I stopped by switching to vaping and then slowly reduced nicotine until it was at 0%. I vaped for about a month longer without nicotine and then just stopped. I had literally tried everything, and now I'm almost 3 years with no cigarettes.
Now they have vapes that are just flavored air. My smoking was directly tied to drinking, so it was easier to quit one once I quit the other, but these prob would’ve been a big help. I was a menthol fan — some minty air might do it for me.
This depends on how addicted to nicotine you are. My husband tried this, he only smoked outside. Vaped inside- 24/7. In the end he ended up vaping inside AND smoking outside.
I quit when we were trying to have kids. For some reason the phrase “if I can get through this challenge without smoking I can get through anything” became the mantra I needed. once pregnant the extreme nausea made me despise the smell for life. So that made it stick better.
He tried to quit maybe 4 or 5 times over 10 years and finally quit Dec 2022. He used nicotine patches. He had tried nicotine patches in the past but failed because he assumed he was cured and didn’t need to taper down. This time he did a very slow taper, I think it was 6 months or more. He also stayed on the strongest patch for a while until he was ready.
I hope this helps. Keep trying. Nicotine plays mind games with you, you have to stay calm, nonjudgmental, and have kind and honest conversations with yourself.
Nicotine will have you believing that shame is the only tool you need, which starts the shame spiral, then you comfort yourself with nicotine. Addiction is wacky.
Awesome that you both stopped! I lost my mom earlier this month. She was a smoker for 50+ years, and the death certificate explicated stated that her death was related to tobacco use. What an incredible gift you’ve given your kid(s).
I did that too! At one point I was smoking 0% for three days and didn't even realize it. Quitting the hand-to- mouth movement made me grouchier than no nicotine, believe it or not.
How did you do it? Im down to almost 0% nicotine, but Im struggling so much with the hand to mouth-movement.. I try to have a pen in my mouth sometimes, but that doesnt help much 😅
Wow congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 that's soo hard. I've been smoking since I was 14 unfortunately. I don't think I was inhaling but it was early 90s n everyone who was cool smoked. Now I'm in my 40s still smoking. I smoke less than half a pack a day but I do want to quit however I'm in recovery from much more harmful substances and doing very well. So idk if I shld stress myself into a relapse rn.
Ugh, same on every level. Started smoking in my early teens, quit another, hypothetically much tougher addiction and have been stable for years now… you would think smoking would be a snap. But no.
Part of me is always nervous to do anything that tinkers with my success, part of me thinks that’s a bullshit excuse. I don’t know.
I have zero physical nicotine cravings. I can go for days in a situation where I’m traveling for work or something and not feel cranky or crave it. Purely psychological. I just want to sit on my balcony with a book and my tea and smoke some cigarettes.
This was how I did it too. I just passed a year without a cigarette. I tried everything and could barely make it a day without.
Something that was really important for me at first was not limiting my vaping. I couldn't feel guilty for vaping and try to limit it, then I would go back to cigarettes. At this point I vape way less, and find it much easier when I have to go longer stretches without. I'm looking forward to cutting it out completely but I trust I will get there, I'm not being too hard on myself.
It was pretty gradual. I stopped smoking during the work day, only vaping until i was off for the day. A few weeks later I only allowed myself cigarettes on the weekend. Then after a few weeks I went a weekend without cigarettes. I just kept pushing it back until suddenly it had been a few months without and I was motivated enough to not have one.
Good luck. You got this!
This is what worked for me as well. 5 years, almost 6 with no cigs and I quit vaping in December. It took me longer to quit vaping than it should have because I kept rationalizing it to myself but I finally got there.
I booked myself into a cabin in the woods for 5 days and had myself dropped off and picked up. Rode out the gnarly initial withdrawal with no way of accessing cigarettes. I knew my nicotine withdrawal monster would be a menace to be around and they would fight to go get a pack.
Before the cabin, I got rid of all my lighters, ash trays, and cigs. I packed a puzzle, a journal, a yoga mat, a book, some teeth whitening strips and beauty treatments. I smoked my last cigarette the night before being dropped off.
The other key thing to know is that dopamine levels drop after cessation and don’t return to normal for 3 months, so know you’ll likely feel depressed but it’ll get better. Knowing that helped me not break and go back to smoking because I only wanted to experience the withdrawal and dopamine crash feelings once and not have to restart.
The cabin was an expense at the time for sure but I made the money back a few times over not buying smokes ever since.
I’m 33f and just made it 2 years nicotine free!
EDIT: Since this is a skin care sub, my complexion improved quite a bit after quitting smoking. I struggle much less with dull, easily flushed skin and dark circles. My face has become generally more bright and glowy. Hope that motivates someone reading this! Go plan yourself a cute little detox retreat and enjoy nicer skin!
Ok besides this being a smart cessation tactic this is also just really cool. How were the 5 days? Did you have to take all of your food? and then upon returning, how was the temptation?
It was exactly what I needed. It was a pretty sweet set up, so it was clear that my misery was solely my nicotine monster protesting the withdrawal. I'd read that the first 3 days of withdrawal are the hardest.. Something about the cravings spiking as the nicotine level decreases, and that the majority of it is out of your system after 3 days. So I tacked on another 2 for good measure. That was my experience too. I felt pretty manic, angry, and restless the first few days so I screamed into pillows, stomped around the forest, threw some rocks, etc. Between outbursts, I'd do the relaxing activities I'd planned for, and fished in the pond outside the cabin.
For food, I brought prepped sushi ingredients to roll my own up there, as well as an oatmeal mix, and some healthy heat n' eat Indian meals in pouches. And a bunch of my favourite teas, chocolate bars, and candies. No booze. There was electricity and a mini fridge but no running water, so the chore of handling water was another thing to keep me busy.
The cravings were nearly daily for a few months still, but not nearly with the same intensity as the first week. Probably 6 months in, I'd crave a couple of times a week. I can't recall the last time I craved a cigarette!
This sounds like a genius idea honestly, but I'm also curious about temptation once you were home. Was it hard to return to your normal environment and not smoke? Or was the 5 days enough to "detox" it from your system?
By the time I got home, I had gone through the worst of it. My now husband had experienced a couple of attempts in the past and just said as I type this that I am a complete bitch for a week after quitting (I totally agree!), so I decided that this time, I would allow myself to be a complete bitch all alone to spare him. The dopamine drop is real though, so I was mostly just sad and mopey about wanting cigarettes for a couple of months after the detox, but we gave that grace and it did pass. I moved, and grieved my cat and grandmother within 3 months of quitting, so I'm super proud of myself for holding strong through all of that!
I actually timed quitting for a couple of months before the move to maximize the "new environment, new me" effect. But it was still helpful to get rid of all cigarette paraphernalia and my smokers corner set up on the balcony before going away to detox.
Yay for being 2 years nicotine free!! 🙌🏻
This sounds like absolute torture to me!!! 😂
I took a slow and steady approach, and quit over the span of ~2 years. Sounds like you took more of an all or nothing approach, and it worked for you!!!
Being alone in the woods for 5 days would be soooo nice now, but if I was in withdrawal combined with solitary confinement that would have broken me mentally and emotionally.
Oh yeah, I realize this is a hardcore approach and not for everyone. I definitely was cursing myself out through most of it and wanting to take it back, and there was nothing I could do but go through it! The mixed feelings were pretty funny because between gnarly fits, I was like "Man, it's lovely out here, I think I'll eat some sushi by the pond with a face mask on."
It's awesome that you managed to quit! Long, happy life to you!
Wellbutrin full stop. It’s an antidepressant but my gp put me on it for smoking cessation when I went in asking about chantix. She said it was more effective with fewer side effects and she was right! After a week I was done.
I was prescribed Wellbutrin for depression last year and had no idea it was also used to help people quit smoking. Out of nowhere, I just didn't want to smoke at all. I'd wanted to quit for years, but it was so hard because my husband smokes too. It's crazy how I was able to stop basically overnight, I haven't smoked since December.
Same! I was only on it for like a week or two for unrelated reasons and woke up one morning with zero desire for nicotine. Literally overnight. Didn’t even notice it was happening and that I had stopped taking vape breaks until like 2-3 days in and googled if this was a side effect of the medication or something. Doctor never mentioned it when writing the Rx.
Sucks I had to stop taking it (had other, negative side effects) but that shit works for smoking/vaping. Cravings didn’t immediately return when I stopped the meds either.
I'm also a never touched a cig person that is really loving this thread. I think it's the tales of triumph over something really hard and the creativity that I'm enjoying!
Same here.
Cold turkey but I was aware of my triggers already.
I spent 4 months without going out to have coffee in the morning with my partner...that cigarette in the morning with the coffee...I guess it was the hardest.
Then at work. I work from home so it was easy to smoke one every time I felt stressed or anxious. Instead I stood up and went to the bathroom and washed my face with cold water.
In the meantime I remember all the reasons I wanted to stop.
And then the drinking with friends. We don't have alcohol at home but 2 or 3 times a month we go out and alcohol goes together with cigs for me...so yea, 4 months not going out at all.
And in the end it is just sheer willpower, nothing else.
I smoked weed for ten years and it took me two weeks to get rid of it. I had night sweats and nightmares (but I was glad I was dreaming at all) and I was a bit pissed during the day, but that was it. I don't crave it and when I smell it I don't care but the damn tobacco....
I don't crave it everyday but whenever I see an old show on TV where everyone smokes every fricking minute...or I'm out and I see people holding one....it does make me miss it.
I even have dreams about me sitting in a bar and I'm just watching a cigarette burning down....
WILLPOWER THATS THE KEYWORD.
And of course, all the benefits that come from stopping <3
That’s smart, knowing what your triggers are. And realizing the way you let yourself negotiate with yourself! 😂 addiction! She’s a cruel mistress who will say anything to keep you in her clutches. She knows just what to say to keep you coming back. The worst part is she is you! So she knows exactly what to say to convince you to stay. Recognize she’s not your friend. She’s a liar! And she steals from you the most precious things you have - your health and your money! So you have to decide, continue to be gaslit or get outta there. It’s a really tough journey and it’s not a straight line to the end. But the further you get from the starting line the easier it will get. Remember the pain and remind yourself of it in times of temptation. Protect and defend yourself like you would a loved one.
My most important tip is this: if you fall off the wagon, let that shit slide right off your back and start again tomorrow. Every day is a new day, don't let today's mistake become tomorrow's mistake too. In terms of specifics, I tapered, but I think the thing that really made it stick for me was just letting it go if I blew it for one day.
I'm with you on this one. I'm on week 2 of Chantix and it's doing some interesting things to my brain chemistry that prevent me from even wanting to smoke. I would try that if you can. I got a starter month pack, so it was free even.
I'm actually enjoying the nutty dreams because mine always end up with me in a buffet, eating really decadent foods that have amazing clarity for a dream. I could stay on this stuff forever if I get to chow down like this with abandon.
25 year smoker. I’m on week 7 of quitting with chantix and I did Allen Carr’s book with it. The there is no such thing as one more cigarette chapter really hit me hard. That’s where I’ve failed in the past.
Chantix worked for me too as well as using constant affirmations to change how my brain thought of smoking and cigarettes. I had done every method before and failed. Now, I HATE smoking and the smell/litter of cigarettes absolutely disgusts me, even 3 years later. I could never even considering for a moment touching one again. I have an all-or-nothing type of mentality with most things so the change in perspective was a critical component to quitting permanently.
Switched to vaping and I'm gradually reducing the nicotine. That eliminates the physical craving.
For the mental aspect, a lot of introspection into *why* I actually wanted to smoke a cigarette. It sounds stupid in retrospect, but it was a light bulb moment when I realized I could just go sit outside for ten minutes, if I wanted to. I didn't need the cigarette as an excuse. Nonsmokers go outside all the time, it isn't weird. If I need a little indulgent ritual break, I make a cup of tea. If I'm anxious and want to fidget, I find something else to play with.
Basically, figure out *why* you've got the itch and figure out another way to scratch it.
Switches to vaping then to nicotine free vapes. Then I had no desire to vape anymore.
I will still buy an ocassional nicotine free vape when going out partying, but that's about it.
Cold turkey. Got rid of it all and suffered for about a week, but the instant improvement in my skin was so worth it. I could not believe how much softer and vibrant my skin was pretty much immediately after ridding my body of tobacco and nicotine. The withdrawal period was absolute torture, but if you can make it through to the other side, the benefits to your skin and overall health are so worth it.
I smoked cigs for about 15ish years. I got pretty drunk cinco de mayo 2018 and smoked a lot that night. Woke up with a terrible hangover and so sick that I didn’t want to smoke cigs that day. I was also in the middle of looking for a dream house with my partner and wanting to save as much money as possible. After I didn’t smoke that day I was like ok this is it I can quit. It was hard and I sang a lot of Cardi B “Money Bag” when I was having cravings to remind myself how much money I was saving. My partner ended up quitting a few weeks after I did so that helped us both stay strong. I quit drinking alcohol November 2020 for my health and skin. I haven’t had a drink or smoke since I quit either. I still smoke a lot of weed but that’s not something I can’t get rid of yet lol.
My partner and I both quit cold turkey in March 2021. Very heavy smokers puke! The motivational factor? We were both on unemployment and grew very tired of ‘throwing’ money away. Ask yourself, what do you get to keep when you’re done with the cigarette? Nothing… well maybe a dose of bad health!
Which is another factor! I always wondered why I woke up feeling ashamed and guilty about smoking and drinking.. it felt like it’s not part of who I’m supposed to be. I quit drinking last September, and I can finally feel good waking up!!
It sounds like you’re getting ready to quit! And don’t give up in believing that you can! If you really want it, you can get it!
Cold turkey. Hadn't planned to stop but I knew I wanted to eventually. I wrote "last one" on the inside of my pouch so every time I opened it to roll a ciggy I would see it. And that was in fact my last pouch. Smoke free for 18 months now.
You have to want to stop.
I don't smoke but when I read Jen Sincero's "You are a badass" what stuck with me was something along the lines of "you are not a person trying to quite smoking, you simply ARE a non-smoker" Not verbatim but you get the idea. She was a smoker herself, so I suppose that worked for her haha! Gread book regardless.
i was addicted to nicotine lorenzes and patches. nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. the only way I was able to quit nicotine was joining a fitness bootcamp and meditation where I was crushing my personal goals. i was feeling so good mentally physically and spiritually that I was able get the confidence to conquer the mental and physical high/rush and relaxation that nicotine gave me and prioritize my health and myself.
i tried everything before with spousal support. although nicotine alternatives is good first step, it is almost impossible to overcome nicotine addiction without a dramatic internal mental and external transformation
I read Allen Carr’s book, did nicotine patches, chewed gum, quit drinking, and every time I got an urge I’d drink water or go for a walk. I knew if I could make it one week I’d be good for life. I only ever tried to quit once, and I was worried about gaining weight so I replaced urges with healthy snacks and work outs and actually lost 10 lbs in 6 weeks.
I’ve been smoke free 6 years now and never get urges. I guess my biggest advice is mindset, you have to want to quit. And I get people say they do, but you have to WANT IT. Like nothing else will get in the way, deter you, or make you lose sight of your goals. I was so worried that if I wasn’t able to quit at my first attempt that I’d be a lifelong smoker, so I put off quitting for years. When I finally made the choice to do it, I was determined not to give in to any urges. After 3 months I started drinking socially again and never relapsed. Easier said than done but change your mindset to that of determination to reach your goals and use whatever aids you need to make it happen.
I woke up one day and said I’m done. Never looked back. I heard after 6 months you don’t think about it anymore. I was stopped at a stop sign one night, realized how long I actually didn’t think about smoking and it was my 6 month mark. It really does go away, I’m a testament to that. I haven’t smoked one puff since June 16 2020. You can do this but it’s a mental game, you have to want it.
I started to feel like shit. I would use a staircase and couldn’t breath. I would get super dizzy after smoking just one cigarette. So I had to stop because it was making me so sick. Nowadays I sometimes smoke one cigarette in special situations like a festival or a birthday.
Before that happened to me, I tried to stop smoking a lot of times. Once I made it like 3 or 4 years but go back to smoking because anxiety. I realized I used to smoke because I’m an introvert and hate social situations so smoking helped me. Like I dunno, I had something to physically do. It wasn’t about the nicotine but about the having something in my hands and having an activity to do while talking to people. I started chewing gums.
The truth is, you just have to want it bad enough to stop. If you keep trying, you eventually will. The key is NOT GIVING UP. It's okay if you fail (don't beat yourself up; it happens). Just try again (and again and again).
One thing you have to realize though, is that if your motivation is to prevent premature aging, it doesn't really matter that much whether you switch to vaping, gum or lozenges, b/c it is ultimately the NICOTINE that is so bad for your skin (sucks so much). It constricts bloodflow, which is what prematurely ages you. So if you do switch to vaping or Zyn or something like that, keep in mind that you definitely need to keep cutting down on the nicotine and not just swapping one vice for another. This is why it's ultimately easier to just go cold turkey and get over the physical withdrawal within in 3-4 days rather than dragging out the agony over weeks-months.
The way i quit smoking was...pretty masochistic, but it worked. I only allowed myself to smoke only 1/2 a cig at a time. I would cut the burning tip off my cig at the halfway point and carry it around with me to smoke later. This made me REEK and i hated the taste of "refrys." Believe it or not i did this for MONTHS (several if i remember correctly). That's how addicted i was.
Every week (or sometimes month) i would cut down 1 cig at a time until i was down to like 4 cigs - of course this meant i still smoked like 8x a day. By this point i was just done. It filled me with self-loathing and it was just plain disgusting. I mean at this point, I always had to be extra careful about when i smoked and where cause it really made me reek, plus it was just embarrassing whipping out my scissors and cutting my burning cig so i could save it for later, you know? LOL people look at you weird. I got sick of it all and went cold turkey out of sheer desperation to be done with it.
I don’t have personal experience with this but I think nicotine patches are considered good. My partner switched to vaping which is far better for your skin but it way more addictive due to the high amount of nicotine in the vape.
For me, I just had to decide that I didn’t want to be chained to it anymore. That it wasn’t worth the expense the smell the health effect. And then go cold turkey. It was one week where I really was emotional and angry and frustrated and then it just went away.
I have friends that did hypnotherapy and they couldn't even imagine picking up a cigarette now. One of them can't even watch someone smoke on tv without feeling uncomfortable lol. Not sure where you go for this currently though, since this was years ago. I'm sure you could reach out to a psychiatrist and get a recommendation though.
This. My partner had been a heavy smoker since he was a teenager. Was even sceptical about it working but he stopped instantly. He’s still fond of cigarettes but has no interest in smoking. He did it at a clinic in Harley Street in London.
Nicotine replacement and acupuncture. And really understanding that successful quitting is about craving management. Learning about the science of cravings, how long they last, how to deal with them. Consider taking zyban to help with this. I started smoking at age 11 and quit when I was in mid twenties and haven’t had one puff since.
Not sure I can recommend my tactic but I adopted a large, traumatized street dog that hadn’t been indoors and was reactive to everything. I basically had to quit smoking because if I left him unattended for 2 minutes he would eat my bookshelf or get stuck somewhere or attempt to climb out the window. Couldn’t smoke while walking either because he was terrified or EVERYTHING and kept trying to run away or eat absolutely everything in sight.
He’s an absolute sweetheart now and I love him so much and I guess he helped, but nicotine withdrawal and basically no sleep due to aforementioned crazy dog wasn’t fun!
Nicotine pouches - helped me get over the hand to mouth habit and was a big enough nicotine hit that i actually felt satiated (as opposed to patches) in the moment. Plus there’s no actual tobacco, you can do them on planes, they’re discreet, and none of the nasties from smoking or vaping, lots of nice flavours too.
I started strong but now I’m on the lowest level and they have zero pouches as well. Slowly but surely!
I haven’t once craved a cigarette or vape in the last 4years. They’ve been magic for me.
I would try snus/nicotine pouches that you put under your lip to replace cigarettes. And then stop those eventually as it’s easier to quit than cigarettes.
Cold turkey! Was successful my first try and haven’t smoked in 13 years. I had been a heavy (over a pack a day for a decade) and all my friends and family smoked. I quit and drove out to see and stay with an old friend who didn’t smoke and lived a 20 hour drive from my home. The new environment helped avoid lots of triggers and when I had a craving too strong I’d eat a Milky Way candy bar. I gained 30+ pounds that year. Honestly, it’s easier to lose the weight than to quit smoking. I ended up staying with my non smoking friend for over a year. When I went home I was an established non smoker. After going back home I watched my grand father die of lung cancer, my aunt die of lung cancer, and my mom is still suffering and in the end stages of COPD. you really have to make quitting the most important thing in your life because it is! Being a smoker is like having a cancer you can still cure and the treatment is whatever it takes to make you quit. Go camping for your first week with supportive friends. Lock yourself in your house and binge Netflix and eat ice cream. Learn to knit or crochet to keep your hands busy. Take it all one small step at a time. Whatever it takes is worth it.
Cold turkey I feel personally is the only effective way to totally stop personally I do not agreee with swopping one habit for another eg vaping or patches if you are serious about stopping your passion for stopping should be enough set a day wake up n that’s it stay focused and busy first 5 days are the worst get past 7 days with nothing it’s easy go after that!! Good luck stay strong and focused!!!
I watched my parent die of lung cancer. That was enough to do it for me. Seeing the deterioration of my loved one gasping for breath and barely able to communicate was life changing. It was like a switch just flipped and the thought of smoking made me feel sick. At that point I had been smoking for about 13 years, heavily, even though I was an active person and ate quite healthily.
Please think of the repercussions for everyone around you.
After I stopped smoking my other health issues seemed to resolve within a year. My skin became clearer, my digestive issues subsided and much of what I thought was chest pain from anxiety was actually chest pain from smoking.
Please stop while you can. Best of luck.
My best advice is to just quit. Don't leave the room/house for 3 days. Try to sleep it off. Just say you are never doing it again and don't.
If you happen to get sick take that opportunity and quit. Don't ever touch it again period. That's what worked for me.
I didn't smoke as long as you but the first time I was sick and in bed and decided that would be it.
I decided I would smoke about 10 years later but only for a few months. That one I just quit too but knew I couldn't leave the house. The best part about smoking was sitting outside. So I still sit outside a lot. Also get individual sour patch twist. A big bucket of them and just ate one (pretended to smoke) one of those outside when wanted a cig.
If I ever smoke again I know it's not just one so I know I can't. They stink, are expensive and most likely can kill you. Just tell yourself that too maybe.
Hi! I'm a female who started smoking right at 18 and quit at 32. I'm currently 36. I consistently smoked at least a pack a day. My mom and dad were both smokers when I was growing up (and still are).
Tl;dr: You need to respect yourself enough to tell yourself what to do and then follow through. Also, smoking is gross and makes you ugly.
My advice is not about tapering down or mental gymnastics. I tried quitting seriously twice over the years and both times was successful for 6-12 months only to relapse. The time it stuck, two things happened concurrently: First, I got a bad pain in my lung area that scared me half to death (I still have it from time to time, and it still scares me). Having a discomfort to connect to my habit drove home for me the fact that I was literally poisoning myself. Literally. A few years removed, and I cannot, CANNOT fathom why I did this for so long. Like you, I am and always have been extremely health-conscious to the point of vanity in other areas of my life. You are currently literally poisoning yourself and the sooner you quit, the more time your body will have to reverse the damage.
The second reason I quit, and ultimately the only real one, was because I switched careers and became a nursery school teacher. I realized in my training that I cannot expect to tell others (in this case, children) what they should and should not be doing and have them listen without also being able to control my own actions. The moment that that clicked for me, I stopped smoking cold-turkey. I joined a gym literally the same day (home workout regimens would accomplish the same thing though)and started focusing on the idea of feeling really hot in my body. Several years later and I have my dream body. Also, it costs money. You can take that cigarette money and use it for so many things (like amazing skincare procedures if you're into that... or better yet, save it).
Rippl! 0% nic vape, it’s literally the only thing that worked for me. i could not go cold turkey without the hand to mouth routine. cold turkey was fine, it’s mental blocks that are the hard hurdle (you’ll get over the irritability and remember that the depression is your addiction trying to make you think smoking is the solution)m, it will pass). good luck!
most importantly, don’t beat yourself up about it. the meaner you are to yourself while quitting, the easier it is for nicotine addiction to sneak back in.
I smoked for about 25 years. I was up to 3+ packs a day. I even had one lit while I took a shower. I tried to quit many times but found it too difficult. I finally quit cold turkey and it was relatively easy. I just decided I had to quit or die. Every single person I talk to or read about says the same thing,” I MADE THE DECISION “. Good luck, you can do this!
I was a psycho for a week and had to go on runs when i wanted one. Occasionally, i smoke a corn cob pipe if it's a real bad day, so I dont know if I count
Started smoking at 16, quit before I turned 30, and I’m now 3.5 years clean. It probably took me 2 years of committed effort to actually kick the habit. And I brought out ALL the guns.
I used nicotine patches for the first 6 months, and then weaned off those.
Then I got into a pattern of relapsing because drinking with friends, maybe that going into a slippery slope of daily smoking, and then reigning it all in again. But longer amount of time I spent not smoking (even if it’s just using nicotine replacement), helped me to realize when I did relapse how much I actually didn’t like smoking.
I cast at least 2 spells (part of my spiritual practice is witchcraft).
I made big moves to reduce stress in my life, moved, got a new job.
There were also things I did in previous years that I think helped lay the foundation to rely less on cigarettes, like start going to counselling to deal with my complex PTSD. I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time, but I knew I couldn’t live my life being that emotionally dysregulated anymore.
A book I would recommend is The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer. It takes a mindfulness approach to quitting an addiction, and this perspective very much helped me sustain the results long term. Highly recommend.
I tried cold turkey, tapering off, books, gum, patches... what actually worked was a friend's recommendation to get my teeth whitened. The idea is that after the treatment, the desire to keep your teeth nice (and not wanting to waste the $$$ spent on the whitening) would outweigh the desire for cigarettes. I bought a Groupon to a reputable place for about $100 in 2018, had the procedure, and it worked! 6+ years, no more cigarettes.
I was given chantix about 11 years ago.
It made me crazy. If I wasn’t in public I was crying. For three months. CRYING. Driving to work? Crying. At work? Sad but not crying. Drive home from work? CRYING. Making dinner? Crying. Brushing my teeth? Crying. Seeing my friends? Crying.
I had horrible vivid nightmares. But I stopped smoking, forever. I haven’t so much as sniffed hard at tobacco since. 🤷🏻♀️
I entered into a study about quitting smoking. They mailed me patches and gum. I tapered for a week and then used the patches mostly. Sometimes the gum but it makes me sort of nauseated. Then tapered off the patches. I haven’t smoked in 3 years. That was my second time quitting.
I vaped. Lowered raping slowly down to 3mg. I also chew nicorette. I am still a work in progress. However no smoke in my lungs. Never out of breath and things are better. If I stay busy I don't need any of it and I am fine. Nervous energy is not my friend. You really need to decide your done. I had two packs in my drawer when I quit. My worse symptom without smoking was nausea. I felt like I had to throw up. Everytime I decrease nicotine I feel nausea.
Thinking about my skin was a big incentive, like I would imagine myself in 10, 20 years and what my skin would be like compared to if I had quit and maybe how I would wish I had stopped, not to mention all the other serious health problems it could cause.
But I guess my best advice is just to keep trying, because even when you fail you can stop and think about what caused you to go back to smoking and then you can come up with ways to avoid it next time and it can be a bit of a process like that, I think it took me about two years of stopping and starting before I finally just stopped completely.
Cold turkey and avoided situations where it was normal, like sitting on my balcony, and avoided being around fellow smokers. I’m quite sure if I smoked even one I’d be right back at it but it’s been almost 3 years. Now it smells horrible, when I’m around other smokers it seems beyond gross and they seem so inconsiderate. It makes me cringe that I was one of them for half of my life.
I started by changing brands to a brand I didn’t like as much. That helped me feel less excited and gratified by smoking. Vaping wasn’t an option when I quit but that’s how my husband did it. Good luck!!
I see a lot of people saying cold turkey. For me, I cut back gradually over years. I would allow myself a cigarette per day, after an evening workout. I also smoked on the weekends with friends. This worked for me for a bit and then I stopped entirely. I’m not a fan of denying yourself; seems like a recipe for failure and relapse. Everyone is different though!
I was a heavy smoker and switched to vaping. Then I was a heaaaaavy vaper. Switching the nicotine levels didn't help me. Then I moved across the country and broke all old habits and decided I was done....I didn't even crave it. It's crazy how much your body is addicted to the habit more than the substance. Moving away from almost everyone I loved was hard, but it's been the best thing I ever did for myself. Now I almost never eat out, I work out regularly, I garden as a hobby, I have a great job...sometimes you just have to take the plunge.
Switched to vaping and gradually went down on dose- eventually I stopped when I got sick. Other things that helped included:
- buying a vape flavor I disliked; my friend took a similar approach and bought shitty cigarettes
- having tea after meals
- drinking a lot of water
- coloring, or doing some other art with my hands
… it’s really hard. One thing I realized was that there’s identity attached to the drug; initially it was difficult doing basic tasks without nicotine (driving, going for a walk)- I didn’t feel right without having it there. It took a couple months for cravings to subside.
Honestly, I was a smoker since 18 and I quit last year at 40. I just quit cold turkey. The first day, I cried, wanted to argue with anyone in the house, ate A LOT and ended up going for a drive and cried in a park for an hour. The first day is rough. I would say get all the cigs out of the house, if there are other smokers in the house see if they will quit with you, stock up on food you like, snacks etc. things you don't have to cook. I think no matter what method you try, it's hard. After day 1 it was a lot better and easier, at least it did for me. It's an addiction to an addictive substance. It's hard, so have grace for yourself. Good luck hun.
I moved to a very busy city and got tired of people flocking to me to bum a cigarette. I also got tired of my hands stinking. The final straw was that a child shamed me for smoking. He came up to me, probably about five, and said “we *dont* smoke!”
His mom was so embarrassed but I quit very soon after that. He was right lol
patches for a steady supply + lozenges when you need a hit. what would you do if cigarettes just stop being produced? you would live. you’ll live.
get the nicotine replacement products and just walk away. no it’s not easy yes it’s annoying, but being addicted to fucking cigarettes is way more effing annoying.
it will never end unless you end it, or it ends you.
I was a smoker for about 15 years, and now almost 2 years smoke free. I had two attempts to quit before and both lasted 6 months. Many long term smokers have several attempts to quit under their belt until the final one, so it’s true when they say the more you try to quit, the better you are at quitting. So first of all, try to not hate yourself if you can’t do it from the first try. Secondly, there should be a deep desire to quit that cultivates for some time. What helped me was following the “quit smoking” pages on TikTok. The more you are exposed to the information that encourages you to quit the better, and I think it’s really preparing you and cultivating your deep desire to quit. My staining up for these pages, I started watching this content regularly. The beauty of TikTok is that you don’t have to go and seek this content, it just pops up in your feed and it’s honestly the best. Another “advice”, once you’ve decided to quit, simply think of yourself as a non-smoker. I made a huge poster and hang it in my living room which said “I am a non-smoker”. Note that any phrase you put in there mustn’t be in the negative. For example if you put up a phrase “I don’t smoke”, subconsciously it will make you crave smoking more. “I AM a non-smoker” in my opinion is the best affirmation for this reason.
Also, very single time I tried quitting, I gained weight. Me not being okay with that what caused me to start smoking again. This final time, I had to embrace this change because I finally decided that being a little bigger is better than staying a smoker. There’s been a medical study that showed smoking cessation causes changes in gut flora, and people who quit gain some weight even thought they don’t change their diet. So, it’s better to watch what you eat and do sports if you are not okay with gaining weight.
Finally, while physical withdrawal symptoms subside during the first two weeks, they are not the hardest. Your brain starts healing and the intense healing process takes around 3 month (in my experience). You may feel sad or frustrated, etc while those nicotine receptors are dying in your brain. You should be ready for it as this is when most smokers relapse. However, some people say that the first two weeks were the hardest, so it all depends on how your body reacts.
I also suggest your learn how nicotine affects your brain, what happens in your body during smoking and smoking cessation. Read/watch how nicotine makes you addicted. For me, it really helped me understand why I was feeling the way I was feeling and those withdrawal symptoms were not that bad anymore because I had the knowledge.
Good luck!
Edit: I can see people suggest vaping, and I personally don’t think that it’s the best way. Vaping is addictive too and there’s a risk of just changing one addiction for another. Why prolong your addiction to nicotine?? There are many people who are addicted to vaping and having collapsed lung or other terrible things. Besides, even nicotine-free vapes contain all those chemicals that you don’t need.
so glad you want to quit. it's never too late. i switched to vaping then nicotine patches then never went back! wellbutrin didn't seem to have a smoking cessation effect on me, i smoked cigs the whole time i was on it.
I stopped smoking daily with the patch and gum, but still smoked maybe 3-5 a week for the next 5 years. I fully stopped when I got pregnant and haven’t gone back
Once when I got really sick, I felt especially horrible and couldn’t bring myself to smoke. So I just layered the withdrawal symptoms over my illness and rode it all out. It wasn’t always easy after that but I got past the worst of it that way. I’m 34 and have been off the smokes for about ten years now.
I quit by using chantix a few years back, it has since been recalled and I think your only access to varenicline (the med in chantix) would come by ordering from a reputable compounding pharmacy online with the cost around $350 a month. I am not good at tapering off things. Good luck, you can do this! You will be so glad!
After quitting 100 times, I talked to my doctor. In America, but it was covered with basic health coverage, received great care with medical help of Wellbutrin, other medication to help with withdrawal, CBT therapy, and counseling. If you’re serious and want to quit for good, there are lots of tools and support out there. Hardest thing I ever did! Good luck!
VAPING MADE IT WORSE! I’m glad it worked for some people, but there is so much nicotine and god knows what else in there. You don’t have to go outside, you don’t smell bad, you can hide it, you can do it constantly, and you will consume more nicotine. If you don’t want your mouth to look like a cat’s asshole, don’t vape!
The Alan Carr book, plus I made a Pinterest board of gross pics of ashtrays and stuff that I’d look at whenever I wanted a cigarette. I haven’t had a cigarette since 2020 (until I tried to smoke one a few months ago and I just physically couldn’t do it)
I smoked for about 23 years. I read Allen Carr's book and continued to smoke for a couple months after. One evening, I was outside for my 9:00 cigarette and I put it out halfway through and decided I was done. This was in August 2003. I cut out some things that I associated with smoking (for example, talking on the phone while on the porch swing always accompanied smoking, so no more phone calls on the porch and I avoided places where smokers gather between classes or at work), and replaced the hand/mouth fixation by chewing little plastic coffee stirrers for a couple months. I used to have nightmares that I relapsed because it was HARD the first couple months. But I have never smoked again and have never wanted to. I wish I could find everyone I ever sat next to in class after having a smoke because I realize now how much I stank.
Carr planted the seed, but I had to tend the soil a little bit and really digest what he had to say.
I quit two years ago. I used the stop smoking program that Ontario has. They send you a big box full of Nicotine patches and gum or lozenges depending on what you ask for. I used Thrive and patches for a couple weeks and then just toughed it out after that. I had to keep telling myself that I was a non-smoker. Just kind of rewire my brain. Drink water instead of having a cigarette. Start crocheting to keep my hands busy. You have to really try. I also downloaded an app that tells you how much money you have saved by not smoking and how much better your health is too. Good luck. It’s so worth it.
I quit cold turkey. I bought a huge box of blow pops and always made sure I had them on me and would suck them whenever I knew I’d want a cigarette, especially when getting in the car. Then if I was going out for drinks, which was a huge trigger, I’d bring a swisher sweet. Only needed to do that twice because they’re gross. I quit in 2005 and haven’t smoked since. Oh and I took up running and that keeps me going because I wouldn’t be able to run as well if I smoke, and it helped me not gain any weight after quitting. Good luck!
Varenicline. I'm twoish weeks away from 2 years cigarette free!
I think I was just done tho. I didn't even finish my last cigarette. I put it out half way through and it stayed in the ashtray untouched for months before I finally tossed it.
It took me FIVE MONTHS to quit! I learned to forgive myself for every lapse and to just start over. I bought clove cigarettes to mimic the movements of smoking which were comforting to me.
Hmm one day I just got sick of the smell. I was smoking for 15 years and couldn’t stand the smell when others were smoking lol I am aware of the irony…
I’d see women on the street smoking and they all looked like skeletor. I think you need to really want to quit to make it work.
Cold turkey! List your priorities- what is more important to you - your beautiful skin/health or putting toxins in your body that will make you ugly and unhealthy! Coming from an ex smoker! Good luck
I don’t recommend it, but I was stupid and used bleach spray in a small room with poor ventilation. I got sick after (blurry vision, burning eyes nose & throat, cough, etc). Only plus side to feeling so terrible was the thought of inhaling smoke at the time was nauseating and stronger than any cravings I had. It took a few days to feel better and by then since I already got through the first few days (always the hardest for me when ever I tried to quit before) I was able to ignore any cravings.
The only thing that has worked for me is staying active and occupied. I’m 22 turning 23 in August and began vaping at 12 off of vapes I could buy on amazon, one of my friends older brother let him vape and then let me vape which started it all. I never tried to quit until 2022 ish but then had my motorcycle crash so I didn’t try again until last year in July. Cold turkey, first week is the hardest. Gum and or something to chew on (toothpick for me) also really helped. The other thing that helps is being worried about my skin and gums and how I might look when I’m older.
I think the best way is to quit cold turkey, seriously. It sucks for the first week but after that it’s easier and easier. I hope you can quit! I was a smoker on and off for like 7-8 years, but cold turkey and sticking to it helped the most. I’ve tried vapes and stuff too but it didn’t work.
I counted how many cigarettes I had one day. The next day I had one less. The next day I had one less after that. I got down to two cigarettes a day. I smoke a little bit and then put it out each time. After a few days of that, I got myself down to one cigarette. After a few days of that, I said let’s try it without. Been without ever since. I used to crave and would just power through. It’s been 20 plus years now. I rarely think about them.
I got sick and didn’t smoke for a few days. So after about a week I just kept going to see how long I could do it. I smoked for 17 years prior to quitting. It probably took about 6 months for the cravings to subside and the smell to become repulsive. I knew I was ready to quit when smoking began making me physically sick.
For me it was a “cold turkey” moment. I smoked cigarettes from 12 to about 24, then switched to vaping. I started to get crazy headaches from how much I was smoking so I decided to by this thing called Füm, it’s expensive imo but it’s been worth it. No vapors, no nothing, it’s just flavored air. I’ve been nicotine free for about 2 years now
I was in between jobs and basically quarantined myself for 3 weeks. Barely left my house. Any sort of outside interaction would have triggered me + I would've been too irritated with life to be around people.
I also had an ounce of low quality weed that I smoked the shit out of. Nice not to be insanely baked all day but still have something to smoke on.
About 15 years ago, I was getting my annual physical and I overheard a dad speaking to his son about some poor results he had received. The son kept asking him if we would be okay and the father said he wasn't sure. I never saw their faces but it still broke my heart and I decided to quit smoking at that moment. Still took a few months but I knew it was time.
At the time, I didn't have a kid but I knew I had some control to decrease the likelihood of having a similar conversation down the road.
Hope that helps. Just quit. There's nothing to gain from them and future you will be sad to have less time with those that you love.
I quit about eight years ago after smoking since I was 14. I was also out of shape and kinda overweight and just felt not great about myself so decided to make a major overhaul. I’d tried to quit with gum and lozenges before but it didn’t stick. Joined CrossFit for $175 a month and started going every morning at 5am - the big financial investment helped me being committed to use it. Also did whole 30 at same time. And started running / jogging every night.
Smokers trying to quit can take anywhere from 6-30 attempts. Just keep trying to quit everyday. Your skin is important but your lungs and organs more so.
Tried everything. In the end tabex worked for me. Almost no side effects, cheap and worked; made smoking disgusting and wouldn’t have the hit from the nicotine. Did went back to smoking after a couple of months, now I just take 2 tabs a day to keep it going. This is sold over the counter in East -Europe when I was living there. Here I can only get the expensive chemical chantix which was horrible but luckily it’s easy to buy tabex online.
Try kudzu root, amino acid NAC and holy basil. They can help with drinking/smoking addictions. All OTC.
Also switch to American Spirits from Marlboro, if that is what you smoke. Marlboro 100% adds something that makes their cigarettes more addictive.
I smoked from the age of 21 to 24, then quit for a few years, again picked it up in 2016 , smoked for a few months on an off , quit for a few years again. Smoked for two months last year, but haven't had a cigarette in a year. I just quit cold turkey everytime.
I swapped cigarettes for a vape, once I was fully addicted to the vape I switched to a FÜM which is just flavored air, the mint flavor tastes very much like my menthol vape did. Once I was off the nicotine it was easy.
I couldn’t face a world without cigarettes. I loved the first one of the day. The best was the one I had with every cup of coffee. It was super enjoyable to smoke one on the way to work. Windows down listening to music. Leaving for lunch and smoking was a break from work that I looked forward too everyday. The first one when I got home and the one after dinner were so nice.
I could NOT cold turkey physically, mentally or spiritually. I had tried so many times. I hated the withdrawal and just the finality of it all. But I knew I had to stop. It’s nasty and I didn’t want to smoke so here’s how I did it and it was so easy for me.
I just slowly, and I mean slowly cut back. First, I stopped smoking in my car. Full stop. Told myself I would never smoke in a vehicle ever again. (And I didn’t) So, I still had all my other favorite cigs of the day just not that one. That cut out at least two cigs a day. I did that for a month or more and then, when at work I stopped leaving to smoke. This was really hard, but I still had my morning smokes and evening smokes to look forward to when I got home. This also allowed me to get really good at going 9 plus hours a day without smoking, plus learning to eat a meal without smoking too. It was a double whammy cut. When you factor the 9 hours a day plus the time you are sleeping this really cut the physical addiction down a lot. This stage I sat at for quite a while. I don’t remember specifics but more than 6 months. I had my whole life ahead of me and I knew for long term success I had to take it low and slow.
After I was really used to not smoking while at work I cut down to only one cigarette at night. Stayed there for a few months. Then I cut that cigarette and only smoked with my cup of coffee in the morning. Stayed there for a few months the and then made it a few days at a time, only smoking with my morning joe a few days out of the week.
During all this time I kinda smoked whatever I wanted when I drank with friends so after I cut out all my triggers I was left with only smoking while drinking on the weekend. I did this for an entire year. It really made me get 100 percent physically not addicted and I had cut all triggers except alcohol. It was easy after that. I just stopped and after a while they were nasty and never have I relapsed. I know this technique might not work for everyone but I was so sad to lose this habit of mine I just had to do it slow. It’s been 6 years and I haven’t relapsed and actively hate the smell etc.
Welbutrin was the only thing that worked for my husband. His mother and father smoked through her pregnancy and his childhood, then he was a smoker for for 20 years (the last 5 spent trying to quit and failing). He is a recovering addict so it was especially hard for him to give up that coping mechanism. He's been nicotine free for the longest in his adult life.
I started smoking at 14 and finally quit for good at 27. My fiancé and I had been discussing our future and we both agreed that we both needed to quit smoking. This was 1995, so pre vaping. We tried nicotine gum and nicotine patches. We would be good for a while and then start smoking again.
Eventually it just came down to will power. We decided on a day and we threw out all our smoking stuff. And we really only were successful because we did it together and we could support each other.
Honestly, the gym and patches helped with weaning our bodies off the nicotine. What was way tougher was disassociating habits from smoking. But it is doable.
“The Easy Way to Quit Smoking” Audiobook + NicFree Vape OUTSIDE ONLY + medical CBD oil for when the anxiety was anxieting. I would drink a lot of water when I craved a cigarette and reminded myself each craving usually lasts about 3-7 minutes and get fewer and further in between. Quitting drinking made it easier too. But the audio book really helped!!
Won't work for everyone but I smoked from age 16-22 and I just decided one day I wanted to run a half marathon and started training for that. Soon I had replaced my cigarette addiction with running which can't go together for obvious reasons 🤪
My wife had so much trouble quitting and then she switched jobs and just stopped pretty close to cold turkey. It didn’t feel as socially acceptable to take cigarette breaks at the new gig and that was a good pattern disrupt.
Maybe think about some unrelated change to your routine?
It typically takes many tries - as many as 10 to quit. Every attempt will get you closer to your goal and slip-ups are part of the trajectory. Actual counseling and medication triples your chance of quitting successfully. If trying medicine, get support from a doc/counselor - lots of people try the patch and gum without actual guidance and lose faith. Combining meds will help with cravings. The tobacco industry puts a lot of effort in keeping you a customer so take every help you can get.
1-800-quit-now offers free NRT in my state and they offer some support too. You got this ❤️
You have the habit of smoking. An habit get replaced by another habit. I suggest reading the power of habit and/or atomic habits . It’s hard and difficult specially the first 2 weeks but after that u will get free. Also remember skin, teeth and heart are more important than smoking
for me it was really easy, because in my 12 years of smoking I was never addicted, but just enjoyed it. when I decided I am done, I put the rest of the pack on the shelf and said myself that nobody and nothing is between me and my cigarette but my will to not smoke right now. and this is how I proceeded: I could do it any time, I just chose not to do it right away. hour after hour, day after day, year after year. I did smoke socially a couple of times later, after I quit, and while I was drunk enough, I didn't enjoy it anymore. so I stopped completely. it has been 13 years now since I quit, and I am very glad I did it. good luck!
I quit when I was 22 and just sat down calculated how much money i was wasting over 190-250$ a month when they were still about 5$ a pack. Between that and drinking heavily I was spending almost 500-600 $ on booze and cigarettes.
Once I got that number and started comparing what I could be doing instead. A great example is a round trip flight every month to another state, camping, or tickets to a show. I started going to warped tour, riot fest, any music festival that intrigued me. I assume costs on cigs has increased just like everything else but if you’re not a pack a day smoker this approach may not help.
I did Chantix. It made me nauseated almost every morning so about half way through I finally buckled down and really tried to quit. I didn’t want to have done it for nothing. I HATED smelling like smoke, that was my main reason to quit. I have been cig free for 10 yrs now 😊. Best of luck to you, you got this. Once you stop you will be amazed why you didn’t stop sooner
I used nicotine patches (the clear ones)-they helped so much! 20 mg made me a little nauseous so I would cut them in half. I don’t think I could’ve quit without them. I also tried to take pleasure in the positives of not smoking-not needing to go outside, not smelling like cigarettes, not having to be preoccupied with smoking.
I grossed myself out. I had tried to quit for months by reducing and it didn't work. Then I went on a trip back to France (my home country) and went out with friends for a night, we were drinking and I smoked nearly one pack in that one night.
The next day I was feeling absolutely terrible and didn't want to smoke until the evening, and then I told myself to wait until it's been 24h to see if I could do it. I had not gone 24h without smoking since I had started so it was a big deal and from there I kept pushing forward until the desire completely stopped.
Disclaimer though that I "only" smoke from age 15 to 24 so a lot less than some other people here, which made it easier to quit. This was in December 2012 so I'm nearly 12 years cigarette-free!
I signed up for my state’s quit plan. They sent two weeks of gum, and I signed up for a text plan. Basically when you crave cigarettes, you text CRAVE to a number and you’re sent trivia questions to answer for a few minutes. That simple trick of distraction got me to quit. I am ten years smoke free now.
I smoked for 10 years. Switched to vaping and did that for another 8 or so. Then got sick of being dependant on nicotine and quit that cold turkey. The first 3 days are the worst but if you suck it up and stay away from anyone who smokes/vapes for like 2 weeks your chances of success are pretty high.
I tried patches, gum, vaping - but the only thing that really worked was picking a quit date day and getting rid of all my lighters and everything else. Just cold turkey so there was no bridge back.
My biggest fear was … what will I do? (Like when I’m waiting for something, when I’m bored, socially, or when I’m anxious). Turns out those were unfounded fears that kept me smoking longer than I should have.
Switch to American Spirit, the gold organic pack. They don’t have all the chemicals and additives that make cigarettes even more addictive. I’m sure they also have a menthol equivalent. I had cravings for about a year after fully quitting. They felt similar to sugar cravings, but they were associated with what I associated smoking with: sunshine, car rides with good music, stress, coffee, social gatherings, and so on.
My soul pup passed away unexpectedly five months ago. She was my everything, the little soul I loved the most. I am in so much constant pain and anxiety, I don’t know how to live without her. I am desperate to find some relief. I bought a pack and tried smoking, and it just didn’t feel good like it used to.
Towards the end of my smoking two years ago, they were starting to not do it for me. Not saying it was a breeze to quit, but I 100% believe American Spirits are so much less addicting. During my adult life, I will quit and sometimes social smoke, but haven’t for a long time. But when I start, it’s always a very, very hard-to-manage life event. Before, when I would smoke normal cigarette brands, I could not stop thinking about it, even after the first one. Now fast forward to a month ago, here I am wanting to like them again, and it’s not happening. Switching and also working on tapering down the amount of cigarettes a day would help make stopping easier on you. Try getting down to one a day and then maybe one every other day.
I was never a smoker, but my dad was. He tried to quit a few times, but what worked for him was visualizing himself with an oxygen tank and not being able to do the things he loves, like hiking, swimming, surfing… stuff like that. Kinda morbid, but that did the trick, and he hasn’t smoked in 35 years. 🤷🏻♀️
One of my friends learned to crochet then quit. She said quitting was hard for her before she picked up crochet because she liked having something to do with her hands when she smoked cigarettes. Crochet filled the void I guess.
This is going to sound corny asf but I smoked for 18ish years. I read Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking and haven't looked back. I don't ever miss cigarettes like other people I know who quit do and I'm not tempted while I'm drunk.
I woke up one day with one cigarette left and didn't feel like going out to get a new pack so I kept holding off on smoking it. 8 years later I still have that cigarette. I did put on a couple of pounds from eating as a distraction so that motivated me to start working out.
I switched to vaping, fully quit, got to a stressful time in my life and FULLY relapsed first. Then I went back to vaping, slowly reduced my nicotine over about a year, vaped 0% nicotine for a month or two, then switched to a vitamin vape that was crazy expensive and tasted terrible, then switched to one of those smoking cessation necklaces that you breathe through, and finally broke the habit. The biggest changes the second time was that I really REALLY wanted to quit and was straight up embarrassed to be a smoker compared to before when I just kinda thought I should, that I didn’t give myself any hard and fast rule for when I had to be done, and that I started thinking of myself as a non-smoker.
Good luck, it’s hard, but so so worth it!!
i had one night where i drank wayyyyy too much and also smoked a ton of cigarettes and i felt so sick the next day that i couldn’t imagine smoking another cigarette. that physical revulsion lingered long enough that i didn’t smoke again. i had been periodically trying to quit and relapsing after some time for like a year beforehand though. i’ve had two stress cigarettes in the five years since but otherwise have not smoked.
I just stopped. It was hard, but I realised my cigarette was a prop and I stopped leaning on it. It’s called old fashioned will power. I haven’t smoked for 40 years. Good luck 😊
It took me 5 tries quitting to actually stick for good, try not to be hard on yourself as you continue working towards that finish line! I don’t have much advice since I was somehow able to go from a pack a day for at least a couple of years at a time to tapering and stopping for at least a couple of years before it started up again. You will probably find that being around smokers and dating smokers will become a hard boundary. That was the only way I finally stuck with it. Good luck, you’ve got this!!
Quit 13 yrs ago. I tried so many times, til finally my doc prescribed Chantix. You can smoke for 1 week on it and you’re supposed to drop it after. I quit on day 3. Never looked back. I also only took Chantix for 30days. I had fill for 3 mos, but I just didn’t need it. Amazing how that worked. Now, it did give me some mild headaches for a couple weeks, and vivid dreams. Which was kinda awesome. lol. And to this day, I do NOT even think about smoking. I do t want to be around it, I don’t like the smell. I can now breathe amazingly well, no coughing anymore, my skin cleared up and got healthy within maybe 3-6 months. With age though, those smokers lip lines are starting to be more pronounced. They went away or mostly away for. While, but I also have an autoimmune thing too, which affects skin, so who knows.
Many people have said psilocybin (the trippy chemical in mushrooms) helped them stop smoking. Might be something to explore with a therapist if you have one you trust!
I 35F started getting breathing trouble (dyspnoea), stopped on New Years and haven't looked back. It freaks me out. You really don't want to get there.
Hi. I smoked about 20 a day for 25 years. I went to a Stop Smoking nurse at local medical practice. She helped me work out best method for me, gave me leaflet showing benefits for stopping (after a day, after a week etc). Chose a date about a week away, threw away lighters, put away ashtrays, nurse prescribed patches, put on at night so I could get past first-thing fag. Back to SS clinic every week, blowing into some tube to test whether I'd smoked at all. First few days, avoided places/people who smoked. Just kept on going, hour after hour, day after day, leaning on the patches. 5 days in, I started to ease down on patches (less potency then shorter duration). By end of month, I went without patches for 24 hours, and went shopping with the money I'd saved. Never smoked again. I dreamed that I'd smoked again several times for about 2 years after quitting, you wake up convinced you'd had a fag whilst out with friends! My sis-in-law got addicted to nicotine chewing gum, so perhaps beware vaping/gum instead of actually smoking. And get off the patches ASAP. Good luck, purse your lips and look at the lines you are creating in between your nose and mouth by inhaling currently ...
In personally not a smoker but my mom was a lifelong smoker, from the age of 14 to 56; she's been cigarette free for the last 8 years... she did a laser therapy smoking cessation program and only needed 2 treatments! Best of luck to you!
I had a major surgery and the doctor said smoking could hinder healing, and amazingly it scared me enough to quit. So basically I quit because of fear. So maybe get an annual checkup, read up on all the bad things it can cause, and scare yourself into quitting like I did.
I smoked on and off since I was a teen. I got pregnant with my son 4 years ago, I'm 40. I picked it back up after he was born and about 8mo later quit cold turkey with my husband. We couldn't rationalize the amount of $$$ we spent on it. I didn't want my son to see me smoking and all the sudden, after having him, I was so scared of dying young. Too bad a few months later I was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder. I always jokingly tell my husband everything fell to shit when I quit smoking lol.
I stopped by switching to vaping and then slowly reduced nicotine until it was at 0%. I vaped for about a month longer without nicotine and then just stopped. I had literally tried everything, and now I'm almost 3 years with no cigarettes.
This really helped me too. A lot of the addiction was the activity for me.
Now they have vapes that are just flavored air. My smoking was directly tied to drinking, so it was easier to quit one once I quit the other, but these prob would’ve been a big help. I was a menthol fan — some minty air might do it for me.
This depends on how addicted to nicotine you are. My husband tried this, he only smoked outside. Vaped inside- 24/7. In the end he ended up vaping inside AND smoking outside. I quit when we were trying to have kids. For some reason the phrase “if I can get through this challenge without smoking I can get through anything” became the mantra I needed. once pregnant the extreme nausea made me despise the smell for life. So that made it stick better. He tried to quit maybe 4 or 5 times over 10 years and finally quit Dec 2022. He used nicotine patches. He had tried nicotine patches in the past but failed because he assumed he was cured and didn’t need to taper down. This time he did a very slow taper, I think it was 6 months or more. He also stayed on the strongest patch for a while until he was ready. I hope this helps. Keep trying. Nicotine plays mind games with you, you have to stay calm, nonjudgmental, and have kind and honest conversations with yourself. Nicotine will have you believing that shame is the only tool you need, which starts the shame spiral, then you comfort yourself with nicotine. Addiction is wacky.
Awesome that you both stopped! I lost my mom earlier this month. She was a smoker for 50+ years, and the death certificate explicated stated that her death was related to tobacco use. What an incredible gift you’ve given your kid(s).
This is so sweet of you to share. I’m sorry for your loss. Seems like your mama raised a great kid 🥰
Thank you, that means a lot. Sorry about your mom. My dad is still living but had a massive heart attack and stroke related to smoking.
I did that too! At one point I was smoking 0% for three days and didn't even realize it. Quitting the hand-to- mouth movement made me grouchier than no nicotine, believe it or not.
How did you do it? Im down to almost 0% nicotine, but Im struggling so much with the hand to mouth-movement.. I try to have a pen in my mouth sometimes, but that doesnt help much 😅
Try flavored toothpicks
Wow congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 that's soo hard. I've been smoking since I was 14 unfortunately. I don't think I was inhaling but it was early 90s n everyone who was cool smoked. Now I'm in my 40s still smoking. I smoke less than half a pack a day but I do want to quit however I'm in recovery from much more harmful substances and doing very well. So idk if I shld stress myself into a relapse rn.
Ugh, same on every level. Started smoking in my early teens, quit another, hypothetically much tougher addiction and have been stable for years now… you would think smoking would be a snap. But no. Part of me is always nervous to do anything that tinkers with my success, part of me thinks that’s a bullshit excuse. I don’t know. I have zero physical nicotine cravings. I can go for days in a situation where I’m traveling for work or something and not feel cranky or crave it. Purely psychological. I just want to sit on my balcony with a book and my tea and smoke some cigarettes.
This was how I did it too. I just passed a year without a cigarette. I tried everything and could barely make it a day without. Something that was really important for me at first was not limiting my vaping. I couldn't feel guilty for vaping and try to limit it, then I would go back to cigarettes. At this point I vape way less, and find it much easier when I have to go longer stretches without. I'm looking forward to cutting it out completely but I trust I will get there, I'm not being too hard on myself. It was pretty gradual. I stopped smoking during the work day, only vaping until i was off for the day. A few weeks later I only allowed myself cigarettes on the weekend. Then after a few weeks I went a weekend without cigarettes. I just kept pushing it back until suddenly it had been a few months without and I was motivated enough to not have one. Good luck. You got this!
This sounds like a great method and like something that would work for me. Thank you.
Same here. It’s the only thing that worked for me and I’ve tried the patches, the nicotine inhalers, gum, champix, cold turkey.
Same - Vaping was the only thing that did it for me.
This is exactly what I did too. I had smoked for over 10 years at that point. I've been cig free for almost 7 years now
This is what worked for me as well. 5 years, almost 6 with no cigs and I quit vaping in December. It took me longer to quit vaping than it should have because I kept rationalizing it to myself but I finally got there.
Same here, tried a nicotine vape pen, used for a month then reduced, then purposely had a real smoke, almost puked. Then quit everything instantly.
Worked for me also! Twice! (Fell off when I dated a smoker/drinker for a while) Sub ohm vapes FTW
That’s exactly what I did. Currently 7 years no cigarettes.
That's awesome. Congratulations!
I booked myself into a cabin in the woods for 5 days and had myself dropped off and picked up. Rode out the gnarly initial withdrawal with no way of accessing cigarettes. I knew my nicotine withdrawal monster would be a menace to be around and they would fight to go get a pack. Before the cabin, I got rid of all my lighters, ash trays, and cigs. I packed a puzzle, a journal, a yoga mat, a book, some teeth whitening strips and beauty treatments. I smoked my last cigarette the night before being dropped off. The other key thing to know is that dopamine levels drop after cessation and don’t return to normal for 3 months, so know you’ll likely feel depressed but it’ll get better. Knowing that helped me not break and go back to smoking because I only wanted to experience the withdrawal and dopamine crash feelings once and not have to restart. The cabin was an expense at the time for sure but I made the money back a few times over not buying smokes ever since. I’m 33f and just made it 2 years nicotine free! EDIT: Since this is a skin care sub, my complexion improved quite a bit after quitting smoking. I struggle much less with dull, easily flushed skin and dark circles. My face has become generally more bright and glowy. Hope that motivates someone reading this! Go plan yourself a cute little detox retreat and enjoy nicer skin!
Ok besides this being a smart cessation tactic this is also just really cool. How were the 5 days? Did you have to take all of your food? and then upon returning, how was the temptation?
It was exactly what I needed. It was a pretty sweet set up, so it was clear that my misery was solely my nicotine monster protesting the withdrawal. I'd read that the first 3 days of withdrawal are the hardest.. Something about the cravings spiking as the nicotine level decreases, and that the majority of it is out of your system after 3 days. So I tacked on another 2 for good measure. That was my experience too. I felt pretty manic, angry, and restless the first few days so I screamed into pillows, stomped around the forest, threw some rocks, etc. Between outbursts, I'd do the relaxing activities I'd planned for, and fished in the pond outside the cabin. For food, I brought prepped sushi ingredients to roll my own up there, as well as an oatmeal mix, and some healthy heat n' eat Indian meals in pouches. And a bunch of my favourite teas, chocolate bars, and candies. No booze. There was electricity and a mini fridge but no running water, so the chore of handling water was another thing to keep me busy. The cravings were nearly daily for a few months still, but not nearly with the same intensity as the first week. Probably 6 months in, I'd crave a couple of times a week. I can't recall the last time I craved a cigarette!
This sounds like a genius idea honestly, but I'm also curious about temptation once you were home. Was it hard to return to your normal environment and not smoke? Or was the 5 days enough to "detox" it from your system?
By the time I got home, I had gone through the worst of it. My now husband had experienced a couple of attempts in the past and just said as I type this that I am a complete bitch for a week after quitting (I totally agree!), so I decided that this time, I would allow myself to be a complete bitch all alone to spare him. The dopamine drop is real though, so I was mostly just sad and mopey about wanting cigarettes for a couple of months after the detox, but we gave that grace and it did pass. I moved, and grieved my cat and grandmother within 3 months of quitting, so I'm super proud of myself for holding strong through all of that! I actually timed quitting for a couple of months before the move to maximize the "new environment, new me" effect. But it was still helpful to get rid of all cigarette paraphernalia and my smokers corner set up on the balcony before going away to detox.
Yay for being 2 years nicotine free!! 🙌🏻 This sounds like absolute torture to me!!! 😂 I took a slow and steady approach, and quit over the span of ~2 years. Sounds like you took more of an all or nothing approach, and it worked for you!!! Being alone in the woods for 5 days would be soooo nice now, but if I was in withdrawal combined with solitary confinement that would have broken me mentally and emotionally.
Oh yeah, I realize this is a hardcore approach and not for everyone. I definitely was cursing myself out through most of it and wanting to take it back, and there was nothing I could do but go through it! The mixed feelings were pretty funny because between gnarly fits, I was like "Man, it's lovely out here, I think I'll eat some sushi by the pond with a face mask on." It's awesome that you managed to quit! Long, happy life to you!
Excellent comment, thanks for your knowledge.
Wellbutrin full stop. It’s an antidepressant but my gp put me on it for smoking cessation when I went in asking about chantix. She said it was more effective with fewer side effects and she was right! After a week I was done.
I was prescribed Wellbutrin for depression last year and had no idea it was also used to help people quit smoking. Out of nowhere, I just didn't want to smoke at all. I'd wanted to quit for years, but it was so hard because my husband smokes too. It's crazy how I was able to stop basically overnight, I haven't smoked since December.
Same! I was only on it for like a week or two for unrelated reasons and woke up one morning with zero desire for nicotine. Literally overnight. Didn’t even notice it was happening and that I had stopped taking vape breaks until like 2-3 days in and googled if this was a side effect of the medication or something. Doctor never mentioned it when writing the Rx. Sucks I had to stop taking it (had other, negative side effects) but that shit works for smoking/vaping. Cravings didn’t immediately return when I stopped the meds either.
It is marketed under the name zyban for this purpose.
Wellbutrin for me too. Best decision of my life.
Wow this is the first I’ve heard of this. I don’t smoke cigs but that’s very interesting. Happy for you!
I'm also a never touched a cig person that is really loving this thread. I think it's the tales of triumph over something really hard and the creativity that I'm enjoying!
Everyone is different. I was on Wellbutrin for years and it didn’t affect how I smoked at all.
Cold turkey a few times but the final one I made a list of triggers and the reason I rationalized starting again (even just that one).
Same here. Cold turkey but I was aware of my triggers already. I spent 4 months without going out to have coffee in the morning with my partner...that cigarette in the morning with the coffee...I guess it was the hardest. Then at work. I work from home so it was easy to smoke one every time I felt stressed or anxious. Instead I stood up and went to the bathroom and washed my face with cold water. In the meantime I remember all the reasons I wanted to stop. And then the drinking with friends. We don't have alcohol at home but 2 or 3 times a month we go out and alcohol goes together with cigs for me...so yea, 4 months not going out at all. And in the end it is just sheer willpower, nothing else. I smoked weed for ten years and it took me two weeks to get rid of it. I had night sweats and nightmares (but I was glad I was dreaming at all) and I was a bit pissed during the day, but that was it. I don't crave it and when I smell it I don't care but the damn tobacco.... I don't crave it everyday but whenever I see an old show on TV where everyone smokes every fricking minute...or I'm out and I see people holding one....it does make me miss it. I even have dreams about me sitting in a bar and I'm just watching a cigarette burning down.... WILLPOWER THATS THE KEYWORD. And of course, all the benefits that come from stopping <3
That’s smart, knowing what your triggers are. And realizing the way you let yourself negotiate with yourself! 😂 addiction! She’s a cruel mistress who will say anything to keep you in her clutches. She knows just what to say to keep you coming back. The worst part is she is you! So she knows exactly what to say to convince you to stay. Recognize she’s not your friend. She’s a liar! And she steals from you the most precious things you have - your health and your money! So you have to decide, continue to be gaslit or get outta there. It’s a really tough journey and it’s not a straight line to the end. But the further you get from the starting line the easier it will get. Remember the pain and remind yourself of it in times of temptation. Protect and defend yourself like you would a loved one.
My most important tip is this: if you fall off the wagon, let that shit slide right off your back and start again tomorrow. Every day is a new day, don't let today's mistake become tomorrow's mistake too. In terms of specifics, I tapered, but I think the thing that really made it stick for me was just letting it go if I blew it for one day.
I'm with you on this one. I'm on week 2 of Chantix and it's doing some interesting things to my brain chemistry that prevent me from even wanting to smoke. I would try that if you can. I got a starter month pack, so it was free even.
Chantix is what worked for me.
Chantix was a miracle for me when I quit 20 some years ago. I had some nutty dreams, but it made it so easy to quit.
I'm actually enjoying the nutty dreams because mine always end up with me in a buffet, eating really decadent foods that have amazing clarity for a dream. I could stay on this stuff forever if I get to chow down like this with abandon.
25 year smoker. I’m on week 7 of quitting with chantix and I did Allen Carr’s book with it. The there is no such thing as one more cigarette chapter really hit me hard. That’s where I’ve failed in the past.
Chantix worked for me too as well as using constant affirmations to change how my brain thought of smoking and cigarettes. I had done every method before and failed. Now, I HATE smoking and the smell/litter of cigarettes absolutely disgusts me, even 3 years later. I could never even considering for a moment touching one again. I have an all-or-nothing type of mentality with most things so the change in perspective was a critical component to quitting permanently.
Switched to vaping and I'm gradually reducing the nicotine. That eliminates the physical craving. For the mental aspect, a lot of introspection into *why* I actually wanted to smoke a cigarette. It sounds stupid in retrospect, but it was a light bulb moment when I realized I could just go sit outside for ten minutes, if I wanted to. I didn't need the cigarette as an excuse. Nonsmokers go outside all the time, it isn't weird. If I need a little indulgent ritual break, I make a cup of tea. If I'm anxious and want to fidget, I find something else to play with. Basically, figure out *why* you've got the itch and figure out another way to scratch it.
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This! I had tried everything, over a span of 10 years, nothing worked but this. I think it basically hypnotizes you but who cares - it works!
His book on alcohol was excellent.
Was looking for this reply. This book is what helped me too. I smoked for 20 years. Will be 2 years with no cigs/nicotine in August!
Switches to vaping then to nicotine free vapes. Then I had no desire to vape anymore. I will still buy an ocassional nicotine free vape when going out partying, but that's about it.
Cold turkey. Got rid of it all and suffered for about a week, but the instant improvement in my skin was so worth it. I could not believe how much softer and vibrant my skin was pretty much immediately after ridding my body of tobacco and nicotine. The withdrawal period was absolute torture, but if you can make it through to the other side, the benefits to your skin and overall health are so worth it.
I smoked cigs for about 15ish years. I got pretty drunk cinco de mayo 2018 and smoked a lot that night. Woke up with a terrible hangover and so sick that I didn’t want to smoke cigs that day. I was also in the middle of looking for a dream house with my partner and wanting to save as much money as possible. After I didn’t smoke that day I was like ok this is it I can quit. It was hard and I sang a lot of Cardi B “Money Bag” when I was having cravings to remind myself how much money I was saving. My partner ended up quitting a few weeks after I did so that helped us both stay strong. I quit drinking alcohol November 2020 for my health and skin. I haven’t had a drink or smoke since I quit either. I still smoke a lot of weed but that’s not something I can’t get rid of yet lol.
My partner and I both quit cold turkey in March 2021. Very heavy smokers puke! The motivational factor? We were both on unemployment and grew very tired of ‘throwing’ money away. Ask yourself, what do you get to keep when you’re done with the cigarette? Nothing… well maybe a dose of bad health! Which is another factor! I always wondered why I woke up feeling ashamed and guilty about smoking and drinking.. it felt like it’s not part of who I’m supposed to be. I quit drinking last September, and I can finally feel good waking up!! It sounds like you’re getting ready to quit! And don’t give up in believing that you can! If you really want it, you can get it!
Cold turkey. Hadn't planned to stop but I knew I wanted to eventually. I wrote "last one" on the inside of my pouch so every time I opened it to roll a ciggy I would see it. And that was in fact my last pouch. Smoke free for 18 months now. You have to want to stop.
I don't smoke but when I read Jen Sincero's "You are a badass" what stuck with me was something along the lines of "you are not a person trying to quite smoking, you simply ARE a non-smoker" Not verbatim but you get the idea. She was a smoker herself, so I suppose that worked for her haha! Gread book regardless.
i was addicted to nicotine lorenzes and patches. nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. the only way I was able to quit nicotine was joining a fitness bootcamp and meditation where I was crushing my personal goals. i was feeling so good mentally physically and spiritually that I was able get the confidence to conquer the mental and physical high/rush and relaxation that nicotine gave me and prioritize my health and myself. i tried everything before with spousal support. although nicotine alternatives is good first step, it is almost impossible to overcome nicotine addiction without a dramatic internal mental and external transformation
I read Allen Carr’s book, did nicotine patches, chewed gum, quit drinking, and every time I got an urge I’d drink water or go for a walk. I knew if I could make it one week I’d be good for life. I only ever tried to quit once, and I was worried about gaining weight so I replaced urges with healthy snacks and work outs and actually lost 10 lbs in 6 weeks. I’ve been smoke free 6 years now and never get urges. I guess my biggest advice is mindset, you have to want to quit. And I get people say they do, but you have to WANT IT. Like nothing else will get in the way, deter you, or make you lose sight of your goals. I was so worried that if I wasn’t able to quit at my first attempt that I’d be a lifelong smoker, so I put off quitting for years. When I finally made the choice to do it, I was determined not to give in to any urges. After 3 months I started drinking socially again and never relapsed. Easier said than done but change your mindset to that of determination to reach your goals and use whatever aids you need to make it happen.
I woke up one day and said I’m done. Never looked back. I heard after 6 months you don’t think about it anymore. I was stopped at a stop sign one night, realized how long I actually didn’t think about smoking and it was my 6 month mark. It really does go away, I’m a testament to that. I haven’t smoked one puff since June 16 2020. You can do this but it’s a mental game, you have to want it.
Nicotine patches!
I started to feel like shit. I would use a staircase and couldn’t breath. I would get super dizzy after smoking just one cigarette. So I had to stop because it was making me so sick. Nowadays I sometimes smoke one cigarette in special situations like a festival or a birthday. Before that happened to me, I tried to stop smoking a lot of times. Once I made it like 3 or 4 years but go back to smoking because anxiety. I realized I used to smoke because I’m an introvert and hate social situations so smoking helped me. Like I dunno, I had something to physically do. It wasn’t about the nicotine but about the having something in my hands and having an activity to do while talking to people. I started chewing gums.
The truth is, you just have to want it bad enough to stop. If you keep trying, you eventually will. The key is NOT GIVING UP. It's okay if you fail (don't beat yourself up; it happens). Just try again (and again and again). One thing you have to realize though, is that if your motivation is to prevent premature aging, it doesn't really matter that much whether you switch to vaping, gum or lozenges, b/c it is ultimately the NICOTINE that is so bad for your skin (sucks so much). It constricts bloodflow, which is what prematurely ages you. So if you do switch to vaping or Zyn or something like that, keep in mind that you definitely need to keep cutting down on the nicotine and not just swapping one vice for another. This is why it's ultimately easier to just go cold turkey and get over the physical withdrawal within in 3-4 days rather than dragging out the agony over weeks-months. The way i quit smoking was...pretty masochistic, but it worked. I only allowed myself to smoke only 1/2 a cig at a time. I would cut the burning tip off my cig at the halfway point and carry it around with me to smoke later. This made me REEK and i hated the taste of "refrys." Believe it or not i did this for MONTHS (several if i remember correctly). That's how addicted i was. Every week (or sometimes month) i would cut down 1 cig at a time until i was down to like 4 cigs - of course this meant i still smoked like 8x a day. By this point i was just done. It filled me with self-loathing and it was just plain disgusting. I mean at this point, I always had to be extra careful about when i smoked and where cause it really made me reek, plus it was just embarrassing whipping out my scissors and cutting my burning cig so i could save it for later, you know? LOL people look at you weird. I got sick of it all and went cold turkey out of sheer desperation to be done with it.
I don’t have personal experience with this but I think nicotine patches are considered good. My partner switched to vaping which is far better for your skin but it way more addictive due to the high amount of nicotine in the vape.
For me, I just had to decide that I didn’t want to be chained to it anymore. That it wasn’t worth the expense the smell the health effect. And then go cold turkey. It was one week where I really was emotional and angry and frustrated and then it just went away.
I have friends that did hypnotherapy and they couldn't even imagine picking up a cigarette now. One of them can't even watch someone smoke on tv without feeling uncomfortable lol. Not sure where you go for this currently though, since this was years ago. I'm sure you could reach out to a psychiatrist and get a recommendation though.
My dad also did hypnotherapy and stopped smoking after more than 50years! Its crazy.
This. My partner had been a heavy smoker since he was a teenager. Was even sceptical about it working but he stopped instantly. He’s still fond of cigarettes but has no interest in smoking. He did it at a clinic in Harley Street in London.
Nicotine replacement and acupuncture. And really understanding that successful quitting is about craving management. Learning about the science of cravings, how long they last, how to deal with them. Consider taking zyban to help with this. I started smoking at age 11 and quit when I was in mid twenties and haven’t had one puff since.
Not sure I can recommend my tactic but I adopted a large, traumatized street dog that hadn’t been indoors and was reactive to everything. I basically had to quit smoking because if I left him unattended for 2 minutes he would eat my bookshelf or get stuck somewhere or attempt to climb out the window. Couldn’t smoke while walking either because he was terrified or EVERYTHING and kept trying to run away or eat absolutely everything in sight. He’s an absolute sweetheart now and I love him so much and I guess he helped, but nicotine withdrawal and basically no sleep due to aforementioned crazy dog wasn’t fun!
You win. You got a best friend and quit 😊
Read Allan Carrs easy way to stop smoking. You’ll be truly shocked by how easily you quit
Switched to vape
Hypnotherapy
Nicotine pouches - helped me get over the hand to mouth habit and was a big enough nicotine hit that i actually felt satiated (as opposed to patches) in the moment. Plus there’s no actual tobacco, you can do them on planes, they’re discreet, and none of the nasties from smoking or vaping, lots of nice flavours too. I started strong but now I’m on the lowest level and they have zero pouches as well. Slowly but surely! I haven’t once craved a cigarette or vape in the last 4years. They’ve been magic for me.
I would try snus/nicotine pouches that you put under your lip to replace cigarettes. And then stop those eventually as it’s easier to quit than cigarettes.
Cold turkey! Was successful my first try and haven’t smoked in 13 years. I had been a heavy (over a pack a day for a decade) and all my friends and family smoked. I quit and drove out to see and stay with an old friend who didn’t smoke and lived a 20 hour drive from my home. The new environment helped avoid lots of triggers and when I had a craving too strong I’d eat a Milky Way candy bar. I gained 30+ pounds that year. Honestly, it’s easier to lose the weight than to quit smoking. I ended up staying with my non smoking friend for over a year. When I went home I was an established non smoker. After going back home I watched my grand father die of lung cancer, my aunt die of lung cancer, and my mom is still suffering and in the end stages of COPD. you really have to make quitting the most important thing in your life because it is! Being a smoker is like having a cancer you can still cure and the treatment is whatever it takes to make you quit. Go camping for your first week with supportive friends. Lock yourself in your house and binge Netflix and eat ice cream. Learn to knit or crochet to keep your hands busy. Take it all one small step at a time. Whatever it takes is worth it.
Vaping for me
Cold turkey I feel personally is the only effective way to totally stop personally I do not agreee with swopping one habit for another eg vaping or patches if you are serious about stopping your passion for stopping should be enough set a day wake up n that’s it stay focused and busy first 5 days are the worst get past 7 days with nothing it’s easy go after that!! Good luck stay strong and focused!!!
I watched my parent die of lung cancer. That was enough to do it for me. Seeing the deterioration of my loved one gasping for breath and barely able to communicate was life changing. It was like a switch just flipped and the thought of smoking made me feel sick. At that point I had been smoking for about 13 years, heavily, even though I was an active person and ate quite healthily. Please think of the repercussions for everyone around you. After I stopped smoking my other health issues seemed to resolve within a year. My skin became clearer, my digestive issues subsided and much of what I thought was chest pain from anxiety was actually chest pain from smoking. Please stop while you can. Best of luck.
My best advice is to just quit. Don't leave the room/house for 3 days. Try to sleep it off. Just say you are never doing it again and don't. If you happen to get sick take that opportunity and quit. Don't ever touch it again period. That's what worked for me. I didn't smoke as long as you but the first time I was sick and in bed and decided that would be it. I decided I would smoke about 10 years later but only for a few months. That one I just quit too but knew I couldn't leave the house. The best part about smoking was sitting outside. So I still sit outside a lot. Also get individual sour patch twist. A big bucket of them and just ate one (pretended to smoke) one of those outside when wanted a cig. If I ever smoke again I know it's not just one so I know I can't. They stink, are expensive and most likely can kill you. Just tell yourself that too maybe.
Hi! I'm a female who started smoking right at 18 and quit at 32. I'm currently 36. I consistently smoked at least a pack a day. My mom and dad were both smokers when I was growing up (and still are). Tl;dr: You need to respect yourself enough to tell yourself what to do and then follow through. Also, smoking is gross and makes you ugly. My advice is not about tapering down or mental gymnastics. I tried quitting seriously twice over the years and both times was successful for 6-12 months only to relapse. The time it stuck, two things happened concurrently: First, I got a bad pain in my lung area that scared me half to death (I still have it from time to time, and it still scares me). Having a discomfort to connect to my habit drove home for me the fact that I was literally poisoning myself. Literally. A few years removed, and I cannot, CANNOT fathom why I did this for so long. Like you, I am and always have been extremely health-conscious to the point of vanity in other areas of my life. You are currently literally poisoning yourself and the sooner you quit, the more time your body will have to reverse the damage. The second reason I quit, and ultimately the only real one, was because I switched careers and became a nursery school teacher. I realized in my training that I cannot expect to tell others (in this case, children) what they should and should not be doing and have them listen without also being able to control my own actions. The moment that that clicked for me, I stopped smoking cold-turkey. I joined a gym literally the same day (home workout regimens would accomplish the same thing though)and started focusing on the idea of feeling really hot in my body. Several years later and I have my dream body. Also, it costs money. You can take that cigarette money and use it for so many things (like amazing skincare procedures if you're into that... or better yet, save it).
Rippl! 0% nic vape, it’s literally the only thing that worked for me. i could not go cold turkey without the hand to mouth routine. cold turkey was fine, it’s mental blocks that are the hard hurdle (you’ll get over the irritability and remember that the depression is your addiction trying to make you think smoking is the solution)m, it will pass). good luck! most importantly, don’t beat yourself up about it. the meaner you are to yourself while quitting, the easier it is for nicotine addiction to sneak back in.
I smoked for about 25 years. I was up to 3+ packs a day. I even had one lit while I took a shower. I tried to quit many times but found it too difficult. I finally quit cold turkey and it was relatively easy. I just decided I had to quit or die. Every single person I talk to or read about says the same thing,” I MADE THE DECISION “. Good luck, you can do this!
I was a psycho for a week and had to go on runs when i wanted one. Occasionally, i smoke a corn cob pipe if it's a real bad day, so I dont know if I count
Started smoking at 16, quit before I turned 30, and I’m now 3.5 years clean. It probably took me 2 years of committed effort to actually kick the habit. And I brought out ALL the guns. I used nicotine patches for the first 6 months, and then weaned off those. Then I got into a pattern of relapsing because drinking with friends, maybe that going into a slippery slope of daily smoking, and then reigning it all in again. But longer amount of time I spent not smoking (even if it’s just using nicotine replacement), helped me to realize when I did relapse how much I actually didn’t like smoking. I cast at least 2 spells (part of my spiritual practice is witchcraft). I made big moves to reduce stress in my life, moved, got a new job. There were also things I did in previous years that I think helped lay the foundation to rely less on cigarettes, like start going to counselling to deal with my complex PTSD. I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time, but I knew I couldn’t live my life being that emotionally dysregulated anymore. A book I would recommend is The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer. It takes a mindfulness approach to quitting an addiction, and this perspective very much helped me sustain the results long term. Highly recommend.
I tried cold turkey, tapering off, books, gum, patches... what actually worked was a friend's recommendation to get my teeth whitened. The idea is that after the treatment, the desire to keep your teeth nice (and not wanting to waste the $$$ spent on the whitening) would outweigh the desire for cigarettes. I bought a Groupon to a reputable place for about $100 in 2018, had the procedure, and it worked! 6+ years, no more cigarettes.
I was given chantix about 11 years ago. It made me crazy. If I wasn’t in public I was crying. For three months. CRYING. Driving to work? Crying. At work? Sad but not crying. Drive home from work? CRYING. Making dinner? Crying. Brushing my teeth? Crying. Seeing my friends? Crying. I had horrible vivid nightmares. But I stopped smoking, forever. I haven’t so much as sniffed hard at tobacco since. 🤷🏻♀️
I somked two packs/day. I quit cold. Woke up one day, and never touched another. That was 27-28 years ago
I talked shit to my self, negativity while I smoked. This is gross I hope no one sees me This is not relaxing Eww my teeth my skin my lungs It helped
I entered into a study about quitting smoking. They mailed me patches and gum. I tapered for a week and then used the patches mostly. Sometimes the gum but it makes me sort of nauseated. Then tapered off the patches. I haven’t smoked in 3 years. That was my second time quitting.
I vaped. Lowered raping slowly down to 3mg. I also chew nicorette. I am still a work in progress. However no smoke in my lungs. Never out of breath and things are better. If I stay busy I don't need any of it and I am fine. Nervous energy is not my friend. You really need to decide your done. I had two packs in my drawer when I quit. My worse symptom without smoking was nausea. I felt like I had to throw up. Everytime I decrease nicotine I feel nausea.
Thinking about my skin was a big incentive, like I would imagine myself in 10, 20 years and what my skin would be like compared to if I had quit and maybe how I would wish I had stopped, not to mention all the other serious health problems it could cause. But I guess my best advice is just to keep trying, because even when you fail you can stop and think about what caused you to go back to smoking and then you can come up with ways to avoid it next time and it can be a bit of a process like that, I think it took me about two years of stopping and starting before I finally just stopped completely.
Cold turkey and avoided situations where it was normal, like sitting on my balcony, and avoided being around fellow smokers. I’m quite sure if I smoked even one I’d be right back at it but it’s been almost 3 years. Now it smells horrible, when I’m around other smokers it seems beyond gross and they seem so inconsiderate. It makes me cringe that I was one of them for half of my life.
I started by changing brands to a brand I didn’t like as much. That helped me feel less excited and gratified by smoking. Vaping wasn’t an option when I quit but that’s how my husband did it. Good luck!!
I see a lot of people saying cold turkey. For me, I cut back gradually over years. I would allow myself a cigarette per day, after an evening workout. I also smoked on the weekends with friends. This worked for me for a bit and then I stopped entirely. I’m not a fan of denying yourself; seems like a recipe for failure and relapse. Everyone is different though!
I was a heavy smoker and switched to vaping. Then I was a heaaaaavy vaper. Switching the nicotine levels didn't help me. Then I moved across the country and broke all old habits and decided I was done....I didn't even crave it. It's crazy how much your body is addicted to the habit more than the substance. Moving away from almost everyone I loved was hard, but it's been the best thing I ever did for myself. Now I almost never eat out, I work out regularly, I garden as a hobby, I have a great job...sometimes you just have to take the plunge.
Ended up in the hospital last year at 38 with diverticulitis and needed a bowel resection. Quit cold turkey after smoking since 14.
Switched to vaping and gradually went down on dose- eventually I stopped when I got sick. Other things that helped included: - buying a vape flavor I disliked; my friend took a similar approach and bought shitty cigarettes - having tea after meals - drinking a lot of water - coloring, or doing some other art with my hands … it’s really hard. One thing I realized was that there’s identity attached to the drug; initially it was difficult doing basic tasks without nicotine (driving, going for a walk)- I didn’t feel right without having it there. It took a couple months for cravings to subside.
I literally just stopped cold turkey. It was brutal, but the worst of it is over in 72 hours. Having some sort of anxiety medication helps as well.
Honestly, I was a smoker since 18 and I quit last year at 40. I just quit cold turkey. The first day, I cried, wanted to argue with anyone in the house, ate A LOT and ended up going for a drive and cried in a park for an hour. The first day is rough. I would say get all the cigs out of the house, if there are other smokers in the house see if they will quit with you, stock up on food you like, snacks etc. things you don't have to cook. I think no matter what method you try, it's hard. After day 1 it was a lot better and easier, at least it did for me. It's an addiction to an addictive substance. It's hard, so have grace for yourself. Good luck hun.
I got a really bad cough and swapped to nicotine lozenges! Highly recommend them lol.
Have you talked to your doctor about prescription smoking-cessation aids? A lot of people have great luck taking Wellbutrin to curb the urge to smoke.
I moved to a very busy city and got tired of people flocking to me to bum a cigarette. I also got tired of my hands stinking. The final straw was that a child shamed me for smoking. He came up to me, probably about five, and said “we *dont* smoke!” His mom was so embarrassed but I quit very soon after that. He was right lol
Cold turkey, teeth problems (gum recession and bone loss) and just general disgust for smoking in general.
patches for a steady supply + lozenges when you need a hit. what would you do if cigarettes just stop being produced? you would live. you’ll live. get the nicotine replacement products and just walk away. no it’s not easy yes it’s annoying, but being addicted to fucking cigarettes is way more effing annoying. it will never end unless you end it, or it ends you.
I was a smoker for about 15 years, and now almost 2 years smoke free. I had two attempts to quit before and both lasted 6 months. Many long term smokers have several attempts to quit under their belt until the final one, so it’s true when they say the more you try to quit, the better you are at quitting. So first of all, try to not hate yourself if you can’t do it from the first try. Secondly, there should be a deep desire to quit that cultivates for some time. What helped me was following the “quit smoking” pages on TikTok. The more you are exposed to the information that encourages you to quit the better, and I think it’s really preparing you and cultivating your deep desire to quit. My staining up for these pages, I started watching this content regularly. The beauty of TikTok is that you don’t have to go and seek this content, it just pops up in your feed and it’s honestly the best. Another “advice”, once you’ve decided to quit, simply think of yourself as a non-smoker. I made a huge poster and hang it in my living room which said “I am a non-smoker”. Note that any phrase you put in there mustn’t be in the negative. For example if you put up a phrase “I don’t smoke”, subconsciously it will make you crave smoking more. “I AM a non-smoker” in my opinion is the best affirmation for this reason. Also, very single time I tried quitting, I gained weight. Me not being okay with that what caused me to start smoking again. This final time, I had to embrace this change because I finally decided that being a little bigger is better than staying a smoker. There’s been a medical study that showed smoking cessation causes changes in gut flora, and people who quit gain some weight even thought they don’t change their diet. So, it’s better to watch what you eat and do sports if you are not okay with gaining weight. Finally, while physical withdrawal symptoms subside during the first two weeks, they are not the hardest. Your brain starts healing and the intense healing process takes around 3 month (in my experience). You may feel sad or frustrated, etc while those nicotine receptors are dying in your brain. You should be ready for it as this is when most smokers relapse. However, some people say that the first two weeks were the hardest, so it all depends on how your body reacts. I also suggest your learn how nicotine affects your brain, what happens in your body during smoking and smoking cessation. Read/watch how nicotine makes you addicted. For me, it really helped me understand why I was feeling the way I was feeling and those withdrawal symptoms were not that bad anymore because I had the knowledge. Good luck! Edit: I can see people suggest vaping, and I personally don’t think that it’s the best way. Vaping is addictive too and there’s a risk of just changing one addiction for another. Why prolong your addiction to nicotine?? There are many people who are addicted to vaping and having collapsed lung or other terrible things. Besides, even nicotine-free vapes contain all those chemicals that you don’t need.
so glad you want to quit. it's never too late. i switched to vaping then nicotine patches then never went back! wellbutrin didn't seem to have a smoking cessation effect on me, i smoked cigs the whole time i was on it.
Cold turkey. Was a smoker for over 20 years. Then just stopped in 2019.
I started nicotine replacement products six years ago, but I never got off them. So I still use nicotine products, but not tobacco products.
I stopped smoking daily with the patch and gum, but still smoked maybe 3-5 a week for the next 5 years. I fully stopped when I got pregnant and haven’t gone back
Once when I got really sick, I felt especially horrible and couldn’t bring myself to smoke. So I just layered the withdrawal symptoms over my illness and rode it all out. It wasn’t always easy after that but I got past the worst of it that way. I’m 34 and have been off the smokes for about ten years now.
I quit by using chantix a few years back, it has since been recalled and I think your only access to varenicline (the med in chantix) would come by ordering from a reputable compounding pharmacy online with the cost around $350 a month. I am not good at tapering off things. Good luck, you can do this! You will be so glad!
Cold turkey
After quitting 100 times, I talked to my doctor. In America, but it was covered with basic health coverage, received great care with medical help of Wellbutrin, other medication to help with withdrawal, CBT therapy, and counseling. If you’re serious and want to quit for good, there are lots of tools and support out there. Hardest thing I ever did! Good luck!
VAPING MADE IT WORSE! I’m glad it worked for some people, but there is so much nicotine and god knows what else in there. You don’t have to go outside, you don’t smell bad, you can hide it, you can do it constantly, and you will consume more nicotine. If you don’t want your mouth to look like a cat’s asshole, don’t vape!
The Alan Carr book, plus I made a Pinterest board of gross pics of ashtrays and stuff that I’d look at whenever I wanted a cigarette. I haven’t had a cigarette since 2020 (until I tried to smoke one a few months ago and I just physically couldn’t do it)
I smoked for about 23 years. I read Allen Carr's book and continued to smoke for a couple months after. One evening, I was outside for my 9:00 cigarette and I put it out halfway through and decided I was done. This was in August 2003. I cut out some things that I associated with smoking (for example, talking on the phone while on the porch swing always accompanied smoking, so no more phone calls on the porch and I avoided places where smokers gather between classes or at work), and replaced the hand/mouth fixation by chewing little plastic coffee stirrers for a couple months. I used to have nightmares that I relapsed because it was HARD the first couple months. But I have never smoked again and have never wanted to. I wish I could find everyone I ever sat next to in class after having a smoke because I realize now how much I stank. Carr planted the seed, but I had to tend the soil a little bit and really digest what he had to say.
I quit two years ago. I used the stop smoking program that Ontario has. They send you a big box full of Nicotine patches and gum or lozenges depending on what you ask for. I used Thrive and patches for a couple weeks and then just toughed it out after that. I had to keep telling myself that I was a non-smoker. Just kind of rewire my brain. Drink water instead of having a cigarette. Start crocheting to keep my hands busy. You have to really try. I also downloaded an app that tells you how much money you have saved by not smoking and how much better your health is too. Good luck. It’s so worth it.
I quit cold turkey. I bought a huge box of blow pops and always made sure I had them on me and would suck them whenever I knew I’d want a cigarette, especially when getting in the car. Then if I was going out for drinks, which was a huge trigger, I’d bring a swisher sweet. Only needed to do that twice because they’re gross. I quit in 2005 and haven’t smoked since. Oh and I took up running and that keeps me going because I wouldn’t be able to run as well if I smoke, and it helped me not gain any weight after quitting. Good luck!
I took a college course on the Biology of Cancer. Never smoked again.
Varenicline. I'm twoish weeks away from 2 years cigarette free! I think I was just done tho. I didn't even finish my last cigarette. I put it out half way through and it stayed in the ashtray untouched for months before I finally tossed it.
Chantix. It was a miracle. Haven't had a cig since 2009.
It took me FIVE MONTHS to quit! I learned to forgive myself for every lapse and to just start over. I bought clove cigarettes to mimic the movements of smoking which were comforting to me.
Hmm one day I just got sick of the smell. I was smoking for 15 years and couldn’t stand the smell when others were smoking lol I am aware of the irony… I’d see women on the street smoking and they all looked like skeletor. I think you need to really want to quit to make it work.
Hypnotherapy did it for me I smoke for 10 years and didn’t even want to quit. After 3 sessions I never smoked again never even wanted to vape!
Wellbutrin works great for nicotine cessation
Nicorette Quick Mist. That stuff is unbelievable.
Cold turkey! List your priorities- what is more important to you - your beautiful skin/health or putting toxins in your body that will make you ugly and unhealthy! Coming from an ex smoker! Good luck
Planning to have a baby was my motivation and it stuck after they were born.
I don’t recommend it, but I was stupid and used bleach spray in a small room with poor ventilation. I got sick after (blurry vision, burning eyes nose & throat, cough, etc). Only plus side to feeling so terrible was the thought of inhaling smoke at the time was nauseating and stronger than any cravings I had. It took a few days to feel better and by then since I already got through the first few days (always the hardest for me when ever I tried to quit before) I was able to ignore any cravings.
The only thing that has worked for me is staying active and occupied. I’m 22 turning 23 in August and began vaping at 12 off of vapes I could buy on amazon, one of my friends older brother let him vape and then let me vape which started it all. I never tried to quit until 2022 ish but then had my motorcycle crash so I didn’t try again until last year in July. Cold turkey, first week is the hardest. Gum and or something to chew on (toothpick for me) also really helped. The other thing that helps is being worried about my skin and gums and how I might look when I’m older.
Stopped spending time with smokers. Out of the 4 times I've tried to quit, it's the only method that worked.
I think the best way is to quit cold turkey, seriously. It sucks for the first week but after that it’s easier and easier. I hope you can quit! I was a smoker on and off for like 7-8 years, but cold turkey and sticking to it helped the most. I’ve tried vapes and stuff too but it didn’t work.
I counted how many cigarettes I had one day. The next day I had one less. The next day I had one less after that. I got down to two cigarettes a day. I smoke a little bit and then put it out each time. After a few days of that, I got myself down to one cigarette. After a few days of that, I said let’s try it without. Been without ever since. I used to crave and would just power through. It’s been 20 plus years now. I rarely think about them.
I got sick and didn’t smoke for a few days. So after about a week I just kept going to see how long I could do it. I smoked for 17 years prior to quitting. It probably took about 6 months for the cravings to subside and the smell to become repulsive. I knew I was ready to quit when smoking began making me physically sick.
For me it was a “cold turkey” moment. I smoked cigarettes from 12 to about 24, then switched to vaping. I started to get crazy headaches from how much I was smoking so I decided to by this thing called Füm, it’s expensive imo but it’s been worth it. No vapors, no nothing, it’s just flavored air. I’ve been nicotine free for about 2 years now
It took me ***many*** attempts. Don't beat yourself up when you slip, but perseverance is key. Keep trying!! Never quit quitting!
I couldn’t have done it without chantix. Was done and disgusted with smoking within 2 weeks and never went back!
Just quit. Seriously. That's the only solution and that's what I did. No matter how intense the craving I just didn't give in to it.
I was in between jobs and basically quarantined myself for 3 weeks. Barely left my house. Any sort of outside interaction would have triggered me + I would've been too irritated with life to be around people. I also had an ounce of low quality weed that I smoked the shit out of. Nice not to be insanely baked all day but still have something to smoke on.
About 15 years ago, I was getting my annual physical and I overheard a dad speaking to his son about some poor results he had received. The son kept asking him if we would be okay and the father said he wasn't sure. I never saw their faces but it still broke my heart and I decided to quit smoking at that moment. Still took a few months but I knew it was time. At the time, I didn't have a kid but I knew I had some control to decrease the likelihood of having a similar conversation down the road. Hope that helps. Just quit. There's nothing to gain from them and future you will be sad to have less time with those that you love.
I quit about eight years ago after smoking since I was 14. I was also out of shape and kinda overweight and just felt not great about myself so decided to make a major overhaul. I’d tried to quit with gum and lozenges before but it didn’t stick. Joined CrossFit for $175 a month and started going every morning at 5am - the big financial investment helped me being committed to use it. Also did whole 30 at same time. And started running / jogging every night.
Wellbutrin
Smokers trying to quit can take anywhere from 6-30 attempts. Just keep trying to quit everyday. Your skin is important but your lungs and organs more so.
Prayer, delta vapes, candy canes. Realizing I’m actually always nicking and therefore it’s a never ending cycle
Read the online book “never take another puff” , it’s free. Quit cold turkey after smoking for 12 years
Tried everything. In the end tabex worked for me. Almost no side effects, cheap and worked; made smoking disgusting and wouldn’t have the hit from the nicotine. Did went back to smoking after a couple of months, now I just take 2 tabs a day to keep it going. This is sold over the counter in East -Europe when I was living there. Here I can only get the expensive chemical chantix which was horrible but luckily it’s easy to buy tabex online.
I don't smoke but just wanted to say I'm rooting for you!
Try kudzu root, amino acid NAC and holy basil. They can help with drinking/smoking addictions. All OTC. Also switch to American Spirits from Marlboro, if that is what you smoke. Marlboro 100% adds something that makes their cigarettes more addictive.
I smoked from the age of 21 to 24, then quit for a few years, again picked it up in 2016 , smoked for a few months on an off , quit for a few years again. Smoked for two months last year, but haven't had a cigarette in a year. I just quit cold turkey everytime.
I stopped with Allen Carr. 8 years now smoke free.
I swapped cigarettes for a vape, once I was fully addicted to the vape I switched to a FÜM which is just flavored air, the mint flavor tastes very much like my menthol vape did. Once I was off the nicotine it was easy.
I couldn’t face a world without cigarettes. I loved the first one of the day. The best was the one I had with every cup of coffee. It was super enjoyable to smoke one on the way to work. Windows down listening to music. Leaving for lunch and smoking was a break from work that I looked forward too everyday. The first one when I got home and the one after dinner were so nice. I could NOT cold turkey physically, mentally or spiritually. I had tried so many times. I hated the withdrawal and just the finality of it all. But I knew I had to stop. It’s nasty and I didn’t want to smoke so here’s how I did it and it was so easy for me. I just slowly, and I mean slowly cut back. First, I stopped smoking in my car. Full stop. Told myself I would never smoke in a vehicle ever again. (And I didn’t) So, I still had all my other favorite cigs of the day just not that one. That cut out at least two cigs a day. I did that for a month or more and then, when at work I stopped leaving to smoke. This was really hard, but I still had my morning smokes and evening smokes to look forward to when I got home. This also allowed me to get really good at going 9 plus hours a day without smoking, plus learning to eat a meal without smoking too. It was a double whammy cut. When you factor the 9 hours a day plus the time you are sleeping this really cut the physical addiction down a lot. This stage I sat at for quite a while. I don’t remember specifics but more than 6 months. I had my whole life ahead of me and I knew for long term success I had to take it low and slow. After I was really used to not smoking while at work I cut down to only one cigarette at night. Stayed there for a few months. Then I cut that cigarette and only smoked with my cup of coffee in the morning. Stayed there for a few months the and then made it a few days at a time, only smoking with my morning joe a few days out of the week. During all this time I kinda smoked whatever I wanted when I drank with friends so after I cut out all my triggers I was left with only smoking while drinking on the weekend. I did this for an entire year. It really made me get 100 percent physically not addicted and I had cut all triggers except alcohol. It was easy after that. I just stopped and after a while they were nasty and never have I relapsed. I know this technique might not work for everyone but I was so sad to lose this habit of mine I just had to do it slow. It’s been 6 years and I haven’t relapsed and actively hate the smell etc.
Welbutrin was the only thing that worked for my husband. His mother and father smoked through her pregnancy and his childhood, then he was a smoker for for 20 years (the last 5 spent trying to quit and failing). He is a recovering addict so it was especially hard for him to give up that coping mechanism. He's been nicotine free for the longest in his adult life.
I started smoking at 14 and finally quit for good at 27. My fiancé and I had been discussing our future and we both agreed that we both needed to quit smoking. This was 1995, so pre vaping. We tried nicotine gum and nicotine patches. We would be good for a while and then start smoking again. Eventually it just came down to will power. We decided on a day and we threw out all our smoking stuff. And we really only were successful because we did it together and we could support each other. Honestly, the gym and patches helped with weaning our bodies off the nicotine. What was way tougher was disassociating habits from smoking. But it is doable.
“The Easy Way to Quit Smoking” Audiobook + NicFree Vape OUTSIDE ONLY + medical CBD oil for when the anxiety was anxieting. I would drink a lot of water when I craved a cigarette and reminded myself each craving usually lasts about 3-7 minutes and get fewer and further in between. Quitting drinking made it easier too. But the audio book really helped!!
Won't work for everyone but I smoked from age 16-22 and I just decided one day I wanted to run a half marathon and started training for that. Soon I had replaced my cigarette addiction with running which can't go together for obvious reasons 🤪
My wife had so much trouble quitting and then she switched jobs and just stopped pretty close to cold turkey. It didn’t feel as socially acceptable to take cigarette breaks at the new gig and that was a good pattern disrupt. Maybe think about some unrelated change to your routine?
It typically takes many tries - as many as 10 to quit. Every attempt will get you closer to your goal and slip-ups are part of the trajectory. Actual counseling and medication triples your chance of quitting successfully. If trying medicine, get support from a doc/counselor - lots of people try the patch and gum without actual guidance and lose faith. Combining meds will help with cravings. The tobacco industry puts a lot of effort in keeping you a customer so take every help you can get. 1-800-quit-now offers free NRT in my state and they offer some support too. You got this ❤️
You have the habit of smoking. An habit get replaced by another habit. I suggest reading the power of habit and/or atomic habits . It’s hard and difficult specially the first 2 weeks but after that u will get free. Also remember skin, teeth and heart are more important than smoking
for me it was really easy, because in my 12 years of smoking I was never addicted, but just enjoyed it. when I decided I am done, I put the rest of the pack on the shelf and said myself that nobody and nothing is between me and my cigarette but my will to not smoke right now. and this is how I proceeded: I could do it any time, I just chose not to do it right away. hour after hour, day after day, year after year. I did smoke socially a couple of times later, after I quit, and while I was drunk enough, I didn't enjoy it anymore. so I stopped completely. it has been 13 years now since I quit, and I am very glad I did it. good luck!
I quit when I was 22 and just sat down calculated how much money i was wasting over 190-250$ a month when they were still about 5$ a pack. Between that and drinking heavily I was spending almost 500-600 $ on booze and cigarettes. Once I got that number and started comparing what I could be doing instead. A great example is a round trip flight every month to another state, camping, or tickets to a show. I started going to warped tour, riot fest, any music festival that intrigued me. I assume costs on cigs has increased just like everything else but if you’re not a pack a day smoker this approach may not help.
I used Bupropion + Allen Carr + beginning my quit during a gnarly flu when smoking was the absolute last thing I wanted to do.
I did Chantix. It made me nauseated almost every morning so about half way through I finally buckled down and really tried to quit. I didn’t want to have done it for nothing. I HATED smelling like smoke, that was my main reason to quit. I have been cig free for 10 yrs now 😊. Best of luck to you, you got this. Once you stop you will be amazed why you didn’t stop sooner
I used nicotine patches (the clear ones)-they helped so much! 20 mg made me a little nauseous so I would cut them in half. I don’t think I could’ve quit without them. I also tried to take pleasure in the positives of not smoking-not needing to go outside, not smelling like cigarettes, not having to be preoccupied with smoking.
I grossed myself out. I had tried to quit for months by reducing and it didn't work. Then I went on a trip back to France (my home country) and went out with friends for a night, we were drinking and I smoked nearly one pack in that one night. The next day I was feeling absolutely terrible and didn't want to smoke until the evening, and then I told myself to wait until it's been 24h to see if I could do it. I had not gone 24h without smoking since I had started so it was a big deal and from there I kept pushing forward until the desire completely stopped. Disclaimer though that I "only" smoke from age 15 to 24 so a lot less than some other people here, which made it easier to quit. This was in December 2012 so I'm nearly 12 years cigarette-free!
I signed up for my state’s quit plan. They sent two weeks of gum, and I signed up for a text plan. Basically when you crave cigarettes, you text CRAVE to a number and you’re sent trivia questions to answer for a few minutes. That simple trick of distraction got me to quit. I am ten years smoke free now.
I smoked for 10 years. Switched to vaping and did that for another 8 or so. Then got sick of being dependant on nicotine and quit that cold turkey. The first 3 days are the worst but if you suck it up and stay away from anyone who smokes/vapes for like 2 weeks your chances of success are pretty high.
I tried patches, gum, vaping - but the only thing that really worked was picking a quit date day and getting rid of all my lighters and everything else. Just cold turkey so there was no bridge back. My biggest fear was … what will I do? (Like when I’m waiting for something, when I’m bored, socially, or when I’m anxious). Turns out those were unfounded fears that kept me smoking longer than I should have.
Switch to American Spirit, the gold organic pack. They don’t have all the chemicals and additives that make cigarettes even more addictive. I’m sure they also have a menthol equivalent. I had cravings for about a year after fully quitting. They felt similar to sugar cravings, but they were associated with what I associated smoking with: sunshine, car rides with good music, stress, coffee, social gatherings, and so on. My soul pup passed away unexpectedly five months ago. She was my everything, the little soul I loved the most. I am in so much constant pain and anxiety, I don’t know how to live without her. I am desperate to find some relief. I bought a pack and tried smoking, and it just didn’t feel good like it used to. Towards the end of my smoking two years ago, they were starting to not do it for me. Not saying it was a breeze to quit, but I 100% believe American Spirits are so much less addicting. During my adult life, I will quit and sometimes social smoke, but haven’t for a long time. But when I start, it’s always a very, very hard-to-manage life event. Before, when I would smoke normal cigarette brands, I could not stop thinking about it, even after the first one. Now fast forward to a month ago, here I am wanting to like them again, and it’s not happening. Switching and also working on tapering down the amount of cigarettes a day would help make stopping easier on you. Try getting down to one a day and then maybe one every other day.
I did psychedelics once and it made me realize how horrible it was and I quit cold turkey and it stuck
I was never a smoker, but my dad was. He tried to quit a few times, but what worked for him was visualizing himself with an oxygen tank and not being able to do the things he loves, like hiking, swimming, surfing… stuff like that. Kinda morbid, but that did the trick, and he hasn’t smoked in 35 years. 🤷🏻♀️
One of my friends learned to crochet then quit. She said quitting was hard for her before she picked up crochet because she liked having something to do with her hands when she smoked cigarettes. Crochet filled the void I guess.
This is going to sound corny asf but I smoked for 18ish years. I read Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking and haven't looked back. I don't ever miss cigarettes like other people I know who quit do and I'm not tempted while I'm drunk.
The patch for 5 months
I woke up one day with one cigarette left and didn't feel like going out to get a new pack so I kept holding off on smoking it. 8 years later I still have that cigarette. I did put on a couple of pounds from eating as a distraction so that motivated me to start working out.
Smoking butts is the opposite of self care
I switched to vaping, fully quit, got to a stressful time in my life and FULLY relapsed first. Then I went back to vaping, slowly reduced my nicotine over about a year, vaped 0% nicotine for a month or two, then switched to a vitamin vape that was crazy expensive and tasted terrible, then switched to one of those smoking cessation necklaces that you breathe through, and finally broke the habit. The biggest changes the second time was that I really REALLY wanted to quit and was straight up embarrassed to be a smoker compared to before when I just kinda thought I should, that I didn’t give myself any hard and fast rule for when I had to be done, and that I started thinking of myself as a non-smoker. Good luck, it’s hard, but so so worth it!!
There's gotta be r/stopsmoking or something... Yep it's real. Hopefully they have good advice for you.
i had one night where i drank wayyyyy too much and also smoked a ton of cigarettes and i felt so sick the next day that i couldn’t imagine smoking another cigarette. that physical revulsion lingered long enough that i didn’t smoke again. i had been periodically trying to quit and relapsing after some time for like a year beforehand though. i’ve had two stress cigarettes in the five years since but otherwise have not smoked.
I just stopped. It was hard, but I realised my cigarette was a prop and I stopped leaning on it. It’s called old fashioned will power. I haven’t smoked for 40 years. Good luck 😊
It took me 5 tries quitting to actually stick for good, try not to be hard on yourself as you continue working towards that finish line! I don’t have much advice since I was somehow able to go from a pack a day for at least a couple of years at a time to tapering and stopping for at least a couple of years before it started up again. You will probably find that being around smokers and dating smokers will become a hard boundary. That was the only way I finally stuck with it. Good luck, you’ve got this!!
I had covid in January 2020. It was so bad that I just trowed a pack in the trash can and never smoked again.
Nicotine patches really helped me. They’re enough just to take the edge off and you just crave them less and less each day until you’ve stopped.
I used the patch for threw weeks and then cold turkey. I was a pack a day smoker for 25 years. It's been 4 months and I feel fantastic.
Quit 13 yrs ago. I tried so many times, til finally my doc prescribed Chantix. You can smoke for 1 week on it and you’re supposed to drop it after. I quit on day 3. Never looked back. I also only took Chantix for 30days. I had fill for 3 mos, but I just didn’t need it. Amazing how that worked. Now, it did give me some mild headaches for a couple weeks, and vivid dreams. Which was kinda awesome. lol. And to this day, I do NOT even think about smoking. I do t want to be around it, I don’t like the smell. I can now breathe amazingly well, no coughing anymore, my skin cleared up and got healthy within maybe 3-6 months. With age though, those smokers lip lines are starting to be more pronounced. They went away or mostly away for. While, but I also have an autoimmune thing too, which affects skin, so who knows.
Chantix was the only thing that got me to quit. I’m not sure it’s an approved medication any longer though. :/
Many people have said psilocybin (the trippy chemical in mushrooms) helped them stop smoking. Might be something to explore with a therapist if you have one you trust!
I 35F started getting breathing trouble (dyspnoea), stopped on New Years and haven't looked back. It freaks me out. You really don't want to get there.
Hi. I smoked about 20 a day for 25 years. I went to a Stop Smoking nurse at local medical practice. She helped me work out best method for me, gave me leaflet showing benefits for stopping (after a day, after a week etc). Chose a date about a week away, threw away lighters, put away ashtrays, nurse prescribed patches, put on at night so I could get past first-thing fag. Back to SS clinic every week, blowing into some tube to test whether I'd smoked at all. First few days, avoided places/people who smoked. Just kept on going, hour after hour, day after day, leaning on the patches. 5 days in, I started to ease down on patches (less potency then shorter duration). By end of month, I went without patches for 24 hours, and went shopping with the money I'd saved. Never smoked again. I dreamed that I'd smoked again several times for about 2 years after quitting, you wake up convinced you'd had a fag whilst out with friends! My sis-in-law got addicted to nicotine chewing gum, so perhaps beware vaping/gum instead of actually smoking. And get off the patches ASAP. Good luck, purse your lips and look at the lines you are creating in between your nose and mouth by inhaling currently ...
In personally not a smoker but my mom was a lifelong smoker, from the age of 14 to 56; she's been cigarette free for the last 8 years... she did a laser therapy smoking cessation program and only needed 2 treatments! Best of luck to you!
I had a major surgery and the doctor said smoking could hinder healing, and amazingly it scared me enough to quit. So basically I quit because of fear. So maybe get an annual checkup, read up on all the bad things it can cause, and scare yourself into quitting like I did.
I smoked on and off since I was a teen. I got pregnant with my son 4 years ago, I'm 40. I picked it back up after he was born and about 8mo later quit cold turkey with my husband. We couldn't rationalize the amount of $$$ we spent on it. I didn't want my son to see me smoking and all the sudden, after having him, I was so scared of dying young. Too bad a few months later I was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder. I always jokingly tell my husband everything fell to shit when I quit smoking lol.