Fast Facts

The younger you begin to smoke, the more likely you are to be an adult smoker. Young people who start smoking at an earlier age are more likely to develop long-term nicotine addiction than people who start later.
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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 was a three pack a day smoker for 13 years. I was hospitalized numerous times and now have chronic lung problems. I quit smoking 9 months ago using a therapy my doctor recommended and it was the best thing I ever did for myself! Quitting is not easy, but so rewarding. Smoking keeps you sick and it keeps you weak. In the first weeks you always want just one more, but it never stays that way, does it? One more turns into 2 or more years of buying packs upon packs of cigarettes. When you feel like relapsing remember how miserable you were when you smoked. And remember that the reasons you quit in the first place are still there and just as important as they were the day you quit.

Adele from Illinois

I am 37 and began smoking when I was 16. In those 21 years I didn't try quitting at all - I always had an excuse as to why I needed to smoke (stress, work, vacations, drinks with friends, because it's summer, because it's raining, because it's snowing, because it's dark, because I enjoy it with coffee, with alcohol...etc.). My inspiration came from meeting a wonderful woman (non-smoker - who hated smoking). I didn't want her to know my secret - so I quit (I told her I had given up years ago). Today is Day 65 since quit day and it hasn't been easy. I think about a smoke every second of the day, but not letting my new lady down is what is driving me to never smoke again. My suggestion to those who are struggling to quit is to find that reason, that inspiration in your life - I think that is the only real way to quit. Thanks for listening to me.

Anonymous from Arizona

I just found out a family member has cancer. My reaction was to quit smoking. I feel a lot better now; my skin feels and looks great. I like having nice smelling hair and clean white teeth. I did want to contribute and let other people know smoking can cause all types of cancer: bladder, oral, nasal, skin, etc.; not just lung cancer. Good luck in quitting!

Hugo from Texas

This is day 27 of being a non-smoker! I say this with pride too! I've tried many times to quit but this time is working so far. What works is having a partner to quit with. What also works (for me), forget patches, pills, etc., was expressing myself to my husband in times of stress. He has been the strong one. No patches, pills, etc. He is just glad we stopped! It is wonderful to not be hooked by something like cigarettes. Just think, the pleasure is only a few seconds after lighting up. Not worth those few seconds. I love being free! So, get a partner and vent to each other when times are tough. 27 days and tough times are fewer and fewer. We can do it! YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

Patricia from Connecticut

Hi, I'm a smoker for about 10 years now, and the longest that I didn't smoke for was 9 months, when I had my son. I was doing my pregnancy test and smoking a cigarette at the same time. It was positive. I had about 4 cigarettes during my first pregnancy and after every one of then I felt sick. I started smoking again a month after I had my son. I am pregnant with my second baby and I am about 4 weeks and I just can't stop. But I know I have to because I know this will affect my baby for the rest of its life.

Sara from Connecticut

Hi I am a young woman who has smoked for 8 years. I am proud to say that I have recently quit. I was smoking about 12 cigarettes a day, and with the aid of a prescription drug my doctor prescribed, I am on my second day without a smoke. I have wanted to quit for some time now, but finally decided that NOW was the time. I can already tell a difference in my breathing and how I feel day to day. I no longer hear my 6 year old son tell me how much the room stinks or how I am going to die from smoking. That's a sweet sound or lack of sound!! Good luck to you all who are trying, it can be done!

Anonymous from North Carolina

I started smoking when I was 14 and eventually started smoking a pack a day or more. Now I'm 20 and haven't had a smoke in 5 days. The first few days weren't hard at all, but now it's all I can think about. I really don't want to smoke, but I also have this feeling that I want just one more cigarette...I know I cannot have that cigarette. I must push forward and become the healthy person I once was!

Anonymous from Alabama

I am 41 and have been smoking for 34 years. I quit smoking for 8 weeks and decided I could handle smoking 4 or 5 a day and it would be alright. 4 weeks later I realize that these cigarettes have way more control of me than I do them. So now I have to start over.It makes me very angry and sad at the same time. Because I know it is more mental than a physical addiction.

Anonymous from Alabama

I stopped 4 days ago and it was not easy, but the cravings do pass and then return. I keep forgetting I’ve quit and go to fetch a cigarette! And then realize I don’t smoke anymore! I have spoken to people who have quit years ago and they assure me it’s well worth the initial discomfort. I’m only 33, and I want to say fit if possible and I definitely don’t want to inflict anymore damage on my body. Good luck to fellow quitters, and stick with it! I love you all! –From London, England

Mark from England

I've been smoke free since July 26th. I woke up that morning, and was spitting out blood. Doesn't sound good, does it? Before that, I have tried to quit at least 8 times! Whenever I went out to a bar I always gave in. I feel great right now, but I am still struggling. I didn't tell my close friends or family this time, because whenever I do I always go back. I guess I am just very independent. I knew each time I went back to smoking, I had to quit. It's like, what am I waiting for? To find out I have cancer?! I read on one of the posts that they say to themselves "smoking isn't an option" I know I am a nicotine addict and nothing can justify this addiction. Nothing!

Gina from New York

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Content last updated September 3, 2008.

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