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Young people vastly underestimate the addictiveness of nicotine. Of daily smokers who think that they will not smoke in five years, nearly 75 percent are still smoking five to six years later.
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Smoking & How to Quit

Share Your Story

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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 run online business and a few web sites. I was referred to smoking by some of my friends a few years back and since that day I have been smoking. Smoking caused health problems and I could not focus on my business. I haven’t been able to completely quit smoking, but I have been smoking much less now. I think you only need to focus on stuff you like doing and you will lose this bad habit. Another thing that helped me was chewing gum so that’s a good way. Always keep gum in your mouth and eventually you will stop smoking.

Anonymous

It has been 35 hours and 7 minutes since my last smoke. I am 33 and have been smoking since I was about 11 or 12. I never thought I would stop smoking but I woke up on Sunday morning and told myself "I have had enough of this smoking and will not have another one." I almost feel like I am someone else. It is hard but I really don't want to smoke anymore so I just don't. I am looking forward to the 72 hour mark, that's when some people say the nicotine is out of your body and you don't want to smoke as often. Everyone hang in there it has to get easier and we will be healthier.

Mindy from New York

Those who can quit are lucky as they save themselves and their families. All the smokers know the impact of smoking. They have witnessed at least some people who have been the victims of smoking. Mostly the smokers want to quit but realize how difficult it is to give up the habit. This is often a fight with one own self, where if you win you gain a lot. Smokers need to think if they have the right to put their life at risk and in turn jeopardize their families just for a short-lived physical pleasure.

Anonymous

I'm 9 days smoke free. I feel stronger than I have in 2 1/2 years. I quit for 4 years many years ago and due to change in location and the fact everyone smoked around me, I picked the habit up. I knew it would be more difficult to quit the second time around. I did quit for six months until July 18, 2004 when I loss my mother that morning (long-term illness) and then my youngest son was killed in a car accident 5 hours later, so I regressed back to my old habit. Now two years later, I know how smoking has affected my health and I really want to be here with my husband and oldest son for as long as possible. Quitting smoking is very hard because it is attached to emotions, so I have to learn not use it as a crutch. I learned to just take it one day at a time. Looking out to future just brings on anxiety we don't need.

Barbara from North Carolina

Today is day 26 of being smoke free. I am 46 years old and I've been smoking since I was 15. People who have never smoked don't know how hard it is to quit. Let me just tell everyone out there to keep up the good work and be proud of yourself and don't stop trying.

Fred from Michigan

I am 42, and have been a 2 pack a day smoker for over 25 years. I want to quit but it's hard, I had my last cigarette at 2:30 pm today and it is now 5:00 and I want a cigarette. I have to have control. Wish me luck.

Lisa from Texas

I have been smoke free for 23 days now. My mind was made up after my Father gave up his smoking habit; he was a smoker for over 50 years. I have smoked for 26 years. I can see myself having many of the same health problems my dad faces now if I continue to smoke. It hasn't been easy and there have been days that that’s all I think about, those days are getting less and less. Breathing sure feels good. I can take a breath now and not cough. When I was smoking I remember the heavy chest feeling all the time. It's totally gone now. Here’s to all of us for choosing long lives, clean air & extra money :) remember not 1 puff...ever!

Colleen from Wyoming

I've quit several times in the past for a couple of months here and there and none of them were cold turkey. This time I am quitting cold turkey and have truly decided that I am done with smoking. I think this time I'm so sure because I am sick with bronchitis and an infection and it's been two weeks and not getting much better. I am 37 and have smoked since I was 19. My mom quit cold turkey after 40 years of smoking and she never took another puff. I think cold turkey is the best way. If it's too easy you think oh that was easy I'll just have one this time because it's easy I can quit again. I am truly done this time no matter how hard it gets. It's only been a little over 12 hours and it hasn't been hard at all. Good luck and don't let this poison kill you. I can't believe it's even legal. Don't be a victim.

Anonymous

I am 29, and smoked my 1st cigarette at 15. I have to work hard just to smoke only 1 pack of cigarettes, but truthfully I smoke more. I want to quit, but I'm so scared of trying that I will actually break down in tears just thinking about it. That alone makes me too embarrassed to get help. Who am I to cry about quitting smoking?

Anonymous

I am 37 years old I have been a smoker for about 23 years +. I chose to quit smoking 7 days ago today. I smoked a pack or more everyday. The hardest part for me has been the mornings where I normally have my quiet time without children or any interruptions. It's just me, my coffee, and my cigarettes. I have to say I have always enjoyed smoking but I hate the effects it has on my health and my looks. I have always been told that I am a very beautiful woman. I want to stay that way. Good luck to everyone who is wise enough to quit. It is tough! But it is the right choice!

Anonymous from Texas

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Content last updated November 16, 2006.

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