How do I give up smoking?
22 January 2002, 01:53 PM
#31
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Jerome - you maybe should try one of Allen Carr's clinic. You seem to have missed the point if you still think it requires willpower.
Babber - you already have a partial understanding of what is required. When I smoked, sometimes I could sleep for 12 hours without waking up with a craving, but I couldn't go 12 hours during the day. This is caused by the fear of craving. The actual craving will disappear after 4-5 days. The fear of craving can last for months or years if you don't understand it. The book changes your perception of how you feel. Before i read it I had already assigned it to the psycobabble (no pun intended) catagory. I read it, followed the instruction and it was relatively easy. I find it as easy now to stay of ciggies as staying of heroin. I don't get the urge to have 'just one' When I go out I don't get the urge to start shooting up. The only difference after 5 days is not what your body wants, but what you mind believes. Once you understand this it makes complete sense.
What I don't understand is I've been to Atlanta twice in the past few months and after a 10 hour period of no cigs I felt fine. I felt terrible yesterday
22 January 2002, 03:01 PM
#32
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fb,
Despite it not working for me, I did get the point of the book. Honest!
He gave up smoking using hypnotherapy (even though he claims this was a coinincidence), so maybe that's worth a try. Even after reading his book, I still didn't *want* to give up smoking enough for his method to work. Horses for courses I suppose. Now I have a girlfriend who refuses to quit (quote from her "I'm no quitter!") and that makes it even more grim contemplating giving up.
Despite it not working for me, I did get the point of the book. Honest!
He gave up smoking using hypnotherapy (even though he claims this was a coinincidence), so maybe that's worth a try. Even after reading his book, I still didn't *want* to give up smoking enough for his method to work. Horses for courses I suppose. Now I have a girlfriend who refuses to quit (quote from her "I'm no quitter!") and that makes it even more grim contemplating giving up.
22 January 2002, 05:35 PM
#35
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here's a solution, get a friend to take your **** and then stuff the filter end up thier *** then place **** back in packet. this should kill that crave
seriously though, how to give up? no idea really, not a smoker, well, passivley I am, but that's down to my office.
must say that I like the strapline on the tv ads for whatever it is (beat cigs with cold turkey adds) where it says 'willpower required' think that says it all really.
What my brother is doing is that he and some friends are putting 50 quid in a kitty, the one who stops smoking for at least 8months takes all the money. (then promptly goes and blows it all on **** no doubt
). might be an incentive to try.
seriously though, how to give up? no idea really, not a smoker, well, passivley I am, but that's down to my office.
must say that I like the strapline on the tv ads for whatever it is (beat cigs with cold turkey adds) where it says 'willpower required' think that says it all really.
What my brother is doing is that he and some friends are putting 50 quid in a kitty, the one who stops smoking for at least 8months takes all the money. (then promptly goes and blows it all on **** no doubt
). might be an incentive to try.
22 January 2002, 05:45 PM
#36
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Another leaflet (excuse the patronising tone I didn't write it - we are known for being paternalistic gits):
If you have decided that you really want to stop smoking, you have won part of the battle. The more determined you are, the more likely your chances of success. If you have tried before and failed, don't despair. People who keep trying usually succeed. Stopping smoking isn't easy. Withdrawal from nicotine can be uncomfortable producing both physical and psychological symptoms including nausea (feeling sick), headaches and irritability. These may last for several weeks but if they occur, do persevere as they gradually subside and most people soon feel a lot healthier for giving up. Here are some tips which may help with quitting:
Write a list of all the reasons why you want to stop and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.
Set a definite date for stopping and stop completely. Although some people prefer the idea of cutting down gradually, research studies have shown that if less cigarettes than usual are smoked, more of each is smoked and nicotine levels remain nearly the same. For most people it is therefore best to stop once and for all from a set date.
Tell everyone. Friends and family often give support and they may help you to stick to your resolution.
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and all cigarettes.
Be aware of the situations in which you are most likely to want a cigarette. Try changing your routine a bit for the first few weeks. If drinking tea and coffee are difficult times, try drinking mainly fruit juice and plenty of water.
Take one day at a time. Draw up a calendar and mark off each successful day. Look at it when you feel tempted to have just one cigarette, and tell yourself you don't want to start all over again.
Be positive. You can now tell people you don't smoke. You will smell better and after a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more and cough less. You will have more money to spend on other things and it is worth putting away the money you would have spent on cigarettes for special treats.
Diet. Many people worry about gaining weight when giving up smoking as the appetite may improve. The average weight gain is about 4 pounds. This amount of weight gain is much less harmful than smoking. Anticipate an increase in appetitie and try not to increase fatty, sugary foods as snacks. Try sugar-free gum instead.
Don't despair if you fail and have a cigarette. You don't have to start smoking again. Pick yourself up and try again and examine the reasons why you felt it to be more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time.
Nicotine substitutes. If withdrawal symptoms are troublesome, many people find that nicotine gum, sprays or patches help. Using a nicotine substitute roughly doubles the chance of successfully quitting smoking in people who are motivated to stop. A pharmacist, GP or practice nurse can advise about these. (Nicotine substitutes also cost less than most smokers spend on cigarettes.)
If you have decided that you really want to stop smoking, you have won part of the battle. The more determined you are, the more likely your chances of success. If you have tried before and failed, don't despair. People who keep trying usually succeed. Stopping smoking isn't easy. Withdrawal from nicotine can be uncomfortable producing both physical and psychological symptoms including nausea (feeling sick), headaches and irritability. These may last for several weeks but if they occur, do persevere as they gradually subside and most people soon feel a lot healthier for giving up. Here are some tips which may help with quitting:
Write a list of all the reasons why you want to stop and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.
Set a definite date for stopping and stop completely. Although some people prefer the idea of cutting down gradually, research studies have shown that if less cigarettes than usual are smoked, more of each is smoked and nicotine levels remain nearly the same. For most people it is therefore best to stop once and for all from a set date.
Tell everyone. Friends and family often give support and they may help you to stick to your resolution.
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and all cigarettes.
Be aware of the situations in which you are most likely to want a cigarette. Try changing your routine a bit for the first few weeks. If drinking tea and coffee are difficult times, try drinking mainly fruit juice and plenty of water.
Take one day at a time. Draw up a calendar and mark off each successful day. Look at it when you feel tempted to have just one cigarette, and tell yourself you don't want to start all over again.
Be positive. You can now tell people you don't smoke. You will smell better and after a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more and cough less. You will have more money to spend on other things and it is worth putting away the money you would have spent on cigarettes for special treats.
Diet. Many people worry about gaining weight when giving up smoking as the appetite may improve. The average weight gain is about 4 pounds. This amount of weight gain is much less harmful than smoking. Anticipate an increase in appetitie and try not to increase fatty, sugary foods as snacks. Try sugar-free gum instead.
Don't despair if you fail and have a cigarette. You don't have to start smoking again. Pick yourself up and try again and examine the reasons why you felt it to be more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time.
Nicotine substitutes. If withdrawal symptoms are troublesome, many people find that nicotine gum, sprays or patches help. Using a nicotine substitute roughly doubles the chance of successfully quitting smoking in people who are motivated to stop. A pharmacist, GP or practice nurse can advise about these. (Nicotine substitutes also cost less than most smokers spend on cigarettes.)
22 January 2002, 05:53 PM
#37
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Get tonsilitus. I had it about two months ago and had to stop smoking for a couple of days as it hurt so much to smoke. I had been smoking 20 a-day for 11 years and decided to try and give up as I had managed the two days.
I got over the physical addiction part in the two days when I couldn't smoke. From then on I actually started feeling better as I was recovering from my illness not worse because I wasn't smoking.
When I went back to work (about a week latter)and started my normal routine I didn't even want a cigarette. OK I did a little bit, but didn't crave one.
I'm not suggesting you get ill but take the opportunity to get out of your normal routine if you are trying to give up. Breaking the mental habit can sometimes be far harder than the physical one.
Oh and don't cut down just stop altogether, it's the only way.
Hope it helps
Mark
I got over the physical addiction part in the two days when I couldn't smoke. From then on I actually started feeling better as I was recovering from my illness not worse because I wasn't smoking.
When I went back to work (about a week latter)and started my normal routine I didn't even want a cigarette. OK I did a little bit, but didn't crave one.
I'm not suggesting you get ill but take the opportunity to get out of your normal routine if you are trying to give up. Breaking the mental habit can sometimes be far harder than the physical one.
Oh and don't cut down just stop altogether, it's the only way.
Hope it helps
Mark
23 January 2002, 11:03 AM
#42
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I started smoking at 14 and smoked 20 a day, from leaving school until I was 22. I then gave up for 7 years... until I sat at a dinner table with 15 other friends and picked up a Marlboro.
Oh my god, what had I been missing.
So, I started smoking again.
Now, at 39, realising I am a smoker, I have stopped smoking at home, in the car and at work. I only smoke in the pub. I didn't think it would work at first, but as everyone has said, its down will power.
This lets me enjoy two or three B&H during an evening in the pub, but means I don't cough my guts up for the first 15 minutes every morning. Something I did for 10 years.
Oh my god, what had I been missing.
So, I started smoking again.
Now, at 39, realising I am a smoker, I have stopped smoking at home, in the car and at work. I only smoke in the pub. I didn't think it would work at first, but as everyone has said, its down will power.
This lets me enjoy two or three B&H during an evening in the pub, but means I don't cough my guts up for the first 15 minutes every morning. Something I did for 10 years.
23 January 2002, 01:08 PM
#44
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Hello, my name is Dave, and I'm an ex-smoker
Thought I'd join your little circle here hahaha.
Ok, those of you who quit will know about the "voices". You know, the "go on, you don't really want to stop" and "don't let that evil guy tempt you" voices.
The best one is the one who says "take a mint. no-one will know" haha, he nearly got me with that one.
Did I mention the side effect of cold turkey by the way
I managed to quit with the help of a mate who also wanted to quit. We are both stubborn gits and it was a sort of challenge to see who would fail first. So far we're both WINNERS!
I still get a craving, but my brain no longer understands what it's craving for, which sounds odd, but I just make a cup of Tea when it happens, don't we
Dave n him
Thought I'd join your little circle here hahaha.
Ok, those of you who quit will know about the "voices". You know, the "go on, you don't really want to stop" and "don't let that evil guy tempt you" voices.
The best one is the one who says "take a mint. no-one will know" haha, he nearly got me with that one.
Did I mention the side effect of cold turkey by the way
I managed to quit with the help of a mate who also wanted to quit. We are both stubborn gits and it was a sort of challenge to see who would fail first. So far we're both WINNERS!
I still get a craving, but my brain no longer understands what it's craving for, which sounds odd, but I just make a cup of Tea when it happens, don't we
Dave n him
23 January 2002, 01:23 PM
#45
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good point about the craving - your brain doesn't get a craving for a particular chemical - it just gets a craving. Your mind (the intelligent bit) translates this. This is the reason that people who stop eat more. Their brain tells them -craving for something- their mind takes over and says - must be food cos we don't smoke any more - I find having a w*nk helps, but I've been barred from the pub now
23 January 2002, 03:21 PM
#50
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Pete Croney said:
This lets me enjoy two or three B&H during an evening in the pub, but means I don't cough my guts up for the first 15 minutes every morning. Something I did for 10 years.
Yeah Pete, tell me about it mate, the four days we shared a room on the Network Q; and the four days I got a 4am alarm call (cough)
This lets me enjoy two or three B&H during an evening in the pub, but means I don't cough my guts up for the first 15 minutes every morning. Something I did for 10 years.
23 January 2002, 03:23 PM
#51
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...the best way to cut down is just smoke after sex... some people only get thru a coupla ciggies a week ...shame I'm a 40 a day man...
24 January 2002, 01:36 PM
#53
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Why not buy it for yourself, im sure 6 quid is peanuts to what you will spend smoking ! Its well worth the cash. I know of 6 of my mates whove also quit using this book. He has a 95 % success rate and if you go to his clinics and it doesnt work he will give you your money back ! ( now thats confidence for ya ! )
Oh yeh and I have nothing to gain in you buying this book.
[Edited by carpet - 1/24/2002 1:37:31 PM]
Oh yeh and I have nothing to gain in you buying this book.
[Edited by carpet - 1/24/2002 1:37:31 PM]
24 January 2002, 01:52 PM
#54
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I have just bought the online course, but thought the book would be good too £6.99
I will start the course tonight once the ankle biters are in bed. Wish me luck!!!
Cheers Phill C
£6.99I will start the course tonight once the ankle biters are in bed. Wish me luck!!!
Cheers Phill C
24 January 2002, 05:32 PM
#57
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Interesting this came up as I have got to stop smoking and soon!
My Missus is due with our firstborn in May, she smoked until she realised she was pregnant and then simply stopped overnight!! Cow!! Massive incentive obviously....I am stumped though! I have cut down from Marlboro Red to Lights and now banished to the Garage....but thats it so far!
I went to Hypnotherapy...a waste of £85 - I didn't know whether to laugh at the lame Hypnotist or cry at the thought of spending £85 on a cure that failed!!
Anyway.. I think I might invest in Mr Carrs Book, can do no harm can it?
Jim
My Missus is due with our firstborn in May, she smoked until she realised she was pregnant and then simply stopped overnight!! Cow!!
Massive incentive obviously....I am stumped though! I have cut down from Marlboro Red to Lights and now banished to the Garage....but thats it so far! I went to Hypnotherapy...a waste of £85 - I didn't know whether to laugh at the lame Hypnotist or cry at the thought of spending £85 on a cure that failed!!
Anyway.. I think I might invest in Mr Carrs Book, can do no harm can it?
Jim
24 January 2002, 10:29 PM
#58
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i went to a hypnotherapist in the argyle business centre, southport. a doctor brookhouse (hawiian, and qualified) ripped me for £50 for twenty minutes.
or so i thought....
i came out, went to light a ***, and thought "i'm not really bothered- let's see how long it lasts". four years ago. no relapse. no desire to smoke whatsoever. and quite happy for people to smoke around me! several friends have had the same treatment with the same result.
if anyone wants the number, mail me and i'll try to find it for you. it really does work- with NO SIDE AFFECTS!
or so i thought....
i came out, went to light a ***, and thought "i'm not really bothered- let's see how long it lasts". four years ago. no relapse. no desire to smoke whatsoever. and quite happy for people to smoke around me! several friends have had the same treatment with the same result.
if anyone wants the number, mail me and i'll try to find it for you. it really does work- with NO SIDE AFFECTS!
24 January 2002, 11:34 PM
#59
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I had been smoking for 10 years. Last March I copped a dose of bronchitis, (spelling), for the first time in my life and I could not smoke due to this. Since I lasted for that one week without smoking, I thought, this is it. No more. I haven't smoked since. If I'm out and my friends are smoking, I get the urge to have one, but so far I have been able to hold strong.
I've been doing some running at the oval ever since I can remember and I tell you what, I run like a train now. Much better breathing too. And since March last year I have not had one cold either. Everybody in my family has had the flu 3 times since last March and I've still to catch one.
Cheers,
Wrexy.
[Edited by WREXY - 1/24/2002 11:38:03 PM]
I've been doing some running at the oval ever since I can remember and I tell you what, I run like a train now. Much better breathing too. And since March last year I have not had one cold either. Everybody in my family has had the flu 3 times since last March and I've still to catch one.
Cheers,
Wrexy.
[Edited by WREXY - 1/24/2002 11:38:03 PM]
