Trying to quit smoking

[Misawa]

Yes, it blocks receptors in your brain giving you an aversion to smoking.

[beth]

i think a lot of people smoke because it's something to do (i, myself, do it sometimes when i need to calm down or when socialising) find something to distract you and/or replace that buzz it gives you.

i'm not really sure what (as i don't have or feel any addiction towards smoking when i do) but there must be something.

[Inseriousity.]

My dad took those tablets and he's still smoking lol so don't think they work with everyone.

I've never smoked so can't really say for certain but the smokers in my family (and those that have given up) have always said the craving to reach for a pack of cigarettes is still there long after they've given up. Willpower is really the only way to cut it out completely. The patches etc can help but it's the willpower that will finish the job. It really depends what you smoke for though. My dad smokes cos he gets bored or when he's stressed but there are other ways to entertain yourself/reduce your stress levels that don't require smoking so try and find something that'll help you out and stop you reaching for that pack of cigarettes.

[Vause]

If anybody actually finds an amazing way please tell me, I have been trying for so long and I'm getting no where

[FiftyCal]

The Longest i went without a cigarette was 1.5 days and i felt like killing somebody, but i'm getting better i'm down to 2-5 cigarettes a day instead of a pack a day.

[Vause]

I can't smoke right now due to a throat infection & it's killing me, hopefully if i can make it past 3 days i'll be okay!

[:ADIO]

Ok I just wanna go ahead and clear something up about Varenicline (i.e. Chantix (in USA) or Champix (UK and Canada)).

On February 1, 2008 the FDA issued an alert to further clarify its findings, noting that "it appears increasingly likely that there is an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.

I have a friend that took Chantix to stop smoking, and seriously went off the deep end, before he started the Chantix regiment my buddy was getting his degree in engineering and was generally a great person. As soon as he started taking this medication he became so unmotivated and mentally neurotic that he ended up dropping out of school and burning a majority of the bridges he had worked so hard to create. It has been about 2 years since he stopped taking Chantix but since that time has made an attempt on his own life on 3 different occasions. Now it must also be noted that these suicidal symptoms are only found in 20-25% of subjects in test studies, and that the majority of people that report these side effects already struggle with depression problems - but personally I would sooner smoke until I die than go through what I saw my friend go through.

An interesting side note about Chantix, back in the early 80's (I believe) the medication was in the testing phase as a anti-depressant. In their test studies they found that the drug actually increased suicide rates in the test populations, but for some reason a lot of people had reported that they stopped smoking (if they hadn't already offed themselves first). The drug was ripped from the testing stages, some inactive ingredients changed, and then re-marketed as "Chantix"

Personally I have tried to quit using Nicorette and was able to make it about 3 months before I picked up the habbit again - but in a recent news story I heard, the electornic cigarettes seem to be the way to go if you are trying to quit. By weening yourself off nicotine but keeping a remarkably similar oral fixation something around 60% of smokers are able to quit (AS LONG AS YOU ARE DEDICATED).

That's the key point though - dedication. My father quit cold turkey, which is something I have yet to do. You can't quit for your family, friends, girlfriend, or child - you have to quit for you, and until you are truly ready to do that you will never quit.

I'd also like to take this time to talk to the non-smokers about advice on quitting. As a smoker, I can say with some confidence that simply stating, "You know, smoking is bad for your health. You're going to get cancer and die" is not helping anyone quit smoking. As a smoker I am well aware of the fact that it is bad for my health; I mean lets face it, this isn't the 50's anymore. Just lettin ya know!

[NightRyder]

I WAS a smoker for about 12 years. I had smoked upwards to 2.5 packs of smokes a day (25 in a pack, I don't know how they are around the world)

As others have pointed out the first step to quitting is having the will power and mind set that you yourself want to quit. You should never quit for someone else unless it's something you want as well.

There are medical pills, devices and other things that can help you replace that nicotine that you're losing out on. I myself went cold turkey. I decided christmas of 2010 that come January 1st I was going to quit smoking. I actually quit December 30th and haven't had a smoke since then.

The hardest part was the three day hump they call it.. After those three days were past I was in the clear, and it was even harder for me because both my mom and her boyfriend smoke.. My brother and his girl smoke, my grandparents, my best friend, pretty much everyone I had daily contact with BUT I had such a wonderful supporter whom wasn't a smoker so she was there to "hold my hand" throughout the rough parts.

Try going cold turkey and set goals for yourself. Replace smoking with something.. Chew gum, chew on a pen, suck on suckers / lollipops. The habits that come with smoking are going to be the hardest to kick. If you find cold turkey is too hard consult your family doctor and see what they can suggest =)

Good luck !!

[Empired]

Replace smoking with something.. Chew gum, chew on a pen, suck on suckers / lollipops.

Your whole post was a fab piece of advice (+rep) but I've got to say, being the tooth-addict I am: if you want to replace smoking with something else, try chewing a food item rather than a non-food item because, although chewing on a pen won't kill you, it's even worse for your teeth than smoking is (according to my science teacher and this article I read about a week ago). I think gum will be your best bet Kerby, sugar free if you want to make me happy but I'm not fussy

[Andeeh]

I would say an electronic cig, my mate was on about 15-20 rollies a day and since he brought this he has stopped with only a few tokes to see how it tasted. They are pricey at £35 and you do have to buy refills but they seem really good, thinking about getting one myself but no money