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1. fedup

   

   11 posts
   Registered:
   15 Aug 2018
   23 Mar 2021

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   Hi and I'm Jack and have lost count of the times I have attempted to quit smoking.  Mostly it's been a last minute decision with no planning and maybe lasts a few hours.  I am now feeling the effects of smoking and really need help to quit.
   
2. phoenix

   

   11 posts
   Registered:
   31 Jan 2021
   23 Mar 2021 in reply to fedup

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   Hi Jack! I'm Phoenix and like you, I lost count the number of times I tried to quit smoking even when I started feeling the effects of tobacco use. One of my biggest problems was lack of willpower cuz I actually enjoyed smoking although I've come to believe that that's from the addiction. One of the things I learned through all my attempts is besides willpower, you need to PLAN if you want to succeed! 
   Some areas you can check out for help is your family doctor or local pharmacist. You can also Google to see if there's smoking cessation programs in your area. Your local public health or hospital might be able to help you with that. I went through an addiction centre and got into a program to help me quit. I also use NRT's like the patch for 24 hour support and the mini lozenge for that quick nic hit when I need it. Through your doctor you can get prescription for Champix or Zyban. I also have a supply of lollipops for the hand to mouth motion as well as hard candy for the times where lollipops aren't feasible like wearing a mask in the age of covid. Another place you can check out is your local lung association or cancer association. Both have great programs that can help you if you really want to quit. The more effort you put into it the better chance you have to succeed. I used to smoke almost 3 packs a day then went down to one. Now I'm into 3 weeks of being a non smoker! It hasn't been easy but I'm starting to feel the benefits of being smoke-free. You can, too! Just keep trying til you find what works for you. This site is also a big time cuz there's so many people on it who know what you're going through and will be there for you. I hope this helps you and I wish you all the best! Just don't give up trying! You can do this!!!
3. fedup

   

   11 posts
   Registered:
   15 Aug 2018
   24 Mar 2021 in reply to phoenix

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   Thanks so much for your support and very pertinent suggestions.  Sounds like our struggle has been similar but good for you, you're successful one day at a time.  Keep up the great work and I will be following your suggestions.
   
   
4. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   26 Mar 2021

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   Hi fedup,
   
   I think that all of us have tried to quit over and over, with no success.  I was like that, too, until I found this site.  I read the information here and did the questionnaires, etc.  I smoked for over 43 years and I had no idea how to go about quitting, but I learned a great deal here.  What I found most helpful was to distract myself when I got cravings.  I would go for a walk, read a book, or play a computer game.  Anything to keep my mind off of it.  And I drank a lot of water to help remove the toxins from my body.  I changed my routine a bit, and I posted here often.  It was really hard, don't get me wrong, but I managed to do it.  I quit four years ago and I never went back.  I live by NOPE (Not One Puff Ever).  If you never take another puff, you will be a non-smoker forever.
   
   You said you are feeling the effects of smoking now.  I get it.  I became increasingly worried, because I could hardly make it up a flight of stairs without gasping for breath.  And every morning I had the most horrible breath, because of all the poisons in my body.  Now, all of that has changed, and I am no longer a slave to this addiction.
   
   Try to develop a plan and stick to it.  Write a list of all the reasons why you want to quit and read it often.  Be prepared to suffer a bit, and reward yourself for good behaviour.  You CAN quit, fedup, and you deserve to live a smoke free life.  Believe in yourself and go for it!  You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.  
5. fedup

   

   11 posts
   Registered:
   15 Aug 2018
   29 Mar 2021 in reply to treepeo1

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   I love the slogan NOPE.  Haven't heard that before.  I really appreciate your reaching out and sharing your experience and it's so inspiring that you are smoke-free after all this time.  Keep up the good work.  Positive for me to hear what you did works.