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Quitting smoking cigarettes over the weekend

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Posted 9/20/2013 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
So, I decided that over the weekend i'm going to try to quit smoking. I've been smoking for almost six years now (I started when I was 15 and i'm almost 21) and I smoke a pack a day. I have nicotine patches, a nicotine inhaler, and an electronic cigarette for quitting smoking, so I can try them at different times for quitting. I am very worried, though. I've been smoking for years and was successful for only about a month a few years ago. I'm worried that my worst anxiety problems are going to get worse (my worst problems are intrusive thoughts that are just horrible and derealization all the time) yet i'm trying to quit smoking so I can make these problems go away maybe, or be less severe anyways. Has anyone else here tried to quit smoking and been successful? I really need some advice.

Post Edited (anxious0813) : 9/19/2013 10:55:16 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/20/2013 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
I've tried about a dozen times. lol

The thing to remember is - it only has to work once. Just because you started back last time does not mean that you will now.

My husband quit cold turkey three years ago. Well, he chewed some of the gum, but only used like two packs total. He was up to three packs a day, and had been smoking since he was 13. He was in his mid-thirties when he quit.

It really did help with his anxiety/panic. I was simply blown away at how well he did.

(I'm still trying.)

If you do notice it affecting your anxiety symptoms, perhaps you could ask your doctor about a temporary increase in your medications?

Congratulations on your decision! This is going to be SUCH a good thing for your health - and you CAN do it!
Posted 9/20/2013 6:31 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have advice, just wanted to cheer you on!

We have a good friend who has an E-cigarette, and he LOVES it!

You seem well prepared, so it should go well.

S.C.
Posted 9/20/2013 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I smoked like 2 packs a day and quite. I did not use anything just told myself i was going to do it. I tried many times before this and never even made it a full day. As time goes by I forget how big an acomplishment this was I never thought I would be able to do it, but I did. Just dont give in once you decide to quite tell yourself I am not giving in. You can't go back once you start to quite that was my motto when I did it. It will be very hard to do but it is one of the best things I have ever done. You will feel great once you quite I did. I will be cheering you on so good luck.
Ed
Posted 9/21/2013 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
I don't smoke and never did, at least was never addicted. What I want to share is I am now 71 and I
don't feel like it, I am blessed and I know it. Some of my childhood friends who were smokers have already passed, some in their 40's all were smoke related deaths. We used to try and imitate our
parents who all smoked, I always felt awkward holding a cigarette just didn't feel right, couldn't even
begin to inhale, choke, choke, I Pray that you will be successful in this endeavor!. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 9/21/2013 6:18 AM (GMT 0)
Great you can do it I stop smoking cold turkey went from dislikeing cigs to smoking 2packs to a pack a day,all a mind thing&can be done Ive been free 5&a half years. Miss them&have thought about going back to them thinking maybe they will help my anxiety,but I tell myself I have came to far&can breath a bit better. So best of luck to you&you can do it&will be able to help another get through the problem&overcome it and better health you will have because of a great choice.
Posted 9/21/2013 8:37 AM (GMT 0)
Soul - Don't even think about it!!! lol

No, seriously, they won't help. You'll get that gaggy stomach feeling, light-headedness and feel sickly at first. Then, every time you worry about your health, you'll know that's one more check against you. Plus, they're a waste of money.

Proud of you guys who have quit!

Each cigarette you DON'T smoke is a victory! I hope to be a winner like you guys one day.

Anxious - Were you starting tonight or tomorrow? Hope it's going well, if you already started. We're cheering you on!!!
Posted 9/22/2013 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Good Luck anxious! :-)

UA
Posted 9/23/2013 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. Thanks for all of your suggestions and everything. I really want to try to quit smoking. I didn't try over the weekend because i've had some stress recently, and have a lot to do for school so i'm trying to get ahead before I try to quit, because I probubly won't be able to get as much done as I normally would. I want to try Wednesday, if things are going ok then (i'm probubly going to find as many things to do to keep busy as I can). I've realized that I need to quit and how much it contributes to my own anxiety, so it's a priority for me. It's good to hear about everyone's success stories with quitting smoking here as well. I know that it's going to be difficult, but is something I really want to do (even with the stress of living where I am right now and everything else going on).
Posted 9/23/2013 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Life is busy and it can seem like there is never a good time to quit. Go ahead and pick a date, but when making your choice, consider your schedule. A little thought and planning will help you get started on the right foot.

You might want to choose a day to quit smoking that has special meaning for you. For most of us, quitting tobacco is an emotional event, and picking a date that has personal significance can make the event more meaningful, and serve as motivation.  Perhaps your birthday, someone else's birthday, or any day that will have special meaning to you and than you can say, " I quit smoking 1 year ago today, on my birthday."  You will surely remember the day and each year celebrate your accomplishment. I quit when I was expecting my youngest child in 1972.  :-) Once you've picked your quit date, stick to it.

Catch you later and remember, pick your date.  You can do this.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 9/24/2013 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi stkitt. Thank you for the suggestions. That is a good idea to pick a day with special meaning to quit smoking.

I am thinking of just picking a day within the next week to try to quit, and just trying to make it work. I realized recently that I have to quit and have seen how badly it affects my health, and so it's a priority for me.
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