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10 years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.
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Smoking & How to Quit

Share Your Story

Smoking & How to Quit Home > Tools > Share Your Story

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 am 4 days smoke free after 20 years of smoking. I used to have the hardest time envisioning myself not smoking. I didn't have a plan; I just became very ill and couldn't smoke, what a better time to quit. Your messages have been great; I don't feel so alone with this whole process. I figure, one day at a time!

Amy from Pennsylvania

It’s been a long, long fight. Some years ago, I was able to stop smoking for at least one year, believe me. And, to be honest, it was very hard to pick up the addition again. This time I plan to forever get rid of it. I know I will not survive this if I don’t put it away now. I will again resist to the cravings and win again the fight. You all can do it as well. Thanks for your messages.

Anonymous

30 year Smoker on his 3rd smoke free day. Hardest thing isn't the cigarette cravings; it's the being tired. I'll have these movements when I'm reading and then BAM, out of the blue; I have to take a nap. I know its part of the healing. This is the one thing everybody who smokes dreads, the day you face the addiction and for me...well, am surprised at how when I gave myself no choice (smoking just will not be one of the options), it was easier than I thought. I know I'm done, I see myself as a non-smoker now and that is huge. Good luck to you, you can do it!!

Mark from Colorado

I have smoked for about 14 years. Today is my 3rd day without a smoke and I feel awesome! I have been depressed and full of tension for years. No energy, crying all the time. I thought the cigarettes helped but I was wrong. I have never felt happier than I do today on my 3rd nicotine free day. I have worked out 60 minutes every day on an elliptical (to ignore my in the morning cravings and to counteract weight gain). I have eaten a lot of fruit and veggies and drank lots of water and green tea. I think this has helped me purge the nicotine out of my system quicker. I have never felt so energetic and alive since I was a kid! PLEASE, quit smoking! I used to say that I smoked because I liked to, but I am a non-smoker now because I like this a whole lot better. Good luck everyone!

Leigh from Iowa

My friend Rebecca just died of lung cancer at age 57 after smoking since her teenage years. She was beautiful and brilliant, a Ph.D-educated woman who made a foolish choice early in life. I asked her to quit any number of times but she could never do it, and it finally killed her. I loved her dearly and her death leaves many empty hearts. Please, for yourself and those who love you, don't smoke.

Anonymous

I smoked for 25 years and when I decided to quit it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. It’s so easy to start but very hard to put down. I have been smoke free for a year. So I say if I can do it anybody can do it. You must have faith in yourself to quit!

Nina from Illinois

Well this is my 4th time trying to quit smoking and I hope I do it this time. I have smoked a pack a day for almost 22 years and I’d really like to see all my kids graduate and marry and my youngest will be 4. The last time I tried I lasted 6 weeks. I really hope I can do it for my kids’ sake.

Jackie from West Virginia

When joining the military, I had to quit for basic training. When I arrived at AIT, I was also told I couldn't smoke, but the Drill Sergeants weren't following us everywhere. So after 16 weeks of quitting, I started smoking again. Today (two years later) I have 8 days without a cigarette - on my own terms. I don't know about anyone else, but I have been running everyday. Something about being able to breathe and pound out the stress on the road helps. I always have my running shoes and a change of clothes with me. I can run before work, at lunch, after work - whenever. Knowing I can handle my stress this constructive way helps!! I now know I cannot smoke just one or just have a drag. I am an addict and cannot control myself. Therefore, I will not smoke. Good luck to everyone else.

Michele from Texas

I began smoking when I moved to California at age 24. I began hanging out with smokers. My parents smoked all throughout my childhood, and because of that, I said I would never smoke. Well, not sure if I started to deal with the smokers, or because the smell held a sense of home for me, but now, 11 years later, I still smoke. I am now suffering from my second sinus and respiratory infection in six months. I didn't smoke for a day, then for two days, and now it's been 4 days. I was a non-smoker and I want to be one again. Day 4 is proving to be the most difficult so far, but I want to be stronger than my addiction. I am stronger than my addiction -- we are all stronger than our addiction. Cigarettes don’t force their way into our lives; we invite them. It's our choice, our money, and our own personal demons that invite the bad company. I don't know about you, but I am tired of keeping bad company around. It does nothing but put me down. Good luck!

Edie from California

I am 28, and have decided to quit smoking. I have quit in the past for several months at a time, but went back. This time I will succeed. I watched my dad die of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) right before my eyes, and he told me to quit. I also have an 18-month-old son who deserves a mom. I really enjoyed your stories.

Sue from Tennessee

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Content last updated April 20, 2006.

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