Quitting smoking

[jazzytrav]

As for me, I quit for about 4 months starting last summer, but eventually went back for reasons that I would rather not get into. Anyway, what I got from that was that it is indeed possible for me to quit, so when the times comes again, I know that I can do it http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif">

My God this thread is old. So apparently this was my post from about four years ago, and I actually did quit about three years ago.

Okay, I "mostly" quit, but here's my tip: if you find that you have an addictive personality like myself, don't forbid it to yourself. For me, the one time that it was nearly impossible for me to quit was when I went out to a bar, so now I only allow it to myself when I'm drinking. For some of you guys, that might not work so well, but contrary to four years ago when I originally made this post, I'm married and working about 60 hours a week, so I "go out" every two-three months or so. My wife still gets pissed when I do it, but seriously, to give you all a clue of how much I actually smoke, I just finished a pack of Camel Lights on the 4th of July (for those who don't know, cigarette manufacturers have not allowed to call cigarettes "light, ultralight, etc." since June 2010). So basically, a pack a year+. I didn't even know what to ask for in the gas station when I bought another pack.

Years ago my grandparents got hypnotized to quite smoking, and it worked for them. Just thought I'd throw that idea out there.

I have two co-workers that have both tried this...one worked, one didn't. The crazy thing about the one that it worked on is that she can't even look at a cigarette anymore. She tried smoking after the hypnotism and said it tasted like sand, so now she gets sick around them...even cigarette butts on the ground make her sick. Crazy stuff.

 

[GAME05]

Schlitz, it's nice to meet a fellow gambler. though i'm thinking you're far ahead of me on this (congrats, though). i've decided to go to the quota system starting Friday, as it's worked for me before: dole myself out maybe 6 per day and stick to that. that way i only grab one if i'm really craving it and don't pick one up out of habit.

 

thanks everyone for the support. i probably wouldn't try to stop otherwise, but now that i've gone and given my word on brewerfan i just have to!

 

i'm surprised to hear such positive reviews of hypnotism. there might be a good chance my health care plan covers that, since most offer a lot for anti-smoking efforts. i'll have to make that phone call soon. thanks.

[prophet]

Anyone who decides to try Chantix, just make sure you're okay with the side effects before you hand over the money. They not exactly cheap. I thought I was okay with the side effects but after four sleepless nights, (my vivid dream was me murdering my sons puppy and then strangling my son) I couldn't do it anymore. The main thing is, when I dream, the minute I wake up, I forget everything about the dream. But, with this dream, everytime I saw my son or the puppy, the dream would flood completely into my head. It was pure hell. The main thing with smoking is willpower. Whether it's the gum, the patch, hypnosis, or whatever, if you don't commit yourself to actually stopping smoking, nothing will work. There is aids for nicotine addiction, but there isn't a cure. Either way though, be careful with Chantix. I truly believe it is the worst drug to ever be put on the market.

[GAME05]

old thread i thought i'd revive because it's the off-season:)

 

unfortunately i'm still a dirty dirty smoker. i just learned yesterday that there's more technology on the market than just the cigarette-type e-cigarettes, which have never really been all that great.

 

apparently there's much better ones out there more the shape of a cigar. supposed to be much better vapor and different flavors and everything. i ordered one yesterday and am looking forward to it arriving. excited is more like it. for the past few months it's gotten to the point where i can truly tell my lungs are hurting. not to mention i'm debating getting a law enforcement license and i'd never pass the physical test if i still smoked.

[craigharmann]

I've never smoked a day in my life. So why am I posting here? To encourage you. We all have our vices. Smoking has wreaked havoc in my family. My dad had a major heart attack 4 years ago. Smoked pretty much constantly. After he left the hospital, he has never once had a cigarette in the 4 years since. I've asked him if he ever had cravings, he said no. Now, he's stubborn and probably is stubborning himself into it. My older brother was not so lucky. After my dad's heart attack, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. At age 45. He lost his fight last September. My sisters have smoked, yet my younger sister quit before she got pregnant with my nephew. I've never smoked. Why? I heard my dad's horrible cough. I never wanted to do something like that that led to that awful of a cough and wheezing. So, I commend all of you for trying to find ways to quit. Keep after it!

[Invader3K]

Yeah, that's a sad story, craig. I have an uncle who died about three years ago, at age 59. Lifetime multi-pack a day smoker who died of lung cancer. I can't believe we still have people in our extended family who smoke, but that's how it is.

[GAME05]

just wanted to post an update. i got my electronic cigarette three weeks ago (better than the gas station kind) and it completely eliminated my desire for real cigarettes. i haven't had one since.

[jjkoestler]

What kind/brand did you get?

[Baldkin]

just wanted to post an update. i got my electronic cigarette three weeks ago (better than the gas station kind) and it completely eliminated my desire for real cigarettes. i haven't had one since.

 

Way to go man. Seriously. My 65 year old father is trying that, after smoking for 45 years. I hope it works.

[GAME05]

good luck to your father, Baldkin.

 

What kind/brand did you get?

 

i started off with the Kanger EVOD, but because i found a better one at a bargain, i quickly moved up to a Vamo V5. though if you were considering one, the MVP kit is probably the best value out there right now so long as you don't mind something that looks like an Altoids tin.

[TooLiveBrew]

just wanted to post an update. i got my electronic cigarette three weeks ago (better than the gas station kind) and it completely eliminated my desire for real cigarettes. i haven't had one since.

Good to hear this. Good luck, GAME!

[lukevan]

First post here in awhile but I am still lurking.

 

I finally got the impetus in my brain to quit smoking. Stopped cold turkey in April and haven't smoked one cigarette since. My advice is persevere through the difficult times of wanting a cigarette and just avoid it, I am definitely glad to be rid of the habit!

[GAME05]

Well, it's been a year and I only went back on the cigarette wagon for about a month. Otherwise I've been enjoying my e-cig. Real cigarettes actually taste pretty gross to me now and I really don't crave them. Sure, I'm addicted to the e-cig now but I don't stink of smoke and it's not like I blow it in peoples' faces or anything. And I don't wheeze when I breathe anymore!

 

Really didn't turn out to be all that difficult to make the switch, since one can still satisfy the nicotine cravings with the e-cig.

 

Enjoying one right now. It's "Berry cake batter" flavor. Much better than the "licking a fireplace" flavor of cigarettes.

[RobDeer 45]

Don't know much about the E Cigs. What are the benefits and issues with using them?

[GAME05]

Though the short-term studies have been overwhelmingly positive, we don't have any long-term research on the effects of inhaling propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. And the nicotine liquid is absolutely something you can't let little kids get ahold of (liquid nicotine is a topical poison and it's something a toddler might drink).

 

Right now the biggest areas of concern is that many see it as a gateway to cigarettes and the flavors of the e-liquid being enticing to youngsters. A big issue is the industry right now is unregulated--it's easy to get online and although many stores adhere to 18+ only, that mostly is done voluntarily and not because of law.

 

I've read some research that showed e-cigs weren't any more effective as a stop-smoking aid than patches or gum, while others have shown greater results.

[Slaket13]

I just read an article about a study done in Japan saying vaping was even worse for you. I've tried using one to quit and it didn't help me. Some of my friends had luck with vaporizers

 

I'm guessing the problem is that I chew and don't smoke. Vaping doesn't really mimic a dip in anyway.

 

Good luck to everyone quitting, Im going to make another attempt soon.

[GAME05]

I just read an article about a study done in Japan saying vaping was even worse for you.

 

The study looked at 10 e-cigs and found an anomaly in one of them and made the conclusion based on that one. It was one toxin and it was formaldyhide (sp?). Here's a refutation to that Japanese study: http://www.ecigarette-research.com/web/index.php/2013-04-07-09-50-07/2014/188-frm-jp. Also the atomizer (what creates the vapor) that was tested was badly gunked up and burnt, long past the point when one would have thrown it away.

 

To be fair, here's the original Japanese study: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/analsci/29/12/29_1219/_pdf

 

I can see how vaping wouldn't work for someone who dips. I have friends who quit using Snus, but I know that's not all that close to the same thing. But all the best with it.