Quitting smoking

[12 pointer]

with all the nicotine threads, I thought I would start another one.:D who all has quit or planning to quit smoking? and how long have you been quit. Me, I will be quit 11 years the last day of this March. Was a three pack a dayer and for the first two years, smoked pall mall and non-filter camels. The camels are what I started out on. Mom smoked them!;) :rolleyes:

[Art]

It's been a little over 5 years for me. I was never really a hardcore "smoker" but never the less I'm glad I kicked it for good. I finally got my girlfriend to kick it about a year ago and if she can quit then ANYONE can.

Another thing that nobody mentions is the cost? Even if cigarettes were good for you, I still wouldn't want to blow that much money on them.. You can do a lot more nicer things for the money it cost to smoke a pack a day.

[keith meador]

i quit in 99, got stressed out one day, and something had to go....so i decided to quit smoking....i still have the craving from time to time, but not the habit. i looked at my newborn son and thought about an early departure from his life, tried to think of anything good that ever came from smoking, took a good lood at folks standing outside of buildings having a smoke, and decided it just wasnt the thing to do anymore. my habit was about a pack every two days, but if i went out with the guys for a few cold ones, it was at least a pack an outing......still crave a smoke if i have a few drinks.

[harpp]

It was 6 years on feb 5. Still have the craving when I get that whiff in the air. But then when I smell after I've been in a club I sure don't miss that.

[predator]

I quit smoking in March 2001 after many attempts. I was smoking 2-3 packs a day. I was scared to even drive by a tobacco patch, heard first 8 years was the hardest. I knew I had it licked when in July 2001, lost my favorite Uncle on the 4th and on the 6th, Whitetail Predator was riding with girlfriend when 2 other friends tried to pass. 2 friends hit truck headon. Killed 1 friend and driver of the truck, I came upon the wreck, WP was suppose to be in the wrecked car with friends, but he decided to ride with girlfriend, Thank God.
Tough for a 16 year old to witness. Girlfriend's Dad told me at hospital that he had smoked 5 packs that day, I told him that I hadn't even though about a cigarette that day even though was the most stressful of my life, knew I was over the hump.
I smoked a Kool Mild in Sept of 2006, while in Canada. Don't know why I did it other than a stupid move. Felt guilty, haven't picked one up since. My dad has smoked Lucky Strikes (A real man's cigarette) for over 50 years. He is in good health, but all of his siblings have either died or have heart attacks because of smoking.
When I realized the money I was saving, (I also quit drinking 6-16 oz cokes a day at the same time), I purchased a 42 acre farm for $18,000.00 and made the payments with the savings.

[grouser68]

I envy you guys! I quit drinking probably 18 years ago, ok, I may drink a half case a year now, thats when out eating with the boys.Love to quit smoking! I smoke 2 packs of Salem full flavor a day. It has'nt caught up with me yet, but I know it will.I just have'nt found the gumption to quit yet, hope it hits me soon!

[naturalelite]

I envy you guys! I quit drinking probably 18 years ago, ok, I may drink a half case a year now, thats when out eating with the boys.Love to quit smoking! I smoke 2 packs of Salem full flavor a day. It has'nt caught up with me yet, but I know it will.I just have'nt found the gumption to quit yet, hope it hits me soon!
To quit smoking all I had to do was quit drinking. It seemed to me without a beer in my hand I didn't need a cig. I haven't missed either for 3 years now.

[grouser68]

To quit smoking all I had to do was quit drinking. It seemed to me without a beer in my hand I didn't need a cig. I haven't missed either for 3 years now.

I was drinking a case of beer a day when I got out of the Corps, that lasted about 7 months before I finally figured out that the Marine Corps lifestyle did'nt transfer into the civilian world too well.Wish I would have quit the cigs at the same time.

[toddmerida]

I quit smoking a little over a year ago. Still want one sometimes. I used to smoke 2-3 packs and did that for 10 years.

[12 pointer]

the patches guys. thats what I used. went through a divorce and quitting smoking at the same time. now, to just slim up a bit. I have had 4 beers in 6 years. none in the last 3. just liked the taste of both so well I knew I did not need either. It can be done.

[predator]

I envy you guys! I quit drinking probably 18 years ago, ok, I may drink a half case a year now, thats when out eating with the boys.Love to quit smoking! I smoke 2 packs of Salem full flavor a day. It has'nt caught up with me yet, but I know it will.I just have'nt found the gumption to quit yet, hope it hits me soon!

Quit menthol first! Switch to standard for a while then try to quit. Worked for me. Do not try chewing or dipping. I used patches for a week to help with physical addiction. Like I posted earlier, first 8 years the toughest, (just kidding). A lot of it was in my head. I do not miss the smelly clothes and always looking for a place to light up, plus got a few extra bucks in the pocket. Good luck when you decide to quit.

PS-you might not be able to walk my a-- in the ground afterall if we ever get to go grouse hunting!!

[grouser68]

PS-you might not be able to walk my a-- in the ground afterall if we ever get to go grouse hunting!!

:D I would'nt start taking bets on that!:D Ran my pt test a coupla weeks ago, 17 minute 2 mile. Went huntin' today and I think I cracked a coupls ribs, had to walk out for 2 hours in alot of pain. Gimme a week or so, well see! :D

[predator]

2 miles in 17 minutes? I couldn't do that at age 15. Break a leg, then call me!!

[grouser68]

2 miles in 17 minutes? I couldn't do that at age 15. Break a leg, then call me!!

Well, I was'nt feeling well, and the arthiritis was kickin' up, ran a 14:20 a coupla years ago.

[@FullDraw]

Quit Smoking about 7 Weeks ago am using the Gum.I am chewing about 3 to 4 pices a day. I just switched from the 4mg to the 2mg gum. I smoked about a pack a day for 25years. Wish me luck I need all I can get.:)

[predator]

Hang in there and good luck.

[MsgMills]

I did quit cold turkey, almost 9 years ago I believe. Yeah it was hard, and the honest thing is I could start up again in a second, if I didn'tuse my strength to not do it. It's a crisis everyday to keep from smoking, once your addicted to smoking, I would almost believe it's as hard to stay stopped as someone who drank, did cocaine, heroin or other drugs. You'd never understand how smoking for 19 years wastes so much money and the control nicotine has on a person...

So if you've never smoked, don't save money and the hardship of trying to stop once you start....

[12 pointer]

I did quit cold turkey, almost 9 years ago I believe. Yeah it was hard, and the honest thing is I could start up again in a second, if I didn'tuse my strength to not do it. It's a crisis everyday to keep from smoking, once your addicted to smoking, I would almost believe it's as hard to stay stopped as someone who drank, did cocaine, heroin or other drugs. You'd never understand how smoking for 19 years wastes so much money and the control nicotine has on a person...

So if you've never smoked, don't save money and the hardship of trying to stop once you start....

ms, I have been blessed. I NEVER, and can say that to the most honest truth have a desire for a cig. they make me sick to smell them and to be around them. It has to be a blessing from God no doubt. now, for my biggest addiction challenge..it would have to be some sorts of foods. I have always said, it is easier to quit smoking than to cut way back on eating. my reasoning on this is.when I quit smoking, I quit. you can never fully stop eating, so a desire can always be there. It sucks, but is no doubt genetically in my blood to have a craving as I do sometimes. I am big enough of a man to admit, If I had an addiction at all, it would be food. I am 6'2 and weigh 285. not as heavy as I have been but definately not as small as I need to be. but, It ain't all fat either.;)

[PhilpotHunter]

I quit 4 years ago 3 weeks after my divorce was final. I decided since I was in the middle of making so many life changes, I might as well get them all out of the way at the same time.

[MsgMills]

12 Pointer, man your exactly right about the food addiction....One that is almost virtually impossible to break...I gained 40 pounds in 6 months after my second back injury. Due to not being able to due anything except basically eat and lay there either on a couch or in a bed....As I got better I was able to do some walking and cut back on the eating.....I lost the 40 pounds in about another 6 to 8 months.... Was looking good and felt good....Next thing you know...Oh, i'll have just an extra small piece of cake, pie, ice cream etc. Then next thing I know I gain 20 pounds back in what seemed like 6 weeks...Been a fight now to keep from eating and gaining weight....

I weighed a whooping 129 pounds when I joined the army in 1979....When I retired in 1999 I still only weighed 147 pounds.... So you can see how a persons body goes from one of being conditioned and then to not being in a controlled enviroment to help keep the weight off.... Kinda got off subject there, but you can see the difference in enviroments and how they effect us day to day....

Keep fighting the food...I know I fight that as well each day.....

[12 pointer]

12 Pointer, man your exactly right about the food addiction....One that is almost virtually impossible to break...I gained 40 pounds in 6 months after my second back injury. Due to not being able to due anything except basically eat and lay there either on a couch or in a bed....As I got better I was able to do some walking and cut back on the eating.....I lost the 40 pounds in about another 6 to 8 months.... Was looking good and felt good....Next thing you know...Oh, i'll have just an extra small piece of cake, pie, ice cream etc. Then next thing I know I gain 20 pounds back in what seemed like 6 weeks...Been a fight now to keep from eating and gaining weight....

I weighed a whooping 129 pounds when I joined the army in 1979....When I retired in 1999 I still only weighed 147 pounds.... So you can see how a persons body goes from one of being conditioned and then to not being in a controlled enviroment to help keep the weight off.... Kinda got off subject there, but you can see the difference in enviroments and how they effect us day to day....

Keep fighting the food...I know I fight that as well each day.....
have you ever thoght this one in your mind, "well, I'll just go ahead and eat what I want this weekend and start cutting back on Monday." ? that one will get you every time.

[MsgMills]

Yeah, when Thanksgiving and X-Mas come around each year...totally worst times of the year for me....Cause I was raised to eat what I take out on my plate and not to waste life's precious gift of *** FOOD ***...Too many people out in this world starving to death and wanting to eat what I might leave on my plate... That's also what's wrong with society today, they take food for granted...Same as my boys, whom I'm trying to raise to eat what I give them and not waste it...If they want more then fine, but don't take it out and just throw it away....

Sorry I was just raised to honor what we have and food was a sure fire blessing in our home as I grew up... Family of 5 being raised by my Step-Father on 600.00 a month Social Security Disability... Do the math folks, 600.00 don't go very far does it....But don't feel sorry for me, I made it through life so far and cherish every day I had with my step-father when he was alive, at least he raised me to be the man I am today and I honor him for that. So as you all have read my posts on here before and after this one, you had to walk in my shoes and live my life's journies before you can judge me or who I am....

[12 pointer]

Yeah, when Thanksgiving and X-Mas come around each year...totally worst times of the year for me....Cause I was raised to eat what I take out on my plate and not to waste life's precious gift of *** FOOD ***...Too many people out in this world starving to death and wanting to eat what I might leave on my plate... That's also what's wrong with society today, they take food for granted...Same as my boys, whom I'm trying to raise to eat what I give them and not waste it...If they want more then fine, but don't take it out and just throw it away....

Sorry I was just raised to honor what we have and food was a sure fire blessing in our home as I grew up... Family of 5 being raised by my Step-Father on 600.00 a month Social Security Disability... Do the math folks, 600.00 don't go very far does it....But don't feel sorry for me, I made it through life so far and cherish every day I had with my step-father when he was alive, at least he raised me to be the man I am today and I honor him for that. So as you all have read my posts on here before and after this one, you had to walk in my shoes and live my life's journies before you can judge me or who I am....

Brother, we sure have gotton off the path that this thread was for but thats ok. good to see we are not alone in this big world. I was raised in a home with eight brother and sisters. seven still being at home when dad died at the age of 44. I know all about living on that ss. but, thank God, It made us better people for it. I never went hungry, but mom sure reminded us you better eat all that food. It did not come by easily!:)

[MsgMills]

12 Pointer,
Man I sude would like to have a smoke now, that I have spoke a little about my past...Almost seems like a great cause to fire one up or grab a big ole piece of cake or Pie smothered in Whipped Cream.....Ummmm good wouldn't you say...He he he...lol

We'll let the thread get back to the original topic now....

9 years plus, but could start again in a second...But can't fight the urge everyday....

[12 pointer]

12 Pointer,
Man I sude would like to have a smoke now, that I have spoke a little about my past...Almost seems like a great cause to fire one up or grab a big ole piece of cake or Pie smothered in Whipped Cream.....Ummmm good wouldn't you say...He he he...lol

We'll let the thread get back to the original topic now....

9 years plus, but could start again in a second...But can't fight the urge everyday....

keep on keeping on.:D

[aceoky]

I've smoked longer than I care to admit, I need to quit, ( I did quit once for TWO YEARS.....a Thanksgiving meal, and a cousin fired one up ...you can guess the rest) :D

I agree it's a stupid,expensive habit, and it's bad for you to boot, IF you don't do it, NO good reason to start (and starting is one million times easier than quitting) trust me on that one.....

[plowboy]

I envy you guys! I quit drinking probably 18 years ago, ok, I may drink a half case a year now, thats when out eating with the boys.Love to quit smoking! I smoke 2 packs of Salem full flavor a day. It has'nt caught up with me yet, but I know it will.I just have'nt found the gumption to quit yet, hope it hits me soon!

It ain't the gumption that you are looking for grouser, first thing you gotta have is the plain ol' "want to". That's the biggest step. Good luck man.

[grouser68]

It ain't the gumption that you are looking for grouser, first thing you gotta have is the plain ol' "want to". That's the biggest step. Good luck man.

Absolutely true!