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Unlike so many other health conditions or diseases, you have the power to prevent yourself from suffering from smoking-related illnesses or death. The benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting.
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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 haven't smoked in 3 months! It was so hard you guys! But now, when I have some extra cash, I'm not thinking about cigarettes! I don't cough in the morning, and I'd like to think that I'm going to be here longer for my kids. You can do it! If you're thinking of quitting you're already on the right track. My husband doesn't even want to quit and I hate it. Don't let it control you anymore and vow to be here for the people that love you.

Anonymous from Washington

Hi! I have been a "non-smoker" since the week before Thanksgiving 2007. Everyone I know and pretty much anyone that I'm related to are smokers. I started when I was 14 and when I turned 24 it scared me! I'm a mother of 3 and it scared me that I had already been smoking for 10 years! I smoked when I was stressed, argued, drinking, or eating, and now nothing. I make everyone smoke outside now. If you're thinking of quitting do it! I'm a mother, and it scared the hell out of me to think about who would be raising my children when I was dead. That thought alone was enough to make me think again. Sure I've gained 12 pounds that I can't afford to gain, but I'm putting my kids first this time, and trust me; if I can do it, so can you!

Cassandra from Washington

I am a 25 year old mother of 4. My oldest daughter is 5, I have a 2 year old, a 3 year old son, and a 1 year old daughter. I have not had a cigarette in 4 days. I have a constant headache. This is probably the tenth time I have quit but this time is the real thing. I am done. I am definitely not going back to smoking at any cost. More than anything it is for my children and non-smoking husband. I hated the addiction of all things. It's ruled my life. Keep the motivational comments coming.

Anonymous

I have been smoking since I was 15. I'm 51 now. I have been smoke free since January 3, 2007. It is getting easier day by day. I don't want to end up like my mother, dead at 57 from lung cancer. She begged me to stop the last time I saw her alive. It's been 24 years and I have finally kept my promise.

Nancy from New York

I want to quit, but I am so afraid. Of what, I don't know. On one hand I am afraid of not quitting and on the other I enjoy smoking. I think I want to quit because of the guilt. My daughters would be thrilled, but I want to do it without being told to do the right thing. I know I should quit for my health. I am afraid of the health consequences. Sometimes I don't know what to think. Sometimes I feel I am doomed to die a smoker. I hate that thought.

Lorna from Ohio

I quit smoking when I turned 30, which was in 1987. I started back in 2003. I blamed this on a very stressful time in my life. I am now four days into quitting forever. I know what it feels like to live without smoking. I know that the cravings and urges will go away. I know that any weight gained can easily be lost. I know that my worst regret will be that I did not quit sooner. I vow to myself that I will never be weak enough again to let this habit have control over me. Quitting will give me the power to do anything and I remember what a natural high this feeling gave me. Good luck to us all. One day at a time and we will all succeed.

Anonymous from Georgia

Please don't be afraid of the weight gain. A few extra pounds are nothing compared to the world that is opened up to you as a new nonsmoker. The funny thing is I can smell a smoker a mile away whereas in the past I wouldn't notice at all. It might even disgust you, but that's ok it will be a motivation to stay quit! Also, these days I have more stamina to exercise and keep up with my son. In fact I've lost weight since my days as a smoker. My skin has also never been clearer. Trust me; there are benefits to quitting that even go beyond the obvious!

Rachel

I am 26 and started smoking when I was young. I quit when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter and now I am pregnant with my 4th child and I really want to quit. I go to bed at night thinking I will quit in the morning, but when I wake up all I can think about is having that first cigarette. I need help. I don't want to smoke anymore. I want to be there for my children. I have a panic disorder and the cigarettes help me calm down, but I know that I have to quit. I was supposed to quit on Christmas and it didn't happen.

Sunday from California

My children have been coming home from school sharing with me what they have found out about smoking. They have asked me to stop, but it is hard. I have been smoking since the age of fourteen, I'm forty-four. It has been 2 hours and 38 seconds since my last cigarette, I need to quit, for myself and my children.

Lorna from Maryland

Whoa! I have been trying to quit forever. A friend of mine died of cancer and she begged me to quit. It is so hard. I have made it 4 1/2 hours so far and reading all your comments on this site sure has helped me to commit to keep going. I'm doing this for myself and my family. Thanks and I will win the battle to be smoke free.

Anonymous

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Content last updated January 23, 2007.

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