Anyone Ever Stop?
Out of context: Reply #26
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I started smoking at 15. Finally successfully quit at 30, six years ago.
Some hints.
1. Just quit. Just stop. The initial craving for a cigarette will always be there though. Whether you smoke it or not or not, the craving will go away.
2. Chew gum, chew toothpicks. Cme up with some other orally fixated habit.
3. If you drink coffee or alchol those will ALWAYS be triggers for cigareet cravings. Do not give into the coffee ones. Try not to give into the alcohol ones. If you do give into the alcohol ones, don't beat yourself up over it, but do NOT smoke the next day. Also ensure that you only smoke when you go on a bender, so you really WILL feel like total shit the next day from both the hangover and the really crappy feeling that cigarettes, when not smoked for a few months give you. It's like a hangover and nicotine poisoning all at once. Now THAT is a vomitting experience.
Within the first year, stress induced cheating in the event of - major exam, car accident, death or severe injury in family, your imminent and/or immediate death are allowable. Don't get all down in yourself if you sneak one at these times. NOT allowable - your heart was broken. After a first year only loved ones death or your immediate chance of death are allowable reasons to light up. This exemption is life long though.
4. If you aren't physically active, get that way. Take up running, jogging, karate, kayaking, pilates, capoeira, boxing, tennis, weightlifting - or any combination thereof. Whatever floats your boat, and make sure you do it intensefly at least three times a week. It really helps.
5. Focus on the positive. Trust me within a few months you'll breath better, smell things better, food will taste better, you'll have a more stimulating sex life, and your clothes won't smell all stinky. You probably don't think they do now, but they will.
6. Finally, don't become an evil ex-smoker. If people light up around you, be cool. Don't sneer or cough, or feel the temptation. Inwardly secretly feel smug that YOU are superior to them because they are a slave and victm of evil tabacky. Nothing is more motivating than feeling socially superior. But outwardly feel the lure of the second hand smoke. After quitting you will have a day where it really does become offensive. Suprised me when it happened.
7. You will never not enjoy the scent of a freshly opened pack of cigarettes though. MMmmmmm..
7.a Think of the money you will save. Ca-Ching!