Does candy help with quiting? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

dusco · 07-06-2006, 10:38 AM

Ive heard if u suck on candy every time u want a cigg it will help u quit.. is this true?.. reason for wanting to quit is im 21yrs old and and been smoking since i was 14 i cant even run a half a block without having to stop couse i cant breath in the mornings i feel like crap kinda weak feeling and i can even feel my lungs working in overdrive like i cant even get a deep breath and its really starting to get to me..

Thanks...

Sept.girl · 07-06-2006, 01:24 PM

Hi,
First of all - CONGRATULATIONS! I am glad to hear you would like to quit. If you really want to quit, it is your first step to success. I hope you are able to stop now while you are young. As for your question, it depends on some things, but candy or gum has helped a lot of people I know to quit. I have never smoked, but I helped a lot of people quit so I have some advice for you. Health nuts may not be happy to hear me tell you this - but sugar free won't be as good as sugar. Hey, its better than what you are doing to yourself right now. Some people may have cravings during the day that are simply to have something in your mouth or take a break. There are still going to be cravings for nicotine, but you can start to substitute some of those smoke breaks for a walk and some gum or something. It may help to pick a day to quit, and get rid of all your things that remind you of smoking - ashtrays, lighters, etc before that date. cut back as much as you can before that day so it will be easier. Then you can use candy, take walks, do anything to distract yourself when you get that craving. Do anything you can to break habits - if you usually get up and smoke, maybe you could do something else first thing in the morning, like have a cup of tea, shower right away, or exercise. Use online resources like *******.com for help.
PLEASE - quit all the way. Don't just cut back. You'll probably go right back to where you were, and its still unhealthy if you smoke a few a day.
GOOD LUCK and hope this helps!!

BackInControl · 07-07-2006, 02:21 PM

I have to commend you on attempting to quit while young. Read through these boards and notice all the folks trying to quit after 25-30 years and realize that you'll be in the same boat before you know it.

As far as the candy, I would try to use whatever means you find works for you. Get some mints, gum, etc and see what helps you the most. I wouldn't fill your car and drawers with the stuff because if you fixate on eating candy all day, you'll simply be reminding yourself of what you're trying to quit. Get a plan together and a start date and stick to it like your life depends on it (because it does).

And don't make excuses for putting off the quit date either. If you wait until you're life is stress free you'll never quit. You're just as likely to succeed at quitting in two days than two weeks. Folks who use excuses like busy hectic schedules fail to realize that being busy is VERY important in keeping your mind off of smoking. Good luck!!!

-Eric

kat916 · 07-07-2006, 04:23 PM

Congratulations on deciding to quit! I used to work in smoking cessation, so I know how hard it is for most people. Snacking on something can be a very good way to help get you through cigarette cravings. Just make sure that the candy is sugar-free, as most people gain 5-10 pounds when they quit. The best thing to snack on would be something healthy, such as carrot sticks. Something interesting to remember is that most cigarette cravings only last about 5 minutes. So if you can find something else to do for those 5 minutes, such as eating something, drinking some water, or taking a walk, chances are your craving will be gone. I know how tough quitting is, so I wish you lots of luck. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

dusco · 07-07-2006, 07:06 PM

Thanks for the help.. I start police academy in jan so im tring to cut back all my bad habits and exercise.. At the condition im in now they would kick my out the door haha