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Smoking and How To Quit
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Community stories

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Trisha from Missouri (United States)
November 30, 2009 2:53 a.m.
I quit smoking cold turkey 3 months ago. On the first day I quit I went out for a drink to celebrate. Every 20 minutes my brain would tell me to smoke but I just ignored it and took it for what it was, nicotine withdrawal. I continued to look at every day of the 1st 3 weeks as nicotine withdrawal days and whenever my brain told me to smoke I ignored the thought. It's been 3 months and I am still learning how to concentrate without a cigarette. But it's worth every breath. I read the book Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr and it really helped me.
William from Virginia (United States)
November 28, 2009 1:26 p.m.
It’s been 35 days no smoke. it’s just a mind thing so put your mind to it you can do it. Ask GOD to help you with the craving and he will. Believe me, I smoke for 30 years. A cigarette was the last thing in my mouth before bed and first thing out of bed. First, get up in the morning and see how long you can go without a cigarette - maybe 2 or 3 hours, that’s a good start. If I quit you can to eat a little more but that’s ok.
Malinda from Arkansas (United States)
November 21, 2009 10:46 p.m.
Why is the first step so hard? I have been reading the comments. They say it is mostly in your mind. I know this is true with lots of things. This last year I decided to try to change ME. I have lost over 100 pounds and feel it is something that you control in your mind. So why is it so hard for me to quit smoking? I think I am afraid if I quit I will gain the weight back. But thank you everyone for telling your stories. I want to quit more than ever!! Why get healthy and lose the weight and I am still smoking? Just don't make sense!! I will keep you posted and let you know how it goes =)
Gen from Florida (United States)
November 20, 2009 1:02 a.m.
I have been a smoker since 1974. I found out that I am in stage 3 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I have fluid around my heart and plenty in my lungs! I am a white female 51 years old. Quitting has been hell! It’s been 49 hours since I smoked and I have not left my home or talked with anyone! I am quitting out of fear that the very next drag will STOP MY HEART!!! I feel like a FOOL for smoking!!!!!!!
John Theodore from Indiana (United States)
November 19, 2009 5:03 p.m.
18 months ago I was diagnosed with Espohogas Cancer. My Oncologist told me that it was directly related to years of smoking. When I learned that I could be a survivor I quit; that was also during chemotherapy which gave me a little more incentive. You can quit cold turkey and know that you will feel better, healthier and live longer. I had several months of treatments and a very long surgery in Chicago last December. I am happy to be alive, but live with needed follow up visits forever. Don't let your desire for a cigarette get you sick. It changes your life. Change your life first!! You can do it!!!
April from Georgia (United States)
November 18, 2009 12:44 p.m.
It’s been 4 days now since I quit, and I really think I can beat this now! The first day was the worst and it honestly gets a little easier each day.
Val from New York (United States)
November 16, 2009 7:50 a.m.
After 17 years of not smoking, I took a puff, and within one week I was back to 20 per day. The addiction was worse than the first time around. Two years of heavy smoking later, bad breath, pained lungs, yellow teeth and skin, weird stares from disapproving people, nausea in the morning and all the horrible things of smoking - I finally stopped 10 days ago. Never another puff - it is the only way. If I can stop, well, anyone can! Smoking is 75% a mental problem and 25% physical addiction. The mind is more powerful than the body. There is a mind switch - once you pull that lever, well, you will see, the cravings are do-able. When you feel a craving just think about what a disappointing experience a puff will be. It connects you to a long chain of horrible smokes.
Dana from Arkansas (United States)
November 10, 2009 1:26 a.m.
I have gone 4 days already without a cigarette and it feels so good. I can breathe better and go outside and play with my son. Before I couldn’t breath that much.
Greg from Illinois (United States)
November 9, 2009 9:18 p.m.
Hi my name is Greg. I have been smoking for 30 years and I want to quit.
Greg from Illinois (United States)
November 9, 2009 9:08 p.m.
I don’t like smoking because it is bad for me, my kids, and my body. This is my comment.
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Content last updated November 30, 2009.

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