Welcome to the Community Forums

Back Again! Cancel The title field is required!

1. daddyb

   

   9 posts
   Registered:
   10 Apr 2018
   10 Apr 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi everyone I'm DaddyB. I've been a smoker for 45 years with the exception of a 3 year period where I quit when I was in my twenty's. Since then I've struggled with failed attempts using pretty much every NRT that is made. I've finally gotten to a point where I'm sick of the habit and how it seems to control every aspect of my life. I want my life back! I've been a member on this site off and on since the early 2000's and I'm so happy to hear that some of the people who started here the same time I did, have managed to maintain their quits for more than a dozen years. So now I'm reaching out for help, even if it's just someone to talk to. Sometimes it helps to have someone who knows what you are going through to give you that little boost to keep going.
   So now you know about me and why I'm here. I wish all of you continued success in your quits.
   
   DaddyB
2. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   10 Apr 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi daddyb,
   
   Welcome back. I also smoked for decades with the exception of 7 years in the 1980's. You have very strong reasons for quitting and I applaud you reclaiming your life from the habit. My main reason for quitting just over a month ago were to reverse the health problems smoking created. I was scandalized by the poisons I was ingesting and spewing into the environment, and by the financial drain.
   
   I quit with determination and the aid of NRT lozenges and gum.
   
   I hope to hear more as you progress in your quit and wish you every success.
   
   Eagerquit
   
3. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   10 Apr 2018

   Link to this post

   Hey daddyb!
   
   So glad that you are posting and starting again! daddyb, there is a lot to look forward to and like eagerquit, the members are here to help you through to those good times.
   
   They can do it and so can you,
   Keep posting dayddyb!
   
   Lillian
   
4. daddyb

   

   9 posts
   Registered:
   10 Apr 2018
   11 Apr 2018 in reply to eagerquit

   Link to this post

   Thank you for the support eagerquit. I also have the lozenges and have been trying them out to see if they really work and if they will adversely affect me in any way. I think they will be my go to NRT. I also stopped at the grocery store a bought a bunch of different flavors of gum, which was my main crutch the last time I quit. I'm thinking positive and I'm determined to make it this time. I'm sick of all the coughing, the smell, the stains on my fingers, the shirts I've ruined due to burn holes from ashes that fell off. I just want to be free of all of it again.
   
   Thanks again, and good luck on your journey :)
   
   DaddyB
5. daddyb

   

   9 posts
   Registered:
   10 Apr 2018
   11 Apr 2018 in reply to lillian, quit coach

   Link to this post

   Hi lillian! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. It's been a long time since I was on here and I see a lot has changed. There are so many new people, which is great to see, and I still recognize some of the older members that were here when I was here last. So many wonderful people to lean on when times get rough.
   
   I'll be checking in often and reporting my progress while I do my best to encourage others.
   
   Have a great day lillian!
6. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   11 Apr 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi Daddyb,
   
   I've been doing various gums to - Juicy Fruit, Excel and Trident, various flavours. They seem to be taking over from the NRT so I'm not doing much of that any more. I am also enjoying Scotch Mints from the dollar store.
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
7. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   11 Apr 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi daddyb,
   
   Yes, you have so many reasons to quit smoking.  Like you, I had a terrible cough, my fingers were stained, I had holes in my clothes, and I reeked of smoke.  And I was just so embarrassed by the whole thing.  I hated standing in a doorway furtively smoking while people stared at me as they walked by.  And I felt extremely guilty when someone with children passed by me while I was having a cigarette.  Oh man, that made me cringe!
   
   So just think.  You won't have to worry about any of that if you stop smoking.  A weight will be lifted off your shoulders.  And day by day your health will improve.
   
   I am so glad you decided to give quitting another shot, daddyb.  You can do it, have faith!
8. daddyb

   

   9 posts
   Registered:
   10 Apr 2018
   12 Apr 2018 in reply to eagerquit

   Link to this post

   The mints would be a good idea as well as hard candy, but I have to watch as I am type 2 diabetic and have to watch my sugar levels. The last time I quit successfully, I went cold turkey with nothing but sugarless gum as a support. That quit lasted 3 years but I was drinking one night with friends and started smoking again. This time, I don't drink much anymore so that temptation won't be a problem.
   
   Thanks for your support and encouragement!!
   
   Good luck on your quit eagerquit!
   
   DaddyB
9. daddyb

   

   9 posts
   Registered:
   10 Apr 2018
   12 Apr 2018 in reply to treepeo

   Link to this post

   Hi treepeo:
   
   I know exactly what you mean about all the negative effects of smoking, in fact, I can't think of anything good about this filthy habit. I just want my life back without having to figure out where and when I can have a smoke. It's amazing when you think of it how you build your life around this habit. You'll put off going out until you have a smoke. You'll put off doing a task until you have a smoke. You have to plan your smoke breaks so they fit into your schedule. If I could have a dime for every time I said the words "as soon as I finish this smoke", I could likely pay off my mortgage.
   
   So here's to a new life without living in a blue cloud!!
   
   Thanks for the support treepeo, good luck with your quit!
   
   DaddyB
10. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    12 Apr 2018

    Link to this post

    Oh man, no truer words were spoken:  You build your life around smoking.  You are absolutely right, daddyb.  Smoking used to come first to me, and everything else came second.  I would leave late for work so I could have my third smoke before leaving my apartment.  I would allow a streetcar to leave without me so I could have my smoke first.  I would step out of a restaurant and huddle in a doorway in the dark by myself so I could get my fix halfway through dinner.  I was a total slave to my addiction.  I am so glad that all of that is behind me now.
    
    It is extra important for you to quit because you are diabetic, daddyb.  When you stop smoking, your circulation will improve dramatically, which will help you to avoid certain complications from diabetes.  So you have my support all the way!