I know what you mean. I was such a horrid bitch while at work and got next to nothing done. Thankfully this is common for me so most people were not offended.

Best of luck and please allow friends and loved ones to know what you're doing so they can support you. It really helps to have someone to call if you want to smoke. They can tell you how stupid it is and how important it is that you quit. It's good to have a support system. I hope you can do this!!!!

[vicarinatutugal]

regarding your smoking, my bf stopped october 2006 and he has been struggling with wanting to start for the last couple of months.
He got patches from the doctor wore one, could not get the 2nd one open and said sod it and just willpowered his way through it. He maintains he is not better without it but he is. He used to have a chest infection ever other month and he has not had one since he stopped. For the first few months you will feel a bit rough I think, for example, chesty cough, breathlessness but it WILL pass.
You could go to the gp and ask for the tablets for stopping smoking, I can not recall what they are called but my friend is using them at the moment, however there are side effects (as there are with most drugs) and he says he feels terribly sick a lot, maybe this is to put the quitter off the idea of a fag!
Good luck with it, another idea is, how about using this thread as a little diary, I mean even if it is just you thats reading it, its good to keep a record of how you are doing or feeling.
I know my bf was like wow, 2 days, a week! 2 WEEKS so on.

[Paulc]

Skinner and Vicarinatutugal, Thankyou both so much for your support and words of advice - much appreciated.

I have downloaded this cool desktop app called QuitKeeper. It tells u some interesting stats:

As at 4.30pm UK time:

I have not had a fag for 1 day 11 hours and 7 mins

I have not had 24 cigarettes

I have saved £7.21

I have added 2 hours to my life expectency

I better not get run over by a truck delivering cigarettes to tescos.:D

[Jo Jo70]

Best of luck to you. I've never smoked, but have no doubt that it's very addictive. Just think of the additional years you'll have, and fewer wrinkles :)

I've also been at work today and have spent far too much time on the Meat Is Murder Thread as you can see!

[cornelius blaze]

I have you tried gum or hard sweets/candy to suck on?


Hypnosis, my brother did that and it worked.







You will stop smoking
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/morrisseysolo/other%20stuff%20for%20solo/hypnoO____O.gif

[Paulc]

Cornelius - trying not to substitute the cigs for food - in fear of gaining whale like proportions.

Have considered Hypnotherapy but am a bit sceptical about it working on me. Also cant help thinking about the guy who gets hypnotised in the movie Office Space but the hypnotherapist dies from a heart attack before he wakes him up!

[stephk817]

Drink a lot of water
Keep your hands busy
Change your routine
Don't turn to food or you will blimp out
Every time you get the urge to light one up put the money you save in a jar it will fill up fast if you were like me.

If you can make it past day three or four you should be okay. Good luck!

[cornelius blaze]

Cornelius - trying not to substitute the cigs for food - in fear of gaining whale like proportions. ! but you don't eat gum! so may be not the candy then!


Have considered Hypnotherapy but am a bit sceptical about it working on me. Also cant help thinking about the guy who gets hypnotised in the movie Office Space but the hypnotherapist dies from a heart attack before he wakes him up!

That is a film, it is fiction! Don't worry so much. good luck anyway, you know it is worth it for your health reasons and the money in your pocket.

[Imhotep]

I quit 10 months ago after smoking for 19 years. It wasn't easy but strangely wasn't as hard as I expected it to be. I wouldn't recommend going cold turkey - get yourself some patches, seriously. They DO help take the edge off.

And I would definitely not recommend letting yourself have a crafty fag while out drinking or whatever - there are many lapsed ex-smokers who have fallen for that trap.

[Paulc]

I quit 10 months ago after smoking for 19 years. It wasn't easy but strangely wasn't as hard as I expected it to be. I wouldn't recommend going cold turkey - get yourself some patches, seriously. They DO help take the edge off.

And I would definitely not recommend letting yourself have a crafty fag while out drinking or whatever - there are many lapsed ex-smokers who have fallen for that trap.

thanks mate

i am really trying to stay away from the patches and nicotine replacement stuff - i just feel like i need to not be addicted to it anymore!

As for the crafty fag - no way. I have been down that route before and as you say it is a slippery slope. The smoking ban will be a huge help in that regard but i am intending to stay well away from the pub for a few months.

[Paulc]

Drink a lot of water
Keep your hands busy
Change your routine
Don't turn to food or you will blimp out
Every time you get the urge to light one up put the money you save in a jar it will fill up fast if you were like me.

If you can make it past day three or four you should be okay. Good luck!

Thanks Steph! I take it you never went back to smoking?

[Paulc]

Best of luck to you. I've never smoked, but have no doubt that it's very addictive. Just think of the additional years you'll have, and fewer wrinkles :)

I've also been at work today and have spent far too much time on the Meat Is Murder Thread as you can see!


Today - my biggest wish in life is not that i want to have a cigarette - its that i wish i have never bloody started in the first place. Any youngsters reading this - dont start smoking. Its not cool.

[slum mum 1974]

Working in a hospital looking after poorly people that suffer from COPD, lung cancer and heart disease which are all related to this demon drug I sympathise for you. (i too smoke and have done on and off since i was 15, i'm 33 now) just a few words of encouragement for you. After
20 min. Blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8 hrs Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hrs Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hrs There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hrs Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks Circulation improves

3 - 9 months Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%

5 yrs. Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker

10 yrs. Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Confidence: Quitting smoking is a challenge. Once you have quit, you will know you can succeed at difficult taks and take more control of your life. Quitting helps you believe in yourself.

Fitness: Smoking makes it harder to exercise and reduces the benefits to your body. Smokers have more coughs and colds than non-smokers and take longer to feel well again.

Money: In a way, giving up smoking is like getting a pay rise, as much as £1500 a year if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day.

Appearance: Skin starved of oxygen by smoking becomes dry and grey.
Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth develop much earlier and the tar stains your teeth and fingers.

Fertility: Men who smoke may suffer impotence due to damage
to the blood vessels in the penis. Sperm quality and density can also be affected by smoking. Smokers may produce less sperm and their sperm may have more abnormalities.

You are doing a fantastic job and i salute you. You are an amazing indiviual and i know you can do it. If you feel the urge and you feel like you are losing control just remember that you are quitting one of the most powerful and potent drugs easily available and that if you ever need to talk to someone, we are here. Plus in a few weeks i will be just like you. (Except i am seeing my nurse and getting some hypnotherapy, willpower is just not enough, i have had a love hate relationship with the cigarettes. My other half smokes too and i have to try and get him to stop, i can't do this on my own. But hey you will not be alone in your endeavour. Keep strong, and believe that you are now a non smoker.

If you need some encouragement contact the NHS Direct. It does work.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=437&sectionId=1

[vivabob]

fags may may make you look cool but its not much use if your dead

[hatfull]

Happy new year to everyone.

I have subscribed to the tired old cliche of giving up smoking as a new years resolution. Its been about 30 hours so far and i am finding it really tough.

I have smoked most of my adult life since i was about 17 - i am 35 now. I was smoking about 15 a day. I have given up before but always ended up back on the fags. Usually through getting drunk. This time i have gone completely cold turkey - no nicotine replacement rubbish. Just willpower.

for anyone in any doubt this is a full on addiction to a substance that is a real toughy to give up - more addictive than heroin they say.

Couple of qs

1. anyone else giving up at the mo?

2. Why do my lungs hurt - i have stopped ffs? They didnt hurt when i was polluting them!

3. Willpower alone- will it be enough?

4. Is it alright that i have been at work all day but havent done a thing except read the Meat is Murder discussion - cos i cant concentrate on anything else??

Anyone who has given up before - fair play to you - i could use any words of advice you may have.

Cheers

p
Good luck to you! I started smoking at 15. I still smoke at 27, I've given up for over a year twice, and many other times, and am STILL on the fags :( I really am going o try again this year at some point. My husband, however, has successfully given up fags (yay him) I think going on for 4 years ago. He had tried and failed a million times like the rest of us, and just got sick of failing. He uses nasal spray and lozenges, and is giving up the spray at the moment. Oh, and your lungs hurt as they're getting rid of all the crap!

[Mozzy1]

Hey,

Good luck to you. Think of how you'll be helping yourself & the people around you....Plus, your lungs will be nice & you'll live longer (to obviously do the things you want)!!

Try cold turkey, put them in the garbage & occupy yourself w/ other things.

[Depeche609]

I stopped smoking last January. It was pretty easy for me because I'm fairly young (27). I chewed a shit load of gum to help. Cinnamon.

I do admit, that I smoke when I'm drunk..I can't help it..I don't drink often anymore so a few ciggarrettes a month isn't going to kill me (fast anyway) :)

[Skinner]

I do admit, that I smoke when I'm drunk..I can't help it..I don't drink often anymore so a few ciggarrettes a month isn't going to kill me (fast anyway) :)

I am pretty much the same way. How long have you been doing that for (just smoking a few while drinking)? Since last January? I'm curious to see if I will always continue to want a cigarette while drinking or if the feeling will fade.

I just don't want to end up like my father. Still a smoker after 45 years and a million failed attempts at quitting. Oi! :(

[Depeche609]

I am pretty much the same way. How long have you been doing that for (just smoking a few while drinking)? Since last January? I'm curious to see if I will always continue to want a cigarette while drinking or if the feeling will fade.

I just don't want to end up like my father. Still a smoker after 45 years and a million failed attempts at quitting. Oi! :(

I stopped smoking cold turkey last January. I didn't pick up a ciggarette again until last month when I was drunk.
I decided to smoke when I was drinking because I was avoiding my friends and avoiding going out with them. (They all smoke and it's hard and sad to not smoke when drinking)
It's working out pretty good. I give in when I'm drunk and I'm not craving it when I'm sober.
Now, If I start drinking every weekend, then I might start to have a problem again! :)

[Skinner]

Thats were I always go wrong...perhaps I just drink too much...:o

[Depeche609]

Thats were I always go wrong...perhaps I just drink too much...:o

If you drink alot try making something else a habit so you satisfy that "pleasure seeking" when you drink.
This sounds stupid, but try chewing gum. That worked for me in the beginning. It still could work, but all my friends smoke and with all that smoke being blown in my face I thought to myself.."Screw it, I'm getting smoke in me anyway so why not let me puff when their around!"

(I love how I try to rationalize it!) haha

[Kilt Uncle]

Try and keep going.

I'm at the stage where i'm thinking about it.

[imogen11]

thanks mate

i am really trying to stay away from the patches and nicotine replacement stuff - i just feel like i need to not be addicted to it anymore!

As for the crafty fag - no way. I have been down that route before and as you say it is a slippery slope. The smoking ban will be a huge help in that regard but i am intending to stay well away from the pub for a few months.

Hey Paul :)

I quit last September after having smoked heavily (perhaps 20 a day) for 12 years. I have found it suprisingly easy, believe it or not. I am certain I will not smoke again. I rarely think about it or crave it.

My advice to you would be to firstly reconsider the nicotine replacement stuff. I understand you are keen to just get off the stuff - I felt that way too but it REALLY, REAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLY helps to use patches, i can not recommend them enough. :)

There are two sides to the addiction, right? The physical and the mental. Using a nicotine replacement helps you deal with perhaps the hardest of the two: mental addiction, first (ie not smoking whilst drinking, doing something else to keep you occupied whilst bored, not smoking when you are stressed out, etc.) When you have a hold on that, you can start to deal with the physical withdrawl It's like taking little baby steps in giving up. I think some people may be more likely to start smoking again when they try to withdraw physically and mentally all at once. It's a LOT to deal with.

Why make it harder for yourself than what you have to? :)

Depending on how much you smoke, patches may be a 3 month process (4 weeks on 20gm, 4 weeks on 14gm, 4 weeks on 7gm). To me, this seemed excessive. Instead, i spent two weeks on each lot of patches (so 6 weeks in total), though only because I felt confident enough to do so.

Patches were so good that I managed to quit without suffering any major physical withdrawls. As I decreased the strength of the patches, I would notice ,for about 24 hours, that I was thinking more about cigarettes than usual. After 24 hours, my body settled down to the lower strength patch and I carried on as per usual.

My 2nd piece of advice would be to never, ever, EVER have even just once incy-wincy baby toke of a cigarette. Ever. Not once. It is how everyone starts again. I see it as being on par to being an alcoholic: an ex-smoker can not touch nicotine again, in much the same way as an alcoholic must stay off the booze for good. There is no such thing as just keeping it to a few cigarettes when out drinking now and then. At some point, it will lead to smoking full time again.

My 3rd piece of advice would be to think positively throughout this whole process. You really have to train your brain into thinking it does not want a cigarette, that you are entirely capable - MORE than capable - of stopping smoking for good, that you do not want a cigarette. It's something you really need to forcibly do: keep your mind on track, think these thoughts to yourself and make yourself believe them. It's a constant internal dialogue.

But all of the advice in the world is no use unless you really, reeealllllllllllllly want to quit. If you really, really want to, you are 80% of the way there. The actual process is so much easier. I had thought of quitting - seriously thought about it - for so long that it was a relief to finally stop. Because I wanted to stop so badly, I did not feel that I was giving something up. I didn't feel like I was 'quitting' anything - I simply felt like I was ceasing to do something that I no longer wanted to do. That mindframe made things a zillion times easier. That and chewing gum, chewing gum, chewing gum and chewing gum.

....I hope that is off some help. :)

[Paulc]

Working in a hospital looking after poorly people that suffer from COPD, lung cancer and heart disease which are all related to this demon drug I sympathise for you. (i too smoke and have done on and off since i was 15, i'm 33 now) just a few words of encouragement for you. After
20 min. Blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8 hrs Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hrs Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hrs There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hrs Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks Circulation improves

3 - 9 months Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%

5 yrs. Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker

10 yrs. Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Confidence: Quitting smoking is a challenge. Once you have quit, you will know you can succeed at difficult taks and take more control of your life. Quitting helps you believe in yourself.

Fitness: Smoking makes it harder to exercise and reduces the benefits to your body. Smokers have more coughs and colds than non-smokers and take longer to feel well again.

Money: In a way, giving up smoking is like getting a pay rise, as much as £1500 a year if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day.

Appearance: Skin starved of oxygen by smoking becomes dry and grey.
Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth develop much earlier and the tar stains your teeth and fingers.

Fertility: Men who smoke may suffer impotence due to damage
to the blood vessels in the penis. Sperm quality and density can also be affected by smoking. Smokers may produce less sperm and their sperm may have more abnormalities.

You are doing a fantastic job and i salute you. You are an amazing indiviual and i know you can do it. If you feel the urge and you feel like you are losing control just remember that you are quitting one of the most powerful and potent drugs easily available and that if you ever need to talk to someone, we are here. Plus in a few weeks i will be just like you. (Except i am seeing my nurse and getting some hypnotherapy, willpower is just not enough, i have had a love hate relationship with the cigarettes. My other half smokes too and i have to try and get him to stop, i can't do this on my own. But hey you will not be alone in your endeavour. Keep strong, and believe that you are now a non smoker.

If you need some encouragement contact the NHS Direct. It does work.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=437&sectionId=1

Slummum - thanks so much - this is a really useful resource and i appreciate you taking the time to type this out.

I am now at 53 hours without a ciggie - thats 37 i havent had and nearly £11 saved. I like this. My lungs feel way better this morning. :)

[Paulc]

Good luck to you! I started smoking at 15. I still smoke at 27, I've given up for over a year twice, and many other times, and am STILL on the fags :( I really am going o try again this year at some point. My husband, however, has successfully given up fags (yay him) I think going on for 4 years ago. He had tried and failed a million times like the rest of us, and just got sick of failing. He uses nasal spray and lozenges, and is giving up the spray at the moment. Oh, and your lungs hurt as they're getting rid of all the crap!

yeah the lungs feel way better this morning - it was actually quite worrying yesterday but today i feel good.

[Paulc]

Hey,

Good luck to you. Think of how you'll be helping yourself & the people around you....Plus, your lungs will be nice & you'll live longer (to obviously do the things you want)!!

Try cold turkey, put them in the garbage & occupy yourself w/ other things.


Thanks Mozzy - yep i actually tore up some cigarettes and threw them away - never ever thought i would be able to do that - was most impressed with myself.

[Hellie]

Cornelius - trying not to substitute the cigs for food - in fear of gaining whale like proportions.

Have considered Hypnotherapy but am a bit sceptical about it working on me. Also cant help thinking about the guy who gets hypnotised in the movie Office Space but the hypnotherapist dies from a heart attack before he wakes him up!


My parents are hypnotherapists and they`ve never had a patient that didn`t get cured.Depends on the therapist.Some are good some are not.
all you are doing is re-programming your subconcious and learning tricks to divert your cravings.

Good luck.

[Paulc]

Try and keep going.

I'm at the stage where i'm thinking about it.

Well i hope you decide to give it a try. The only thing a cigarette gives you is the desire to have another cigarette.

[Paulc]

Hey Paul :)

I quit last September after having smoked heavily (perhaps 20 a day) for 12 years. I have found it suprisingly easy, believe it or not. I am certain I will not smoke again. I rarely think about it or crave it.

My advice to you would be to firstly reconsider the nicotine replacement stuff. I understand you are keen to just get off the stuff - I felt that way too but it REALLY, REAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLY helps to use patches, i can not recommend them enough. :)

There are two sides to the addiction, right? The physical and the mental. Using a nicotine replacement helps you deal with perhaps the hardest of the two: mental addiction, first (ie not smoking whilst drinking, doing something else to keep you occupied whilst bored, not smoking when you are stressed out, etc.) When you have a hold on that, you can start to deal with the physical withdrawl It's like taking little baby steps in giving up. I think some people may be more likely to start smoking again when they try to withdraw physically and mentally all at once. It's a LOT to deal with.

Why make it harder for yourself than what you have to? :)

Depending on how much you smoke, patches may be a 3 month process (4 weeks on 20gm, 4 weeks on 14gm, 4 weeks on 7gm). To me, this seemed excessive. Instead, i spent two weeks on each lot of patches (so 6 weeks in total), though only because I felt confident enough to do so.

Patches were so good that I managed to quit without suffering any major physical withdrawls. As I decreased the strength of the patches, I would notice ,for about 24 hours, that I was thinking more about cigarettes than usual. After 24 hours, my body settled down to the lower strength patch and I carried on as per usual.

My 2nd piece of advice would be to never, ever, EVER have even just once incy-wincy baby toke of a cigarette. Ever. Not once. It is how everyone starts again. I see it as being on par to being an alcoholic: an ex-smoker can not touch nicotine again, in much the same way as an alcoholic must stay off the booze for good. There is no such thing as just keeping it to a few cigarettes when out drinking now and then. At some point, it will lead to smoking full time again.

My 3rd piece of advice would be to think positively throughout this whole process. You really have to train your brain into thinking it does not want a cigarette, that you are entirely capable - MORE than capable - of stopping smoking for good, that you do not want a cigarette. It's something you really need to forcibly do: keep your mind on track, think these thoughts to yourself and make yourself believe them. It's a constant internal dialogue.

But all of the advice in the world is no use unless you really, reeealllllllllllllly want to quit. If you really, really want to, you are 80% of the way there. The actual process is so much easier. I had thought of quitting - seriously thought about it - for so long that it was a relief to finally stop. Because I wanted to stop so badly, I did not feel that I was giving something up. I didn't feel like I was 'quitting' anything - I simply felt like I was ceasing to do something that I no longer wanted to do. That mindframe made things a zillion times easier. That and chewing gum, chewing gum, chewing gum and chewing gum.

....I hope that is off some help. :)

This is really helpful Imogen - thanks so much. (This whole thread has been hugely supportive i am so glad i posted it!) I defenitely agree with never having even a drag again - i know what i am like and that would be it for me. Also completely agree with the mind training - half of the addiction is psychological. I know that.

But i really dont want to go down the patches route. I have now done 54 hours - that means i shouldnt really have any nicotine left in me. Half of the battle is getting rid of the actual addiction to the stuff - and i am winning. I dont want to give it a foothold again.

By the way - you are 100% right - i really REALLY want to quit.

[Chad]

I've a weakness for fags; both kinds.

[Paulc]

I've a weakness for fags; both kinds.

Ha ha lol:D

One of them is bad for your health.;)

[imogen11]

This is really helpful Imogen - thanks so much. (This whole thread has been hugely supportive i am so glad i posted it!) I defenitely agree with never having even a drag again - i know what i am like and that would be it for me. Also completely agree with the mind training - half of the addiction is psychological. I know that.

But i really dont want to go down the patches route. I have now done 54 hours - that means i shouldnt really have any nicotine left in me. Half of the battle is getting rid of the actual addiction to the stuff - and i am winning. I dont want to give it a foothold again.

By the way - you are 100% right - i really REALLY want to quit.

Well you know what is the best way for you to quit :)

Try the mindset that because you really REALLY want to quit, as you say, that you are simply doing what you really want to do, that you are not 'giving up' anything, as such. You are simply ceasing to do what you no longer want to do. I kept repeating that to myself and that logic really helped me.

I found the hardest part was the very, very beginning. The decision that that was going to be my last cigarette. The thought of having to do alllllll of this allllll over again spurs me on. I am not keen on having to try quitting again hehe :)

[Chad]

20 min. Blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8 hrs Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hrs Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hrs There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hrs Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks Circulation improves

3 - 9 months Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%

I've not gotten to the 3-9 month stage, but I've visited all stages before that multiple times, and have noticed each one each time.

[vivabob]

im off the food and drink ..... heathy eating and exercise for 2008

i hate being healthy

[cornelius blaze]

I've a weakness for fags; both kinds.

LOL..some one was bound to post that! :D

[Chad]

LOL..some one was bound to post that! :D
I was slightly shocked that no one posted it before I did.

Although I have noticed fewer openly gay guys here than I'd have guessed if I were asked to guess how many there would be before I joined. Maybe it's just that I'm always in the female-supermajority Frink Thread. :o

[withmyheadonthebar]

Sugar-free lollipops!!! And try to stay away from people who are smoking. Once it gets past a week, it gets easier. Then once you're past a month, it's easier still. After three months, you're pretty much sorted. But it's soooo important to just never even have a single puff of one, even when you're drunk - I gave up about six times and ended up going back to smoking again due to "the odd one" becoming "the odd twenty". (The best way I found was to think like an alcoholic - "one is too many and a hundred isn't enough...") I'm on seven months without a fag now, and the craving is almost unnoticeable. You might need to warn people you'll be a bit of a fucker for a couple of weeks, though. Or hibernate. Also, eat a lot of fibre. Loads of nicotine receptors are in the bowel, and they don't take it kindly when you don't give them what they want.

Good luck, and remember it'll get easier every day! (Do try the lollies, too. I don't think I'd have got through without them.)

[Paulc]

Sugar-free lollipops!!! And try to stay away from people who are smoking. Once it gets past a week, it gets easier. Then once you're past a month, it's easier still. After three months, you're pretty much sorted. But it's soooo important to just never even have a single puff of one, even when you're drunk - I gave up about six times and ended up going back to smoking again due to "the odd one" becoming "the odd twenty". (The best way I found was to think like an alcoholic - "one is too many and a hundred isn't enough...") I'm on seven months without a fag now, and the craving is almost unnoticeable. You might need to warn people you'll be a bit of a fucker for a couple of weeks, though. Or hibernate. Also, eat a lot of fibre. Loads of nicotine receptors are in the bowel, and they don't take it kindly when you don't give them what they want.

Good luck, and remember it'll get easier every day! (Do try the lollies, too. I don't think I'd have got through without them.)

Sugar free lollies!! really? are you sure? Ok i'll try.
And the bowel thing - yes completely true - fuck - smoking is so fucking shite in so many ways.

Regarding being a fucker - I have so far been pretty horrible to everyone i have met since Monday. I am really enjoying it.:D

[withmyheadonthebar]

Regarding being a fucker - I have so far been pretty horrible to everyone i have met since Monday. I am really enjoying it.:D

It's a good excuse!

The thing with the lollies is, I reckon, all to do with the sucking motion, only rather than skanky cancer-chemicals going into your mouth you get faux-sugary goodness. It's all good!

Also, whenever you want a cigarette (and I should imagine that's A LOT at the moment), keep reminding yourself that if you have one, you have to go through all the giving-up pain again. Five minutes' relief, for several days' pain... really not worth it!

[imogen11]

Sugar free lollies!! really? are you sure? Ok i'll try.
And the bowel thing - yes completely true - fuck - smoking is so fucking shite in so many ways.

Regarding being a fucker - I have so far been pretty horrible to everyone i have met since Monday. I am really enjoying it.:D

yeah for sure - try replacing the cigarettes with something like sugar free gum or sugar free lollies. It reallllly helps. I was amazed at how quickly my brain substituted 'needing a cigarette', with 'needing some gum'. If I got stressed at work, my immediate craving was for gum rather than a cigarette. I'd also chew it when I went out and drank with friends. As long as your not replacing cigarettes with food, as such, then I see no harm in doing this.

[imogen11]

Also, whenever you want a cigarette (and I should imagine that's A LOT at the moment), keep reminding yourself that if you have one, you have to go through all the giving-up pain again. Five minutes' relief, for several days' pain... really not worth it!

That thought drives me on! I'll be fucked if I am going to do this all over again. :D

[esheh195]

Wow! I really do have a dirty mind. I thought this thread was about somethign else entirely. :o:D
Anyways! Congrats and keep it up! You really will feel so much better and like someone mentioned earlier...it's all a state of mind. If you keep thinking to yourself that you are quitting something that you want to do, you'll be more miserable about it. If you just think to yourself that you stopped doing something that you don't want to do anymore...it helps you stay more positive about breaking the habit. On the physical side, I tried the patch and was surprised that it kept my mood swings and nastiness in check compared to other times that I had tried to quit. The weening off with the smaller doses is definitely suggested though. I was stupid and after 2 weeks of no cigs, I got cocky and stopped wearing the patch. Let's just say that this decision didn't work out too well. HAHA.
Probably the best advice that everyone seems to be giving to you is not to take that first drag. I am still smokin presently and am going to quit hopefully before my birthday this March. I have smoked for 16 years now...sometimes more than others but on average I'd say I was at least a pack a day smoker. I've quit at least 5 times with lengths anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months. The thing that always gets me is that I lie to myself and convince myself that I can have one cigarette or even just one drag. This has always led to me buying a pack within a day or two.
Good luck and enjoy your newfound health! It isn't easy, but it is totally worth it. I noticed how I was able to breath easier, was sick less often, coughed less and was able to actually smell things...including how disgusting the tobacco smell really is.
Also...dum-dum lollipops or jolly rancher candies are highly suggested.

[slum mum 1974]

Slummum - thanks so much - this is a really useful resource and i appreciate you taking the time to type this out.

I am now at 53 hours without a ciggie - thats 37 i havent had and nearly £11 saved. I like this. My lungs feel way better this morning. :)

You are most welcome m'dear. See i knew you could do it. :)Well, i made my appointment to see the nurse as i am shitting myself at the moment. I have pins and needles in my left arm and hand that just won't go away and i am seein the doc in the morning :(

[Paulc]

You are most welcome m'dear. See i knew you could do it. :)Well, i made my appointment to see the nurse as i am shitting myself at the moment. I have pins and needles in my left arm and hand that just won't go away and i am seein the doc in the morning :(


Hey all the best for tomorrow with the nurse - bet she tells u that the pins and needles will disappear when u give up the fags! Are you seeing the hypnotherapist too tomorrow?

I have had a pretty good day (day 3) i have had plenty of cravings but havent lapsed and havent shoved my face full of food either!!

Stats are: 60 hours since last ciggie, 42 ciggies i havent had, £12.26 saved, 3 hours 30 mins added back to life expectancy!:D

[slum mum 1974]

Hey all the best for tomorrow with the nurse - bet she tells u that the pins and needles will disappear when u give up the fags! Are you seeing the hypnotherapist too tomorrow?

I have had a pretty good day (day 3) i have had plenty of cravings but havent lapsed and havent shoved my face full of food either!!

Stats are: 60 hours since last ciggie, 42 ciggies i havent had, £12.26 saved, 3 hours 30 mins added back to life expectancy!:D

Thank you sweetie. I have to make my appointment for the hypno but it WILL be soon, like Monday....Saturday would be great though as i am off work.

You keep going hun, btw, sugar free lollipops are a really good idea, one i shall be using, as not only do you have the motion of putting your hand to you mouth like when smoking, but it will certainly taste better, without getting fat or ruining your teeth. Its a win win situation. :D

[Paulc]

let us know how you get on slummum

i am now on day 4!

in fact 78 hours without a fag - so passed that point where they say breathing becomes easier- cant say i have noticed that yet.

according to my desktop widgety thing i have not smoked 55 cigarettes and i have saved £16.12.

Apparantly i have added over 4 hours back to my life. I bet i spend them listening to youknowwho.

One interesting and wonderful side effect of giving up smoking is suddenly i have an excuse to be nasty and obnoxious and all the things i have ever wanted to be (to my wifes friends and family!) and there is nothing she can do or say cos "i am doing sooo well giving up smoking" and its "sooo hard for him" and "he cant help being a bit moody" mwha ha ha....:cool:

[Morrissey the 23rd]

I planned to stop today but have bought 10. It is time to stop.

[vicarinatutugal]

let us know how you get on slummum

i am now on day 4!

in fact 78 hours without a fag - so passed that point where they say breathing becomes easier- cant say i have noticed that yet.

according to my desktop widgety thing i have not smoked 55 cigarettes and i have saved £16.12.

Apparantly i have added over 4 hours back to my life. I bet i spend them listening to youknowwho.

One interesting and wonderful side effect of giving up smoking is suddenly i have an excuse to be nasty and obnoxious and all the things i have ever wanted to be (to my wifes friends and family!) and there is nothing she can do or say cos "i am doing sooo well giving up smoking" and its "sooo hard for him" and "he cant help being a bit moody" mwha ha ha....:cool:

haha your last comments made me laugh, my bf was hellish for a while sometimes I would say something to him and he would give me the "V" sign and it began to annoy me so I said will you bloody stop doing that, he then commensed to stick his middle finger up at me... charming.

[vicarinatutugal]

I planned to stop today but have bought 10. It is time to stop.

Don't smoke them!

[hatfull]

haha your last comments made me laugh, my bf was hellish for a while sometimes I would say something to him and he would give me the "V" sign and it began to annoy me so I said will you bloody stop doing that, he then commensed to stick his middle finger up at me... charming.
oh dear! I have to say, don't think hubby is looking forward to me giving up smoking very much :D

[hatfull]

I planned to stop today but have bought 10. It is time to stop.
Done that so many times. I sympathise totally.

[withmyheadonthebar]

I planned to stop today but have bought 10. It is time to stop.

When you smoke them, think about how skanky they actually are and how nice it'll be to not smell icky after they're gone. (The whole reconditioning-your-thought-processes thing is a big help.)

[Paulc]

I planned to stop today but have bought 10. It is time to stop.

give em away - or for a really cathartic moment - rip them to shreds.

[withmyheadonthebar]

give em away - or for a really cathartic moment - rip them to shreds.

Or soak them in water - they look DISGUSTING!!! It helps...

[slum mum 1974]

let us know how you get on slummum

i am now on day 4!

in fact 78 hours without a fag - so passed that point where they say breathing becomes easier- cant say i have noticed that yet.

according to my desktop widgety thing i have not smoked 55 cigarettes and i have saved £16.12.

Apparantly i have added over 4 hours back to my life. I bet i spend them listening to youknowwho.

One interesting and wonderful side effect of giving up smoking is suddenly i have an excuse to be nasty and obnoxious and all the things i have ever wanted to be (to my wifes friends and family!) and there is nothing she can do or say cos "i am doing sooo well giving up smoking" and its "sooo hard for him" and "he cant help being a bit moody" mwha ha ha....:cool:

Hey Paulc, the doc saw me and he has no idea what it could be, so before he gives me a diagnosis he has taken a load of blood and i get the results tomorrow. I'll keep you informed. Keep 'em crossed for me.

[Amy]

I was slightly shocked that no one posted it before I did.

Although I have noticed fewer openly gay guys here than I'd have guessed if I were asked to guess how many there would be before I joined. Maybe it's just that I'm always in the female-supermajority Frink Thread. :o

lol, if you wanted numbers you could always make a poll :p although a few people don't like labelling themselves I imagine, and don't forget the 'bisexual' option :D

As for openly gay guys..at this moment, I can only think of 2 gay people on the whole forum :eek: though I am sure there are many, many more.

[HIM]

As for openly gay guys..at this moment, I can only think of 2 gay people on the whole forum :eek: though I am sure there are many, many more.

i'm not openly gay.

[Paulc]

Slum mum - everything is crossed for you!

Fo anyone who is interested i am still going strong. The weekend was very hard but i managed to get through it. Went for a drive on saturday afternoon in the foulest of moods and literally shouted the lyrics to Jack the Ripper, Sister i am a poet, National Front Disco and November spawned a monster playing at full volume in the car. Got some very strange looks but felt much better after!

Have now gone 6 days 5 hours without a fag

Thats 105 i havent smoked:eek:
£30.64 saved and 8 hours 45 mins added back to life expectancy.

[withmyheadonthebar]

Slum mum - everything is crossed for you!

Fo anyone who is interested i am still going strong. The weekend was very hard but i managed to get through it. Went for a drive on saturday afternoon in the foulest of moods and literally shouted the lyrics to Jack the Ripper, Sister i am a poet, National Front Disco and November spawned a monster playing at full volume in the car. Got some very strange looks but felt much better after!

Have now gone 6 days 5 hours without a fag

Thats 105 i havent smoked:eek:
£30.64 saved and 8 hours 45 mins added back to life expectancy.

Good for you!

[HIM]

Have now gone 6 days 5 hours without a fag

Thats 105 i havent smoked:eek:
£30.64 saved and 8 hours 45 mins added back to life expectancy.

excellent work, sir.

[Chad]

i'm not openly gay.
This isn't necessarily because of your post but I just felt like clearing up that by "openly gay" I meant that a person or more on this forum besides themselves knew, that's all.

[imogen11]

Slum mum - everything is crossed for you!

Fo anyone who is interested i am still going strong. The weekend was very hard but i managed to get through it. Went for a drive on saturday afternoon in the foulest of moods and literally shouted the lyrics to Jack the Ripper, Sister i am a poet, National Front Disco and November spawned a monster playing at full volume in the car. Got some very strange looks but felt much better after!

Have now gone 6 days 5 hours without a fag

Thats 105 i havent smoked:eek:
£30.64 saved and 8 hours 45 mins added back to life expectancy.

Nice one! :) Good on you! Been wondering how you are going. It's just going to get easier from here on in. Soon you will start to notice that every day it slowly gets easier and easier, so just sit tight.

I'm most impressed that you are doing this cold turkey.

Make sure you keep us updated :)

[hatfull]

i'm not openly gay.
I should bloody hope not :mad:

[9 x Fined]

Once a smoker, always a smoker goes the saying. I believe it. I have struggled with quitting for years. This time I have gone almost a month without one. It's not easy. Best of luck.

[imogen11]

Once a smoker, always a smoker goes the saying. I believe it. I have struggled with quitting for years. This time I have gone almost a month without one. It's not easy. Best of luck.

Yeah, I think that is true also. I haven't smoked for 4 months but I still feel like I am jumping the gun by saying I have quit for good. I have no intention of smoking again and I don't even think about it on a day to day basis, but it's like I never really feel that I have completely escaped it's clutches. Bit like being a recovering alcoholic, I imagine.

[Paulc]

Yeah, I think that is true also. I haven't smoked for 4 months but I still feel like I am jumping the gun by saying I have quit for good. I have no intention of smoking again and I don't even think about it on a day to day basis, but it's like I never really feel that I have completely escaped it's clutches. Bit like being a recovering alcoholic, I imagine.

I have heard this before too - once a smoker always a smoker, and the feeling never really goes away and u never lose that sense of longing.

I believe all of this to be true (and to be very depressing) but i feel the only way to deal with it is to face it head on and say i will never ever have even the tiniest drag on a cigarette again.

I am sure your right Imogen - alcoholics would say something similar, in fact i bet most addictions would have a similar affect on the recovering addict.

You cant go anywhere near your vice.

[cornelius blaze]

I should bloody hope not :mad:

can he be openly homosexual then!

I have heard this before too - once a smoker always a smoker, and the feeling never really goes away and u never lose that sense of longing.

I believe all of this to be true (and to be very depressing) but i feel the only way to deal with it is to face it head on and say i will never ever have even the tiniest drag on a cigarette again.

I am sure your right Imogen - alcoholics would say something similar, in fact i bet most addictions would have a similar affect on the recovering addict.

You cant go anywhere near your vice.

But it sounds like your doing alright and everything. Keep it up and soon the days will turn to weeks, then months, then years.

[imogen11]

I have heard this before too - once a smoker always a smoker, and the feeling never really goes away and u never lose that sense of longing.

I believe all of this to be true (and to be very depressing) but i feel the only way to deal with it is to face it head on and say i will never ever have even the tiniest drag on a cigarette again.

I am sure your right Imogen - alcoholics would say something similar, in fact i bet most addictions would have a similar affect on the recovering addict.

You cant go anywhere near your vice.

Yeah for sure. Don't get depressed by it, though :) Like i said, it has been 4 months for me and I very, very rarely get cravings (if I do they are small and fleeting). I can days without thinking about smoking at all. It's just that if I sit down and think about it, I start to wonder if I will ever be able to resist it forever. It's hard to explain. BUT the upside is, it's this sort of awareness that helps you to realise you just can't touch the stuff, not even a little drag. And that is the way to stay off it for good.

If you think of all of the zillions of people who have managed to quit smoking for good in the past, you realise that you are no different to them and are absolutely completely capable of quitting too. :) Keep telling yourself that!

[Paulc]

Yeah for sure. Don't get depressed by it, though :) Like i said, it has been 4 months for me and I very, very rarely get cravings (if I do they are small and fleeting). I can days without thinking about smoking at all. It's just that if I sit down and think about it, I start to wonder if I will ever be able to resist it forever. It's hard to explain. BUT the upside is, it's this sort of awareness that helps you to realise you just can't touch the stuff, not even a little drag. And that is the way to stay off it for good.

If you think of all of the zillions of people who have managed to quit smoking for good in the past, you realise that you are no different to them and are absolutely completely capable of quitting too. :) Keep telling yourself that!

The support i am getting on here and elsewhere is a huge help - and i do think i can stick to this and beat it. Its bloody hard though.

[slum mum 1974]

Hi hun, well done you!!! :) You are past the hardest bit, now, honest. My blood test results came back normal, so now i guess it's just a case of having more tests to get to the bottom of this.

[Paulc]

still going!!


9 days 6 hours

157 cigarettes not smoked

£45.65 saved

13 hours 5 mins added back to life expectancy which i have been mostly using up on the sexiest woman alive thread

[withmyheadonthebar]

still going!!


9 days 6 hours

157 cigarettes not smoked

£45.65 saved

13 hours 5 mins added back to life expectancy which i have been mostly using up on the sexiest woman alive thread

Good for you - big respect!

[imogen11]

still going!!


9 days 6 hours

157 cigarettes not smoked

£45.65 saved

13 hours 5 mins added back to life expectancy which i have been mostly using up on the sexiest woman alive thread

WOW, nice work! :guitar:

It's just going to keep getting easier from here on in. Nothing is as hard as starting, I think. That's the hardest bit. Just think: you don't want to have to do allll of this again! :)

[meat_is_murder19]

Try chewing gum my mate did it help him quit

[Paulc]

Hope no-one minds me resurrecting this thread from time to time - believe it or not it is actually helpful - prob cos i would be embarrassed in front of you lot if i was to start smoking again

i am still smoke free!

its been 13 days 6 hours
thats 224 ciggies not smoked
£65.24 saved and 18 hours 40 mins added back to life expectancy!:guitar:

i think thats enough to listen to every single Morrissey song twice!:D

[Imhotep]

You're not using nicotine replacement, are you? That means the nicotine has completely left your system and any cravings you might have now is just your mind telling you you want it - your body doesn't. That means, like Imogen said, your cravings should be fleeting.

I had some trouble up until a couple of months back - I used to DREAM I was smoking, believe it or not. What helped, bizarrely, was being in a room with a smoker one Saturday afternoon. I found it intensely uncomfortable to be around him and found his smoke actually made me cough and had difficulty breathing. It really drives home how harmful the fucking things are, and when I got home stinking of fags I can honestly say I didn't find any of it attractive at all. No more dreams since then, touch wood.

[HIM]

Hope no-one minds me resurrecting this thread from time to time - believe it or not it is actually helpful - prob cos i would be embarrassed in front of you lot if i was to start smoking again

i am still smoke free!

its been 13 days 6 hours
thats 224 ciggies not smoked
£65.24 saved and 18 hours 40 mins added back to life expectancy!:guitar:

i think thats enough to listen to every single Morrissey song twice!:D

that's brilliant, sir.

keep it up.

[cornelius blaze]

Hope no-one minds me resurrecting this thread from time to time - believe it or not it is actually helpful - prob cos i would be embarrassed in front of you lot if i was to start smoking again

I don't think anyone minds, if they do...then they can F-off! :cool:



i am still smoke free!
its been 13 days 6 hours
thats 224 ciggies not smoked
£65.24 saved and 18 hours 40 mins added back to life expectancy!:guitar:


Good going. well done :)


i think thats enough to listen to every single Morrissey song twice!:D

I can think of better things to do in my extra 18 + hours of life. If you know what I mean!

[HIM]

I can think of better things to do in my extra 18 + hours of life. If you know what I mean!

that'd be a seriously big wank.

[Paulc]

You're not using nicotine replacement, are you? That means the nicotine has completely left your system and any cravings you might have now is just your mind telling you you want it - your body doesn't. That means, like Imogen said, your cravings should be fleeting.

I had some trouble up until a couple of months back - I used to DREAM I was smoking, believe it or not. What helped, bizarrely, was being in a room with a smoker one Saturday afternoon. I found it intensely uncomfortable to be around him and found his smoke actually made me cough and had difficulty breathing. It really drives home how harmful the fucking things are, and when I got home stinking of fags I can honestly say I didn't find any of it attractive at all. No more dreams since then, touch wood.


No i didnt use any nicotine replacement so u are completely right - i am not really having cravings - its more a feeling of missing out on something. Not having a fag when driving or waiting for a train or finishing a piece of work or after a meal is all very odd but i like being a non smoker!! I also have had some dreams where i smoked but i woke up so relieved it was just a dream, i would be soo angry with myself if i smoked now.

[Paulc]

I can think of better things to do in my extra 18 + hours of life. If you know what I mean!

you mean like knitting and ironing and mowing the lawn - yes i love those things too:guitar:

[Paulc]

that'd be a seriously big wank.

oooh one would be red raw wouldnt one!:p

[Jo Jo70]

No i didnt use any nicotine replacement so u are completely right - i am not really having cravings - its more a feeling of missing out on something. Not having a fag when driving or waiting for a train or finishing a piece of work or after a meal is all very odd but i like being a non smoker!! I also have had some dreams where i smoked but i woke up so relieved it was just a dream, i would be soo angry with myself if i smoked now.

Someone sat next to me on the train this morning who was obviously a smoker, and the smell of stale ciggies was so overpowering that I had to get up and open the window. I'm very subtle like that! :D

So just remember how lovely you will smell from now on! :)

[imogen11]

Hope no-one minds me resurrecting this thread from time to time - believe it or not it is actually helpful - prob cos i would be embarrassed in front of you lot if i was to start smoking again

i am still smoke free!

its been 13 days 6 hours
thats 224 ciggies not smoked
£65.24 saved and 18 hours 40 mins added back to life expectancy!:guitar:

i think thats enough to listen to every single Morrissey song twice!:D

'course we don't mind! We wanna know how you are going :) 13 days! Congratulations!! :guitar:

[imogen11]

No i didnt use any nicotine replacement so u are completely right - i am not really having cravings - its more a feeling of missing out on something. Not having a fag when driving or waiting for a train or finishing a piece of work or after a meal is all very odd but i like being a non smoker!! I also have had some dreams where i smoked but i woke up so relieved it was just a dream, i would be soo angry with myself if i smoked now.

Do you feel like you've got some free time on your hands now that you're not smoking? hehe

Are you doing anything to replace that feeling of missing out on something? Like chewing gum or having some sugar free lollies? Really helps.

Does it feel like it's all getting a tiny bit easier?
:)

[withmyheadonthebar]

Hope no-one minds me resurrecting this thread from time to time - believe it or not it is actually helpful - prob cos i would be embarrassed in front of you lot if i was to start smoking again

i am still smoke free!

its been 13 days 6 hours
thats 224 ciggies not smoked
£65.24 saved and 18 hours 40 mins added back to life expectancy!:guitar:

i think thats enough to listen to every single Morrissey song twice!:D

Well done :guitar: and keep on keeping us informed!!!

[cornelius blaze]

you mean like knitting and ironing and mowing the lawn - yes i love those things too:guitar:

Oh man.....you are HARDCORE!!!!!!

oooh one would be red raw wouldnt one!:p

That is at least three time:p

[HIM]

oooh one would be red raw wouldnt one!:p

yeah, but you've earned it! go on: treat yourself!

[Paulc]

Someone sat next to me on the train this morning who was obviously a smoker, and the smell of stale ciggies was so overpowering that I had to get up and open the window. I'm very subtle like that! :D

So just remember how lovely you will smell from now on! :)

lol someone sat next to me on sat night in a restaurant and he literally stunk of cigarettes Mrs C said to me you used to smell like that - i actually couldnt believe how overpowering the smell was - it was quite a big moment actually cos probably for the first time i didnt like the smell....

[Paulc]

Do you feel like you've got some free time on your hands now that you're not smoking? hehe

Are you doing anything to replace that feeling of missing out on something? Like chewing gum or having some sugar free lollies? Really helps.

Does it feel like it's all getting a tiny bit easier?
:)

definitely getting easier and i am not thinking about it as often as i was - i tried to find some sugar free stuff to chew or suck on but nothing really grabbed my fancy so the only thing i am doing is drinking alot of water and coffee - so in and out of the loo alot!!

by the way i am not underestimating the importance of getting support from other people and the stuff people have said on here has really helped - thankyou. :D

[Paulc]

Paul, how are you making out w/ this goal?

Right now, I'm dying for an Ian McCulloch-look-a-like to come into my life & kiss me very hard & deeply, here @ work. It would certainly spice it up here today...

er not sure i properly understand the question but i am making out fine! my goal is to never smoke again and i have kept to it for very nearly 2 weeks and many say these are the hardest 2 weeks.

I hope Ian has your place of work on his "must visit for a snog" list for today..

[withmyheadonthebar]

er not sure i properly understand the question but i am making out fine! my goal is to never smoke again and i have kept to it for very nearly 2 weeks and many say these are the hardest 2 weeks.

I hope Ian has your place of work on his "must visit for a snog" list for today..

... but I think Ian McCulloch smokes, so it might go badly...

[imogen11]

definitely getting easier and i am not thinking about it as often as i was - i tried to find some sugar free stuff to chew or suck on but nothing really grabbed my fancy so the only thing i am doing is drinking alot of water and coffee - so in and out of the loo alot!!

by the way i am not underestimating the importance of getting support from other people and the stuff people have said on here has really helped - thankyou. :D

You're welcome :)
It's really just going to keep getting easier now! You are already noticing this - that's a huge milestone.
Did you notice that your sense of smell improved a lot??
Or that your skin looks better?
All of those little things help spur you on. Doing this cold turkey is huuge! I don't know if I could done it without patches.
Giving up smoking does good things for your self confidence, I think. Says a lot about how strong you really are.. :)

Paul, how are you making out w/ this goal?

Right now, I'm dying for an Ian McCulloch-look-a-like to come into my life & kiss me very hard & deeply, here @ work. It would certainly spice it up here today...

WTF?! :p

[nugz]

Right now, I'm dying for an Ian McCulloch-look-a-like to come into my life & kiss me very hard & deeply, here @ work. It would certainly spice it up here today...

uhhh. ur weird.

[fridaynightinoutpatients]

I hope all those that inspire to end the addiction acheive but I just had one and it was marvelous. I will say the day is coming that I will not enjoy it any longer and I hope I have the courage that you all have. Please be there for me then..............

[nogodsnomasters85]

The first week is the hardest, I never thought I'd survive. i think preparation is key. Coming up to quitting I eliminated one cigarette from my routine per day. Also, you might not succeed the first time, but don't gove up, I quite, like three times before it worked. But it's best if you get right back on, you gradually reduce you're dependence which makes it a lot easier. I'd say after a month you're in the clear. After awhile you're lungs heal to the point where cigarettes make you gag like the first one. It's been two years, and I still miss it, but only every once and awhile. Even though I can't smoke anymore and I would never start again, sometimes when I'm with a smoker, I stand really close to them and breathe. Good luck.

[imogen11]

The first week is the hardest, I never thought I'd survive. i think preparation is key. Coming up to quitting I eliminated one cigarette from my routine per day. Also, you might not succeed the first time, but don't gove up, I quite, like three times before it worked. But it's best if you get right back on, you gradually reduce you're dependence which makes it a lot easier. I'd say after a month you're in the clear. After awhile you're lungs heal to the point where cigarettes make you gag like the first one. It's been two years, and I still miss it, but only every once and awhile. Even though I can't smoke anymore and I would never start again, sometimes when I'm with a smoker, I stand really close to them and breathe. Good luck.

haha I enjoy passive smoking too ;)

[Paulc]

I hope all those that inspire to end the addiction acheive but I just had one and it was marvelous. I will say the day is coming that I will not enjoy it any longer and I hope I have the courage that you all have. Please be there for me then..............

all the best of luck when that day comes mate - i promise its worth it, i feel healthier and stronger already

[Paulc]

The first week is the hardest, I never thought I'd survive. i think preparation is key. Coming up to quitting I eliminated one cigarette from my routine per day. Also, you might not succeed the first time, but don't gove up, I quite, like three times before it worked. But it's best if you get right back on, you gradually reduce you're dependence which makes it a lot easier. I'd say after a month you're in the clear. After awhile you're lungs heal to the point where cigarettes make you gag like the first one. It's been two years, and I still miss it, but only every once and awhile. Even though I can't smoke anymore and I would never start again, sometimes when I'm with a smoker, I stand really close to them and breathe. Good luck.

ha ha i actually got a face full of smoke walking in the street last night and it was horrible!!

i have tried so many times to give up before i cant remember and the worst thing is each time i went back to smoking for really rubbish reasons or no reason at all

i feel more committed this time for some reason not sure why maybe its cos i am getting old - was 35 in november.

[Paulc]

still going chaps:

I have been quit for 2 Weeks, 6 Days, 10 hours, 11 minutes and 47 seconds (20 days). I have saved £100.69 by not smoking 347 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Day, 4 hours and 55 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

tonight will be a challenge cos i will no doubt be having a drink or two at the concert :guitar:

[vicarinatutugal]

still going chaps:

I have been quit for 2 Weeks, 6 Days, 10 hours, 11 minutes and 47 seconds (20 days). I have saved £100.69 by not smoking 347 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Day, 4 hours and 55 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

tonight will be a challenge cos i will no doubt be having a drink or two at the concert :guitar:

well done! really hope you manage tonight.

[slum mum 1974]

still going chaps:

I have been quit for 2 Weeks, 6 Days, 10 hours, 11 minutes and 47 seconds (20 days). I have saved £100.69 by not smoking 347 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Day, 4 hours and 55 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

tonight will be a challenge cos i will no doubt be having a drink or two at the concert :guitar:

Congratulations honey....WELL DONE! My quit date is Saturday 26th January. BTW, i have to see the doc tomorrow, my blood tests are back (2nd set too) but he needs to see me. :eek:

[fridaynightinoutpatients]

still going chaps:

I have been quit for 2 Weeks, 6 Days, 10 hours, 11 minutes and 47 seconds (20 days). I have saved £100.69 by not smoking 347 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Day, 4 hours and 55 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

tonight will be a challenge cos i will no doubt be having a drink or two at the concert :guitar:

JOB WELL DONE!

have a blast at the show- envy rears it's head again.

[Paulc]

Congratulations honey....WELL DONE! My quit date is Saturday 26th January. BTW, i have to see the doc tomorrow, my blood tests are back (2nd set too) but he needs to see me. :eek:

thanks mate - and all the best for tomorrow - if you need to chat will be here...:)

[Paulc]

Despite last week having more ups and downs in Camden than i care to remember i still didnt smoke - pretty damn pleased with myself!

I have been quit for 3 Weeks, 6 Days, 9 hours, 49 minutes and 25 seconds (27 days). I have saved £135.12 by not smoking 465 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Day, 14 hours and 45 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

[imogen11]

Well done! 3 weeks!?? :guitar:
It must be starting to feel a bit easier now. I reckon, at 3 weeks, you're over the worst of it. Congratulations! :)

[withmyheadonthebar]

I was wondering whether you'd be able to hold out, what with the Roundhouse palaver. WELL DONE YOU!!! Three weeks was a bit of a turning point for me (broke the habit as well as the addiction). Hopefully it will be for you too!

[Paulc]

yeah its nearly a month now and i think if i could get through friday night's pain i can get through anything

i hardly even think about it anymore - thanks for all the support guys, it really helps.

[imogen11]

I was wondering whether you'd be able to hold out, what with the Roundhouse palaver. WELL DONE YOU!!! Three weeks was a bit of a turning point for me (broke the habit as well as the addiction). Hopefully it will be for you too!

Yeah, I agree - I definately remember 3 weeks as being a bit of a turning point.

[Paulc]

hey guys

its a bit quiet on here today so if you dont mind i thought i would update on my progress - still going strong and i am hugely proud of myself:

I have been quit for 1 Month, 2 Weeks, 5 Days, 9 hours, 27 minutes and 42 seconds (50 days). I have saved £248.44 by not smoking 856 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 23 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24
:cool:

As i mentioned elsewhere i am going to Las Vegas in April and have decided that whatever i have saved on the fags by then will be my budget to blow on the tables.....am extremely excited but will probably blow the whole lot in the first day!! :guitar:

[hatfull]

hey guys

its a bit quiet on here today so if you dont mind i thought i would update on my progress - still going strong and i am hugely proud of myself:

I have been quit for 1 Month, 2 Weeks, 5 Days, 9 hours, 27 minutes and 42 seconds (50 days). I have saved £248.44 by not smoking 856 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 23 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24
:cool:

As i mentioned elsewhere i am going to Las Vegas in April and have decided that whatever i have saved on the fags by then will be my budget to blow on the tables.....am extremely excited but will probably blow the whole lot in the first day!! :guitar:
good work! I have officially fallen off the no smoking wagon sooooooooooooo many times this year already :doh: one day, I really will quit.

[Paulc]

good work! I have officially fallen off the no smoking wagon sooooooooooooo many times this year already :doh: one day, I really will quit.

been smoking long? if you really wanna quit i would be happy to help if i can.

[hatfull]

been smoking long? if you really wanna quit i would be happy to help if i can.
I think I'm now in my 13th year, on and off. I will quit, just not quite ready to yet. Very nearly there, but, to be honest, I still really enjoy it :o

[Paulc]

I think I'm now in my 13th year, on and off. I will quit, just not quite ready to yet. Very nearly there, but, to be honest, I still really enjoy it :o

yeah i really stopped enjoying it - thats when i knew enough was enough.

[hatfull]

yeah i really stopped enjoying it - thats when i knew enough was enough.
yeah. My husband gave up about 5 years ago, so I'm sure he'll help me when the time comes (if he has any sense, he'll help me from a safe distance :D ) but good on you for getting this far and thanks for the offer :)

[vicarinatutugal]

hey guys

its a bit quiet on here today so if you dont mind i thought i would update on my progress - still going strong and i am hugely proud of myself:

I have been quit for 1 Month, 2 Weeks, 5 Days, 9 hours, 27 minutes and 42 seconds (50 days). I have saved £248.44 by not smoking 856 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 23 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24
:cool:

As i mentioned elsewhere i am going to Las Vegas in April and have decided that whatever i have saved on the fags by then will be my budget to blow on the tables.....am extremely excited but will probably blow the whole lot in the first day!! :guitar:

well done you, I was wondering how you were doing with the quitting. Its brilliant you are still off them . :D

[slum mum 1974]

Hey Paulc, i stopped smoking two weeks ago on Monday, i used patches for the first week and then went cold turkey and hav ebeen crying and snapping since. I still haven't smoked because i want to stop for my health and my kids. They are so chuffed with me, my other half still smokes (just not around me or i WOULD KILL HIM, SERIOUSLY) You kept popping into my mind when i found it hard. Thank you

[Corrissey]

Hey Paulc, i stopped smoking two weeks ago on Monday, i used patches for the first week and then went cold turkey and hav ebeen crying and snapping since. I still haven't smoked because i want to stop for my health and my kids. They are so chuffed with me, my other half still smokes (just not around me or i WOULD KILL HIM, SERIOUSLY) You kept popping into my mind when i found it hard. Thank you

Congrats, hang in there. Too bad your DH won't quit with you. Why not? You're doing the right thing for yourself and your family. Continued luck. Got carrots?! :p

[slum mum 1974]

Congrats, hang in there. Too bad your DH won't quit with you. Why not? You're doing the right thing for yourself and your family. Continued luck. Got carrots?! :p

Daft hubby, dick head....er what do you mean by DH. I agree though, he should stop to encourage and support me. I go to see my smaoking cessation nurse and she gives me the prescription for Champix for me, but i get it for my DH. I do not have carrot sticks. :p I have spent all day in the kitchen i have made truffles, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, oh and fishermans pie. I do eat a shed load of Uncle Joe's and mixed fruit and nuts though. My will power is strong, i am doing this for me first and then for my kids, they are my priority. Thanks for your kid words of support :)

[Corrissey]

Daft hubby, dick head....er what do you mean by DH. I agree though, he should stop to encourage and support me. I go to see my smaoking cessation nurse and she gives me the prescription for Champix for me, but i get it for my DH. I do not have carrot sticks. :p I have spent all day in the kitchen i have made truffles, cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding, oh and fishermans pie. I do eat a shed load of Uncle Joe's and mixed fruit and nuts though. My will power is strong, i am doing this for me first and then for my kids, they are my priority. Thanks for your kid words of support :)

Oh, DH means whatever you want it to mean. It's supposed to be dear husband, but we know better, don't we :p Well, he should join you -now is the time- there is strength in numbers and you guys can do it together. Sic the kids on him ;) Can you already tell the difference in you sense of taste and smell? I'm not a smoker, I've just known a lot of people to be and to quit. All but a few successfully. Well, you're willpower seems intact and you're food sounds delicious...so just keep busy! :)

[slum mum 1974]

Oh, DH means whatever you want it to mean. It's supposed to be dear husband, but we know better, don't we :p Well, he should join you -now is the time- there is strength in numbers and you guys can do it together. Sic the kids on him ;) Can you already tell the difference in you sense of taste and smell? I'm not a smoker, I've just known a lot of people to be and to quit. All but a few successfully. Well, you're willpower seems intact and you're food sounds delicious...so just keep busy! :)

I prefer the latter (at the moment :D) My youngest (had to keep that one in there, my other children are watching ) finds it really hard to think about him smoking, he's scared that smoking will kill his dad, my boy was talking to my mum and was telling her how sad and scared he is (which made me stop) I certainly can tell teh difference in my sense of smell and taste, i had beer battered chips tonight for tea and my GOD, they tasted good. Plus now i know how bad i smelt, people who smoke walk past me and i now know how bad i smelt. EWWWWW! My willpower is because of my kids and my food is delicious which is a problem, my smoking nurse has told me i have put weight on in this last fortnight. OOPS! But hhey, cancer or a bit of weight, i know what my kids want.

[Corrissey]

I prefer the latter (at the moment :D) My youngest (had to keep that one in there, my other children are watching ) finds it really hard to think about him smoking, he's scared that smoking will kill his dad, my boy was talking to my mum and was telling her how sad and scared he is (which made me stop) I certainly can tell teh difference in my sense of smell and taste, i had beer battered chips tonight for tea and my GOD, they tasted good. Plus now i know how bad i smelt, people who smoke walk past me and i now know how bad i smelt. EWWWWW! My willpower is because of my kids and my food is delicious which is a problem, my smoking nurse has told me i have put weight on in this last fortnight. OOPS! But hhey, cancer or a bit of weight, i know what my kids want.

You have a good attitude :) and you smell good too :D Once the weathers nice, go for some walks. Fresh air and exercise :D I can see how your sweet boy 'motivated' you and I bet it would work on his Dad too.

My father-in-law is slowly dying of lung cancer now. I know my DH will never pick up another cig (he just did it socially with a beer in hand)

[slum mum 1974]

You have a good attitude :) and you smell good too :D Once the weathers nice, go for some walks. Fresh air and exercise :D I can see how your sweet boy 'motivated' you and I bet it would work on his Dad too.

My father-in-law is slowly dying of lung cancer now. I know my DH will never pick up another cig (he just did it socially with a beer in hand)


Thank you and we have a 5 month chocolate lab to help me get ou tin the weather now, come rain or shine. I actually went out tonight at 9pm and ran up and down the front cause i was angry and i needed ot burn off steam. It helped.My Dear Sweet Boy, is a gift from god. I have seen that fricking disease do it's worst and i know my boy is helping me. I am so sorry to hear about your dad in law, that's awful. :(

[Corrissey]

Thank you and we have a 5 month chocolate lab to help me get ou tin the weather now, come rain or shine. I actually went out tonight at 9pm and ran up and down the front cause i was angry and i needed ot burn off steam. It helped.My Dear Sweet Boy, is a gift from god. I have seen that fricking disease do it's worst and i know my boy is helping me. I am so sorry to hear about your dad in law, that's awful. :(

Thanks for your kind words. He is 75, smoked for over 50 years and quit about 6 yrs ago -cold turkey- after his bro passed away. He was going thru treatment but it's not helping much. It was either get radiation for 5 days a week for 5 weeks or stop altogether. Chose the latter. He also had a spot succesfully removed in his brain before he even started the chemo for the lung. It's sad. He's a good guy/dad/grandpa -a tough old ex Marine -knew more jokes than anyone I've ever met. He's not in any pain, so that's good. It's just one day at at time. Sorry don't mean to be debbie downer.

[slum mum 1974]

Thanks for your kind words. He is 75, smoked for over 50 years and quit about 6 yrs ago -cold turkey- after his bro passed away. He was going thru treatment but it's not helping much. It was either get radiation for 5 days a week for 5 weeks or stop altogether. Chose the latter. He also had a spot succesfully removed in his brain before he even started the chemo for the lung. It's sad. He's a good guy/dad/grandpa -a tough old ex Marine -knew more jokes than anyone I've ever met. He's not in any pain, so that's good. It's just one day at at time. Sorry don't mean to be debbie downer.

You ar enot being a debbie downer, just telling it how it is. I'm sorry for your family and for your dad in law. *hug*

[Theo]

There's a dude who has been getting me cartons of Newports for $27 lately (in a store it's $49). I'm not asking any questions about where he's getting 'em from. It's pretty fucking cool. :) If I can keep getting 'em at that black-market price, why quit?!

[9 x Fined]

There's a dude who has been getting me cartons of Newports for $27 lately (in a store it's $49). I'm not asking any questions about where he's getting 'em from. It's pretty fucking cool. :) If I can keep getting 'em at that black-market price, why quit?!


I dunno.. cancer, heart disease, emphysema maybe

[Theo]

If you drink alot try making something else a habit so you satisfy that "pleasure seeking" when you drink.
This sounds stupid, but try chewing gum. That worked for me in the beginning. It still could work, but all my friends smoke and with all that smoke being blown in my face I thought to myself.."Screw it, I'm getting smoke in me anyway so why not let me puff when their around!"

(I love how I try to rationalize it!) haha


There's few things I hate more than seeing people chewing gum like cows.

[Theo]

I dunno.. cancer, heart disease, emphysema maybe



Captain Ellerby: "I’m gonna go have a smoke right now. You want a smoke? You don’t smoke, do ya, right? What are ya, one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go fuck yourself." (From The Departed)

[Please]

Captain Ellerby: "I’m gonna go have a smoke right now. You want a smoke? You don’t smoke, do ya, right? What are ya, one of those fitness freaks, huh? Go fuck yourself." (From The Departed)

Well firstly, poor quote

and secondly, those cheap fags you are smoking are probably knock-off fakes. Cigarettes which are produced from the left overs on facory floors, which have often, on closer examination, been found to have rats poop and other nasty stuff in them.

Happy Smoking:sick:

[9 x Fined]

and Newports no less. Doesn't get any more ghetto than that.

[Theo]

Well firstly, poor quote


Well...it does kinda need Alec Baldwin's delivery.

[Theo]

and Newports no less. Doesn't get any more ghetto than that.


Maverick menthols are more ghetto.

[imogen11]

yeah i really stopped enjoying it - thats when i knew enough was enough.

Are you still off the cigarettes, Paul? :)

[Paulc]

Hey Paulc, i stopped smoking two weeks ago on Monday, i used patches for the first week and then went cold turkey and hav ebeen crying and snapping since. I still haven't smoked because i want to stop for my health and my kids. They are so chuffed with me, my other half still smokes (just not around me or i WOULD KILL HIM, SERIOUSLY) You kept popping into my mind when i found it hard. Thank you


Hey Slum Mum thats terrific - keep it going, i promise that being a non smoker is so much better in so many ways than having a bloody fag!!

The only thing a cigarette gives you is the desire to have another cigarette. Nothing else.

Keep posting on here and i will keep on supporting you. :guitar:

[Paulc]

Are you still off the cigarettes, Paul? :)

Hey Imogen, how are you doing? thanks so much for for asking, yeah still off the fags:

I have been quit for 2 Months, 3 Weeks, 3 Days, 11 hours, 55 minutes and 56 seconds (84 days). I have saved £416.57 by not smoking 1,436 cigarettes. I have saved 4 Days, 23 hours and 40 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

How cool is that!!

Theo - you are a funny guy.

Slum Mum i found it really useful to download one of these quit counter thingys - i really like the numbers side to quitting. Just google quit keeper if you want the one i use but there are many. There are also very useful quit smoking discussion forums....but people who have just quit smoking tend to argue with each other quite alot!! ha ha

[slum mum 1974]

Hey Slum Mum thats terrific - keep it going, i promise that being a non smoker is so much better in so many ways than having a bloody fag!!

The only thing a cigarette gives you is the desire to have another cigarette. Nothing else.

Keep posting on here and i will keep on supporting you. :guitar:

Thank you so much, i really appreciate everything you have said. I promise to stay off the demon weed......(tobacco that is :D)

[raincoated lover]

I know quite a few fags I'd die for..

[Albion]

I know quite a few fags I'd die for..

Morrissey?

[raincoated lover]

I'm sure he would die for me.

[imogen11]

Hey Imogen, how are you doing? thanks so much for for asking, yeah still off the fags:

I have been quit for 2 Months, 3 Weeks, 3 Days, 11 hours, 55 minutes and 56 seconds (84 days). I have saved £416.57 by not smoking 1,436 cigarettes. I have saved 4 Days, 23 hours and 40 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 01/01/2008 05:24

How cool is that!!

Theo - you are a funny guy.

Slum Mum i found it really useful to download one of these quit counter thingys - i really like the numbers side to quitting. Just google quit keeper if you want the one i use but there are many. There are also very useful quit smoking discussion forums....but people who have just quit smoking tend to argue with each other quite alot!! ha ha

Wow, that's fucking GREAT. Congratulations! :guitar: :D :guitar:

[9 x Fined]

I smoked about 10 today. Not good.

[hatfull]

still not quit. But good on your guys for doing so well!

[XxX0▲0XxX]

How Smoking Harms People of All Ages
There are approximately 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of them toxic. The ingredients in cigarettes affect everything from the internal functioning of organs to the efficiency of the body's immune system. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread.

* Toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke travel throughout the body, causing damage in several different ways.
* Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after smoke is inhaled. It has been found in every part of the body and in breast milk.
* Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing affected cells from carrying a full load of oxygen.
* Cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke damage important genes that control the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to reproduce too rapidly.
* The carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers.
* Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections.
* There are several likely ways that cigarette smoke does its damage.
* One is oxidative stress that mutates DNA, promotes atherosclerosis, and leads to chronic lung injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be the general mechanism behind the aging process, contributing to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.
* The body produces antioxidants to help repair damaged cells. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood than do nonsmokers.
* Smoking is associated with higher levels of chronic inflammation, another damaging process that may result in oxidative stress.

Read more about how cigarettes harm us from head to toe: The Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Bless you.

[vicarinatutugal]

http://pics.livejournal.com/vicarinatutugal/pic/0000kk66
how are you all doing with it? the shbf quit on the 16th october 2006! (I can hardly believe its been all this time) and is still off them, he says he misses them all the time..
got to keep off them though.

[Corrissey]

http://pics.livejournal.com/vicarinatutugal/pic/0000kk66
how are you all doing with it? the shbf quit on the 16th october 2006! (I can hardly believe its been all this time) and is still off them, he says he misses them all the time..
got to keep off them though.

good for shbf! :clap: has he been irritable? I mean more so since Oct 16 ;)

p.s. I think I'll start calling my husband mhdh? morrisseyhatin'somethin'orother ;)

[vicarinatutugal]

good for shbf! :clap: has he been irritable? I mean more so since Oct 16 ;)

p.s. I think I'll start calling my husband mhdh? morrisseyhatin'somethin'orother ;)

the first week was a bit hard, he used one patch then would not use any more said they were crap. So he sulked a bit and got grumpy, the 2nd week he was ok the third week was rough, he was snappy and every so often if I said oh you are doing well he would give me the v sign instead of saying anything... I went stop doing that!! and he gave me the finger..
so apart from that he was not too bad. I totally felt sorry for him though cause he smoked from pre teen.
He has had really rough patches though, a couple of times I thought he might start again. :(
I can only hope he does not, cause his health really was a constant worry and I don't think I could cope with having his and my mothers on my mind all the time.
Anyway he knows the score. The doc made it utterly clear in no uncertain terms. Quit or you won't see 50.
hehe is your dh morrissey hating? I have called mine shbf for years now.. lol
it was a bit of a joke on lj and just carried on over here. :p

[Paulc]

hey guys

i have to confess to having fallen off the wagon a bit in Vegas - sitting on my own drinking for free playing blackjack was just too hard to resist - i had a cigar and a few fags. It hasnt made me go back to it and i feel quite confident that i wont ever again but getting really drunk on friday at the Quarry night will be an interesting test!

[vicarinatutugal]

hey guys

i have to confess to having fallen off the wagon a bit in Vegas - sitting on my own drinking for free playing blackjack was just too hard to resist - i had a cigar and a few fags. It hasnt made me go back to it and i feel quite confident that i wont ever again but getting really drunk on friday at the Quarry night will be an interesting test!

aww ok, so you fell off the wagon its great that you just managed to stop again. you can stick with it! :D

[vicarinatutugal]

http://www.dlisted.com/files/caption0423_0.jpg

just thought I would post a stupid pic

[iamkali62]

Happy new year to everyone.

I have subscribed to the tired old cliche of giving up smoking as a new years resolution. Its been about 30 hours so far and i am finding it really tough.

I have smoked most of my adult life since i was about 17 - i am 35 now. I was smoking about 15 a day. I have given up before but always ended up back on the fags. Usually through getting drunk. This time i have gone completely cold turkey - no nicotine replacement rubbish. Just willpower.

for anyone in any doubt this is a full on addiction to a substance that is a real toughy to give up - more addictive than heroin they say.

Couple of qs

1. anyone else giving up at the mo?

2. Why do my lungs hurt - i have stopped ffs? They didnt hurt when i was polluting them!

3. Willpower alone- will it be enough?

4. Is it alright that i have been at work all day but havent done a thing except read the Meat is Murder discussion - cos i cant concentrate on anything else??

Anyone who has given up before - fair play to you - i could use any words of advice you may have.

Cheers

p
You would find yourself in a world of hell if you lived in this *smoke free* country. You can't even smoke on the beach anymore! And as for pubs, it's a totally natural thing to light up whilst drinking your black & tan. But I applaud your steadfastness. Go for it.

[vicarinatutugal]

http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/VC/B/B/D/R/_/vcbbdr.jpg
http://bp1.blogger.com/_MasLq8lHoes/Rl9EA9txTeI/AAAAAAAABCU/4qqjeDhTpYU/s400/smoking.JPG

http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/avisodetecho.jpg

[vicarinatutugal]

A commuter who was pushed on to a railway line after telling two young men to stop smoking on a station platform said she was "lucky to be alive".
Linda Buchanan, 58, suffered bruising and a fractured wrist and was taken to hospital after the incident, which happened at Farningham Road station in Kent during Wednesday morning's rush hour.
She told Sky News: "I'm just thinking at the end of the day I am lucky to be alive. It could have been a lot worse than it has been. I'm just shocked by the whole experience."
Detective Inspector Bob Richardson of British Transport Police said Ms Buchanan was lucky she did not land on the track's live rail.



He said: "It would appear the woman had spoken to the men about smoking earlier this week.
"(On Wednesday) morning when she was at the station, she was walking past the same men when one of them pushed her and she fell onto the track. She suffered a fractured wrist and bruising to her legs. She was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been released.
"The woman was very lucky she was not more seriously injured. The third rail carries 750 volts of electricity and she could have been electrocuted or even struck by an early morning train."
Southeastern train services between Kent and London were disrupted because the live rail had to be turned off. The train company said the woman was rescued by fellow passengers after the attack.
A Southeastern spokesman said: "We are appalled by this incident and hope the perpetrators are quickly identified."
Smoking is banned on station platforms.

[vicarinatutugal]

I was on a bus in edinburgh after the last James gig and on a busy bus back to the hotel some "thug" was smoking on the bus even though there were signs up saying no, the driver said nothing, I said nothing even though I uttterly objected standing next to that foul person. why not? well frankly I might have been stabbed, I think it is a disgraceful situation when you are too scared to speak up.

thats all, read the above news story then thought about me being on that bus in edinburgh
so rant over.