• Smoking and How To Quit
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• Smoking and How To Quit in Spanish (en español)

I smoked cigarettes for 15 years, two packs a day. I used a medicine my doctor prescribed to help me stop after several failed attempts at going cold turkey, the patches, lozenges, and hypnosis. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because it has been three weeks since my last cigarette. That is the longest time ever that I haven’t smoked. I am so proud of everyone here and myself for becoming an ex-smoker =)

I smoked for 15 years plus ... and just quit cold turkey! I AM having a tough time right now ... even though I shouldn’t. It’s been over a month. I didn’t need it then, why now? I can’t help but crave it. I think a lot of people are like that. The hardest time for me is the first three months after quitting ... and I wish I had someone to listen and understand ... love being able to BREATHE ... and the way my skin looks … and my hair smells ... but still crave it on occasion.

I smoked since I was 14 and quit when I was 44. My church did a 21 day fast, and I used the time to quit. I went cold turkey because my doctor said that I had to go to a smoking cessation class. It was rough in the beginning but I DID IT!!! It has been 15 years without a cigarette. I have not had a respiratory or sinus infection in years. I can smell my food, and it tastes great too!!!!!

I smoked for 24 years. I tried quitting several times and was unsuccessful. In 1996 my insurance company decided to cover the patch, but I had to sign up for a smoke-enders class. It was the best thing I ever did. I recommend being in a support situation to everyone trying to quit. I got so many helpful hints and being able to talk to other people about what was going on and hearing their stories really made a difference. The class I was in was hosted by the American Lung Association, but I'm sure there are more out there. I will be smoke-free for 15 years on St Patrick's Day, 2011. It was the best decision I have ever made.

It has been over 5 years since I last smoked. I used a special cigarette, which allows you to smoke while bringing down the nicotine levels. In the beginning you smoke more packs than usual but by the third week you level out. It took me nine months to quit. But during that time, the change was gradual. So you change how often you smoke and what you do. In the morning I drank tea instead of coffee and in a different location so I would not light up with the morning coffee. You need to change the nicotine addiction and the phyiscal habits while quitting. I drink coffee every morning now. No problem. I smell smoke from other drivers while on the road in the summer. I smell it on family members and friends. I am really sorry for the torture I put nonsmokers through. It REALLY does smell and annoy nonsmokers - reformed or not. You can all quit if you put your mind to it or have the right motivation. My children were my motivation. They would come home from school concerned. To this day they are still trying to convince their father to stop. There is no smoking allowed in the house and NOT in my car. The kids prefer to go with me because daddy smokes, etc. So, find your motivation and plan your attack. You can do it, live longer, and enjoy life better.

I used the book to help me stop smoking. I was doubtful that something could make it easy to stop, especially after so many failed attempts. But after 20 years of smoking a pack (or more) a day, I quit without any cravings at all. Like someone else stated, I thought I could have "just one" and started back after having quit for 10 months. So, I smoked again for 6 months or so and was having a lot of trouble breathing and coughing more than I ever had before. I decided that I would re-read the book and it worked again!! I have been smoke free for 6 months now and I will NEVER smoke again. The book tells you there is no such thing as just one cigarette and it is right! The book is a bit mundane and repetitive but keep reading, it is breaking through the mental block you have about quitting! If I can do it, anyone can!

I have smoked for 20 years (YIKES!!!) until 2 weeks ago! it has been easier, in ways, and harder, in ways than I expected. The easier part is during morning coffee and while I am at work, which was a huge part of my smoking. What has been incredibly difficult and completely unexpected is all the emotions I have experienced! I have cried so much!!! I feel ridiculous, like I’m going crazy!!! I might have expected the emotions a couple days in, but 2 weeks in and I still really weepy. I guess I’m mourning the loss, and its just a part of the process! I will not let it stop me!! I have envisioned myself as a NON SMOKER and so it shall be!! Best wishes to all of us!

I am 57 years old and have smoked since I was 14. My cousin taught me how, and she died of lung cancer. I thought that would make me quit, but I didn't. I swore I would not be smoking at this age. I was going to quit when I was 40, when the cost went up, when I was 50, and of course every new year. I always find an excuse. I feel this is my last chance before it is too late to have any quality of life. I am scared. My quit date is coming fast, Oct. 31, and I will not fail. I can't. I have emphysema already and don't want it to get any worse. Your comments and suggestions have really helped me. Just knowing we are all going through the same thing is encouraging, especially the ones that have made it. I will keep this message board on my desk top for quick reference when I need encouragement, and I know I'm going to need a lot. Thanks for sharing everyone. Good Luck to all.

My advice, stay away from alcohol if you stop smoking as I’ve found alcohol makes me crave cigarettes.

I'm on day 3, and finding this site has been helpful because I can relate. I guess my biggest problem is not the fact that I want a cigarette, it's that I am on edge and grouchy. I will not give in because I don't want to go through this again. I want to get to the point where I laugh at the thought of battling nicotene. So wish me luck. If anyone has any tips on how not to be grouchy, that would be nice!