Quiting the smokes - going cold turkey

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   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   Tomorrow I will attempt, for the millionth time to quit smoking.  I'm going cold turkey, can't stand the patches or the gum.  After a week of a cold and feeling like I'm going to cough up my lungs, its time to stop.
   
   I successfully quit three times, I was pregnant two of those times, this time I do not have the incentive to keep a baby healthy, just me.
   
   Any advice from those who have successfully quit cold turkey would be great.
   
   Have knitting projects & writing projects to keep my hands busy.  No junk food in the house.

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      Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good for you. Sounds like you want to quit, and - that is key. You want to quit - you will quit.

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      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      YEAH, JANE!!!
      I'm quitting, too!  I'm on my 3rd day tobacco-free.  It ain't easy, but it's worth every ounce of effort.  My urges are lasting about 5 minutes, so I go do the dishes...again and again, until the waves of desire for a smoke are over.  I am taking Chantix and haven't killed myself or anyone else yet.  I think it's working for me.
      I've been keeping a sort of hub-diary of my progress, too, which helps quite a bit!  As Rafini mentioned, no links here, but they're there.
      Good breaths, I guess, to all of us who are quitting and have quit!
      Way to go!

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   sunforgedposted 14 years ago

   For me it was all about associations, I liked a cigarette after meals, in the morning while looking at the sun and with coffee or alcohol.
   
   I had to cut out coffee and alcohol during the initial stages and I replaced exercise in the morning with sitting on the porch smoking.
   
   exercise really helps as you quickly notice your limitations and is a great reminder why to quit
   
   its  pretty much all psychological after the first few days.
   
   i believe the current buzz stat is that your craving lasts less than 5 minutes, if you beat that each time your in the clear

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   TheGlassSpiderposted 14 years ago

   Get some junk food! LOL
   
   Seriously...I know what you're going through. I tried to quit alone many times before being successful (I'm close to six months clean now).
   
   I finally had to have help from a hypnotherapist. After one session I put the cigs down and have never even wanted another. I experienced no withdrawals and no cravings - it's as though I never smoked. I can literally sit in a roomful of smokers (and do every day) and never even think about having one. It was an awesome experience, and I'm SO glad I did it. I feel confident that I will never smoke again.
   
   I understand it doesn't work for everyone. My hypnotherapist had me doing mental preparation for months prior to the session. But it worked for me, and if you find yourself really struggling to quit (as I did) it might be worthwhile to find someone trustworthy in your area.
   
   I wish you the very BEST of luck. You're not alone, if you ever need support, feel free to drop me a line!

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   Urbane Chaosposted 14 years ago

   I'll tell ya a couple things that worked for me..
   
   First time I "quit", I got a one month sample of the stop smoking pill - Zyban - and it actually helped me quit for six months.  But, like an idiot, I went out to shoot pool, reached over and picked up a burning cig without thinking, and bam! I was hooked again.  Still, if one month can help for that long, it's worth a shot if nothing else works.
   
   But, cold turkey.. When I finally decided to give it up, I had to figure out something that worked for me.  I started walking - well, hiking - but that seemed to work a lot.  After eating, I'd head out somewhere where I could take a brief walk.  It got my mind off of things.  When I couldn't go for a walk, I'd at least do some kind of exercise.  The people in the office always gave me weird looks, but hell, it worked.
   
   The point is, find something that works right for you, and then keep at it. 
   
   Congrats on trying again!  I wish you all the best!  It's not easy, but think of how much better you'll feel..
   
   Good luck!

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   FranyaBlueposted 14 years ago

   When I quit smoking, the best thing that helped me to quit was avoiding the pub. That was the biggest thing that kept drawing me back in every time but when I cut out the pub then quitting smoking was so much easier.
   
   Good Luck

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   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   I just quit 2 weeks ago and wrote a hub about my experience on the first day.  (can I post the link?)  Like GlassSpider I prepped ahead of time, although I never did try the e-cigs! 
   
   My dr put me on meds (buproprion) but I'm gonna have to stop taking it, I've been crying alot since I started taking it.  I also bought some sugar free gum, pretzels, crackers and I avoided places associated with smoking until I felt I could handle it. (at 2-3 days I forced myself to go to the store just so I could say No to buying cigs)  In other words, I intentionally changed some of my habits.
   
   The most amazing part to me is, beginning on the first day I was less hungry and thirsty.  I only munched a few crackers or pretzels when I had a nicfit, popped a piece of gum in my mouth or had a small drink of water.  Anything to get me past it. lol
   
   Good luck, and try to remember:  You are quitting because it's a choice.   I totally believe smoking is a habit that can be broken, and the nicotine is an addiction you can get away from.

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   RedElfposted 14 years ago

   Sounds like you're already quitting for a good reason - for you! The first time I quit, it wasn't for me, and I started up again eventually. Second time was cold turkey! Best advice I ever got was "Decide whether you are a smoker, or a non-smoker...and then BE that!"
   
   I'm sure you'll do well. We're all rooting for you!
   

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   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   So much great advice! Thanks!!!
   
   I want to be a non-smoker! 
   
   I may have to cut the coffee out too - coffee & a smoke to me is like coffee & alcohol to another.  You can't smoke in public places any where around here anymore.
   
   In past attempts I've done the planning ahead thing - didn't work for me.  I am one who cannot just cut back.
   
   I told my son today, his first comment was, could he leave for the weekend he remembers what I've been like in the past.  I was never this determined before - so hopefully it won't be so bad.

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   TheGlassSpiderposted 14 years ago

   Oh, I just remembered this:
   
   If you have a bathtub, run a full bath of water as warm as you can stand it and pour in a cup of salt (sea salt is best, but regular salt will work as well) and a cup of vinegar. Soak in the tub until it's no longer warm. This will help draw toxins, including nicotine out of your body.
   
   You can do this as often as you like - it will help reduce cravings and the length of time you'll suffer from them.
   
   I have not used this method, but others if my friends who quit have. They said it helped.

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      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I know I'M taking that bath tonight!  Thanks for the 'recipe!'

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