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I QUIT SMOKINGEVERY SECOND SOMEONE DIES FROM TOBACCO USE This group is for ANYONE WHO WANTS TO QUIT SMOKING, ANYONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY QUIT SMOKING or ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THOSE WHO WANT TO QUIT. Share your stories and your struggles with the #1 addiction in the world. If you're in the process of quitting or if your quitting for the 100th time, we are here to support you in your efforts. Trust me when I say that QUITTING SMOKING is a tremendously empowering experience. As a matter of fact, I can't even believe that I actually ever smoked - I quit 3 1/2 years ago, after being a HEAVY smoker for 20 years!!! I used the patch and it worked for me. There are many ways to quit - the most important thing is that you stop your smoking addiction (physically and psychologically). INTERNATIONAL NO SMOKING DAY IS THURSDAY, MAY 31ST - give it a try, what have you got to lose? created by allisonberryart |
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Shoutbox - 20 comments
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Samara says:
I started smoking occasionally when I was 15, then I was up to half a pack a day until my twenties when I found myself smoking a pack or more a day. I've quit several times throughout my smoking history, using just about every method out there with the longest smoke-free period being around 6 months to a year. For the past several years, I haven't even enjoyed the way smoking feels or tastes, I did it because I was addicted. I know I can't have a drag here or there, and I've fooled myself many times thinking I could "socially smoke". For me, those delusions about myself led me right back to a pack a day habit.
I am now 33. I've learned that I can quite easily justify anything to myself in order to not have to put the effort into changing. I think regardless of whatever age you are, you have to be willing to be brutally honest with yourself and realize that change takes a lot of hard work. So I took baby steps and changed one thing at a time: I educated myself and started making little changes one by one to see what works and what doesn't. I went to my doctor and discussed my smoking history and we both decided that one of the newer smoking cessation medications was worth a try. I also have access to a support website and a 24-hour hotline I can call. It's a real addiction and it's refreshing to see it treated like one.
It's been two months since I've smoked (I didn't even finish my last pack) and it's been the easiest smoking withdrawal I've ever been through. I don't even want to be near smoke, the smell of it makes me ill. For anyone who is ready to quit, it helps to be trusting and compassionate with yourself and realize you do have control over yourself in spite of the uncomfortable emotions you feel. And if one thing doesn't work, then try another. And another. Then another. But nothing will work unless you are completely honest and forgiving with yourself.
Good Luck!
posted Sep 2
dal v3.3.10* says:
posted Jun 4
Comment replies (2)
allisonberryart says:
Is that a photo of your grandfather lol :-D
Don't forget my friend, this is a group for those who have quit, those who are considering it and those who support those who want to quit. If you want to support smoking or defend it, you might think about about starting a different group...
posted Jun 5
Michael says:
Here's a good reason to quit. I smoked for almost 15 yrs. and quit in '98. I used the patch and buproprion - and never smoked again. Despite that , I had an operation for tongue cancer this month. Smoking is lame.
posted May 31
Comment replies (2)
allisonberryart says:
That must be quite an ordeal to go through. Do you have to do chemo or any other procedure? What symptoms did you have?
posted Jun 3
Michael says:
I had surgery and about a quarter of my tongue is gone. A tumor was removed.
Aside from that, I will have checkups - but I feel pretty good.
posted Jun 8
allisonberryart says:
I read an article on the front page of USA Today last weekend about FDA tobacco regulation. BTW - I do not support FDA tobacco regulation. I feel that people should have the freedom to make informed decisions for themselves without any interference or imposition from the government. That being said, there was a startling statistic in this article that I will share...
"Tobacco kills more Americans annually than AIDS, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicides, suicides, car accidents and fires combined. Almost half of the USA's 44.5 million adult smokers will die prematurely of a tobacco-related illness if they don't stop.
-- The Institute of Medicine
Now, I'm not using this as a scare tactic, nor am I trying to make anyone feel like they are being punished. I am simply providing information that can be used as a tool. All that we do and all that we experience in life helps us to know more about who we are. Knowledge is huge and I'll tell you this - when I quit smoking, I learned a whole lot about myself, my insecurities, my fears. I realized how strong I really was and I also realized how much I love life...Enough for now - soon I will relate my story about my 20 year smoking addiction/habit and how I quit :-D
posted May 31
Benz says:
didn't really even start but thanks for the invite---I really want to help people to quit:)
posted May 30
jo says:
I don't smoke now...but I did years ago...so I know it is extremely tough to kick the habit. My parents both smoke and I really wish they could stop. My mom is dealing with emphysema and THAT doesn't even act as a deterrent.
Good luck to all of you trying to break away from your nicotine addiction!
posted May 30
Leon says:
Quit cold turkey today... feeling alright :)
posted Nov 9