Ex Smokers come in

[DesertMoon]

So I really want to quit smoking, but I have 0 will power. I quit when I was pregnant, but started right when he was born. DH quit right when Julian was born and was so pissed I started again. I don't want Julian to grow up and see me smoke, it sets a bad example and I don't want to answer those questions like "mommy why do you smoke, you smell yucky!" "mommy isn't smoking bad for you?" I told DH he made quitting looks so easy, and he said "well you quit cold turkey when you were pregnant" but I feel like that's different because I had to, it was an emergency.

I've tried e-cigarettes but they don't help the nicotine craving and make me choke..I've tried substituting with hookah, but it's too much of a hassle and does nothing for me. If I use the patch, I'll just smoke while I'm wearing it and the gum is awful. My cousin who is a pharmacist suggested chantix, but the side effects are a little much for me. I bought all of my favorite Arabic seeds to munch on to help with quitting, but it's not going very well, I would smoke while eating the seeds so it makes me want one, and I have a really bad caffeine addiction so it's like a battle all day.

I'de like to hear how any of you quit, if you have any ideas or know of anything that works.

[laurack]

I have a friend who is taking wellbutrin (antidepressant)- she says it is supposed to help with smoking cessation? She plans to quit in 2 weeks.

I used to smoke but it was so long ago. I think I was 20 when I quit? I just remember being sick of it, waking up feeling so shitty. I think it was around when I started running more and I was sick of cigarettes making me feel like crap while running.

For me, I used to smoke a lot when I drank alcohol and very little when I didn't. So I had to quit drinking/going out socially for a while too. Now that wouldn't be an issue of course since I never go out!

Also what about the cost thing? could you add up how much you'll have saved by one year from now, and decide to allow yourself to buy something nice for that amount of money?

[DesertMoon]

Jan 28, 2013 10:24:43 GMT -5 laurack said:

I have a friend who is taking wellbutrin (antidepressant)- she says it is supposed to help with smoking cessation? She plans to quit in 2 weeks.

I used to smoke but it was so long ago. I think I was 20 when I quit? I just remember being sick of it, waking up feeling so shitty. I think it was around when I started running more and I was sick of cigarettes making me feel like crap while running.

For me, I used to smoke a lot when I drank alcohol and very little when I didn't. So I had to quit drinking/going out socially for a while too. Now that wouldn't be an issue of course since I never go out!

Also what about the cost thing? could you add up how much you'll have saved by one year from now, and decide to allow yourself to buy something nice for that amount of money?

The cost thing wouldn't work...there is nothing I want more than cigarettes...(Sick I know.)

[DesertMoon]

Jan 28, 2013 10:27:40 GMT -5 @chelsmonster said:

I smoked for about 5 years on and off and haven't smoked in going on 4 years now. I know that quitting cold turkey absolutely did not work for me. I would say, "ok I normally smoke 15 a day. Today I will smoke 15, and tomorrow I will only smoke 14." I would gradually get it down and start disassociating smoking with certain things. If you always smoke while drinking coffee first thing in the morning, don't link those acts together, just think of it as #1. Also, don't allow yourself to buy more than you need. Set a goal for when you want to be finished and do the math so you know how many a day you can have and gradually reduce down to until that point. Maybe set a goal and reward yourself with something awesome like a shopping trip or something you really want but can't have unless you reach your goal. I quit then picked it back up then quit and restarted allllll the time. It is not easy. Make sure you have a great support system too. Good luck hon, you'll be so proud of yourself when you quit!

I like the idea of cutting down gradually, but I'm so bad at it. I just feel like nothing works for me.

[rainbowchip]

It sounds to me like you aren't ready to quit. I think you need to want to quit 100% and you aren't there yet.

I quit by having oral surgery and not wanting anything near my mouth for a week so I figured I went that long without a cigarette I might as well quit. So short of oral surgery or getting KU again, I got nothing for you.

[nls0412]

I have no advice, just want to say good luck! I'm sure it's super hard, but I'm glad you're trying to quit for Julian!

[eav2c]

I quit cold turkey. I smoked a few times after but it just confirmed why I quit. I did quit with e-cigs before but picked up again when my mom died. Could you try a different flavor of e-cigs? There are tons of flavored from fruits to brands of specific cigarettes. I have probably 20 different favors (my husband was obsessed) and can send you some if you want. My H has been on both the gum and the patch. Not at the same time, lol. Both have been okay but he's been on them for 18 months or so and I don't see him quitting anytime soon because he hasn't cut back to a lower dose in 18 months either. Could you try talking with your doctor? Perhaps there are other meds. Also, this might be strange, but have you looked into hypnosis? I hear it can work.

[Deleted]

Under the guidance of my OB/GYN, I was able to cut back to three, then two, then one cigarette a day over a two-week period and then it was gone too. Eliminate the automatics (first thing in AM, while driving, right after eating, right before bed) first and only smoke when your head feels like it will explode. This will help you eliminate the habit piece and only cater to the chemical piece. Then begin pushing through those cravings by using distractions...go vaccum or have an apple or play with Julian. Eventually, the chemical gets reduced until it's gone. Once you have that last one, the first two weeks are the hardest and I will be honest, I gained probably 15 lbs from eating to distract myself but it was totally worth it. My husband smokes and has tried to quit multiple times but that was and still is hard to be around.

The Chantix side-effects scared me too much to try it too, so I waited until I got pregnant and had a damn good reason to quit for good. My mom had great success with Wellbutrin, but it made her a little loony in the process.

My lung capacity is normal now, I don't stink, I feel and look much better and I am saving gobs of $$$. And Rosalie is so much healthier than Juliana because she isn't being exposed to the degree Juliana was and I have lots of Mommy Guilt because of this. Every time I want one, I remember these things and I am over it. Now if I can just figure out how to get the hubs to quit. He never makes it past the two week mark, but I know you can!!!!

[Deleted]

I smoked for about 4 years and I have been smoke free for 2 years now. I used  chantix to finally quit... I had a few weird dreams but nothing worse than what I had when I was pregnant.
Nothing else worked for me, my Mom even died from respritory related issues and I still couldn't make myself quit, so I know how hard it is but I feel soooo much better now....I didn't even realize how gross I felt while smoking until I quit.

Good Luck!

[Deleted]

Oh, and I can't remember if you work or not, but I found out that me reeking of smoke weighed heavily on being promoted within my company and that "nobody in upper management smokes". So, I was being judged hard and didn't even know it.

[eav2c]

I do think you have to be ready. If you're not ready you'll likely go back to it full time. I think it's best to pick a date in the somewhat future and set it in your mind about that day being the day. I don't think it is as easy to say "I am quitting today" without preparation and getting it through your mind for at least a few days before then. Have an action plan set up too. I like Ouiser's suggestions a lot. You'll get there, it's hard, but you will feel soooo much better when you aren't smoking anymore!

[TrudyCampbell]

I worked for a physician who used to prescribe Chantix to tons of patients and most people did really well with it. So it might be worth a shot? It's nice because you can still smoke for a while when you first take it.

[DesertMoon]

Thanks a lot ladies

Rainbowchip you're probably right, I am making so many excuses it's probably me trying to convince myself I can't. Eavc and Ouiser, I really like your suggestions..I think cutting down and breaking the habit first and then getting rid of the chemical addiction will be the best way to drop the habit.

It controls my life, seriously I don't want to visit my MIL because I can't smoke there, I hate when my dad visits me from MI because I can't smoke until he sleeps, I hate going out period because I can't smoke...It just controls everything I do and I feel like it is time to quit. Thanks for the support, you guys are great.

The hypnosis sounds so cool, I wish it could be that easy...I always see signs on this one road about want to lose weight? want to quit smoking, well hypnosis works, call this number! lol maybe I'll try it, if it doesn't work atleast I'll have a funny story to tell you guys.

[tuck]

I like Ouiser's idea if you know cold turkey doesn't work for you. I quit cold turkey from a pack a day, and DH quit by getting on the patch for a week then cold turkey. He was a 3 pack a day smoker, though. It was hell.

My last pack was 10 camel lights and 10 cheap-ass menthols in the same pack. It was so disgusting I never wanted another one.

My mom smoked for 20+ years, and she did hypnosis about 15 years ago and hasn't smoked since. It's worth a shot!

[mscatra]

I quit cold turkey. You really do have to be ready to quit. My SIL just quit as well, and she had the same realization I did - these things are NOT going to rule me any longer. I am stronger than a stupid little stick and am DONE. I've had a few (drunk every time, lol) since, but they have actually grossed me out. It helps that I'm intensely, insanely stubborn, and that I like to win. I'm still winning over them.