AA?RgH
One chuffing morning in?
Ask yourself - do you want cancer?
Maybe they should force fag companies to print CANCER down the side of each fag.
Go for a run - the last thing you'll want after is a fag!
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Comfort eating - replacing smoking since 1875.
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Chewing gum, not that nicoteen rubbish.
You really must want to quit.
Don't cut down, it does not work that way.
Two countries separated by a common language... 😳
[i]I don't want a fag, I don't want a fag, I don't want a fag[/i]
I think you do!
look at this comparison;
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now you don't.
[url= http://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/products/variable-voltage-devices/kits/tornado-ego-c-mega-twist-compact-kit-2-product.html ]Get one of these..[/url]
Seriously, I smoked for thirty five years on and off and stopped completely when the mrs bought some of these,
And some Red label absinthe flavour E-liquid to go with it..
Who'll carry your cricket bat?
Keep it up, I'm 5 months off them now having smoked for about 15 years. Feeling so much better for it (and better off too!)
portlyone - Member
Who'll carry your cricket bat?
Or warm the bog seat for you on cold mornings?
😀
Stay strong!! Just tell yourself you're not going to smoke [u]TODAY[/u]
Do this every morning. It breaks it down into manageable targets. Rather than saying your not going to smoke ever again.
I stopped with nicotine mints. Every time I got a craving I had a mint. It stopped them. I have to admit being on the mints for six months or so, but eventually I found I was running out of them and not caring. So I just stopped those too, that was easy.
Best thing I've ever done. I am freeeeee!!!!!!
Did the ecig thing thanks, just ended up back on the nasty stuff.
Had some kind of epiphany this morning that smoking owns me. Pics helping thanks 😀
As a non-smoker I can't imagine being in the grip of something like that. It must be one of those things that sneaks up on you and like you say, owns you.
Also a non smoker, so I can't understand what it's like. My missus was a smoker, she quit one day, and hasn't smoked since, now even the smell makes her stomach turn.
You will be free of it soon enough I'm sure 🙂
I've just had one for you. Because I'm an idiot! Do you want to end up as stupid as me? No! Well then….
Get an e cig.The one that khani recommended
I've got mine charging at the moment, I'm going to give it another go at packing in
See what you've done now!!!
I'm surprised it didn't work, I've had mine three months and not looked back, if you still get cravings using one you might need a stronger nicotine content liquid to start off with.
I started on 24mg liquid but now I'm down to 14mg and on the next batch going to 10mg and weaning it down gradually
If you smoke a lot you need to start on a higher strength liquid.
Good luck whichever way you go with it.. 😀
I did it cold turkey, after smoking for many years, at the age of 39. 47 now and extremely grateful I stopped. The difference in *everything* is amazing. Congratulations, you are now an ex-junkie. Keep it up.
My dad is only 67, he has smoked all his life.
He is absolutely wrecked thanks to this. His lung function is ruined. He has emphysema. He is on steroid inhalers, he wheezes and coughs continually. 9 holes of golf is like scaling Everest.
It is heartbreaking.
Don't do it.
Switch to just smoking weed. then you'll just crave 3 peanut butter sandwiches in a row followed by a tub of pringles.
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I quit last summer...went on a lads night out last December and thought having just the 1 will be ok..arrgghhh back on them
Quit again in January...went on a stag-do in May and thought having just the 1 will be ok..arrgghhh back on them
Quit again nearly 2 weeks ago...first week was a bit rough, felt a bit clammy all the time, very short tempered, and actually felt a bit depressed
However, feel much better about things this week and ~I just realized that reading this thread is the first time I've given any thought to smoking
It does get easier
Now I just need to avoid lads nights out...I'm on a Christmas pub crawl tomorrow...dammit!
My father died on Christmas eve 2009 (miserable sod could have waited till boxing day) from lung cancer caused by years of smoking. He looked frightened and was in shit loads of pain, not an easy death. I can't get across to a stranger what that looks like but I'd simply say don't smoke, it's a shitty way to go. Stick with it, I found the nicotene mouth sprays worked really well despite giving me hiccoughs. Also reaching the top of climbs without wheezing like an old man feels very good indeed. I still have the odd e-cig down the pub which just goes to show how addictive the bloody stuff is.
You can do it if you really want to. Be strong.
I quit 16 years ago. I got up one morning with the thought "I don't want to do that any more" in my head, and went cold turkey. Never had one since
just repeat the mantra "I don't want to do that any more"
The hardest thing I ever did was quit smoking.
I was smoking 30 - 40 a day and I quit by using Nicorette gum. I got the weakest strength and chewed it only when the cravings were killing me.
Tasted awful, then after a couple of weeks I actually enjoyed the taste and then the penny dropped. I didn't really enjoy cigs, it wa spart of my brain tricking me to get its fix.
Some retro anti-smoking to keep it real.
john_drummer +1. This is exactly what I did.
look at this comparison;
Jesus christ. That's grim. I watched that for about 3 minutes!
After 25+ years of smoking my riding buddy had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago. He was in a coma for four days on the brink of death. His whole life has been turned upside down. Goodness knows when he'll be able to ride again and if he can ride again whether he's going to be able to ride like he did before. No warning, no outward signs (we were out for a night ride as usual two days before) Just BANG!! one minute everything is fine, the next everything is fubar.
He is 42 years old.
Go for a ride with binners*. That'll show you how bad fags are for your riding!
* I should point out this is also a convivial experience as well as educational
Like many, quit on and off for a few years and then it stuck a ciieyears back. Still get the very odd craving nowadays but...
Stop, breathe, have a drink if water and tell yourself "it will pass."
It will pass and with practise cravings can be dealt with quicker and quicker. One day at a time and don't forget to praise the little achievements, an hour, a morning, a day... All adds up to a healthier you and the difference biking will be a revelation.
Keep it up.
Had some kind of epiphany this morning that smoking owns me
This is probably the main reason I stopped. Obviously the risk to my health and the expense were factors, but somehow as a smoker you gloss over these, it is indeed a wicked drug.
I got pissed off with being a slave to it, having to constantly make sure I had some cigs on me, and feeling slightly paniced if I left them at home or ran out late at night. Stupid really. The amount of times I'd drive way out of my way to buy some cigs, just so I had some for the next morning. I also hated waking up and a fag being the first thing I thought about. Also began to hate having to have one after a meal, when everyone else was quite content to sit back and relax, I would be getting twitchy and hatching an escape plan for a cig.
If you haven't done so read [url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/0718194551/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385726438&sr=8-1&keywords=smoking+allan+carr ]this[/url] it's not the miracle cure that many say it is, but it does break down a lot of the psychology of smoking, and will give you a few more epiphanies which should see you home.
Good Luck.
Blimey, some really helpful/sobering stuff thanks.
Why does shoveling 3 packets of niknacks, frazzles and a tunnocks teacake help so much?!
Blimey, some really helpful/sobering stuff thanks.Why does shoveling 3 packets of niknacks, frazzles and a tunnocks teacake help so much?!
Something to do with your hands, and gives you something else to think about!
Paul McKenna has a technique to divert the mind, it involves repeatedly tapping the back of your hand with two fingers from the other hand when you get a craving until he urge passes. it works.
Thanks Molls. I think.
I'm one month in. There's been a couple of days where I've smoked, but I've made sure to get straight back on the wagon. The first week was a nightmare but it has been fairly easy since then. I'd avoid the e-cigs - I tried them a few times and always ended up back on the real things after a couple of weeks. You're not breaking the habit of smoking with them, which is the key thing in my opinion.
I ate loads during the first week (I didn't try to fight it, quitting the fags was bad enough) but after that I didn't find that I had to replace the cigarettes with anything. Maybe try and avoid booze for the first couple of weeks too, but if you do cave while having a drink then make sure you throw away and cigarettes that you have left at the end of the night.
There is a very good book by Allen Carr ( no not the annoying one with glasses) it's an easy read and gets into your head.. it changed the way I think about smoking, no patches or gum or e-fags just an easy way to quit.
Last couple of weeks and especially the last few days and hours with my step Dad dying of lung cancer at home was absolutely horrible for everybody concerned.
I promise you you don't want to go through that, or put any of your family or friends through it either. I know we all die and there's no easy way but that was the hardest time in my life by miles. The one and only grace was everybody got to say their goodbyes. Getting upset just sat here thinking about it all again.
Be strong and kick it for good.
harsh I know, but I genuinely HTH!
Smoking...URGH.
Chuck your money down the swanny, your finger-tips go yellow, it ages you, it's generally shit for your health and it makes you and all your possessions including your loved ones stink vile.
If those reasons aren't reason enough to kick it then, well...
Alan Carr's book is available as a free download e book or pdf too so it won't even cost you anything to give it a try.
There is a very good book by Allen Carr ( no not the annoying one with glasses) it's an easy read and gets into your head.. it changed the way I think about smoking, no patches or gum or e-fags just an easy way to quit.
There's a link to this on page 1 from me. 🙂
On-off smoker for the last 12 years
Gave up a week last Monday, got trashed on Friday night and fell of the wagon
Threw half a packet of fags away on Monday morning and haven't smoked since
Quite a few cravings, but i've cycled a lot this week and been using nicotine lozenges
Got a sober weekend planned with lots of sport and will not hang around with smokers
Overseas with work next week - could be challenging
Even after a couple of days not smoking, you realise how bad smokers smell - i keep this in mind when i want to light up
Keep it up guys
Even after a couple of days not smoking, you realise how bad smokers smell
Smokers have no idea how bad they stink after going outside to smoke. I think they think we're being all militantly anti-smoker but you really really do stink horribly. You don't smell of fresh tobacco smoke which isn't so bad, you stink of stale ashtrays for about 15 minutes at least.
I'm embarrassed when it's at work and people come into meetings stinking like that.
Keep it up mate, it is so worth it.
I have been off them now for 3 and a half years and I think I must have tried to stop about 20 times.
I finally kicked it when I had become really sick of it.
Some people's weight does go up after they stop, mine did, but it has gone back to normal now.
I read somewhere that smoking is roughly equivalent to carrying an extra 3 stone in weight in terms of the extra strain it puts on your body.
Keep checking in here if you need some motivation.
Turn it on its head.
The 'Cravings' are 'Rushes'.
You've started taking a brilliant new wonder drug that's on the market and is totally safe and free. Every hour or so you'll get a really intense rush / feelings of anxiety which you can channel in to jumping about, being a bit weird, but don't worry they'll pass in a few moments.
There must be something in the air as this morning I woke up and decided today is the day I reclaim my life (and health back) fags are in the bin, a massive bag of chupa chups purchased (so I've got something to do with my hands whilst having a coffee) and I know I will never smoke again.
Stupid thing is I never ever enjoyed a ciggy, every drag was like this is rank. Why I kept going with it is a mystery!
A good tip apparently is one that works for dieters - When cravings start, go brush your teeth instead.
Do you have children?
When I stopped my little girl was the main reason I want to see her grow up. Stopping smoking increases that chance.
bearnecessities - Member
Blimey, some really helpful/sobering stuff thanks.Why does shoveling 3 packets of niknacks, frazzles and a tunnocks teacake help so much?!
It's the early stages of replacing one addiction with another, best to try getting addicted to running or rather than crisps or chocolate 🙂
Also I'm sure I read somewhere one that the actual length of a craving is typically only 3 minutes, so get over that and realise it's all in the head.
Gonny give up my self soon.
I have tried all sorts to give up. Never last long. Just ordered one of those vapour jobbies that khani linked up. Quite a few lads at work use them to good effect.
Overseas with work next week - could be challenging
That's why I've fallen off the wagon, although I'm on ufiltered lucky strikes, so you can't actually smooke more than two in a day without wanting to die.
You also can't get them anywhere in the UK, so I'll be stopped again when I get back...
the best way I've found to cope is to completely deny nicotine addiction..
and any cravings should be treated with indifference.. they only ever last a few seconds anyway
My story;
Quit cold turkey aged 34 after smoking for ~20 years. I loved smoking, really did. I was 'Mr Smokes', pretty much chain-smoking rollups for the last few years. Never thought about giving up until I did.
The thing that did it for me I think was the feeling that I was addicted (I'd always assumed I just really enjoyed smoking), the smoking ban had come in, and I'd recently started running so it seemed a good time.
Anyway, go for it mate, the difference is amazing. After a few days, the cravings will start dyeing down and it's uphill from there. I took my mind off it by building an Airfix model :). I remember there were a few hurdles like first beer, first time at the pub etc, but it was all easier than I thought. You've got to want it though.
The problem for me was complacency and staying off them. After about a year I started on the old 'having a go on someone else's' at the pub, or accepting spliffs etc. This has inevitably progressed into a new 'part time' smoking habit; I buy them when I go out drinking. Damage limitation but still annoying. So watch out for the complacency! I plan to knock that on the head after this festive lark is out the way. I see this as 'failing up'. I've never quit before so didn't know to watch out for it. I'll be better next time.
Get a copy of Alan Carr's book 'The Easy Way To Quit Smoking'. As others have said, it's a great book that shines light on a lot of psychological things you probably never thought about.
cardo - Member
There is a very good book by Allen Carr ( no not the annoying one with glasses) it's an easy read and gets into your head.. it changed the way I think about smoking, no patches or gum or e-fags just an easy way to quit.
POSTED 7 HOURS AGO # REPORT-POST
+1
Worked for me too- it will be two years on 9th December and I'm so chuffed! I've never felt so happy or alive in my life! It's amazing being free.... The book tells you how to alter your head & feelings about it all.
Keep up the good work, it's hard but so worth it!!! Thinking of you x
My dad is only 67, he has smoked all his life.He is absolutely wrecked thanks to this. His lung function is ruined. He has emphysema. He is on steroid inhalers, he wheezes and coughs continually. 9 holes of golf is like scaling Everest.
It is heartbreaking.
Don't do it.
pretty much the state my old man is in.... 70 yrs old, hasn't smoked properly for a good five or six years, but still sounds like shit in the morning.
my mum has moved onto those e-cigs... seem like a good idea, but i'm sure she is now higher on nicotine more than ever before. far too easy to just have a drag every ten minutes or so. at least she doesn't stink all the time now.
i still have the odd roll-up at work but this is dependent on whether the other lads smoke or not. i tend to go through phases of smoking for a few weeks and then not even thinking about it for a few months before starting again. oddly i quite enjoy a rolly on the edge of a lake/stream after a ride. if going on a night out with a pack of rolly in my pocket i am destined to have a sore throat the next morning.
still don't consider myself a smoker. only started smoking roll-ups when i tried giving up the weed. :/
10 years now doing it the allen carr route, it's what got me into biking actually, needed something to do 🙂
Work out what triggers your need for a fag, for me it was instant coffee, lager, the journey to work,
For months I had proper coffee, (now I'm a coffee snob)
I started drinking wine (now I've got a taste for fine wine)
I drove a different way to work.
It became ridiculous when I realised I wanted to spark up after a certain set of traffic lights on the way to work, how mad is that. I simply avoided that set of lights for a bit.
Good luck, don't be tempted to have a sneaky one, especially when the craving seems to be psychological and not physical.
Jacked the fags in June this year after smoking 20+ a day for 30 years.First few days were a kick in the arse,amazing how much time you spend having a smoke,found myself going outside,patting my pockets then remembering I didnt smoke and returning inside!It is a shit habit with absolutely NO benefits,make a list of all that is good about it.Still trying to sort out my breathing when on the bike,but feel soo much better.
Anyone can stop,you have to be in the right state of mind to succeed,all the best!
I'll be clean for 3 years in January after 29 years of smoking..the worst is yet to come but it's not all doom and gloom after 2 weeks or so it gets better ( read easier to fight the urge )
Best of luck. Stay strong!
a shit habit with absolutely NO benefits
This. At least with crack you get a buzz.
I was going to barge in an offer support and encouragement.
But the I realised its Bearnecessities thread.
So I won't. Phfftghhhhffttttt.
Everyone else, good luck I wish you all the best.
But Bearnecessities can go swivel on a weasel. 😛
Pie,I thought that's why you two fell out,him swivelling on your weasel.
My Texan friend would like you to stay away from him if you cannot resist having a fag ... 😆
Lots of useful stuff, considering I was just venting this morning - thank you.
Apart from [s]Piemonster[/s] TartFairy, who appears to have some issues!?
😀
The whole complacency thing is my biggest weakness and issue
I can give up easy for a couple of weeks, even months, then decide i can have a quick smoke - maybe after work when no one is looking
That turns into nipping home at lunch for a smoke
Then i'm having the odd smoke before work
Then i'm buying a pack of 10 every day
A month later i'm back to 20 a day
then i stop......and the cycle invariably starts again 🙁
Why the heck surrender control of your life to tobacco companies so they can control you so that you dutifully pay them money every few minutes?
Smoking is a progressive illness/addiction.
Once you start (for most people) you can't stop unless you completely stop.
Has anyone died of stopping smoking?
I still miss that rush which I experienced from my first few smokes 30 years ago. They used to literally knock me out, put me on the floor, lol!
It feels a bit like Pandora's box.
As someone who smoked a lot before I will always consider myself an ex-smoker, no matter how long I am stopped, och well.
Better an ex-smoker than a smoker though 🙂
Both my parents died ugly deaths in their late 60s thanks to smoking. All my uncles and aunts died similarly young. The last years of their lives were not fun, limited mobility, dependent on medication etc etc.
Except one. He's 94 and still fully functional and sharp as a tack, plays in 3 bands, danced till 4am on his 90th party. He didn't smoke.
What he regrets is that he didn't pester his friends to stop.
And that's why I'm here.
Stop now. Don't put your family through the hell of watching their loved one slowly deteriorate before their time. Don't die a painful death. Don't die young.
Stop smoking .
Please.
Now.
I still miss that rush which I experienced from my first few smokes 30 years ago. They used to literally knock me out, put me on the floor, lol!
Like I said lucky strike, unfiltered. I'm glad you can't buy them in the UK 😉
Whole weekend, with drinks, with no smokes
Feeling quite pleased
how did everyone else get on?
Failed to follow my diet miserably today.. Ok so it's not fags...