How many times have you given up smoking?!

1. 61

   thirdmilleniumposted 14 years ago

   Not one in a thousand gives up smoking completely. So.........

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      yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Many, though I am smoking electronic cigarettes now and have no desire to go back to the real thing. My goal is to eventually quit these as well, once I am positive I won't work my way back to regular cigarettes.

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      1. 71

         wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Yoshi - tell about the e-cigs please. Expensive?
         I'm trying to quit only because I'm supposed to, so of course I'm having no luck.

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         1. 58

            yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Once you get past the original cost it's about a buck a cartridge per day ... at least for my Smoore m201. The neat thing is I can sit in a smoke filled bar and have no desire for a regular cigarette ... and when the natives get real drunk I can mess with them by placing my (electronic) cigarette in my pocket or taking it apart, which always makes them wonder how I did it.
            
            The kit I bought was about $40. I also bought a few spare batteries, atomizers, and chargers ... so I'm never without.
            
            What makes the M201 the best IMHO is the fact that it has a big battery and a big cartridge, so it lasts quite a long time before you need to charge the battery or change the cartridge. I also can honestly say I no longer smell like a tobacco stain, I breathe better, and I feel healthier.
            
            I wrote a hub on it a while back if you want more info.

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            1. 71

               wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               $40 is less than I spend in a week, I hate to admit.
               Yes, I will absolutely read your hub! Thanks for mentioning it!
               If it was not so expensive I would not be thinking twice about quitting. I realize that makes be a bad person, but I'm an honest bad person.

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               1. 58

                  yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  People don;t become addicted to things because they are bad people, they become addicted to things because (typically) they lead stressed lives and seek ways to cope that can often be harmful ... nicotine, alcohol, drugs ... you name it
                  
                  That's why people find it so hard to quit a habit, because you need to replace it with a healthier one that provides the same calming effect.
                  
                  Don't get me wrong ... electronic cigarettes are definitely not 100% healthy for you as others might say. However, they are far better than regular cigarettes in too many ways.

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                  1. 71

                     wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Thanks for talking with me about this buddy
                     2 reasons I'm thinking about quitting:
                     1) High price in Michigan - too expensive. I'm actually buying Marlboros instead of groceries during our downturn.
                     2) I rent, and I'm getting concerned about my landlord's opinion of the color of the paint he so lovingly put on my walls.
                     
                     I'm bad because those are the only two reasons I think I should try. don't care about the rest of it I hate to admit. So, for Reason 1 and Reason 2 above, this may be a good option for me.
                     
                     Regardless, I will check out your hub.
                     
                     HAGN MF

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                     1. 58

                        yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Trust me ... groceries outdoes cigs any day ... that's why I switched over.

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                        1. 71

                           wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           Another thing I hate to admit - I have lost 25 pounds since my salary got cut and I am also not buying my medication because I cant afford it. But dammit if I can't stop buying Marlboros.
                           See why I'm bad?

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                           1. 58

                              yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                              Fair enough ... you're bad
                              
                              *Yoshi slaps Wyanjen with an angry sea bass*
                              
                              Now you're all good again.

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                              1. 71

                                 wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                 You've put an image of John Cleese prancing up to me, SLAP, and then prancing back again...
                                 That is a hilarious image to be going to sleep with in my head.
                                 
                                 Thanks again buddy, I may just give this a shot. At least I will stop feeling down on myself
                                 HAGN
                                 Jen

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   2. 0

      Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      ummm, i quit about 10 times? most recently......for 6 weeks

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   3. 60

      Jane@CMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Too many to count.  Seems the only way I can quit for a long period of time is when I'm pregnant, and that is never happening again in my life, so I need a new idea.

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      1. 74

         lorlie6posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         

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   4. 59

      b2seedsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Probablly 5x's a day! I quit cigarettes and went to black and milds! lol

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   5. 56

      Diskobolosposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      0 - never even started it.

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      1. 71

         Paradise7posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Even better.

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2. 0

   B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years ago

   7 times, and I always get re-hooked again at some point

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   1. 61

      Classycutposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I would say that you have not yet decided to quit smoking. It happened to me the same way. I did stop at a time for a year but when finally I decided to quit, it took me only saying no more and is done. I have not smoked for 10 years now and I fell it is all over for life.

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3. 64

   SandyMcCollumposted 14 years ago

   I quit every night when I go to bed, and on the days I remember I'm trying to quit when I wake up, I try to only smoke a couple puffs and put the smoke out.

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   1. 0

      ryankettposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The only way to quit is to have no puffs, else you are actually trying to cut down.

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4. 0

   sandra rinckposted 14 years ago

   Well... technically... I never did.

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   1. 58

      yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      oops ... I wasn't stepping on your toes Sandra ... I was speaking of the sites selling them that say they are 100% safe.
      
      Trust me ... you're on my fan list ... I likes ya!

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      1. 0

         sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         No worries, it went right over my head.  I just read the tread title and replied. 
         
         I have tried to give up smoking at least 50 times but have never actually given it up.

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         1. 58

            yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I've been off of them since April ... once I hit the one year mark I intend to give up the electrics as well ... Freedom!!!

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            1. 0

               sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Congrats.  I hope you can do it.  Just remember (so they say...wait it has been my demise) not even one.
               
               You're awesome Yoshi!

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               1. 58

                  yoshi97posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  You've tried to quit many times Sandra ... that tells me that one day you will succeed.
                  
                  Only a person who never tries is guaranteed to meet with failure.

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5. 71

   Joelle Burnetteposted 14 years ago

   Never had to.
   Although, it was a close call...years ago, in the days of smoking in the workplace, I had a job where most of my co-workers smoked. If you don't think second-hand smoke affects people around smokers, you'd be mistaken: after being around all that smoke, one night, I nearly asked for a smoke from my boss. I actually felt the desire to have a smoke.
   
   Glad I resisted and never began.

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6. 72

   dinkan53posted 13 years ago

   The key to quit smoking is commitment. Smokers strongly motivated to stop were found twice as successful as those who were less motivated. List your reasons for stopping. Tell yourself life is too beautiful to be squandered on this vile habit.

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   1. 0

      Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      then have life kick you in the teeth

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7. 59

   bojanglesk8posted 13 years ago

   I'd say 2 - 5 times.

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8. 61

   kmackey32posted 13 years ago

   I have one time for about 2 weeks.

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   1. 0

      Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      hey     long time no see
      how are ya these days?

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9. 0

   Denno66posted 13 years ago

   Twice before I finally succeeded. Smoke-free 17 years.

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10. 92

    mistyhorizon2003posted 13 years ago

    Smoke free for a year now after several previous attempts. The best thing is I did it without any substitutes this time and purely by following a course that I have written about in my hubs. No drugs, patches, inhalators, pills, gums etc, I highly recommend it as I found this course made it so easy and now I feel great

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11. 59

    Rascal Russ Milesposted 13 years ago

    Hi,
    Great question. I have no problem giving up smoking. Heck, I successfully quit 19 times before I finished my last pack of Pall Malls.
    Perhaps I should find a colour that might help...
    http://hubpages.com/hub/Color-Therapy-A … e-Medicine

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12. 0

    A Texanposted 13 years ago

    "How many times have you given up smoking?"
    
    
    Today?

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13. 71

    Cagsilposted 13 years ago

    I officially quit smoking 3x in my life. I was 9 years old, when I started, quit when I was 13 year old. It was 4 years before I picked up another cigarette, after a trauma event in my life, brought me back to them at 17 years old. My second time was at 22 years of age, it lasted 6 months, before I made the choice to start again. Then when I was 35 year old, I decided to quit for a couple of weeks. Again, I made the choice to re-start. I've been smoking ever since.

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14. 0

    ryankettposted 13 years ago

    I had my last cigarette in early September, then 8 or 9 weeks on Nicotine patches, and 3 weeks without patches. It still think about them, and a trauma such as a death in the family would be all that is needed for me to buy a pack.... but I feel a lot healthier and happier for now.
    
    This was my 4th attempt on patches, the first 3 missed the will power. If you havent got the willpower then dont bother trying.

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15. 57

    Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

    4th month without.
    
    After 36 years of smoking.
    
    Didn't kill anyone yet.

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    1. 71

       Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       

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       1. 57

          Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Not a joke.
          
          Really...............

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          1. 71

             Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Well, that's a good thing I guess.

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16. 56

    prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

    I hope all you guys will stop and find really the will to stop smoking,
    
    have never tasted any cig in my life
    
    and for Mr Mark, good for you...

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    1. 71

       Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Smoking isn't an addiction, it is a choice. Anyone trying to tell you different is only promoting something you can't possibly understand for an agenda.
       
       If you have the WILL to quit, then you'll quit. If you don't WANT to quit, but try to quit, you will fail. If you make the mental choice and reinforce it Will and a wanting desire to be smoke free, then you will not have a problem quiting for good.
       
       I choose to smoke and Yes, I understand the consequences of my actions. I know I can quit anytime I choose to, because I have a strong enough Will to overcome, should I want to.

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       1. 71

          Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          On another note- my comment was for the general forum, and not directed at you PDH. I just want to respond you, to let you know why I smoke, but at the same time address the rest of the forum.

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       2. 56

          prettydarkhorseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          will you want to stop soon CAGS?

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       3. 57

          Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I used to kid myself the same way. Not an addiction. I like it.
          
          Sure......

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17. 69

    Vicki99posted 13 years ago

    I "paused smoking" for a few years then took up again. Then I actually QUIT smoking 3 years ago. Cold turkey. Smoking is an addiction, it truly is. 3 days of cravings and not knowing how to have my coffee without a smoke, then it started to get easier. I still think about having one once in a great while, I don't give in to that desire, but sometimes it is still there.
    
    I finally quit mainly because it was getting too expensive.
    
    Good Luck to those who want to quit. If you are one of those who does not wish to quit, that's ok too, it is your decision.

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18. 62

    Wayne Orvisburgposted 13 years ago

    I've quit 3 times for a period ranging from 3 months to 2 years.  Trying again next month. If my wife has success with it, it will help me!

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19. 64

    Richieb799posted 13 years ago

    I havent smoked for 3 years come february.
    Before that time I had one time where I quit for a year and went back because I was in university and everyone was smoking..and one other time when I quit for 3 months or something...it was such a horrible feeling when I went back.
    But thats long in the past now, giving up smoking was about bettering myself, I used the nicorette gum for a year and then if I ever felt too stressed I would buy the gum again
    I dont think I will ever smoke again, Im alot fitter, I go to the gym now

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    1. 57

       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I could kill for a cigarette.
       
       Now.
       
       Right now............ Pathetic I know.

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       1. 74

          lorlie6posted 13 years agoin reply to this

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20. 64

    Richieb799posted 13 years ago

    I don't know what it was, but maybe I had a stronger will to quit because my parents used to make me feel less for doing it. Which makes my Dad an incredible hypocrite because he smokes between 20-30 a day. I don't think its pathetic your dying for a fag! Its a really hard think to overcome, and it always made me feel better if I was stressed!

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21. 61

    K Partinposted 13 years ago

    Once and never went back! "Cold Turkey" been 18 years now. Best thing I ever did, health wise and money wise....

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    1. 64

       Richieb799posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       how long did you smoke for dude? I was on an off for 5 years - ekk

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22. 61

    DogSiDaedposted 13 years ago

    I've never smoked and never will, but a good friend of mine has been 'quitting' for a LONG time, but he never seems able to shake it, any advice I could give him to help him kick the habit?

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    1. 70

       Jeffrey Nealposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Tell him to decide he no longer wants to smoke.  Seriously, the patches, gum and other aids don't do it for you without your willpower.  You have to decide.  I have said this before, but someone told me this:
       You have to want to want to quit.
       
       I have quit smoking for the third, and what I have decided will be the last time almost 3 months ago. I used e-cigs and lots of willpower.

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23. 63

    Bredaviesposted 13 years ago

    3 times. But I found a way to give up for good.

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    1. 74

       lorlie6posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Share, please?

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       1. 66

          Ultimate Hubberposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Yea, share!!!

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24. 69

    torimariposted 13 years ago

    Never as I never picked up the habit. But, my friend smokes and she has 'quit' a million times. I can't imagine how tough it must be.

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25. 65

    awareposted 13 years ago

    i stopped smoking cigarettes once . i was a chain smoker . beset by  bronchitis one day i had a epiphany . i swear i even heard the click when it hit me. i looked at the cigarette burning in my hand . the smoke rising. and i realized i was done . i tossed it to the ground and snuffed my last smoke with my boot.

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26. 74

    lorlie6posted 13 years ago

    I quit this summer in order to have surgery, relapsed 3 months later, and now I have to go through it again in about 2 weeks.  I wish I had never gone back to it, but now I am more aware of triggers!!!

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27. 60

    Niteriterposted 13 years ago

    I quit once.

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28. 66

    Ultimate Hubberposted 13 years ago

    Once. Didn't smoke for about 4 months or so. Started again about 7-8 months back.

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29. 0

    Maddison81posted 13 years ago

    I quit 5 times before I finally gave up. It took me 5 years of quiting before I was successfull. I've been without a smoke for 2 years now and all I can say is its fantastic! Dont give up trying to give up!!

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    1. 71

       Paradise7posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I'm impressed.  I'm still trying, after years and years of non-success with quitting smoking.  Good for you, though, good for you!

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30. 66

    mega1posted 13 years ago

    haha  my eyes are getting blurry - I thought it said "How many THINGS have you given up smoking?"  so I started counting!  hahaha!

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31. 0

    ralwusposted 13 years ago

    If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it.

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32. 56

    Sir Anthonyposted 13 years ago

    Well, I suppose I am one in a thousand according to this hub, but I"m not too proud of that since my wife thought I was one in a million....
    I gave up smoking only once, and that was fourteen years ago, and except for a couple of times I got a slight craving, it was easy.
    Had to quit for eight days while in hospital, and at the end of that time had no desire to smoke again...

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33. 60

    Jonathan Douglasposted 13 years ago

    TWO TIMES
    
    First time - I read a Stop Smoking book; I gained 25 pounds
    
    Second time- I had a heart attack
    
    Haven't smoked since -12 years ago

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