Stop Smoking: Secrets of Successful Quitters

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It is easy to quit when you or your spouse is diagnosed with lung cancer. My husband and I smoked for over 40 years when he was diagnosed. They removed half of his right lung. We quit cold turkey and have not smoked since. That was over 5 years ago. We are so lucky. We celebrated the 5 year cancer free goal last May. Our son and son-in-law quit the same time we did. What a blessing for our family! We have 4 grandchildren that I am quite sure will never smoke.

DeLoris of OR 1:46PM November 19, 2009

I quit smoking on Smokeout Day in 1985. I stopped because I didn't like having an addiction. I quit cold turkey, threw away my cigaretts and haven't touched one since. It took some willpower at first, but after a couple of weeks the urge left me, so it wasn't too hard. Good luck to everyone who is quitting. It feels great to be an ex-smoker!

Richard of WI 1:35PM November 19, 2009

Remember when you first started smoking? How hard is was to inhale the smoke into your lungs. It probably took awhile to get your lungs used to the smoke. So over time you became an accomplished smoker. You had to work up to it to become real pro. And now you want to quit.
Some try the same method in trying to quit. Gradually. It may work for some but it didn't work for me. I smoked since I was a kid - 11 or 12 and quit after 27 years of smoking a couple of packs a day - Marlboro's. That was 20 years ago. I tried to gradually quit. This was before all the drugs and patches.
Finally one day I said "I quit". Threw away a half pack and have never looked back. It was hard for about 6 months. After that I didn't have to worry about the cravings anymore. Oh from time to time I wanted to smoke - but I told myself - "you quit - remember?" "Why start again". Now it just cost way too much.
So my point is - it was hard to start smoking and it was hard to stop smoking - you can do it - I know - 'cause I did and I'm no different than anyone else. Good luck!!!

Mark of TX 1:28PM November 19, 2009

i quit smoking dec. 28 of 08...this is my first holiday season being smokefree and it is wonderful! i had no assistance with the nicotine part of quiting...what i did was this...i had gotten sick and couldnt smoke..i was just going through the motions..not inhaling...i finally realized i was wasting my time and money...i started using tic tacs in place of cigarettes..i carried them everywhere just like a pack...they stayed on my nightstand and everything...i eventually got off the tic tacs and now feel great! my family is also so proud and every time i start to stress and want one they remind me how happy and proud they are...no more stinky clothes for my kids!! and i will live longer and have more time with my family..thank you Jesus!

Ladonna of TX 1:21PM November 19, 2009

Congratulations to anyone that has been able to quit and also to anyone that is even considering quitting. It Is Possible!! Anyone can be a Non Smoker!! It is not easy, But it is possible.
I smoked 1 1/2 to 2 packs a day for over 35 years and I am celebrating 1 year of being smoke free. I utilized Chantrix and the Chantrix program with the recommendation of my Doctor. It was not easy especially the first and second days. After the first day, every day got easier and I immediately started to feel better which was very encouraging.
My best advice is to have a support group of friends, change your behavior and life patterns so you reduce the "triggers". Don't try and quit unless you are ready and really "Want" to quit. It helps to have motivation like children, a special loved one, husband/wife gir/boyfriend.
Good Luck and don't be afraid to TRY!

Brad of NY 10:49AM November 19, 2009

Just wanted to say hello all. This is my first post.
I expect to learn a lot here.

Roroideoxorce of AL 8:15AM September 17, 2009

my concern is the anxiety i am feeling on just thinking on quitting cold turkey!!

melissa of FL 5:23PM August 21, 2009

Follow God and God takes away addictions. God gives hope and desire. Also know that smoke stops emotions and taste. Which is digusting. Also you could replace cig with a favorite drink hopefully not alcohol. Plus people need a lot of liquids. And somtimes food. Overweight women live longer. And a lot sexier.
Sorry about my poor hurried english. Is there healthy buzzes? Dried broccoli is anti cancerous. Dried banana peels have dopamine. And healthy herbs are out there. Research is done. Just know about chemicals effects. Whoa do not knock me dowm. ha ha. Geting the largest screw on bowls for your pipe. Well let you go. Hope bus man marlbo doesnt look for me. Or Us News. Right. Eat weed not smoke it. Outlaw marij cigs. Thanks Psa99:9-outside pray. Gal 3:3. 1 corinth 14:26. Choose righteousness not fairness!! Babys are a blessing.Be careful. Vote for caring or kind christians. Create decent jails. Create stratup funds for poverty striken!

andrew tucker of IN 8:50PM August 18, 2009

I have many times unsuccesfully tried to quit smoking. Varied methods, patches, and medications provided absolutely no results, just side affects. Although I was sceptical, I thought I would try one more time; I went to see Scott D. Nelson, Acupuncture Physician (www.acupunctureMKE.com)located in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
After thirty-five years of smoking and due to so many failed attempts to stop smoking in the past, I really had no real expectations; I just thought that I would try one more time.
Much to my surprise, four weeks after I started acupuncture, I stopped smoking. I continue to be smoke free and am so very thankful that I have found Scott D. Nelson. I was truly impressed at his understanding of my personal situation and his ability to help me understand that my smoking was a habit and an addiction, and helped me understand cravings and triggers. As a result, I have gained control over my mind and body, and my smoking addiction no longer controls me. Smoke Free at last......What a breath of fresh air!!!

ANASTASIA of WI 11:47PM June 17, 2009