how i did it - Smoking Cessation Message Board

redvoodoo · 11-27-2002, 09:06 AM

Folks,
I may seem cocky here, but quitting is mind over matter. I smoked my last cig on March 31, 2002 and quite honestly I've never looked back. No Nicorette, no patches, no drugs. If there was any help at all, it was NY State's tax increase.
Now, as I'm sure most are now thinking: 'yeah, but how long and how much did this guy smoke ?' I smoked for 27 years and I was up to 3 packs on some days-most days were just 2 pack days. I'm 41 years old and had smoked since just before I turned age 14.
Eight months have passed since I last smoked and I will not sit here and tell you that I don't have cravings, but they are always gone within seconds.
So keep the faith ........................you can quit.

crystalll · 11-27-2002, 05:55 PM

Hi redvoodoo,

I totally agree with you. I quit cold turkey exactly 6 months ago today! It is definitely mind of matter. If you can BELIEVE that you are a non-smoker, it is so much easier. To those of you who are still struggling, my biggest piece of advice is to stop finding excuses to keep smoking. I know that sounds harsh, but this is coming from someone who smoked a pack a day for 16 years. I failed more than once because I couldn't imagine myself getting through life without ever smoking another cigarette. Now I look forward to LIVING my life without ever smoking another cigarette! I can do what I want when I want. I'm no longer a slave to nicotine. If I can do it, anyone can do it!

Crystal

Beet Juice · 12-16-2002, 04:47 PM

How did you do it? What did you do that enabled you to make such an achievement?

crystalll · 12-17-2002, 11:34 AM

Hi,

There was a book that really helped me. It's called "Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking" (or something like that).
It helped me to understand that we only smoke because we're addicted to nicotine. Physically, the first few days were tough because of the withdrawal symptoms, but it got easier each day.
I think it's also very important to forget everything we thought we knew about quitting smoking. People keep telling us it's the most difficult thing we'll ever do! With that kind of advice, no wonder we can't do it!
It doesn't have to be the most difficult thing you will ever do. Believe that cigarettes are not your friend; they are not a crutch. And do you REALLY enjoy smoking? As you're smoking your next cigarette, make a note of exactly what it is you enjoy about it. The only thing that next cigarette will do is take the edge off your craving. Once you've quit smoking, you won't have that craving.
As mentioned earlier, it really is mind over matter. I am so excited about being a non-smoker, I wish I could help everybody quit.

Take care.
Crystal

Deb47 · 12-17-2002, 09:27 PM

Here's a good visualization for everyone: just picture yourself, smoking that weed. You're smoking it; blowing smoke out of your mouth. WHY in heck do you NEED that to get through your day? Isn't it crazy, when you really think about it. Cigarettes a friend? Give me a break! With friends like that, who needs enemies?! Deb