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Smoking & How to Quit

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Have a helpful hint or motivating thought to share? Tell us your story. Encourage others. Share strategies for quitting smoking. This area is for you.

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I smoked consistently for about four years, at least three fourths a pack a day plus a couple years on and off before that. I put my foot down that I was going to be a NONSMOKER and let everyone know about it, including coworkers, family, even strangers... I counted the minutes at first, then hours and minutes, then days and hours and minutes, you get the picture! I am now smoke free for over four months! (4 mo. 1 wk. 4 days 19 hours to be exact) I made it into a game. I don't really count that often anymore. I didn't remember food tasting so good! I can smell so much better! When I have an urge, I do some form of exercise for a couple minutes... When my aunt got sick of hearing me count she said it was my turn to listen. After 26 years of not smoking, she hasn't had one in over a month! Positive reinforcement is the key. BE A STRONG SUPPORTER!!!

Elizabeth from Illinois

I've been smoke free for almost 4 weeks. I gave it up for lent and now giving it up for good!! Next I have to get my wife to stop. Hang in there everyone, it gets easier.

David from New Jersey

I know that quitting smoking is very hard. I tried everything, the patch, medicine, cold turkey, and many other items which are available. I finally gave up thinking I could not do it until someone suggest hypnosis. One year ago today March 20th, I went to a group hypnosis session. Yes I was very skeptical and thought this won't work. Boy I was wrong it did work and I have not had a cigarette for one year. If I knew this I would have done this long ago, it was the easiest way I ever tried. I feel like I have never smoked, I do not get urges, I am able to be around other smokers and not want one. With the price of cigarettes I am glad I quit when I did. If anyone is trying to quit don't give up if you fail, just keep trying.

Michele from Delaware

I was a smoker for 33 years and thought it would never be possible to stop smoking. My husband is not ready to quit yet so he is still smoking. Last year I had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and a subsequent test revealed that my right carotid artery is totally blocked. I am only 46 years old and that was a real wake up call because there is nothing they can do at this point because it puts me at a greater risk of stroke. I am happy to report that I am 48 days as a non smoker now. I will not allow myself to ever smoke again.

Robin from Colorado

My husband and I both smoked for about 30 years. I have wanted to stop and thought the only way I could do it was if we both stopped at the same time. He was not ready to do this, yet. I bought nicotine gum and had tried several times by myself to quit but didn't get the job done. On February 3, when I woke up for my morning cigarette, the nicotine gum was by the cigarettes. Instead of lighting up, I grabbed the gum. Each time I wanted a cigarette, I grabbed the gum. I got through a day without a cigarette. The next day I didn't want to waste the hours I went without a smoke, so I went another day. As of today, I have been smoke free for over a month. From quitting before, I know I can't even have one cigarette. One cigarette will make me addicted again. I am determined to do this. My husband even smokes around me and his cigarettes are around. What I've done even impresses me.

Linda from Kansas

Hi! Today is my 100th day of not smoking. I feel wonderful from that aspect, I have gained 20 pounds but it is worth it entirely, now I am on a diet and exercise. I did walk on the tread mill every other day all through my quitting, even the days when I was dragging or I probably would have gained more. I had been smoking for over 30 years and finally decided that I have had enough, and it's true, all the stuff people tell you that you don’t want to hear. Breathing is amazing. So try it and hang in there. If you want to do it, you really can.

Thesia from Pennsylvania

I decided after 30 years of smoking, 2007 was the year to finally make changes. Jan. 2nd landed me in the ER after having what I thought was a heart attack. Turns out it was a severe warning to start making changes in my life. I've quit smoking for 38 days. It's the hardest thing I will ever do in my lifetime. But it's a decision I will stick with because my new saying is "smoking is not an option". My time spent smoking is now occupied with other activities. I realized that if I'm going to make a major change in my life, it also required making major changes in my lifestyle. I can't wait for the time to come when I stop marking my quit days on my calendar, just because I'm too busy to even think about cigarettes! It's never too late to quit.

Karen from Ohio

I am 43 years old and I quit smoking January 4, 2007. Most recently I was a pack a day smoker, although in my younger days I smoked as much as 2 packs a day. I still cannot believe I stopped smoking yet. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. I won't lie, I still want to smoke very much, and I do miss it terribly! I have also gained about 12 lbs. What keeps me going? My 4 year old son and the memory that my father died when I was young from lung cancer (he was a heavy smoker.) In my mind I still think of ways that I could sneak a smoke and how much I miss the burn in my throat from smoking. I just will not do it! I am terribly tired and still lack clarity of thought. However, I just keep reminding myself of how far I have come and how much I do not want to go through the withdrawals again. Stay strong all, you will find your way! By the way, I quit cold turkey because I was already sick with a sinus infection and already felt horrible. Great news, I can breathe again! Not winded at all and have some great stamina. Getting better day by day and you can too! Best wishes to you all!

Roslynn from California

Hello, I am 31 years old and have finally quit smoking. This is my 2nd day and sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy! I have 2 beautiful daughters and a non smoking husband. My oldest was really worried that I was going to die and reminded me of the commercial with the lady who smoked and now had to talk through a tube in her throat. It really made me think. This isn't my 1st time quitting. Sometimes it's so hard! Thanks and good luck to you all on this wonderful decision.

Dana from North Carolina

I've been smoking a pack a day for 36 years; I'm now 51 years old and have been smoke-free for 27 days. The cravings drive me nuts, but I'm going to live the rest of my life as a non-smoker. I've quit every year for the past 5 years but I had a plan this time and it's working. It helps to know other people are struggling as I am with feelings of frustration, agitation, aggravation, sadness, loneliness, depression, etc. I'm gaining weight but breathing much better. It'll all be worth it in the end. Good luck to all of you, and remember: the benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting, so hang in there!

Anonymous

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Content last updated April 3, 2007.

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