What Happens to Your body if you stop smoking Right now?
July 19, 2006 by Liz Lewis
Filed under Cancer, Greatest Hits, Prevention, Your Body
I think one of the main reasons it’s so hard to quit smoking is because all the benefits of quitting and all the dangers of continuing seem very far away. Well, here’s a little timeline about some of the more immediate effects of quitting smoking and how that will affect your body RIGHT NOW.
- In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
- In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
- In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
- In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
- In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
- In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
- In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
- In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
- In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
- In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
So, you have more immediate things to look forward to if you quit now besides just freaking out about not being able to smoke. Quit now!
Update: 6/11/07
You can view a high-quality Graphic representation of this post right here.
Update: This make you think it’s time to quit. Check out these 5 Smoking Gadgets That Might Help You Quit Smoking.
Really want to be serious about quitting? Click Here!
[tags] smoking, cancer, quit smoking [/tags]
hi i gave up at the begining of last month for 4 months, i did great, but at the end of 3 months i had no effects whatsoever, and thought that i would like a cigg, because it did not have a hold on me anymore, i did it one night, and then didnt smoke the next day, but smoked again the following night, still in the mind that i was free from the addiction cos it was ok, then the next morning, well started again, and wasnt long before i was on my 20 a day habit.. to be honest iv been depressed ever since then, i tried a couple of weeks ago to give up and lasted 4 days, i really want to try again, cos i feel so depressed with myself and feel a failure..
Your human, we all fail, so please lighten up on yourself, cause we are all doing are best. Shame is not a helper in stopping this habit or any other
habit. You are worth more than you know.
I want to smoke right now!!!!!!!!! (The want NOT need ) I’m worth more than that smoke. 30 yrs. of habit ,I’m on my 7th day.
All, keep going day 24 for me and it’s better each day, lots of gum, lots of deepbreaths, what I actually do is treat myself each week to a nice meal and remind myself why I have the money to do it, just keep rewarding yourself along the way and it’s worth it.
i did the exact same thing.me and my friends went to a cigar shop to play poker with free ciggaretts. i had one. then we went again a couple days later and i had a couple. now im hooked again. lesson learned.. if you are able to quit.. dont think your immune to cigs. cause you will start again
You are not a failure, many people will relapse from addiction for one reason or another. Try again, put your mind to it like before and do not rationalize any use of nicotine or you will run into the same problem you did before.
Im done the same thing. You feel like you have it beat and are now strong enough to be a light smoker. I would make up rules for myself like only with friends or only when I drink. That does not work. Im on day four. Good luck on the next quit attempt!
Good luck to all of you. I am on my 6th day today. (Again)
Been smoking for 26 years all together. Quit 5 times.
Sometimes I quit for 1 week, other times 2 years.
I feel this is The one.
I an in my mid 40’s and its been well overdue.
Here is some videos I found very helpful!
http://www.whyquit.com/joel/dayzero.htm
Good luck to everyone.
Roxy
I know how you feel! I’ve managed to stop for different lengths of time over the years, and each time I started again I felt worse about myself. I hated smoking but couldn’t stop. Today I am using those feelings to my advantage…I am 2 months without a cigarette today, and whenever I want one I remember how they REALLY made me feel, and know that I will hate myself if I have one…..hang in there and try again!! I thought I’d never quit…..so don’t give up, miracles happen everyday!!
i want to stop smoking
YOU CAN DO IT
you can do it put your mind to it!!!!!!!!!!!! if you put your mind to it you can do anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chantix worked for me. If you have health insurance you should look into. If not, contact your local health department and see what they can do for you to get it affordably.
Sandra dont feel depressed you did good at frist try it again I have been smoke free a litter over three months now. Its a brain thing try again get past the 72 hours its down hill. also try takeing a fish oil pill every day they rally help with the craving.
this site is very confusing, if you read the comments they are not in order of date posted which i find really annoying, it would be a great inspiration as well if the comments were in order
yes I agree,its confusing.
Where are the most recent comments? The ones from today?????
There are a few at the top of the page,then you and me and then a load from June and July 2009, I just don’t get it!!!
Sharon
Dear Sandra, Sharon and Marilyn,
There is a bug in this blog (no pun intended). If you look just below this post (maybe down one or two messages) you will find a post from Amer from June 30, followed by others starting in july and going down the page to the end.
What happens is that when it is time for a new page to be created for this blog, the new page carries along ALL those posts (starting with Amer’s June 30 post) to the end of the page – leaving the earlier ones on the old page. Then the NEW posts get posted at the top of the NEW page in rough chronological order. Once you figure this out, you can find your way around by looking for Amer’s June 30 post and working back from that through the newer ones.
I’ve complained about this “feature” starting months ago (to Marijke Durning – the current moderator), but nothing happened. All we can do at this point is live with this pain in the ass. Sorry…
Thanks Bill, that makes sense,I think lol, I will try it.
Sharon
Hi Bill,
We’ve been dealing with this problem for a long time. I could not find the most recent posts yesterday but now it seems to be better. Did you notice Debra is back!!!! YAY!
Marilyn
Bill there is no pun.
Well, I did it! I never though I would be smoke free for almost 72 hours!
I tried so many ways before to stop and nothing ever help. I was sitting here reading and thinking, and reading some more and I made up my mind, I don’t want this no more.
I looked at my lil child and thought, i’m they only parent left and I need to be here. I lost my husband back in november from cancer ( thyroid) and I can’t leave this earth as long as my lil is little.
I have smoked since I was 16 yrs old and i’m 35 now, so I say, it’s about time I get myself together.
I am having terrible mood swings and can’t stand anyone around me.
I really hope this passes soon! I wonder if it really is the craving i’m having or I really could never stand them, lol.
Anyways, goodluck with your quite day/date and only wish you all the best! I will NEVER pick up another cig in my life again.
Maybe I shouldn’t rush and get all excited, lol. I see a lot wrong with my words. Ooops…..
I should have read and submitted, not submitted and read, lol.
Still, good luck!!!!!!!
Olivia:
Thanks for posting. How we forget sometimes what smoking not only does to us, but what smoking does for those we love.
I’m not promoting this, but it is something that I watched the other day. If you go to YouTube.com do a search on a video called ” Thanks Tobacco You Killed My Mom”. I want to WARN YOU THOUGH…it’s so sad, and they don’t hold back on anything…you’ll be crying. A young man actually video taped his mother while she was dying of lung cancer (yes, due to cigarettes). His mother agreed to having herself video tapes to help people who want to quit smoking. Please be careful, this is a powerful video. I have watched it each time I think about having a cigarette. Just knowing that my breath could be taken away from me, scares the hell out of me. It is a painful thing to watch, and I only pray that I don’t end up this way.
My very best to you..hang in there…it’s not easy. I’m on Day 3 and I never want to go back to smoking. N.O.P.E. NOT ONE PUFF EVER.
Debra
Debra,
I just watched the video. Anyone who smokes or plans to quit smoking should watch this video. It is powerful! Better yet, EVERYONE should watch it.
Thanks so much.
Marilyn
Hey Marilyn
I watch that video around three times a day. It is such motivation for me. God Bless that woman, may she rest in peace and know that her suffering has helped a lot of people (like me) realize that effects of smoking.
Hope all is well with you ! I’m starting Day 4 — Gosh, I have been crabby lately…hopefully that will pass
Well hello people, im still confused on how to read the comments on this site in order, but i get the newer comments emailed to me, so i will just comment on what i read in the emails, iv listened to marilyn, debra and bill as the main posters! Well i am now going to stop smoking, i am having my last cigg now and im going to put my patch on so in the morning i will be free, i will post again at the end of the day, to tell you how it went, well here goes, bye bye dirty grey smoke!
I have a group on yahoo q_smoking would love for you to join
Connie Perry
Hi Connie,I’ve looked for your q_smoking site, but can’t find it.Can you tell me how to get on it please. I have looked on yahoo but no joy.
Thanks,
Sharon.
it is at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/q_smoking/?yguid=401836372
Connie Perry
I own a yahoo group called q_smoking all the post are in order would love to see you join
Connie Perry
holy cow 31 days and counting whoo hoo and 300.00 in my pocket.. i think i might have a night out to celebrate
I really enjoy reading about all the people giving up its a inspiration for other and do wonder why we started smoking in the first place but thats just human behaviour I reckon and Good Luck and keep me posted it gets easier every day
Hi Mark, I am enjoying reading about other people trying to give up, it really does help me.
I am only on day 4 today. Yesterday was a nightmare!!! someone on here said that day 3 was the worst.I have had a lot of support from people on facebook as well, which really helps me.
How long have you been smoke free?
I hope tomorrow will be better for me as I must admit I have very nearly lit one up a couple of times.After 36 years it is so hard not to!
Good luck to everyone
Sharon
Dear Sharon , I gave up nearly 2 weeks ago but I am not counting and I started smoking about 27 years ago and for what reason I can never understand …Maybe I wanted to look like the “Marlboro Man” or thought being covered in smoke was kind of sexy lol …Did the Marlboro man eventually die of smoking related disease or is that some urban myth!!
I have tried giving up before but this is the easiest because no one around me smokes and I feel very relaxed and the gum seems to have improved but would recommend the 4mg for long term smokers …dont even think about having one crafty smoke because it doesnt work ,,,yes some people can do it that way but for me it will just take me back to 20 a day from 7am to midnight counting out my stash … I do feel good and have tried to give up in the past but never felt like I do this time
Good luck and do feel happy that I have eventually kicked the habit …plus I am not going to spend my life saying I gave up on a particular day …I dont need to keep a record of it in my mind but it will help others to succeed because we all work by numbers I suppose
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE WE WILL SUCCEED TOGETHER
well done guys!feel much stronger now about quiting i am so glad there is still people around with will power!
Thanks Jimmy. I really find it encouraging to recieve emails, and positive reinforcement. quitting is so hard. today I have off, so I went to run errands but because of a snow storm-and where I live, some businesses are closed- which isn’t a big deal. except by the time I walked over there and back I was pretty livid that I couldn’t complete my errands (I know in the scheme of things its small potatoes) but my god did I want a smoke. I wanted a smoke so badly I thought about all the different ways I could sneak a smoke in. aaaah. instead I ate a handful of grapes and puttered around my house to relax. but its moments like that when I realize my battle to quit has just begun in earnest! I look fwd to the day- that when life throws me a curve ball I don’t au
Thanks Jimmy. I really find it encouraging to receive emails, and positive reinforcement. quitting is so hard. today I have off, so I went to run errands but because of a snow storm-and where I live, some businesses are closed- which isn’t a big deal. except by the time I walked over there and back I was pretty livid that I couldn’t complete my errands (I know in the scheme of things its small potatoes) but my god did I want a smoke. I wanted a smoke so badly I thought about all the different ways I could sneak a smoke in. aaaah. instead I ate a handful of grapes and puttered around my house to relax. but its moments like that when I realize my battle to quit has just begun in earnest! I look fwd to the day- that when life throws me a curve ball I don’t automatically think of having a smoke. hang in there guys!
cheers,
Kerry
Hey everyone, it has been 23 days since I quit and after the first 6 days headaches and chills while sleeping went away and it got alot easier, but this weekend was harder than the last. Are there trigeers like being around people or stress that will always be there to make you think you need one, or will this also go away or get easier?
Any advice would be appreciated. thanks
Hello to all of my old friends.
I wanted to wait a few hours before I posted the following.
I have been quit for 6 hours, 46 minutes and 45 seconds (0 days). I have saved $2.53 by not smoking 5 cigarettes. I have saved 25 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 2/1/2010 8:00 AM
Move over everyone…I’m back again lol
Debra
Debra!!!! Is that you? Are you back with us? I sure hope so because I missed you very much!
How the heck are you friend?
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn !!
Yup, it’s me !! I haven’t had a cigarette in 13 hours…I have been having chest pains and I have that nasty cough back again. Stupid me, I continued to make the mistake thinking that just one puff would be okay…I quit back in December; and by January I was back to a pack a day. Same old story, same old dance….but I decided to throw them out and begin all over again. Gosh, I do hope this is going to be the last time….strike that, this will be the last time.
Tell me how you are doing !!!!! I hope that you’re well and still smoke free…I need some motivation from an old friend !!!
Debra
Good morning Debra,
You don’t know how happy I am that you returned smoke free! Is it almost a day by now? Great for you and you know you can do it because you’ve done it before. You know all those feelings we get when we first quit. I think to motivate you, you should go back and read all those notes you sent to me to get me to quit smoking. I really mean that because you are my incentive and you truly motivated me!
We all missed you hear, Bill, Judy English and others. Now, we’re one happy family again and there are so many other folks who quit smoking recently. Let’s all be a team to help each other through the tough times.
Debra, how are you feeling since you quit? Has your cough gone away yet? Just think of day one when you get a craving. Think of how difficult it is to decide when to quit. So you go girl! We’re all praying for you. And don’t forget, you are very successful in all your quits. It’s that one puff that gets us right back to smoking.
Yesterday was two months smoke free and I owe all that to you!
God bless you Debra,
Marilyn
wow debra neat to see you back
i came to this site about 3 weeks and and 4 days ago and marilyn was talking about you then and how she thought so much of you how great to see you guys support each other
i have been off the cigs for 3 weeks and 4 days after 24 years pack a day and having problems at work today and want to go buy a pack so bad so bad, actually i did go to go buy one and when i got there did not buy it but i still want to
but i didnt so i am trying to pat myself on the back lol
Hi Mariyln & Shari
I gotta say, IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK ! Marilyn, two months…You are now my inspiration ! You go girl ! I’m so proud of you !
I have officially made it through to 24 hours ! I already feel great. Such nice words from the two of you, it means a great deal to me. In the beginning, I felt like such a loser because I was sneaking a cigarette here and there and thought that I had control over it. Oh gosh, when will I ever learn that one more puff takes me right back.
So I decided to forgive myself, and move forward. A little shy about first posting…but then after 6 hours I knew I was back on track.
I spent last night reading all the old post…My goodness I certainly can be full of great advise huh ! I need to listen to my own advise, and stop preaching to others. I am NO PRO at this at all…It seems like I have all the answers, I just don’t apply them to myself.
BUT…it’s been 24 hours and I walked into work this morning not smelling like a cold cigarette smoke, and I only coughed once this morning so far. Smoking really irritates my throat and causes me to cough/gag …Good Lord, I sounded so terrible. I’m so blessed to have found this website and to have made such wonderful friends.
Hugs/Debra
P.S. And a special shout out to Bill
Smoke free since Jan 9th, as you say Marilyn, will one put you right back? I guess it would, also when will I be ready for a cigar on the golf course, consensus is 6 months, 2moths is an accomplishment. good for you.
Hey Debra, good to have you back with us! Sorry to hear about the lapse, but glad you’re off the cigarettes again.
It appears that my “method” of smoking just one (or so) per week is NOT for everyone – I won’t describe it again here. But it does depend (in an essential way) on your being able to toss that newly-purchased pack away right after you take one from it. If you don’t do that, it won’t work for you. In fact, I’m coming to believe that it won’t work for most people. Probably, I should not push it here, since the majority of people who post here are not very experienced in dealing with the rigors of quitting.
Anyway, it’s still working for me after almost ten months – and that’s something. Hopefully, there are others out there who can benefit too. If you are one of those people, please let me know! Otherwise, I’ll probably just stop pushing it on this site.
Once again, Debra, it’s nice to see you here. Keep the faith, one day at a time.
Hey Bill !
Nice to see you’re still posting; I have always enjoyed them
Whatever works for you is the only thing that matters. I really do envy you though. So what do you do, just have a smoke every couple of days or something.
Perhaps you were never “addicted”. I have a friend of mine who can smoke once a month, and then go a few months without wanting one at all. That’s been going on for over 25 years now. She’s not addicted, she just enjoys an occasional cigarette from time to time. Lucky. But that sure is not my situation, and I need to learn that I am an addict and that I need to take one day at a time – right now it’s an hour by hour basis.
It’s been my experience (and God knows I’m getting quite experienced in the field of stopping/starting/stopping) that once I stop researching the topic of smoking, I stop posting on this website, I stop listening to other people’s stories…then is when I seem to wander off on my own and get lost. By lost I mean I start smoking.
Gosh, there are some HORRIBLE HORRIBLE stories on YouTube.com about people suffering with lung cancer. One guy even posted/filmed the events of his mother dying from lung cancer. He filmed his mom while she was being wheeled outside of the hospital to have a cigarette. Heart breaking really, but this is the kind of stuff that makes me stop in my tracks and ask myself “what the hell am I doing smoking”. I don’t want to put my family through that kind of hell. The title of his video was Thanks Tobacco for killing my Mom. He even filmed his mother once she had passed on. I’m not sure it was disrespectful, his mother’s wish was that people would see the effects that smoking has — and it can happen to anyone…Scares the hell out of me.
Best wishes
Debra
I just wanted to pop in and say hello. I havent been on this site for over 6 months and tomorow is my one year anniversary and i wanted to share that with u all. When i first quick smoking, i lacked a great inspiration support. I found it here! I was postinging 3-5 times a day. it was tough, but the ppl who were on the forums at the time helped me thru it.
I encourage anyone who is trying to quit to spend time here getting support and giving it. I remember reading ppl posting that they were on their one year anniversary, and i thought that would be me some day. well it is, tommorow.
stay strong, stay true, and remember that at the end of it is a pot of gold. An improved life style, more money and longer life.
just wanted to say to all the people out there who are trying and going to quit smoking,stick with it do what you have to do, be it patchs.tablets, etc..Iknow its easy said than done,but if you really want to quit you will.I saw what it did to my late father and just knew i had to stop;i was smoking nearly 3 and a half ounces a week and my chest was wheezy as anything,after deciding to quit i went with patchs,which i wore for three months non stop and i have not touched a cigarette for nearly seven years’im so glad i stopped.Stick with it people……………….
Hi Debra and Bill,
Deb, congratulations on your 24 hours. You must feel so good about yourself. Most people who are addicted to nicotine are unable to take a puff once a week. And to throw away those cigs? Now, that’s a joke. That’s how I started to smoke regularly…a puff here and there, ask for cigs from people, bought a pack, took one and threw the rest away. I did that for about one or two weeks and BAM! Right back to where I was fifteen years before that. The same thing happened last April if you all remember. Debra, we come from the same mold. Don’t ever think you can take one puff because it brings us right back to smoking.
I know what it’s like to start to smoke again and feel terrible about myself. All confidence is lost and yes, I felt like a loser. I think that’s why we just give up on ourselves and start smoking full time again. Debra, would you want to have just one cigarette and stink? Is it worth it? Of course not! I still admire you for quitting again so soon after your last quit. It took me almost a year to get back on track. You only took a couple of months? You are one strong lady!
Bill, will all respect, I do think that some people might think that they can quit and still smoke a cigarette every now and then like you do. It just cannot be done to someone who is a nicotine addict. Are you able to just quit permanently? I’ll make a bet that if you don’t buy those cigarettes this week, you will never pick one up again. Hmmm, I wish we could really bet here! lol lol….but seriously, I wonder if others on this site are following what you say and are having a difficult time quitting.
Anyway, good luck to everyone here and I am so glad my friend Debra is back!
oh yeah, btw, did the groundhog see his shadow today?
Love to all,
Marilyn
Hey Marilyn !
Thanks again for your kind words. When I It’s really so great to be back. I’m so excited that I am trying again. My confidence level is starting to rise. It was nice getting out of bed this morning, and I actually had time to make the bed (typically I’m smoking but now I have more time). It’s nice driving to work and not hacking and coughing looking for a Kleenex (okay, too much details). I know that my coughing is a sign; a sign that says YOU ARE IN DANGER. When I decided to quit (again) I just knew that you’d be here, and I’m thrilled that you are doing so well !
To Terri:
You have my support girl ! Keep at it – and read postings here. Ya, I have to keep away from those dirty martini’s for just a few days – but I find that eating (instead of smoking) works. Not great for the waist line, but it’s my lungs I’m concerned about right now. Keep up the good work and the very best to you !!
Debra
I have been quit for 2 Days, 17 minutes and 16 seconds (2 days). I have saved $18.10 by not smoking 40 cigarettes. I have saved 3 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 2/1/2010 8:00 AM
Hey Marilyn,
From reading this blog, I`ve learned that I seem to be a very, very special case. I smoked habitually (a pack a day) for more than 50 years, and tried many, many times during those 50 years to quit. Nothing worked. The longest I went was about two weeks (back in the mid sixties) to commemorate an event in my life. But then I slipped – and I can still remember vividly that moment – while standing outside my very cool 1958 Impala convertible (top down) and taking that first puff. I considered myself a lost cause.
This latest time, I had resolved to quit AGAIN, for the umpteenth time, back in March of last year. I had tried gum, and zyban, but nothing seemed to work. This time I tried Chantix. Went through the first two weeks as per instructions, but then (unfortunately) I went on smoking while I was still popping those little blue pills. I was so disgusted with myself. Finally, I told myself “screw it: I’ll quit cold turkey”!!! Don’t ask me why I said it, but I did. Somehow, it worked. That was back in April of 2009.
Since then, I’ve had many, many slips; but they are CONTROLLED slips – and that is the key. When I slip, I buy a pack, smoke one of them, wet down the rest and throw them away. The one I smoke I only smoke two or three puffs and then toss it too. I do this maybe once a week, up to two or AT MOST THREE TIMES each week. Expensive? Sure. But with all my slips taken into account, it comes out to only about one cigarette per week. Surely, this is not going to kill me. Maybe it’s not completely safe, but safe enough to cover the tracks of a former 50-year pack-a-day smoker!!
So how do I do it? The really important thing is to THROW AWAY the nineteen survivors. DO NOT keep them or hide them away. If you don’t do that, you will continue to smoke the pack down to zero. And your quit will then be gone gone gone.
It’s been suggested that what I’ve described is not really quitting, but rather cutting down (from a pack-a-day to one cigarette per week or whatever). I won’t quibble over terminology. But for me, it IS a quit, albeit an imperfect quit, so long as I am able to maintain control.
You’ve also asked if I could go a week or two without a slip AT ALL. And THAT is my problem. I don’t know the answer to that, though I’ve tried. I am working on it. But so far, I don’t have a good idea and have not found a solution.
Finally, I DO NOT recommend this for everyone – not by a long shot. I don’t know WHY it has been working for me for nine months or so, but SURELY IT HAS. Maybe it can work for a couple more folks out there, and that is why I am publicizing my “method” here. I know it fails for a lot of folks, but for the reason above (i.e., NOT throwing away the nineteen survivors). I think that if you can bring yourself to toss the surviving nineteen, you MAY be able to maintain a similar imperfect quit. Maybe yes, maybe no. But it’s worth a try. If it doesn’t work for you, then you’re in the majority, and that’s too bad. You tried.
If, by the way, it DOES work for you and you discover how to get past those unwanted slips (that seem to catch me unawares – sometimes they jump up unexpected in the night, for god’s sake), please please let me know how you do it. In the meantime, I will continue with my imperfect quit so long as I can. And BTW, by now, I am convinced that I can maintain it permanently. I don’t care for the slips, but what the hell – life isn’t perfect is it?
I hope these remarks help – and don’t hurt – the people who read this blog.
–Bill
Hi Bill
Interesting post. I don’t understand how the heck you do that; but my hat is off to you for continuing your efforts. I’m sure you’ve been asked lots of questions, but I don’t know if you have ever responded to this question: Does it taste or even smell good to you ? I find that when I have had a slip in the past, which has always been due to stress, that first cigarette is nasty as hell, the smell is horrible, and I have to wash my hands afterwards because of the odor that remains behind. The second one would follow shortly thereafter, and pretty soon I wasn’t smelling anything anymore. So I’m curious, when you have just one a week, do you enjoy it ?
I have been hanging around on this website for sometime now; and I have learned one thing; never judge anyone. We are all doing the best we can.
Debra
Hi Debra and Marilyn,
Debra, the ones I smoke (If “smoke” is the right word for a puff or two) taste okay – not great, but not bad either. Since I don’t go on with more than one or two per week, I don’t know what would happen if I continue. I suspect that it would be NOT dramatically different. Surely, the “first” one is not nasty.
Marilyn, it’s not will power (would that it were!). It’s more that since the habit has been defeated (that fight was won last May or so), I don’t really have an urge to smoke one down to nothing. I know that’s hard to understand, but it may help to keep in mind that I’m not dealing with chemical addiction anymore, but rather the residual (mental) habit. It’s the latter that I am having trouble with.
And thanks to both for the non-judgmental noises – which I appreciate. I only want to put stuff here that MAY help others….
Bill –
For a long time you have been posting, and your posts DO HELP people…so if somebody doesn’t like the way you have decided to quit, that’s there problem, not yours.
I for one, enjoy your post and you have always been a huge inspiration to me !
Keep Posting My Friend !
Debra
Bill,
I can see your point about the mental habit. With that said, I think that people on this blog who try to do the same as you, smoke a few puffs a week, are getting the wrong impression. They have to realize nicotine is a physical AND mental addiction. I have never heard of anyone who had an imperfect quit like yours. In fact, taking one puff usually puts people right back to when they were smoking. I and Debra are perfect examples of smoking just one puff…we went right back to smoking! But that’s the past, and here we are non-smokers! YIPPEE!
Take care,
Marilyn
Bill,
I tried your method of buying a pack and throwing away 19 cigarettes. It didn’t work for me because eventually I would throw away 17 and smoke three, throw away 15 and smoke 5 etc etc.Before you know it I was smoking the entire pack. Your system doesn’t work–SMOKING IS SMOKING. There is no sense in throwing away money or paying $7 for one cigarette. I don’t believe your method should be discussed on this board because 99% of the people who try your method will fail. I believe your intentions are sincere but are not appropriate for people to read that are trying desperately to be 100% smoke free.
Thanks
Jimmy
Dear Bill,
God bless you for being able to have one cigarette a week. I really don’t know how you do it. Your willpower is very strong. If I had one puff, I’d be right back to smoking, just like I did two years ago. I know all about your imperfect quit…especially since I’ve been here with you since last April. You are amazing! How in the world do you keep from smoking a whole pack? I don’t think one cigarette a week is doing any harm at all…one question…when you light up each week, do you cough from the smoke? lol lol. just wondering my friend.
Hey Debra,
I am so proud of you for not smoking for a couple of days. Is it any easier for you this time?
Good luck all!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn….
Is it easier ? Umm no it’s not easier, but I feel wonderful about being back. Today is Day 4 and I feel wonderful that I am in my office and not smelling like a cigarette when I walk through the door. Last night was a little rough, and I knew that it would be so I went to bed early. Being at the office is a breeze for me – since I WAS the only person in the building who smoked (yikes). When I get into my car, that’s hard, but I just keep telling myself ” Just make it home..Just make it home”. Once I pull into the driveway, I’m home….a little grumby, but I’m home.
So tell me about your quitting success !! Have you treated yourself to anything special….You must love the $$$$ your saving. It’s so nice NOT to have to stop at the store on the way home. I don’t think I’ve used by debit card in 4 days ! HAHA
Continue to post, my friend
Debra
Hey Debra,
Wow, Day 4 already? It seems like you just quit yesterday! lol
I hope it gets easier for you this time as it did for me. I was so ready to quit that I had an easier time this quit. I haven’t bought anything for myself but I do put away a couple of dollars a week in a special envelope that’s labeled, Marilyn’s vacation. I have no idea where I will go or how much money I will save, but it is nice to know that I don’t have to run to the store and pay almost $18 a day to smoke. That’s absolutely sickening!
I am having problems being very very tired every day. It could be because I gained weight (not from quitting smoking). Some folks from this blog said they too were experiencing the same fatigue. Don’t laugh everyone, but I do snore really bad. So, tomorrow night I will be sleeping in the hospital to have a sleep apnea test. I’ll let you all know the results on Saturday! hahaha
Debra, I was the only person in my office who smoked too, and believe me, I was very embarrassed by it. I was always brushing my teeth and washing my hands because I smelled terribly. Now, I can sit through meetings without watching the clock for break time to have a cig. Isn’t it nice?
I wish everyone here the best in their quit. It is so worth it not to smoke.
Take care.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn !
Well, today is DAY FIVE ! I feel great…and I think it’s a little easier. I’m still having the super cravings, but they do leave in a few minutes. My method of quitting has always been that I get to eat whatever I want for the first 4 days. I have enjoyed eating for the last 4 days too. I totally forgot to do the McDonald’s Drop Drive Thru though (LOL)…I guess I learned it wasn’t worth it. Today is Day 5 and it’s time to get back to a healthier lower carb diet (hopefully).
You mentioned that you are tired…hmmm I’ve been tired for years. I’m not sure not smoking has anything to do with being tired though. Wishing you well with the sleep apnea test. Let us know how you make out with that; and I am interested in knowing what they recommend to you.
My best wishes to you my friend !
Debra
Hello all
42 yrs young, smoked for 25 of them (crazy kids)…
Went cold turkey and Quit Jan 1-free for 32 days…had bad days, had good days, had terrible days….
Just had a Really great dirty martini tonight with friends…. now I Really want to have a smoke… Sad that this is such a trigger and I have NOT cheated, yet. Ugh… looking and all your postes to help me not do the deed… thanks for posting.
A few years ago, I had quit smoking for a year…I was able to have a cigarette now and then when out drinking, it was gross and I realized why I quit! LOL…then it happened. One time, I had a cigarette, and the next thing I knew, I wanted another, and another, and pretty soon, I had started smoking again. As of Monday Feb. 1st, 8:00 pm, I have not had a cigarette! I know, it’s not even 2 days yet, but I think I can do it, I don’t want to continue smoking….I love smoking. I can’t continue. Wish me luck, I’m doing this cold turkey, but I have strong will and I need to do this! I don’t want a cigarette. Seriously.
Hey guys!
I have made it 52 days starting today. It has been VERY tough to keep up not smoking. When life throws curve balls at me- I just want to instinctively curl up with a smoke on my porch left to my thoughts. Instead I have been eating grapes like a bat, constantly. I also am starting to get headaches now as I approach the 2 months mark- has anyone had that happen? My initial symptoms have subsided- like nightmares, but these headaches, and listlessness are aggravating…
I enjoy being apart of this email chain! Because its good to know I am not crazy, that quitting is quite difficult and that others are struggling as well to combat the smokes!
cheers,
Kerry
Hi everyone, I am on day 7 and am feeling really rubbish. I have headaches, am not sleeping and just feel unwell. Is it the same for everybody? I hope this won’t last too much longer because I really feel like reaching for a cigarette,and I know I will regret it if I do but it keeps on niggling at me.
Sorry if I sound negative but am at a bad point on my quitting. Any advice would be great.
It is good to know that you are all in the same boat.
good luck!
Sharon.
hey Sharon stick it out you will start feeling better soon DON’T SMOKE JUST KEEP YOURSELF BUSY GO FOR A WALK THE FRESH AIR WILL HELP!!!!!!!
Ok 9 days and counting. Thank the Lord for His mercy. I just realised now why smokers have such a tough time quiting. I gotta say that it is the lack of support. as it is the world treats smokers like they have leparasy. Seriously, if people where more supportive to people trying to quit and less judgemental I honestly think that more people would succeed. So as ex smokers lets not fall into the same trap, remember the pain we feel now and lets all support and encourage others that have decided to take this long difficult walk and not let them do it alone.
Thanks so much for all the support coming from this forum and Lord strengthen and bless you all. Keep up the good fight, it ain’t worth the alternative!
now that’s the spirit thanks
Hi,
I’ve been smoking 20 a day for the best part of 30 years. I cant remember a day when I’ve not smoked. I started coughing in bed about 3 months ago to the extent that I was waking myself up and disturbing everybody else in the house. I started to lie and say its was due to something other than smoking ( a seasonal cough, dust from work, fumes from commuting) but I knew it was smoking related.
When I was honest with myself which took some doing I knew that I had to stop smoking and so I did. That was 29 days ago. I’ve not had a single drag in all that time. Im not sure if Im abnormal but its not been that hard to stop. I have had some cravings, initially I didn’t sleep for 4 nights and I felt irritated for a about a week but apart from that Its been plain sailing. That is until a few days ago.
I have now started feeling a bit depressed and lethargic towards life in general. Im usually a person that rolls with the punches and can laugh at the adversity of my life as it happens but right now I cant find anything to bolster my apathy.
Is this normal to feel this way when you stop smoking?
I gave up on my own and now I think I need a bit of advise to continue on this journey.
Your input would be appreciated.
Andy
Hi Andy !
I can so relate to your post !! The coughing and hacking cough. It sounded so terrible, and yes, it was upsetting every member of my family too. Like you, I was making every excuse. I have been around on this board for a long time, the longest I have quit was three months, and then like you, I got so depressed I went back to smoking. Huge mistake !! Please listen to me, it’s not worth it to go back. You will regret it so badly. That cough will return and you’ll end up wanting to quit all over again.
My advice…hang in there. Do you have a hobby ? Treat yourself to something fun, like buying a guitar and learning how to play…go join a baseball team, do something, but don’t go back to smoking. If depression worsens, see a doctor — depression can be treated — lung cancer — um not so much.
Please don’t make the mistake I made. Cigarettes don’t solve problems, they don’t solve depression, and they are not your friends either. Hang in there ..we are all here for you !
post again…I’m only on day 3 and I need people like you to tell their stories !
Debra
Bill:
Hum, interesting posting and approach. So, you consider it a quit even though you still have one a day? Terminology?
Ponder this comment someone sent to me. “Can one be just a little bit pregnant?”
… it made me think?
Hi Terry,
I said one cigarette per WEEK – not one per day. And yes, I do consider it a quit. If you want to call it something else, please do.
I don’t think your pregnancy analogy is relevant, since with pregnancy you either have it or you don’t. While with smoking, you have to ask yourself if one per week is equivalent to full-time smoking or not. I consider that it is not. But you are free to think about it in any way you wish.
–Peace
Dear Bill, I have been reading all about you and your one cigarette a week.I am one week into my quit now and feel ill most of the time. I keep thinking that if I just have one, then it will make me realise that it doesn’t solve all my problems or make me happy. I know I will probably regret it but It just keeps niggling at me.This afternoon I have to see the little smoking nurse at my GP’s and blow in her little carbon monoxide machine. It should show that I am clear of CM. I am getting it into my head that as soon as I’ve done that,I will have one smoke and it will put my mind at rest. I hope!
What do you think? I’m sure it wont make me go back to smoking but really feel the need to just have ONE!
Hi Sharon,
Please don’t even think of following Bill’s method. He has stated categorically that he doesn’t advise it. In fact just the other day he said that he “won’t describe it again here”.
You are doing so well. In fact, you have now officially made it through hell week, which is a massive accomplishment and means that you are over the worst. If you have a cigarette ‘you will be where you were, wishing that you were where you are now’- there is just no reason to smoke. I have every confidence that you will make the correct decision. If necessary, have a chat with your GP when you go in for your test.
Just stay strong, stay focused and take it one day at a time … I did, and I am now 17 months along.
Cheers
Ed
Hi Ed,thank you for the advice, I think I just needed someone to say NO DON’T DO IT! I have been to the dr’s and was pleased to see the green lights on the carbon monoxide monitor,and not the red lights which are bad. I feel better now and not craving at the moment.I suppose it would be stupid to try and have one cigarette a week,I think it’s just the thought of never having another one that scares us smokers,sorry non smokers haha.
17 months is brilliant, how long was it before you could cope easily without smoking? Did you have trouble sleeping? because I do.
Thanks again for stopping me from making a big mistake.
Sharon.
Bill:
Respectfully, I did not mean to come across as judgmental. Just the opposite, I too went from smoking a pack a day then to one-a-day then one a week (Saturdays)etc… I even considered myself a non-smoker at that point! I would even write ‘non-smoking’ on any intake forms at doctor’s offices etc.
It was that comment (can’t be a little bit pregnant) that made ‘me’ realize that one-a-day/week was not a non-smoker. It helped ‘me’ quit (so far 30+ days). I thought it may inspire as it did for me…
It is harder than I thought to quit the one-a-day/week habit, so I do understand. I also believe that one has to do what is best for them, and when they are ready. You have my Full-support; so sorry my e-mail came across and judgmental, it was not my intent.
My best, Bill
Terri,
Thanks for the clarification. Actually, I’ve said all these things many times during the past ten months that I’ve been posting on this site. Still, I’m always reluctant to “say it again”.
But now it’s out there again, and I’m willing to take whatever flak that comes in. BTW, yours isn’t flak, but I think there will be some of that (flak) over the next few days if past experience is any guide.
What I hope for (and my reason for speaking out) is this: Despite the fact that it goes against ALL the advice we hear (and I do not exaggerate), I think that what I say can be useful FOR SOME – perhaps only a few – people. After all, it has been useful for me and I am definitely a person!
Bill you deserve a medal and a lot of people on this site take there hat off to you and I really cannot see what the problem is because you have literally given up in my mind and if we all could smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes per week like a social smoker then that would be wonderful and most doctors and medical professionals would say the same but for me its impossible and I would be back on 20 + per day before you could shake a stick if I lit up one tonight and thats a fact ,,,I gave up over 2 weeks ago and its been the easiest ever “27 YEARS a smoker and I am 48″ I am using the gum and its a breeze in the park and due to all the chewing a filling fell out and had to go to the dentist today and have a filling lol. I was never very concerned about the cost in monetory terms but have always been worried what smoking is doing to me inside and just felt this was my time to give up plus there is no one around me that smokes so that makes life very easy
GOOD LUCK BILL and dont worry but just make sure you stick to your regime
Marc
I am with Jimmy on this Bill.
The one smoke a week thing is not a practical and helpful addition to a blog of this nature. I say this as a now ex smoker of 25 years, and now on day 35 of a full and total cold turkey quit, and one who has tried to give up too many times and failed, because my will power found the path of least resistance. This gives people a way out, an excuse to start again. The one smoke a day or a week will always lead to a pack.
I will go so far as to say that yours is a freak ability that you have, or the ability does not exist at all!
I drew a lot of inspiration from the entries on this site to get me through the first couple of weeks and read all of the entries every day, many times a day. This site has been the difference this time for me. I very strongly believe that I am really done this time, and I am very proud and thankful for that.
You are obviously welcome to post anything you like, and it is clear that your posts and thoughts have helped people in the past, but if I had read your post about the one smoke a week, in my first week, and seen the support from some of your cronies, I dont think I would be where I am now, because I would have tried it and I would be on 30 a day again by now.
Your one a week post is irresponsible, and the people who support it are irresponsible too. Anyone who believes otherwise either does not appreciate the responsibility that goes with the posts on this site, or is posting for reasons other than support of the other people who need that support.
You either give this killer of a habit up for good or you don’t. It is either black or white. There is no grey. You either do want to stop and are 100% committed to that, or you are not, and you will smoke again. It really is that simple a decision. The actual task and process as we all know is a different proposition, but the benefits, as we all know, outweigh the difficulties a thousand fold and more.
For everyone who has stopped and is still fighting it, well done and go big. You will beat it, if you want to.
To those just starting the process, it is very, very difficult, no one should tell you otherwise, but take ONE day at a time, and ONE craving session at a time. Each one lasts about 5 minutes. Just deal with one at a time.
Each day that passes they become easier and less intense, and by week two they are very manageable.
Be strong with your self. You can stop this insidious habit. I wish you all well.
Paul
Hi guys and ladies too! Debra, I’m so happy to see you are back with us. If by any chance anyone has thought it was easy for me to quit – five months and counting, I want you to know that one weekend around my fourth or fifth week of quitting, I sat on my computer and over three days read every single post on this site, and without it I know I would have gone and bought a pack of the horrid little devils and been back on them for the rest of my life. I know if I didn’t do it now, I never would. Bill, I don’t give a damn about how you quit – your posts were there and they helped, Debra you are a rock and if you think you don’t help cause you have made an occasional slip, you’re wrong, you make everyone realize that we’re not perfect (well, maybe I am but not those other people). One of the lines I give my grandchildren when they’re not doing exactly what I expect, (doesn’t work with them either). Marilyn, I’m so glad you are hanging in there – this time is for keeps!!! The honesty of the people posting here is what keeps it going – let’s face it, this quitting is not something we can do on our own. I say this cause I live alone with my cat and dog (I have horrible visions of the newspaper story about the old lady who lives with 45 cats and God knows how many dogs). Which is why I get them spayed and neutered. Anyway, we will all hang in there and I hope each and every one of the new posters will get the damn cigarettes out of their lives and do fun things, like sports!!
Good luck all, Judy
Judy –
WOW..what kinds words ! I posted earlier this morning to Marilyn and talked of being in a grumpy mood. You just removed my grumpiness ! That was so nice of you to mention me like that.
I am now ready to start my day on a better note !!
Debra
Judy,
Great points here. It’s not personal and we are all here for the same reason. We are all human, accept it, and move on otherwise I’m convinced that our pets would have picked- up the habit if they had had lips and the dexterity to hold a smoke [smile].)
I’m now thinking about Bill, (sorry Bill you’re out there once again) Good grief, how strong are you and I never realized it?? To have just ‘one’ smoke and the discipline to stop at ‘one’… wow, what power. Who can stop at ‘one’ of anything… when it is good? One potato-chip? One lick of an ice-cream cone? One more minute of sleep, one more cuddle….ok, how about….. one, just one, chocolate Hershey kiss…now come on. IT IS Hard!!! If it was not, we would not be here.
Hi Judy,
So good to see you here. I enjoyed your post about the pets smoking. That was really cute. I am now two months and five days smoke free and I love it. My only problem so far is that I am very tired. I am having a sleep apnea test tonight in the hospital so I’ll let everyone know about it tomorrow.
You made a good point about having one puff. I know I would go right back to smoking. Bill must be extremely strong to do what he does. Hey, if that’s what he wants, then good for him.
I hope you have a good week. Take care and we’ll see you next post.
Marilyn
Hi all
I quit for just over three weeks after 20 a day since approx age 13 (im now 35).
Really disappointed in myself cause blew it on saturday night and had two and then another one yesterday. Niot sure if im trying to kid myself that the occasional one when i am feeling really low helps me??
Am quitting with my husband who has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and advised to quit.
It is the hardest thing i have ever done and so wish i hadnt succumbed on saturday night after a few drinks!! Dont want to go back to 20 a day cause the money i was saving in that month was unbelievable.
I am now sat here having a I NEED ONE moment and wondering if just one today will really be that bad…..
Have got my inhalator and patch but just wish the little nicodemon on my shoulder would go away and stop messing with my head !! What a waste of a month.
Sorry to ramble but feeling so low today about my fall and wondering if i ain fact ready to give it my all.
Mandie
You slipped up, Mandie….it happens, it happens to all of us…
Now you just look lovingly back at that memory of those few smokes you had over the weekend, bid farewell,(after all, you had a last moment together), and get back on the horse!!! LOL….you can do it! Keep your head up!
Day 3 of no cigarettes…was pretty irritable yesterday, but still handled it…actually had an alcoholic drink last night and didn’t have a single fleeting thought of smoking…Wow. That sounds almost impossible to me now that I think about it. I drank without needing a cigarette…..I’m going to take that as a good sign…..
Hope the rest of you are doing well!
Hey, Bill’s method may not be practical or smart for everyone to try, but this is a place where we can share our experiences and provide support for other people trying to quit or who have succeeded in quitting. Bill, your method worked for you, but I know that I wouldn’t be able to do that right now, so while I took your information and processed it, that doesn’t mean I’m going to try it…see? I know my limits. So do most adults. I’m quitting cold turkey, but you know, that’s sometimes very dangerous for long-time smokers, so my method may not be practical, because those people would need to get on a patch or pill or lozenge or something, right? Thank you everyone for your input, information, and support. I’m going to do this the only way I know how….
Hi folks,
As expected, there was a variety of reactions to my posts, including some rather negative ones. Here are some replies:
1. (to Sharon): Your post was NOT negative, and I agree with Ed’s reply: Don’t even think of doing this after just one week. The only way it can work for you is AFTER you are well-past the chemical dependency part of it. At a week or two, you’re not.
In my own case, my wife (an ex-smoker for 25 years) and I were in France last summer having dinner at a bistro, after two months or so into my quit. The couple next to us light up cigarettes, and we bummed two (not one) – one for each of us. THAT was my first slip. It wasn’t my last. But my point is this: I had already gone as long as I could without smoking. I just popped! And THIS was my way of CONTINUING my quit and not losing it. I did continue it through our France trip and beyond. In case I have not made my point strongly enough, here is how I think of my “method”:
1a: It is a way of DEALING WITH SLIPS. It is NOT A WAY OF ALLOWING YOU TO CONTINUE TO SMOKE. The whole point is to keep your quit going – even through those bad moments that could lose it all for you. Please think about that before, not after, you judge.
2. (to Jimmy): One thing I’ve emphasized is that for my “method” of controlling slips to work, you have to throw away ALL nineteen survivors. If you keep them around for a couple of days before throwing the survivors away, YOU’RE SMOKING THEM, and you’re not CONTROLLING YOUR QUIT. That’s why it didn’t work for you. See 1a above.
3. (to Paul): You’ve included some negative stuff in your post that I want to refute. To begin with, see 1a above. This is not an “excuse” to start smoking again – it is a way to keep your quit going. And BTW young man, my own cold-turkey quit is 10 months old.
You also imply that this is a “freak ability” that I have, and then add “if it exists at all”. Is that second part an accusation of lying? If so, then I am offended – since I can assure you that I am not lying.
You go even further to say that I am “irresponsible”, and that people who support me are “irresponsible” too! The implication being that I should not say such things on this site and that people should not support me. The point here is not that I am entitled to say these things on a public site such as this. It is that even if you feel so strongly about your position (rightly or wrongly and whether or not you are seeing only black-and-white), you need to allow others to express themselves too – even if they acknowledge that shades of gray exist.
*****************
Enough. There were other replies that chafed, but ALL of the negative ones seem to have missed the MAIN point of what I was trying to say, which is the following: I (personally) could not quit “cold turkey” – even though I tried – very hard. This is a way I came up with for controlling my slips so that I could continue my quit. See 1a. Maybe you can too.
In other words, if you quit and then slip, what do you do? There is no (or precious little) advice out there. I’ve offered something – not much but something. You are free to take it or leave it. I do hope that now you understand a bit better. Thanks for listening, and good luck to all of you who are staying with your quit one-day-at-a-time.
Bill,
We can agree to disagree on the method that you have outlined. As a ex-smoker I still have a mental addiction to nicotine. This is the same type of addiction that one may have with drugs or alcohol. I have even heard that cigarettes is the worst addiction of all. I would never mention to an alcoholic to take one drink out of a bottle of scotch and throw the bottle away or to snort a little bit of cocaine and throw the balance out the window. All the people that need to quit cigarettes should quit cigarettes 100% and not 99.9%. It is a addiction that we all must do without. I would love to have a cigarette every so often but as an addict I know I can’t. We have enough temptations as each day goes by. I once quit for 10 years and when I had just one cigarette I was hooked within days. I am now free of this horrible addiction going on 6 months and I intend to stay this way. I do believe that your intentions are honorable but I don’t believe your comments belong on this blog regarding smoking one cigarette ocasionally. Your strenght is commendable–I wish I could be as strong and get away with it. I am a addict and I know it.
Thanks
Jimmy
Fair enough (about agreeing to disagree). But I disagree about posting my comments here. I don’t think you’ve understood what I am saying, so I’ll say it again.
You haven’t told us what YOU do when an urge to smoke strikes. In other words, how do you keep your quit going? I am serious. Maybe you mean that you have tricks you play on it – walk the dog, brush your teeth, etc – and presumably these ALWAYS work for you.
Or maybe you are saying that this is not what you do, but still you NEVER give in to those urges. Then I will say that it is YOU, not ME, who is showing the will power (since I cannot do that). You can’t have it both ways by claiming to be an addict without will power. An addict without will power will have urges, and slips.
I don’t think you’ve thought this through very well, and find your post quite puzzling. I am saying that this is a method for CONTROLLING those urges that can degenerate into a slip. You seem to be saying that it’s impossible to do that. But obviously, it is NOT impossible.
–Bill
p.s. Anyway, I am weary of exchanges like this one – where I have to explain over and over to people who simply cannot accept a thought they find alien. So you win by default, and I will shut up.
Thanks Bill. I do appreciate your insight and your strenght but I just can’t have one lousy cigarette and think it is OK. Your method of being an ex-smoker who smokes is mutually exclusive and I have completely thought this out in a very logical way. A alcolholic can’t have one drink or a smoker one cigarette and why throw money away in the process (there is no logic). Nicotine in your veins that lead to your brain via your lungs doesn’t work.
Thanks
Jimmy
YOU have to quit 100%. Your life experience and will power are your own, they are not the basis for the way everyone has to live. Just like you, Bill or anyone else on this site have every right to outline their experience in quitting smoking. We are not forcing others to do it our way, it’s a forum to speak out! It’s suggestions that people can take into account! If someone follows a suggestion of a strangers’ and fails, it’s kind of their own fault for following a strangers’ suggestion!!! I don’t think it’s necessary to use patches or pills to quit, that doesn’t mean that I don’t agree with people using them to quit (hey, they could get addicted to the pills!! We don’t know, do we?)
That’s the funny thing about humans. We are all different. I’m currently the only one of 3 people who pledged to quit actually succeeding. I can’t cut down on smoking to quit. My sister can’t quit cold turkey. My mom’s trying the Chantix. Who knows, we could all succeed in quitting, or we could all fail!! 3 different methods!
Oooohhhh…..Sorry, this sounds frantic and sarcastic and like I’m beating on you….I’m on my 3rd day of quitting, please don’t take offense, I’m like this with everyone today….LOL
Bill,
I am appauled at the way people are talking about you on here!
I have only posted a couple times as I am still a smoker just reading here everyday to realize that people can do it and that soon I will realize I can too!!
It hurts to think that I dont really want to be here if people are so critical and judgmental. I feel that we are here for support and encouragement not harsh words of criticism (now if it was constructive criticism that would be different)!!!
My way of looking at your method is as simple as people who diet that are successful usually have a “cheat day”, meaning one day a week they can eat something bad for them so that thought is not on the back of their mind continuously and they can continue being successful on their diet!! They do this so they are not to be finding themselves binging on a regular basis.. I could be off base but that is an analogy I can realte to!! SO once a week is WAY better than 20-30 times a day!!
Hold your head up high Bill cause you deserve to be applauded!!
Just because others dont have the will power to do what you do does not mean that they should criticize you!! Keep up the good work everyone!!!
Bill,
I have really tried to keep my mouth shut on this topic, because well I didn’t want to make more of a problem, but WHY should you keep yours shut? I mean not every one agrees on everything and you have just as much right to post as anyone else. I use anti-depressives to quit. It keeps my moods stable while I work on my mind. (so I am not dealing with all of it at once) not everyone can use the same method to quit. I tried chantix and had an alergic reaction to it after 3 weeks. People need to stop being so judgemental and remember the saying, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. I ENJOY your post, and it made me mad when I saw you were going to quit posting. Please don’t. 1 cig a week is a whole lot better then 1 a day or a pack a day, and no one but you has the right to tell you HOW you should quit. it’s a support group, let’s support each other… Please don’t quit posting
Connie Perry
Okay, Connie, and thanks for the encouragement. I knew I was opening up a Pandora’s box by getting into it again, but what the hell – I did it anyway!
So yeah, I’ll keep posting – but maybe I’ll be more selective about the subject matter!
–Bill
Bill,
Who cares what you opened. I am so tired of seeing people rip each other apart because they don’t agree. You have to choose what works for you. I ENJOY your post, I am one month 3 weeks 4 days smoke free because I can come here and read your post, others post and all are different, in my head I go, okay I can see what they are saying or wonder why they are going through something different. We are all different and no not one of us will quit the same way. Bill I wish I had your will power to do one a week, shoot I wish I could do 1 per day and not have the mental anguish that goes with it, but it’s like I said we are each different. I am almost 2 months smoke free and I can actually see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, I don’t dwell on them anymore and I actually forget about them all together sometimes. *HUGS* bill and keep doing what works for you, and don’t be afraid of starting something or worrying if you are going to say the “right” thing. What works for you IS the right thing.
Connie Perry
We are all different and if Bill wants to have a fag once a week and can cope with that then great because my mother did the same thing for 2 years and eventually become sick and hasnt smoked for over 1 year and I take my hat off to Bill and if anyone is reading these comments and feels they need our support then join in the dsicussion because we are all in the same boat trying to give up and for some its easier than for others and having one smoke per week is very limited damage and if that works for Bill then great but for me and most others it would be a complete disaster and I would be back on a pack a day PLUS and smelling like a stale ashtray by midnight ,,,I have never felt better and gave up 2 weeks and 2 days but we need Bill in the discussions like all the others that post comments every day ….You cannot beat the internet and this website is great and I really enjoy reading the comments
GOOOD LUCK ALL BUT I AM FINDING IT EASY MAYBE DOWN TO THIS WEBSITE !!
Marilyn,
No one is going to get the wrong impression, one of my kids (19) can smoke one and not touch them for weeks. My neice can smoke one a month and be a social smoker and not touch them for a month or so. (I can’t) but it’s not impossible and some can do it. If people get the wrong impression then they need to read the whole damn blog and not just one part of it. (and also do reseach on the whole web and not just one blog) I researched TONS of sites before I quit, and I know in my heart I have an addiction problem, but I would leave this group all together if someone told me “you shouldn’t post that you use anti-depressives to quit) if it works for me then it does and it might not work for everyone.. This blog (I thought) was to let everyone know how WE are doing, not to tell someone else how THEY should do it.
Connie Perry
Hi Connie,
Someone who posted earlier said that she wanted a cigarette so bad, only into the first week of quitting, and was thinking of trying Bill’s method. Another poster was kind enough to respond to her telling her not to do it. This is why I wonder if some quitters are using Bill’s “imperfect” quit method. As far as your child who can smoke one once in a while, he must not be addicted to nicotine, nor does he have the mental addiction. I know many people who do just that. They buy a pack of cigarettes and they last for a whole year! In those cases, there can’t possibly be addiction. People who smoke every day like us cannot have that one cigarette at all or we will just go right back to smoking full time. On this blog, people are asking for ways to quit completely, not have a puff or two once in a while. If I just quit and didn’t know the difference, yes, when I had strong cravings during my quit, I would probably give in very easily to Bill’s method. My mind would tell me “Hey, if Bill could do it,I can to! Hence, my feeling that people might get the wrong impression.
Take care,
Marilyn
Hello everyone,
As far as everyone on this blog is concerned, we are all in a quit together, no matter how we quit smoking. Chantix, anti-depressives, ecigs, gum, patch, one puff a week, we all have our own methods to quitting. People are here to quit smoking forever.
We should read each others’ comments and experiences with respect. If you want to quit permanently, you have the option of not reading Bill’s one puff a week method. If you rather have a quit like Bill, then by all means, read his advice and experiences throughout the past year. Bill’s way of quitting smoking is different than most who want to quit sooner than later. However, please keep in mind that it is HIS way of quitting. And one day, Bill will not smoke that puff once a week…then again, maybe he has reached his personal goal. Don’t we all have our own personal goals? Good luck to you Bill.
All I ask is that we continue on with our quits, enjoy each others postings, and continue to help our fellow quitters the best way we can. There are many blogs which offer the best help when quitting. My favorite is whyquit.com. I’d like to know if anyone does review that website. Read about those who have died from all kinds of smoking related diseases. While you’re there, take a look at what Debra suggested…how smoking killed my mom. You’ll open your eyes and want to quit forever.
Now take that deep breath (you know, the one you’ve been waiting to do and couldn’t when you were smoking), relax, and let’s all count the next day as another beautiful day as non-smokers! Just remember, not one puff ever…
God bless,
Marilyn
Hi everyone,
I have stopped smoking on 1/19/2010 and I have found everyone’s post so helpful. Please let me know if I can encourage someone else.
Well almost day 11 now… feel a lot better.. quit cold turkey after yeats of smoking..29 years old in april and have been smoking for 10 years.. would love to never touch a ciggarette again.. one day at a time.. we got to be strong. Best of luck to everyone else!
Ah, on day 4….I have been sleeping for S***!!!! Anyone else have that problem? Constantly waking up, tossing & turning, and I do believe that I’m grinding my teeth in my sleep. Great. lol…..
Well, my mom’s a fail, she’s still smoking…I’ll have to check on my sister to see how she’s doing, but I honestly think this is it, I’ve quit before and started again, but I literally can’t imagine going and buying a pack of cigarettes, or bumming one off my mom and smoking it. I’m going to do this.
I hope everyone else is doing well, I’m glad for all the comments touting respect for everyone’s posts…
Mandie, how’d you do?
hey everyone hows it goin. well im 36 days in and my husband and myself quit together and its been good so far but today let me tell you i have never hated or wanted to get away from him more in my life then i do today. i mean everything he does is driving me up a wall..how he eats the things he says even his face i just wanna punch it. man oh man its a rough go today…
Dear Candie, Why dont you calm down for one moment and remember your husband is also trying to give up and its just as difficult for him to kick the habit so give him a break …Thank god I just got myself to think about but its hard to give up but not impossible and I am giving up and havent had a fag since 20th jan 2010 and really dont feel the need for one …gum works really well and maybe I will end up a addict of Nicotine gum lol …the gum when you first start using it seems to taste like pepper and did make me hiccup but after a while I quiet like it and I start to think lets have a gum when I think about a fag ….
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
Hi Marc:
I’m a huge fan of nicotine gum; that’s the only way I’ve ever been able to quit. Nothing better than a diet pepsi with nicotine gum; that’s my afternoon snack !
Candie — Your e-mail cracked me up. I think it’s perfectly normal to feel grumpy during the beginning..and who better to take it out on than the one that we really love unconditionally ! My husband has been super patient with me (he quit 15 years ago). He knows that my crabby mood is due to not smoking – so last night when I was really out of control, he kissed me. I was laughing so hard….so here’s my advise…when you think you’re going to kill him..walk up to him and kiss him…There is something about kissing that will take your bad mood right away.
I’m on Day 5 here, and I plan on kissing a lot over the weekend…LOL
Debra
Debra thanx eh that might help i guess he could probably use a kiss for sure i will remember that when he comes home from work today lol..yay i love this sight it helps so much..
and Marc you r right he is quitting too and i bet hes just as sick of me right about now lol sooo hard the quitting smoking man im so glad i did it but man is it tough but WE MUST keep up the good fight WE can all beat this filthy habit go team smoke free lol
Debra,
Debra,
I am posting this again because I hit enter to many times and the page refreshed and I wasn’t sure it went through. Please read http://www.dollarstitch.com/aspartame.html it is MY personal story having to deal with diet coke. DIET sodas turn to a poison in your system. There are 99 side effects to aspartame. Its also in chewing gum, yogurt, anything diet. Please read my story I almost died from aspartame poisioning. My yahoo id is perryconnie if you want to message me about it.
Connie Perry
Hi Connie
thanks for the information ! that’s really interesting. I think my sister could have the same situation with diet drinks. I’m actually not a habital diet pepsi/coke or anything drinker. I usally only drink it while I am quitting during the fist couple of weeks. I did read your website, very insightful !! there wasn’t much I could relate to, so perhaps I’m okay drinking that suff…but trust me, the first time I get one of the symptoms, I will go back and read your site again !!
thanks…it was very interesting !
P.S. I’m not much of a diet or non diet carbonated drinker…I’d much perfer water, or even a dirty martini over a diet drink (and please, don’t anyone write me about the negative effects of a martini…..I’m looking forward to one in the very near future !!) hehehe
Debra
hello everyone,
I’m on my second month of being smoke free and I found this site with tips about detoxifying our lungs the natural way http://www.ehow.com/about_5280386_lung-detox.html hope this helps.
I just watched the sad story of Thanks cigarettes, you killed my mother. I am sorry I have smoked for so long and my 2 daughters smoke. Thankfully my youngest and only son does not smoke. I have stopped smoking 1/19/2010. I have posted before under Connie Z. and would like to help some else overcome this addiction. I cannot believe how many of us are of the same age or generation. I know we thought health problems were not our concern. I still think of myself as being 25 years old. I hope we all stay non-smoking and continue to support each other.
Hi everyone! Especially, Bill, Debra and my friend Marilyn (they’re special cause they have been with me through all this). First of all, calm down everyone!!! Bill has his way of doing without cigarettes and dealing with the cravings which is not what most of us should do, cause we freely admit we’re addicted. Good God, 51+ years convinces me where I am at.
On the brighter side, Marilyn, you asked me about my trip to Hawaii. I know how annoying people who go on a holiday and spend months putting it into every conversation they have are,BUT I sure wish we had thought of making it a Province before you made it a State. Keep putting that money you’re saving into that dish and go. I can’t begin to tell you how swimming in the ocean on Christmas Eve feels, but WONDERFUL, is close.
For all you who have quit recently and wonder how long the misery will last, I had a talk with my niece the other day, who quit after reading Allen Carrs book, (The Easy Way to Quit Smoking) about five years ago and she told me that the cravings kept getting less and less and suddenly she realized after a year that she couldn’t believe she had ever smoked. So I think it’s all uphill the longer we hang in. I realized the other day that I had gone for 2 days and hadn’t even thought about a cigarette. Before maybe a few hours but now (Thank God) a day or so. And as I’ve said before it is not cravings really but more a passing thought.
I think if we can all hang in there, we at least, will be free. I feel like I should take out an ad in our local paper saying Blisstree for help to quit smoking. Not enough people know this site exists.
Judy
Hi Judy,
As always, it’s so nice to see you here. My cousin just went to Hawaii too and posted all her pics on FB. My dream is to go on a Caribbean cruise with all the money I will be saving from not smoking.
9 weeks, 5 days, 13 hours, 56 minutes, 53 seconds 1,783 not smoked and I saved $739.95….. Uh oh, where’s my money???? Oops, I think I spent it on nice things for me. lol lol
Love to you,
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn
WOW $739.95 in savings !!! That’s incredible ! I can’t wait to get where you are ! 1,783 cigarettes NOT smoked ? Can you imagine lighting up 1,783 cigarettes. Can you imagine how thankful your lungs are ?
IT IS MY FIRST WEEK CELEBRATION !!!!
I have been quit for 1 Week, 16 minutes and 23 seconds (7 days). I have saved $63.10 by not smoking 140 cigarettes. I have saved 11 hours and 40 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 2/1/2010 8:00 AM
P.S. Yes, there is a celebration in store for me today ! I plan on walking 1 mile and taking long deep breaths while I do so. CONGRATS TO ME !! I have not smoked 140 cigarettes !!! Imagine that ?
Hey friend Debra,
BIG CONGRATS TO YOU!!! One week already? It seems like you quit yesterday! OMG….and to think, you already saved $63 and didn’t smoke 140 cancer sticks. Wow, they really do add up don’t they? You must feel great to be able to want to walk today. Doesn’t it feel really good to inhale the clean air and not all those chemicals? I bet you have such a wonderful happy feeling inside and all over you. Good for you my friend!
You know, I didn’t even realize how many cigs I didn’t smoke…1,783! Jeepers creepers, to think I smoked that many cigarettes or more in just a couple of months. Ewwwwwww! I don’t think any of us realize how much it adds up in such a short time. But now, we’re counting the opposite way – instead of counting how many we have left in our packs, we’re counting how many we HAVEN’T smoked. Ahhhh, life is good.
Keep it up Debra. You are an inspiration to everyone here, especially to me!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn….
I love counting how many I have NOT smoked…and I laughed so hard when your wrote ” instead of counting how many left in the pack”. OMG how true is that ! Here’s some of my thoughts as why not smoking feels great.
a. I love that I don’t cough or gag anymore
b. I love that I don’t smell like an ash tray anymore
c. I love that I have saved over $70
d. I love not counting how many cigarettes I have left
e. I love driving straight home; not stopping for cigarettes
f. I love that my bank statement doesn’t have a repeat debit of $8.95 showing how many times I stopped for cigarette. I NEVER would purchase a carton because that would mean that I was really a smoker…duh
g. I love when people stand closer to me
h. I love having coffee in my bedroom, instead of on the backporch with a butt hanging out of my mouth trying to stay warm.
i. I like knowing that cigarettes don’t solve my problems
j. I have so much more time in the morning getting ready for work
k. I love taking a deep breath
l. I love kissing my husband again
m. I know my whitening toothpaste is really working now
n. I love telling people that I do not smoke anymore
o. I love not hiding from the truth; smoking kills
p. I love that I can smell the shampoo used in my hair
q. I love the taste of food again
r. I love the freedom I have in not smoking
s. I love working without having to go outside to smoke
t. I love knowing that a cigarette craving only last 4 minutes
u. I love knowing that 4 minutes isn’t the end of my world
v. I love that I have fallen in love with chocolate all over again
w. I love knowing that I never want to smoke again
x. I love when I do walk out on my porch now…it doesn’t smell.
y. I love that I do not have an ash tray in my car.
and, I saved the very best for last:
z. I love having met so many wonderful people on this website and knowing that I’m not alone in my quit.
I have been quit for 1 Week, 1 Day, 35 minutes and 17 seconds (8 days). I have saved $72.21 by not smoking 160 cigarettes. I have saved 13 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 2/1/2010 8:00 AM
Debra
good morning all today is sunday and its a much better day today sun is shining here and no cravings and crankiness.. i watched precious this morning and suddenly realized that quitting smoking aint the end of the world and its not so bad there are certainly way worse things in the world the the woe is me feeling of quitting smokin its just a stinking silly old habit that i can break with enough time and effort.. so with that being said i can be stong enough to stay away from the cancer sticks for another day… go team smoke free lol.. keep up the good work y’all
Good afternoon all….
Just checkin in to see how everyone is. I was having such a hard time yesterday; but I made it through the day. I’m keeping myself busy today, did a lot of cooking this morning.
SuperBowl is this evening, so I’ll eat instead of smoke
….but hey, Tomorrow is one week for me !!! Yipppeeeee !!!!!!!!
Judy thanks for the advise, I bet it does get easier…and Candie, thanks for reminding me that quitting is not the end of the world !! tOMORROW IS A HUGE DAY FOR ME…ONE WEEK !!!
HUGS TO ALL
DEBRA
Hi Debra,
I’m with you. It’s Super Bowl Sunday so let’s enjoy it, right? I have lots of goodies for me and my hubby tonight. I have to admit though, I went to the gym today! It was the first time in a year and I feel so much better. I was so tired of being tired that I figured if I work out, I will get rid of my fatigue. I feel as though I am back on track with not smoking and taking good care of myself. I do hope you have a better day today. Do you feel as though you are an experienced “quitter” so that you know what happens each day? I think because of my education as a quitter, it helped me this time around.
Have fun tonight watching the game. Eat, drink and be merry!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn…
Enough cheese cake for me..I’ve turned to my computer instead of eating during the superbowl..hehehe
do I find it easier, not really. I know that it’s a struggle, and I do understnad that the craving only lasts for 4 minutes or so, but it still is hard. But I am excited that tomorrow is a week ! That is what has kept me going, tomorrow’s celebration !! I am a fabric-holic too, so I plan on treating myself to buying some fabric on line to start a new project. I do quilting. I’ve kept busy all weekend, but man, weekends are hard on me. I had to have my husband take me to the store today, because I don’t trust myself being alone. Too much temptation. I need to get a few weeks under my belt first I tend to be most vulnerable during those first few weeks; going into a store and sneaking one cigarette has always been my downfall. I think that no one will know, and before long I’m back to smoking. Bill’s method just doesn’t work for me, but gosh I really wish it would.
good night to all….and I’ll sign on tomorrow to say that I have officially made it 1 week !!!!!!
DEBRA
Good evening Debra,
Let me be the first to congratulate you on one week of not smoking! What an accomplishment! You were smart to bring your husband to the store with you. Even if you don’t want others to know if you might sneak a cigarette, YOU will know and will feel bad about it. So, just take those deep breaths and feel wonderful about yourself for not picking up that horrible cancer stick.
I am very proud of you Debra. Keep it up and by the end of this new week you’ll probably be able to go to stores or any place you want without wanting a cig. Best wishes to you friend.
Marilyn
Marilyn: As you know I seldom post more than once a week but I laughed so hard at your “Oh, where’s my money? OOps,spent it on nice things for me” that both my dog and my cat looked at me as if I were nuts. A little more humour would’nt hurt any of us.
Bless you, Judy
P.S. Way to to Debra, Yahoo!!!
P.P.S I guess I shouldn’t ask but “What the heck is the Super Bowl?” Just trying to be funny – I’m sure it’s as important to you guys as the Stanley Cup Playoffs are to us. That’s hockey, by the way. And, more fun, the Olympics are starting next Sunday, at get where? Vancouver, British Columbia. YEAH, GO WORLD.
Hey Judy,
The Super Bowl is just like the Stanley Cup Playoffs…the two best football teams play at the end of the football season for the trophy. It’s a big deal here and it’s a night when people eat and drink during the game. It’s really lots of fun, even if your own home town team isn’t in the game. It’s the same concept as in hockey. We have hockey here in the northeast and throughout the United States too. I’m sure you know of the Boston Bruins. My husband was a hockey coach and my son played throughout high school and college. You must be thrilled that the Olympics will be happening there in Vancouver. Will you be attending any of the events?
Take care.
Marilyn
Okay! Tomorrow will be one week since I’ve had a cigarette. I almost feel like I’m cheating or something, because I don’t really seem to be having a problem. People smoke around me, I do everything I’ve always done which was usually followed by smoking, but it’s like it doesn’t even phase me. I’m not trying to brag or anything, I guess I’m kind of worried that it’s happening so easily for me, like it’ll backfire…….Eh, I won’t concern myself over it. I’ve quit and I have no urge for a cigarette. I’ve already saved between $50 – $68, (depends on which state I buy them in lol) and I’m feeling better already. Good luck everyone, I hope you’re all doing well!
Marye
Hi All and I keep reading the postings they are a big help for me and its made it easy for me and I give up nearly 3 weeks ago and going strong and did have a full packet of cigarettes sat on my desk but yesterday decided to nail them to a piece of wood that holds up a shelf in my office and it made me feel good to drive those nails through the packet …with a nail through the packet its kind of symbolic or has some kind of meaning but I have no idea and we are all in the same boat but this site is really good for me and alot of other people
Before I go off to bed and if someone is reading this and hasnt given up yet but is thinking about it then get yourself to the Pharmacy tomorrow or later this week and get a packet of the nicotine gum it really does work if your are trying to give up plus it takes away the need to start eating too much food once you have cracked the habit because its easy to start eating for 20 people once you get your taste buds functioning properly and thats a fact
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
Im 25yrs old, and started smoking when I was 14. As a kid I hated the smell of cigarettes, and couldnt understand why people smoked. As a result of my curiousity, I tried one and have been hooked ever since. I have made many attempts to quit but, was unsuccessful. On an average I smoke 5 cigarettes a day but, would rather be smoke free entirely. My last smoke was about 6 hrs ago. I am challenging myself to start and finish this week as a non-smoker. I have been reading all these inspirational posts, and believe I can quit cold-turkey with some good ol’ WILL POWER! lol, wish me luck, and best of luck to all my fellow quitters out there!
Yes, you can quit cold turkey, Bruce!!! Congratulations for taking the step! Good luck, and keep that will power going….
Marye
I gave up 3 weeks ago today and what a wonderful experience …after 27 plus years of smoking and feeling really relaxed that I have given up because I gave up twice in 2008 but after a couple of weeks I was back to my packet a day life style and never even gave it a thought in 2009 to give up smoking…but 2010 I have cracked it and I can put it down to one thing and thats the chewing gum and it works wonders and would recommend it to anyone thats thinking of giving up …. good luck
Debra,
I love your a-z list of why not smoking feels great!!! I agree with so many of them, especially M., now I know my whitening toothpaste is working! LOL
My quit day/time is 2/1/10 8:00 pm….I’ve saved the amount of money to pay my water bill….I’ve probably not smoked 160 cigarettes…I feel great already!
Keep up the good work, to you and to all the rest on here giving up the smoking!!
And I do feel so much better kissing my boyfriend…I don’t have to worry about getting a piece of gum first…and my house is smelling better. And you’re right, I can actually smell the shampoo in my hair for longer than 20 minutes before it took on the scent of ashtray…so many!! lol
I had my last smoked over 24 hours ago. To date I have smoked for 9 years (pack-a-day) and now I am ready to quit. Keep posting as it is really helping me to read all these great stories.
Hi Amer,
Congratulations on what I consider the most difficult decision when quitting smoking. To me, finding the date to quit is the hardest to do and you have already succeeded.
I have had a difficult time trying to quit these past few weeks, but tomorrow is another date for me! I am proud that I chose July 4 because it will start my independence from cigarettes!
During the next few days, if you have an urge, just take a quick breath through your nose and give out a great big exhale. You will immediately feel the urge leave you. It’s amazing…
Good luck tomorrow. Day 2 for you and you will already feel much better.
Marilyn
* In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
* In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
* In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
* In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
* In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
* In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
* In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
* In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
* In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
* In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
Amber, as I have stated before I smoked ten years but started at 26 yrs old, and if you can push throught the first three days the cravings drop so much you don’t really miss it, I had the toughest time when I slept the first nights and the headaches were tough on my for about 5 or 6 days, and you know it was so bad for me that I won’t smoke because I won’t go through that again, so when you think you need one just sit back breath in hard hold breathe out and repeat and then your good. good for you on quitting.
Thank you Marilyn. It has now been a week and I feel great. I am still using the gum and now I just hope that I dont get addicted to the gum.
i smoked heavily for almost 50 years, tried so many times to quit, usually lasted a few hours.
i started to get pains in my legs so i had to quit, but still couldnt.
then by sure chance i heard about electronic cigarettes so i bought one, cost £52, but after 1 drag i knew i would never smoke a real cigarette again.
but does it count as giving up?.
i have no cravings at all for a real ciggie at all, threw my tobacco in the bin and will never smoke again. do i care if i stay on the electronic cigarette, not really, i get the enjoyment of a ciggie without the dangers,
or at least i think i do, any thoughts.
Hi Dennis,
I was also a one-pack-a-day smoker for 50+ years. Right now I’m holding my own on a three month cold turkey quit. It has not been easy! But the daily bouts with craving seem to be gradually diminishing in intensity and frequency, and I’m beginning to dare to think of myself as a FORMER SMOKER.
Your post strikes me as unusual for this site. In fact, I haven’t noticed anyone stumping for electronic cigarettes before. Let’s take your post at face value – so for example, I will assume that you have no stake in electronic cigarettes other than any other independent person. You certainly described your positive opinion of these gadgets clearly enough, but you didn’t give us much detail. Could you be a bit more specific? For example, how often do you smoke now? How does it work? I am very surprised that you suddenly have zero cravings for “ordinary” cigarettes.
But most of all, if I were you and smoking these things, I would worry about safety. Since they’re so new, there is no history of long-term effects on health, and in fact, there are new studies that suggest that electronic cigarettes may be dangerous. Here’s a link to a recent study described in a reliable Cleveland (Ohio, USA) newspaper:
http://www.cleveland.com/medical/plaindealer/index.ssf/base/news/124833795418880.xml&coll=2
Of course, everyone knows that smoking cigarettes presents health risks. But with cigarettes, the risks (both short term and long term) are well known, and that information is publicly available – while for electronic cigarettes, the health risks (certainly the long-term risks) are pretty much a mystery.
Anyway, I hope your solution works for you and is safe as well.
Best, –Bill
Just testing.
hi bill, no i do not have any stake whatsoever in the electronic cigarettes, all i can say on the health issue is nicotine is known to have no harmfull effects nor does the gel the nicotine is bonded with, however i have read on the net that many countries are very worried about the loss of tax revenue that they have tried to ban them on the grounds of it being an untested medicine ?, canada tried and failed so maybe its just scaremongering.
its been a few weeks now and i have no wish or need to ever smoke again i have so much more energy and the hacking cough i had has gone.
it will take a bit more time for the pain in the legs to go when i walk up hills but i have been told this does take time.
whilst i agree this was an unusual post on a stop smoking forum, it worked for me, instantly.
regards dennis
Thanks for the reply, Dennis. But I wonder if the picture is as clear as you indicate. For example, you say that nicotine is known to have no harmful health effects. Is that really true? I haven’t followed the literature (on health effects of nicotine) closely, but I do recall that nicotine raises blood pressure – and perhaps more dangerously, over time it contributes irreversibly to arteriosclerosis.
But it’s not just the nicotine. The FDA (certainly independent of tax revenue issues in the US) found in testing that half of their samples of electronic cigarettes contain carcinogens, and one contained diethylene glycol – an ingredient used in antifreeze. See
http://www.cleveland.com/medical/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/124833795418880.xml&coll=2
It’s also true that electronic cigarette advocates have said that this particular ingredient was a singular case that originated in a seedy manufacturing plant in China (many e-cigarettes are manufactured in China, BTW), and does not represent the norm. But others disagree. So it seems to me that the issue is murky enough that if I were smoking those things, I’d be worried enough to do some research. Good luck!
–Bill
Hi Bill,
I was reading through the comments and wanted to respond to what you had posted about the E-Cigarettes. I am 22 have been smoking (pack a day) for about 5 years. Decided 3 days ago to quit. While the first 2 days were terrible I decided to buy one of those E-Cigarettes. My main reason for this was to get “some” nicotine as well as keeping my hands busy. I would think that when a smoker trying to quit wants nicotine or a cigarette, a patch just doesnt really do it. So this fake cig works as a “mind game” for me and keeping my hands busy like I have a real cigarette. I have been able to tell already within 24 hrs of using this fake cig that my cravings and urge all around has deminished. I havent been sucking on it all day like I may have thought in the beginning. Now even though it was a bit pricey and very well may have a chemical found in antifreeze “according to your cleveland post”, if this will help me stomp the urge for the rest of my life then it is 100% worth it. I honestly cant picture myself using it much longer before I am strong enough on my own.
Hi Eric,
Okay – if it helps, then why not? So far as I have been able to tell, there are NO GENERAL RULES for quitting smoking – it’s staying off the cigarette habit long-term that matters! One day at a time.
But in case you find yourself still puffing away on it a few months down the line, please do be careful to check into those unknown long-term effects.
Good luck,
–Bill
bill, sorry mate but you seem to be a bit scared of life itself.
i think anyone who has tried an e ciggie will tell you that quitting is easy. i smoked heavy for 45 years, got an e ciggie gave up in a moment and i feel so much better, easy. as for the possible harmfull side effects, dont they give rat poison to thin the blood,
sorry but some of the posts on here are pathetic like the one about giving up next month cause its the date there mother died of cancer and what made it worse was they said they were so looking foward to the best day of there life when they quit,next month?
wont last a week.
sorry to be so negative but people are going on about giving up smoking like they have a terminal illness and have weeks to live.
get a e fag and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.
45 years, 20/30 a day and it was easy, so there ya go boys and girls and just for bill, today i walked down the road and cars were belching out smoke, possible hazard there mate dare i go out?
sorry folks but the the answer is an e ciggie without a doubt.
August 28, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hey Dennis:
Did you perhaps have a bad day or something ? Since you’ve smoked for 45 years, I guess that makes you an adult (well, sort of). So, as long as I know I’m not addressing some silly little teenager who knows very little of life, here’s my response to you:
I’m trying hard to understand how you could be so judgmental of others. If using e-ciggies (as you refer to them) worked for you, why not do a posting to tell everyone how well it worked for you, and encourage others to give it a try instead of bashing what people do or don’t do.
With regard to your hurtful comment about the person who commented on her mother’s death due to cancer, I can only assume that both your parents are alive and well, or passed away peacefully due to natural causes. Certainly, no one who has ever buried a love one due to cancer could make such a hurtful comment.
Shame on you !
P.S. I did not post this to begin a debate with you either. This is a site where people go to find support.
Dennis,
How terrible of you to judge me about setting my quit date to the day of my beloved mother’s passing. How dare you! You seem like a pompous jerk! We are here on this site to help each other, not to discourage anyone. You, Dennis, should not be writing here at all because you think YOUR way is the ONLY way. So sorry, but we are people who are (or have been) addicted to nicotine. Some may smoke just for the sake of doing something with their hands. Obviously, you are unable to quit your habit by needing an e cigarette.
Please do not post anymore hurtful writings. And Debra said it all. She is now struggling with her quit, and believe me, she encouraged me to find a quit date. God bless her for that!
My date is still Tuesday, September 1 and I am so much looking forward to it. My mother is in heaven, looking down on me, and I’m sure she is very proud that I will quit once again.
Again, shame on you.
Marilyn
no no no cold turkey is the only way.nicotine only stays for 4 days in the system. once u can do that your done no nicotine replacement it only prolongs the habit
im sorry, but i did find it a little hard to take when someone says they are giving up on the day there mother died and looking foward to it, why put it off.
i have posted before on the e cigarette and i found it so easy to just give up on the spot. i really dont see the problem with being judgemental at all, some of the posts on here are like kids crying and being so proud to have gone a day without the weed.
i know thats harsh, but perhaps my problem is the fact i found an easy way out and cannot understand the problems you may have, for that i apologise.
i just bought an e cigarette an gave up the moment i tried one, guess i had it easy,
regards dennis
Hi Debra,
How are you doing today with your quit? I hope you are finding it a little easier than the first day. I have only a couple more days until I quit and I cannot wait! Thank you for responding to Dennis as you did, that was so nice of you.
Let me know how you are and thank you for giving me the encouragement to quit smoking on September 1.
All my best,
Marilyn
HI Debra, I’ve done fantastic today! No smokes since 10:00 pm last night. I have tried the quit meter but am having a hard time downloading it. I used to use whyquit.com meter but it doesn’t seem to be working properly. Oh well, I will use the meter on my computer tomorrow. I am feeling very tired today, but I have to admit, I did not have many urges to smoke today. I am sure tomorrow will be worse than today, and the third day is usually the most difficult for me.
Debra, I am so excited that I have come at least this far once again. As I said, finding the quit date to me is the most difficult.
How are you today? I cannot believe how fast the time is going by for you. You must feel wonderful I bet. You should be so proud of yourself!
I will write again tomorrow to let you know how I did with the non-smoking.
Take care and thank you so much for your support.
Marilyn
Well, Dennis, you certainly seem sure of yourself! Must be something to see the world so clearly in blacks and whites.
A while ago, I sent you a reply to a previous message that contained a link to a site with what I thought was interesting information concerning possible dangers associated with long-term use of e-cigarettes. Did you look at it? If not, because your mind is already made up, then that tells me a lot.
It’s true that from time to time, one can find some fairly silly posts here. After all, it’s a public forum. But the ones that come from the heart – like the ones you mentioned in your note – are NOT silly. So you’ve apologized – which was appropriate and that should be the end of it. Let’s not stir things up unnecessarily. As Debra says: this site needs to offer support to people who are trying to stay with their decision to quit smoking. We don’t all find it as easy as you say you do.
Dennis, on my mother’s death bed, she held my hand and begged me to quit smoking. I miss her very very much especially since her death was so needless. If only she quit smoking when she was younger… Some people find that making a pledge on a loved one’s day can be very special. All I can see even today are my mother’s warm eyes, looking at me, pleading with me that I do not get sick like she did. My children were very young when she passed. Now, I have a beautiful two year old grandson who I want to see grow up. I do not want to die as my mom did, but want to live a full, happy, smoke free life!
I wish you luck with your e-cigs. Hey, we all have our own way of quitting any kind of addiction. Yours is with the e-cigs. Just curious, do they have any taste? ARe they addictive too? Just wondering.
Thanks.
Marilyn
Marilyn, don’t let fools or their foolishness get to you! The important thing is to stay with your quit, one day at a time. Like TODAY.
Best,
–Bill
Bill, thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I know what you mean about the “fools”. I noticed he did not reply to anyone since his last writings. What a fool! hahaha
I enjoy all your writings. Are you still having just one cigarette a week? God bless you if you can do just that. I tried it back in June when I started again after two months but I shortly went back to the pack a day (or more).
Just a couple more days and I’ll be working on my smoke free life.
Marilyn
Well, good luck on that. I think it’s a good idea to emphasize a quit date – makes the whole exercise seem more important. And it IS an important exercise: Life-altering, actually.
As for my “pack-a-week” schedule: I wouldn’t really characterize it that way. I would go without smoking forever if only I could! But sometimes pressures/stresses/shit-that-happens gets to the point where I have an occasional slip. I’ve described above what I do then to control the MAGNITUDE of the slip, by keeping it to a few puffs on one cigarette before trashing the rest. I don’t know if it averages out to one-cigarette-per-week or not. But that’s probably close. I’ve also learned that I CANNOT have a pack available, or I will sneak them, one-at-a-time: So it is essential that I get rid of the new pack after those stolen puffs and make it TRULY unavailable.
Most important: I DO NOT recommend this method across the board. I acknowledge that it’s risky, and I’m not entirely sure why it seems to be working for me. But it has worked for four months in the sense that I have not gone back to regular smoking since my own quit day. At this point, I don’t think I ever will – but of course, we will see, one day at a time. Eventually, of course, the whole idea is to get to a point where I no longer have those urges to smoke – zero. They are getting less and less frequent, but I still have a way to go.
Many years ago, a colleague of mine lost his father to lung cancer, and there was a similar deathbed pledge. My colleague quit. Perhaps he would have quit anyway, but who knows?
So good luck. It’s important.
Bill,
I still applaud you for having just a few puffs. I could never ever do that. Actually, that’s what I did and simply started smoking immediately. I pray that on Tuesday, I will finally quit forever. Isn’t it such a horrible addiction? Geez!!!!
I will keep you posted on how I do with my quit. Thank you so much for writing.
Marilyn
I would do the same as you. I would buy a pack and smoke one cigarette and throw the rest away. Then I would keep 3 or 4 cigarettes out of the next pack and smoke them over the course of the day. One time I threw the pack out the window of my car and went back the next day and recovered the pack. This was insane. If I smoke one more God Damm cigarette it will be only a few days before I start all over again. The withdrawal symtoms only get worse. I don’t want to be glared at as a stupid person for smoking-it doesn’t make sense. I am determined to quit forever.
Sounds good Marilyn. But you know very well that the next few days are not going to be easy! I think there are at least two plateaus. One at about ten days (this is the worst part by far) and the second sometime out around four to five months. Right now, you have to concentrate on the TEN-DAY PLATEAU. At least that is the way it has been for me.
Keep your eyes on the prize: a healthier life with NO cigarettes!
Good luck,
–Bill
Hi Marilyn !
I’m so happy for you ! You did it !! It’s great. It’s fabulous ! You have already saved $9.00 !
I’m counting my savings; going to buy myself something great. I was thinking of you this afternoon when I felt like going to the store and buying a pack…but then I thought “gosh, how would I explain that to Marilyn ”
Be sure to write me back….Ya, my first week has flown by; I’m still not that happy though. I get really cranky and oh the food I am consuming is enough to make me sick. I’m eating way too much..but I’ll deal with that in another week or so.
Keep up the great work !
Debra
Hi Debra and Bill…I’m on day 3 now! Yesterday was really difficult for me, but I did get through it with prayers and deep breaths.
I’m off to work now. I’ll write later.
Thank you again for all your support.
Marilyn
Good job Marilyn Im praying for you also. My quit meter tells me that…
I have been quit for 3 Months, 6 Days, 9 hours, 11 minutes and 33 seconds (98 days). I have saved $354.17 by not smoking 1,967 cigarettes. I have saved 6 Days, 19 hours and 55 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 5/27/2009 11:00 PM… I check in to see how you are doing also everyday so your not alone…
Hi Lori,
Today was not a good day for me. I was fine this morning, happy to start my third day, which I have always found to be the most difficult. A situation arose when I was at work this morning. I became very worried and nervous about a family member, actually I started to shake because of my nerves. I was around smokers most of this afternoon which didn’t help either. Needless to say, I smoked three cigarettes today. I am somewhat disappointed in myself, but I am hoping that tomorrow will bring on a happier day for me. I read that when quitting smoking, we should be in a calm environment, away from smokers in order to succeed. Well, today met all the criteria to not do well.
I will write again tomorrow with all good news about my quit. Hey, I had a small slip. IN fact, I don’t even want one tonight.
Thanks for listening.
Marilyn
Hey Debra! Where are you? How are you today?
Hi Marilyn:
Do we have the same family ? The same exact thing happened to me today; only I smoked 5 cigarettes !! I would write more, but it would only be negative and that’s not healthy for anyone to read. I’m so angry that I don’t have enough energy to be angry at myself ! ( does that make sense).
Ya, let’s both get back on that wagon tomorrow…..
Debra
Hi Debra,
Oh well, we had a slip. No big deal if we plan to not smoke again starting today. I keep thinking of that first day, how difficult it is to choose a day. I can still breath a little better, and I am still going to right against smoking! So, Debra, think of how much better you feel, how you were coughing so bad that you put the cigarettes down. Don’t be angry at yourself, be proud that today you will be right back to where you were a day ago. No need to feel bad, just be happy today! You are still a non-smoker!
Best of luck to you today my friend,
Marilyn
Well, okay Jimmy. I don’t claim it works for everyone, and I do NOT endorse it as a sensible way to quit smoking. But I can say that it has helped me, and that I have been off regular smoking for more than four months. As a matter of fact, I believe that I will NEVER go back to regular smoking. That’s the holy grail, isn’t it? At least, it is the holy grail for me.
I think that there may be SOME other people out there for whom this could be a positive thing. Maybe not you, unfortunately, but maybe others. I don’t know how many, and I wouldn’t know how to talk to them as a group. All I can say is that HERE IS MY OWN STORY. For whatever it may be worth.
Best wishes to all,
—Bill
Hi Bill,
Great post to Debra. I had a 15 year quit until I started again two years ago. After a year, I had absolutely no desires or urges to ever smoke again. In fact, a family death occurred two years ago in which I became hysterical. Outside the hospital where a family member passed, another in-law told me I needed a cigarette. I refused because I didn’t want one. She insisted and I took just one. That one cigarette cost me thousands of dollars soon to go into the third year of smoking.
Debra did offer fantastic advice for me. I will definitely dress up as a smoker on Halloween and put that last cigarette out in a dirty ashtray! I love the idea.
Thanks all for motivating me. I am scared, but now I at least have a quit date.
Marilyn
I’m with ya. When I have quit in the past, I have used the patch and gum. Once I quit using the Nicotine band-aids, I started smoking again. Cold turkey this time and I don’t crave anymore and it’s only been 11 days.
AMEN! that’s what i’m talking about! i’ve gone cold turkey now for two sweet weeks and it’s only getting better! i don’t need any e-cig to calm the cravings or any patches like that! put up with less than a week of misery to gain a lifetime of smoke-free bliss:) i completely agree with you on this candie:) best of luck to all of you people that are quitting or setting a start date TO quick…if you really want to then you will:)
isn’t that wonderful i been smoking more then half my life and i will finally be able to breath woo wooop
Well i stopped 22 Novemebr 2009
it was a week after my 50th birthday. I been trying to stop now for ages, you know a couple of day here and there.
What i did was think of the mornings when i stopped for a few days. Then think of morning when you smoke.
You soon realise that smoking is just a poisenous curse.
Ive now had a few sores in my mouth, still got a cough but nowhere near as bad as wehn smoking.
Oh I did it cold turkey, its the only way.
Thanks and good luck to anybody who wants to stop.
I stopped smoking January 24th 2010 6 days ago. The 1st 3 days were really bad. I was very agitated at everything and everyone. Now on 6 days it is still a changle but doing somewhat better. Anyway I am so glad I found this site it is an inspiration.
Hi Sue, well done for getting to day 6, I.m only on day 3 and am finding it really hard today! Is it a lot easier now than day 3 for you?
I have been a smoker for 36 years and really need to do it this time.I am more confident than the last time I tried in 2007,I did stop for 9 weeks then but something just went wrong and I started again.
Are you using any NRT? I am using patches and inhaler.
Anyway good luck to you and all the smokers that are trying to quit.
Sharon
Keep up the good work sue its going to get better and better i am going on 4 months and smoke 30 years 20 aday try some fish oil pill to help with the craving and pray.
Hi Bill you must continue posting I am on your side …but for me it would be impossible and I have realised after 27 years smoking that giving up means giving up and thats that but my mother gave up smoking exactly the same way as you after 50 years of inhaling every brand none to man and then spent 2 years having 1 cigarette per day and suddenly giving up totally 15 months ago and I never thought I would see her giving them up
GOOD LUCK