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I have been smoking for over twenty years and finally stopped about 8-10 weeks ago! It is amazing after all these years of smoking; you really have your taste buds and sense of smell back. I know it is a very hard thing to do and I hope and pray that I never go back to it after being smoke free for so long. I believe that it is a very hard habit to break. Any anyone who quits deserves recognition to the fullest! Best of luck to everyone who is trying to stop smoking!

Leslie from New Jersey

I am 45 years old and quit smoking ten weeks ago and I am doing very well. I have been smoking since I was young. My mom died last year of lung cancer and she would be very proud of me now that I have quit smoking. I wish everyone the best and good luck in quitting, it is a very addictive habit that I hope I will never return too. Good luck to you all!!!!

Anonymous from New Jersey

I started smoking when I was young. That was the cool thing to do and the bad effects of smoking were not publicized then, if they were known. No warnings on the packs. Even the doctors smoked! Now I'm 56 and I quit 2 months ago. Today I mostly think of myself as a non-smoker. And my first grandchild, who is due in July, will never know me as a smoking grandma. And I'll be around and, hopefully, healthy enough to keep up with that blessing and see him grow up. Life is good!

Jan from Indiana

I started smoking around the age of 18, 20 years later, at 38, I haven't smoked a cigarette for a full week. I quit for ME, and my 2-year-old son. My oldest son is 19, and a non-smoker, he hates them, so he was very pleased I quit. I was up to 2 packs a day, sometimes more. I have had nasty sinus drainage, and a wicked cough, but I know in time all of this will pass. I am very proud of myself, and I hope this will inspire others to stop as well. It's the best decision I've made in a long time. I will never smoke again.

Mary Jo from Kentucky

I can't believe it-this is almost my third week and I'm STILL a non-smoker. After more than 20 years I quit-and you can too. Don't let the fear of withdrawal stop you from wanting to quit. It is not at all like you imagine (our imaginations are dangerously powerful sometimes). You are more powerful than the drug nicotine.

Cheryl from California

I smoked for almost 20 years and I have tried to quit numerous times but never got past 3-4 days. My fiancee and I both quit on January 5th of this year, he has been extremely supportive. I will never say quitting is easy. It is a long road and you have to take it literally moment by moment. If I think, "I'll never smoke again" it seems like an impossible task. In the end, I believe your success truly depends on how badly you really want to quit. Good luck everyone and stay strong!

Nicole from Florida

I have been smoke free for 11 days. I began smoking cigarettes 20 years ago. I cannot believe the amount of time that has passed with me smoking. I have felt the effects of smoking for the last 4 or 5 years. Upper respiratory issues, shortness of breath, etc., I promised myself every year that I would quit on my birthday. For the last three birthdays, I disappointed myself. On this last birthday, I decided on the spot to not smoke another cigarette. The next day I decided to see what 24 hours would feel like and keep going like that. The cravings are difficult but pass quickly especially if you occupy yourself otherwise. Thanks for listening. Good luck to all.

Anonymous from Maryland

Today is my 4th smoke free day. It is bizarre really. I mean that I just up and quit, no planning, just ran out of cigarettes and decided I might as well start this now. It was scary, but I made it through. I am very tired, and I find myself thinking of cigarettes often, although that is only when I engage in something that I used to smoke after, like eating, shopping, etc. These urges last between 2 and 5 minutes, like the things I’ve read, and I am praying I am able to continue being a non-smoker. I can't wait for the little smokers cough to go away, and for me to not feel like I need one anymore. Good luck to all of you who are trying to kick this bad habit.

Julie from New York

I started smoking when I turned 18; a friend said, "Hey you're 18, you can buy smokes," yeah, what a friend. I am now 26 and I quit a month ago. It takes some patients the first few days, but after that things get much easier. Sometimes when I have the urge to smoke, I help lower the stress by having silent conversations with myself about how bad cigarettes are. It’s not about luck...It’s about self-control. Best wishes to all!

Anonymous from Michigan

I started smoking in college "only when I drank" and this habit continued for the next twenty years. At 43, I am finally feeling the effects of this "social" smoking. I love to exercise, but am starting to notice trouble with even climbing up stairs. I used to enjoy the smoke with the glass of wine at the end of the day. I got very sick with bronchitis recently and it scared me enough to finally quit. I have been smoke free for almost three weeks now. My husband is thrilled and is very supportive. However, this try I am doing it for me, which is the right reason. I will succeed.

LJ from Florida

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Content last updated March 4, 2006.

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