Deda

Hi RIRacer,

Well, you sound like a very smart young guy! I sure wish I HAD quit when I was only 20, as most of us older quitters do. I think the number 1. most important tool you need to quit, is 100% determination to quit. No matter what it may take...staying away from your smoking friends for a while might have to be the first sacrifice...but if you really want to quit, you won't mind. Patches and gum, and other forms of nicotene replacement therapy DO help, but not if you are lacking that strong determination and motivation. Yes, the first week is the toughest, as most people here will say. Be prepared with a plan,...what you're going to do to stay busy, to distract yourself. What are you going to do about going out with your friends the first month (or maybe longer) when you will be the most vulnerable to a relapse?
I quit 22 months ago, after smoking for 30 years, and at least 10 attempts to quit in the past. My husband quit 28 months ago, after at least 35+ years. We both use nic gum. (I first quit with the patches) They really help, a lot. There's also a prescription drug you can ask your Dr. about, called Zyban/Welbutrin. It helps take away the cravings.
It's funny that a person can be so addicted after only one year of smoking, but I do remember at that point, being terribly hooked already. I think the first time I tried to quit was about 18 months after I started smoking. It only last about 3 weeks. It was too hard to quit with a husband that smoked. I wish now that I had just quit anyway.
You are so smart to know that you should do this now. Don't wait till you get older like most of us, do it now! I know you can!! And do be aware, the cravings become much more minimal over time. Today, I rarely think about wanting a cig!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Deda