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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've smoked for 45 years, was smoking 3 packs a day hacking most the day and wheezing. My kids would say they could always find me in a store because of the hacking. No one in my family smokes, so that meant no smoking when I visited, and I always dreaded going anywhere that I couldn't smoke. I enjoyed smoking. But I hated the smell in my hair and always washed my hair every night and if I was going somewhere I would wash my hair again. Well, I stopped smoking Jan 8th and it is now May 28! But there is not a day that goes by that I haven’t thought of a cigarette and wanted one so bad that I am tempted at times. I sure would hate myself if I were to light one up. I love the idea of not having to shower before going to the dentist and bed at night without smelling like nicotine, but I still have the cravings, sometimes really bad. I sure hope I soon quit thinking of one. Maybe because I have smoked for so long, it will take just a little bit longer to quit the cravings. Oh, I know I say I am tempted, but I won’t! I didn't quit this long to just start back up. I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone. I just want better health and not smell like a cigarette anymore. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, I needed it!

Bella from Ohio

I have tried numerous times to stop smoking; however I never given it a true effort. I am 36 years old, and was always to ashamed to smoke in front of family members. My husband quit a few years ago, and was always on me to stop. I hated all the nagging, however, I wasn't really sure I wanted to quit. Over the past few months I've noticed a lot more coughing and hacking first thing in the morning. On Saturday, I awoke, smoked a cigarette, crushed the rest of the pack, and threw the remainders in the trash. I told myself that would be the last one I'd ever smoke. I then got in the car, and went to visit my grandfather and grandmother. The first couple days weren't bad, since I would never have smoked in front of them anyway. It's been 6 1/2 days and I am nicotine free. I know the cravings now are psychological and I will not give in. One day at a time.

Anonymous

I have smoked for nearly 15 years. Before I had my son (who is now 5) I was up to 3 packs a day. I quit for my pregnancy and then began smoking one pack a day. Last October, I had surgery on my knee and had nothing to do but sit around and I found myself smoking nearly 3 packs a day again! 2 days ago decided to quit. I had no plan. I still have ash trays in my house. I am choosing to not smoke, and see how long I can go. I am taking it 24 hours at a time. I know it is bad for my health and I am a mom and I want to see my son grow up and possibly even have another baby. I am tired and I am cranky and I am smoke free for now. I know it is worth it, but I don't know if I can do this. I tell myself, even if I slip up, defeat is only momentary.

Willa from California

I am 58 and quit about a month ago. I have quit before but took it up again in the last two years. I was under so much stress and suffer from anxiety and depression. It hasn't been easy but I try not to be too hard on myself. I've gained weight but I tell myself one day at a time. Get the smoking thing under control and then the next step is weight loss. I was a closet smoker so I'm amazed at all the time I have now. I don't have to keep perfume and mints in my purse to cover up the smell. I no longer have to make phony trips to the market so I can smoke in the parking lot or sneak in the alley behind my apartment and hope the neighbors don't see. It's a struggle and maybe we all have to get through it in our own way but the great thing is we all can get through it!

Barbara

At age 7, I was diagnosed with Asthma. "Coincidentally" my mother started smoking again about a year prior to my diagnosis. Because I always had breathing problems, I was very adamant against smoking. I'm not quite sure if it was genetics, peer pressure or just a nasty rebellious phase, but I started smoking myself at the age of 16. My breathing problems didn't seem to get any better or worse over the following years, so I figured that smoking had little effect on my health. I continued to smoke close to a pack a day for the next 8 years. I am now 5 days smoke free and have come to the realization that yes, smoking did effect my health. It took quitting to notice that I have likely outgrown my asthma, as I have not used my inhaler once since I quit! I was using it twice a day before. Even with the nicotine gum, I continue to have urges to smoke. Now when I have an urge, I time myself holding my breath. The progress keeps me focused. That and I have an amazing cheerleading group. Keep it up. Whatever it takes, keep on quitting. There are a million little tricks you can do, so keep doing them!

Anonymous from Washington

I had been smoking for ten years. I was at a pack a day, then down to 1/2 a pack, finally I got help from my fiance and I am now on my 8th day without a cigarette and I feel great. I have an appetite and I have the urge to exercise. Quitting was the best thing I have ever done. I would not trade it for the world. I wish everyone the best of luck.

Amy from Pennsylvania

Think about this one; you exercise, shower, fix your hair just right, bleach the teeth, put on the deodorant, perfume, makeup, jewelry, expensive clothes & shoes, carry the latest designer purse, weekly manicures/pedicures/facial, oh and let's not forget the cosmetic surgeries & touchups and then you go and fill your lungs up with highly toxic smoke & nicotine which in turn makes them dirty, black tar filled lungs! So remind yourself of this the next time you go buy the latest facial cream to reduce aging lines and wrinkles because you can delay them for free if you stop smoking. Pretty simple, huh? If that doesn't work then tell yourself that vices are for the weak and you’re stronger than that, so love yourself first and please stop smoking now!

Dawn from Florida

I am 35, and I have smoked since I was a teenager. I am on day 5 of smoking cessation, and it is getting easier each day. If I can do it, anyone can. I had a serious addiction, coupled with depression, and thought that it would be impossible for me to ever quit. I ran out of cigs 5 days ago, and I refuse to ever buy them again. I have saved 15 dollars and immeasurable health benefits.

Chris from Tennessee

I have been smoking for 13 years. At the age of 29, I decided to quit, because my breathing started to sound funny. A lady at work just started carrying an oxygen tank. I don't want to carry an oxygen tank all my life. Well this has been my 4th day of not smoking. It’s a hard thing to do, but it is just something that you have to do for yourself. To start a healthy life, you must eat healthy, drinking plenty of water, milk and juice, and exercise (30-60 min walk in the park is excellent) and quit smoking is a must. It’s been my 4th day, and I am praying that it will continue throughout my life, and I hope that all of you out there will too.

Josie from New Mexico

I was a 2 pack a day smoker for 33 years. I quit this past January. Smoking was my entire focus on a daily basis. I was a prisoner. If I had to go somewhere that I couldn't smoke then I would panic. I still crave cigarettes, I think I always will, but I will never smoke again because now I feel better physically and mentally. If I can do it, there is not a person in this world who can't. I am free!

Anonymous

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Content last updated May 28, 2006.

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