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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/8/2007 8:19:57 AM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5735
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Praise The Lord!
You can minimize weight gain by joining a gym, taking up simple exercise like walking, and dealing with munchies by chewing sugarless gum, toothpicks, beek jerky, sunflower seeds, or hard veggies like carrots, celery, etc. But you'd have to put on 100 pounds to approximate the harmful effects of tobacco.
Also, reduce caffeine consumption because nicotine halves the effects of caffeine by half. Drinking coffee or soft drinks have double the effect they had while using tobacco.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/8/2007 9:44:45 AM
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VisitorinWaiting
Posts: 847
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I have a question for you all who have stopped smoking. I thought about doing this, but don't know how it would be taken. I was thinking of making a card for my mom..."Thank you for not smoking" or "Thank you for not smoking anymore" or "Thank you for quitting." I would write a little something in it about what it means to me that she did this, and then let the kids write their names or draw a picture or something. They are only 4, 3, and 18 months, so they have no idea what it's about and, Lord willing, will never realize the power that these things had over her. Does this sound like something that would be positive to do...or just corny?
_____________________________
Hebrews 11:13,16 "...They said they were like visitors and strangers on earth...they were waiting for a better country, a heavenly country." (NCV)
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/8/2007 10:03:28 AM
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JimboFletch
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I would consider it good encouragement. It helped me to hear others cheering me on!
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/21/2007 10:13:43 PM
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zondie
Posts: 910
Joined: 10/19/2007
From: The Bluegrass State
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Hi!
I'm just now trying to quit smoking, after 30 years at 2 pks. a day!
My doctor told me about the success he was having, with people who wanted to stop smoking with 'Chantix". So I've been on it now for about 5 weeks. So far so good! I'm not even craving cigarettes and I'm not suffering ANY withdrawals either!
I not only owe this to myself, but also to my family. My son in particular, whom I take care of. (quadriplegic) And also to everyone I may have offended with second - hand smoke, (who were to kind to complain to me). I pray God will help me to stay off the cigs. once the RX runs out in 3 months. {well 2 months now, I guess}.
_____________________________
The world will never care how much you know,
until...
The world knows how much you care !
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/22/2007 10:05:30 AM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5735
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I think Chantix was released about the same time I quit, so it wasn't an option for me. But with its release, there is even less of a reason for someone to continue feeding an addiction that will eventually kill them.
That reminds me, a man of about 50 that I know, a lifelong smoker, last week went in for some routine tests at the hospital. While there, he had a massive stroke and never regained consciousness. We all think of cancer when we think of tobacco use, but it causes damage to much more than just the lungs!
-515 Days Tobacco Free, 418 Days Nicotine-free
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/28/2007 8:19:51 PM
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DenimDiva
Posts: 6023
Joined: 9/28/2007
From: CA
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I put my last cigarette out about an hour ago. I really don't want to go buy another pack.
However, with all the other stresses in my life, I really don't want to add another stressor- even though it will be healthier for me in the long run. Any suggestions?
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/28/2007 10:05:08 PM
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DenimDiva
Posts: 6023
Joined: 9/28/2007
From: CA
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Actually, I just put on my sweater because it's cold in my house and felt something in the pocket. I didn't go in search of them, they were just there.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 10/29/2007 8:14:24 AM
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JimboFletch
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Abbie_girl
Actually, I just put on my sweater because it's cold in my house and felt something in the pocket. I didn't go in search of them, they were just there.
Nobody is going to force you to smoke on, empty the cigarettes into the toilet and flush.
I went cold turkey from nicotine 425 days ago. During that time I've had to deal with some major stress, including a new, demanding job and death in the family after a heart wrenching cancer process. But I realized that nicotine could not fix anything or make anything better. All it could do is feed the Nicotine Slave Master that would rule my life as long as I fed it.
Something else I found is that there is no "better" time to quit. The only people without some kind of stress are in a cemetary.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 11/5/2007 6:53:45 PM
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zondie
Posts: 910
Joined: 10/19/2007
From: The Bluegrass State
Status: offline
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HELP!
I'm about to fall off the 'ban wagon'! I went to this link:
http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/10/14/the-strange-side-effects-of-chantix/ and found out some side effects that Chantix can cause, that my doctor either didn't know about or either neglected to tell me! It's frightening! Heres an example of one of the posts...
Carter Albrecht, died last month after going into an uncharacteristic rage and being shot by a frightened neighbor. His girlfriend and family members are convinced that Chantix played a role in the drastic change in his behavior, and say he had just double his dosed (as prescribed) the day he died.
So I've only been taking one Chantix a day for the past 3 days (trying to wean myself off them) and now I'm tempted to pick up a cigarette!!! I've not smoked for 7 wks. surely I have more will power than to light up another cig.! I know if I do that I'll be 'HOOKED' again! Please pray that I won't give in to this temptation!!!
_____________________________
The world will never care how much you know,
until...
The world knows how much you care !
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 11/6/2007 9:57:50 AM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5735
Joined: 4/11/2005
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I used nicotine gum for 97 days, but I eventually realized I was just putting off full withdrawal. I bought sugarless gum, beef jerky, peanuts, (sunflower seeds seem to help a lot of people), toothpicks, Altoids, and whatever else I could chew on. I also used a technique I'd heard about a lot of years ago: I put a rubber band around my wrist and popped my wrist any time I craved - sounds strange but it sure worked. I also got just regular cotton balls and pulled one third to a half, wet it and chewed on that - sometimes soaking it in Listerine (spitting out the excess).
Some of that helps distract craves without causing any harm.
Take some time extra off if possible during the first 3-5 days. Add up the hours as you make through another one until you reach 120 - when you will have made it through all of the physical withdrawals.
But if you've been without any nicotine for 7 weeks, you are way past the physical withdrawals - it's all mental at that point.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 11/9/2007 5:43:39 PM
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stampinlady
Posts: 1782
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Northern IL
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quote:
I used nicotine gum
I did the gum and have been smoke free for almost 10 years. It can be done and you will feel much better. Pray through, sing songs, go for walks, yell, cry, but don't light up.
I can do ALL things through Christ who stengthens me!
_____________________________
Deb
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 1/2/2008 4:00:43 PM
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JimboFletch
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I remember that I first mentioned my journey to freedom in some thread on day 15. Today is day 490 nicotine free for me. But I passed another milestone yesterday: I completed a calendar year (2007) without nicotine!
I've been able to enjoy two Thanksgivings, two Christmas seasons, and two New Year's Days without feeding the Nicotine Slave Master.
It started with dealing with one hour, then one hour, then one day at a time. With the understanding that I'm just one cave away from returning to nicotine slavery, I seldom think of tobacco except to remember that I no longer have to plan my day and week around having enough of the drug and ample opportunity to feed te addiction.
THANK YOU JESUS! FREEDOM IS GRAND!
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 1/4/2008 1:32:20 AM
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LaurieLorie
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I'm so thankful to find this thread! I have been smoking for 11 years. I hate it, it is destroying my life. I quit smoking for 5 weeks once and found myself getting so much more done, having more interest in life ect. It is terrible that I am always thinking about how, when and where I can have my next cigarette! I have a beautiful loving family and I am being such a terrible example and testimony to them. I am 48 years old, I have 4 beautiful children and 11 grandchildren. I want to be an example of God's provision and strength to them. I am doing the opposite of what the Bible tells us in being a "slave" to nicotine and I am showing a weak character by not applying, "I can do all things through Christ" in my life victoriously. So, here I am, a new year, possibilities of new beginnings and I am so afraid...... so afraid that once again I will rip up all my cigarettes just to give in and buy more.  I am going to read this entire thread, I'm looking for the strength and committment I have been lacking. I know I will still have to find it in myself. If you think of it, please say a prayer for me, I am heading down this road again. I will not smoke tomorrow. I plan to spend time in prayer and reading my bible every time I feel the urge, so that's a good thing.
Thank you for your testimonies!
Laurie
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 1/4/2008 8:07:45 AM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5735
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Laurie, praying for your journey.
Something that helped me a lot during the first week was to mark the date, time, and accumulated hours on a piece of paper until the total reached 120. Even the act of writing the first hour encouraged me. Getting to write down 8 or so hours after waking each morning also was nice.
Why 120? By then all the nicotine will have left your system and the physical withdrawal will be over. It's actually usually over by the 3rd day, but may be a little longer. Anyway, by day 5 you will only be dealing with the mental aspects.
Also, buy some things to help with the oral fixation: peanuts, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, toothpicks, Altoid candy/gum, sugarless gum, etc. Go for walks or exercise, sleep as much as you can.
And remember this oldy:
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Don't try to quit forever, we only have today to work with:
Stay free one crave, one moment, one hour, one day at a time.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 1/4/2008 9:08:59 AM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5735
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Something a recovering nicotine addict shared with me today:
Food For Thought
Nicotine is:
1000 X more potent than alcohol
10-100 X more potent than barbiturates
5-10 X more potent than cocaine or morphine
This constant intake of a fast acting drug (which affects mood, concentration & performance) eventually produces dependence.
Relapse pressures are both behaviorally & mentally triggered. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin yet they contain the same mood & behavior altering agents. A nicotine addict will relapse more often than a heroin addict.
Quitting involves a significantly serious psychological loss. It's a serious life style change, you must be willing to take.
In addition to the risk of addiction, however, tobacco users must also be aware that in many cases their favorite products are tainted, intentionally or otherwise, with potentially dangerous ingredients. Some studies have revealed the presence of more than 120 harmful chemicals.
The most common substances found in tobacco include radioactive polonium 210 (a nuclear-processing waste product), cadmium (an ingredient in car batteries), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), lead, and n-nitrosamines (carcinogenic compounds). In fact, researchers have found levels of the latter substance to exist in tobacco at up to 100 times the amount permitted in beer, bacon, and other foods.
Possible withdrawal symptoms during your quit:
Irritability, anger, hostility, anxiety, nervousness, panic, poor concentration, disorientation, lightheadedness, sleep disturbances, constipation, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, sore throat, sore gums and/or tongue, pain in limbs, sweating, depression, fatigue, fearfulness, sense of loss, craving tobacco, hunger, and coughing (body getting rid of the mucus clogging the lungs).
Symptoms may last from a few weeks to several months. After withdrawal subsides, the urges for nicotine (for the effects of the drug) occur in response to all kinds of cues (triggers) to daily routines or others who smoke or chew.
(This is only an outline! Please use this as a guide. Each of us are unique and same goes for our quits.)
Days 1 thru 6 - the withdrawals begin. Most go back to their old habit during this time. But those with determination will have all chemicals/nicotine out of your system after 72 hours. That part is over and as long as you don't dip or smoke you'll never have to face those terrible days again. Stay close to your support system of friends and family (Like this thread).
Day 7 thru 30 - the mind games begin to happen. The "caving in" dreams, the dry mouth, the constipation, the anger, the fog, and you are sooooo hungry because you can actually taste food for the first time. Fear of cancer still haunts you. It took years for you and your body to get to this point. So give your quit time .... hmm, let's say ... one day at a time.
Day 30 thru 50 - the feeling of depression and/or death might appear. Somehow you feel like you've lost something, .. your best friend, .. your love. See everything or everyone has at one time or another changed in your life but one thing remained the same .... your tobacco! Retrain your brain new ways to cope with stress, disappointments and changes instead of grabbing for that can.
Day 50 thru 70 - the hows and whys might appear. You look back over the years and think, "how could I have done that?" You'll rediscover yourself as well as new things. New hobbies and adventures your addiction would never let you grasp a hold of until now.
Day 70 thru 100 - the giving back to others process. You feel good about yourself. Things seem a bit easier. You feel as if you could conquer this addiction. You might feel like you can do this quitting thing on your own. Some fail to reach 100 days because of this and of course the mysterious voice of, "I can have one smoke or dip now! C'mon, you've proved you can do this" Don't fall prey to this. You'll never be able to use tobacco or nicotine again.
You'll always be an addict .. you're just a recovering addict now.
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RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 1/5/2008 1:36:06 AM
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LaurieLorie
Posts: 2
Joined: 1/4/2008
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Thank you so much for the encouragement and information! I ate all the left over Christmas cookies today but tomorrow I am planning to start the excercise and healthy eating. I know one thing.... this takes all the willpower and commitment you have. It is like losing your best friend. Someone is mean to you.. have a smoke. Feeling stressed out... have a smoke. Happy.. smoke. Sad.... smoke! So I'm feeling lost, don't know what to do in reaction to anything. Having to make different decisions. I have to keep reminding myself how much I hate stinking and being controlled by cigarettes. How I'm doing this so I can be healthy (Lord willing) and live my life again. If I could change one thing in my life, it would be to NEVER pick up a cigarette in the first place but here I am and now I'm going to have to face the consequences.
Thank you again for the info, now I know not to freak out by some of the symptoms.
Laurie
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Praise the Lord & Hallelujah!!! 
WOO-HOO! 
RE: Quitting smoking support thread - 
you have! 
I hope it is your last cigarette Abbie_girl, you'll feel (and smell) a whole lot better!!! My suggestion is the RX, Chantix. I had smoked for 30 yrs. and honest, this RX works so good, that I have NO cravings!!! NO withdrawal symptoms either! It does take 3 months to complete the recommended dosage though. I'm on the second month now, and I'm still doing good! I prayed about it and was determined to go through with becoming a non-smoker before I began the program. In our area, a lot of businesses and public places are going smoke free anyway. 
Remember the slogan: 'I'd walk a mile for a Camel?' 
Have you at least cut back some?
HEY!!! Watch who you're calling mental...Festus!!! LOL 
