From the article: The Hazards of Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is so addictive, most people try many times before they become successful non-smokers. How many times have you tried to quit smoking? Were you finally successful, or are you still struggling? Share Your Story
I've Tried 3 Times
- Ive tried to quit 3 times and I am only 15. I started smoking and stopped because I went to a group home. I left and had another cigarette and then went to a hard treatment center in Montana. The I left their and started smoking again and then I got cough so I'm trying to stop again. I am now in a group home and just got in trouble for smoking. I have to write a paper and that's how I found this thing. I am trying to stop for the 3rd time now but its even harder. My advice is to just never start cause you get addicted faster at a young age unlike those who start smoking when their older and their body is fully grown unlike mine.
- —Guest Mercedes
Only Tried Twice
- I've only tried twice to quit those "cancer sticks". Once in 1994 and lasted two months only to start up again filled with guilt. The second time was on April 1st (April Fools Day) 2005 and am successful one day at a time! It took me 3 years after I was diagnosed with emphysema (2002) to quit and stay quit!! Nuts or what!! I treat cigarettes the same way I treat alcohol; if I have "ONE"cigarette then I`m back smoking full-time!!!! Believe it or not but each time I wanted a cigarette I`d take a stick of mint or peppermint flavored sugar free gum to eliminate the and it worked! Needless to say I chewed a heck of a lot of gum during my first two to three years that I didn`t smoke but it really did help a great deal! The price I`ve paid for smoking 38 years (emphysema) just wasn`t worth it! One plus factor about quitting though; everything smells and tastes better today. Would`nt mind a cigarette today but the payback is simply just too high!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- —Guest Denis
Cold Turkey, But Took a Couple Tries
- Ok I started smoking when I was 25 years old. Much older than most of the people I know. I had been smoking for 2 and half years and had tried to quit several time. The longest run lasted about 2 weeks. So I was at work and noticed I had about 10 days vacation. So I said that is it, I'm quitting as soon as work is done and going on vacation the whole next week. I drank very strong coffee for the first 3 days. It helped the cravings. 18 days on and no cravings and feel so much better. I did have two slip-ups on day 13 and day 14. I really had to suffer for day 14 as I sure as hell was not going back to smoking. Take my advice, never take another puff. You'll just make it much harder on yourself.
- —Guest Kenneth
Thirty-Some Times & Still Trying
- I am 56 years old; the first time I tried to quit was when I was 24. That's 32 years and probably 30+ attempts using every aid possible--but I will keep trying! The next time will be success for life!
- —Guest June
Once!
- I smoked 2 plus packs a day for about 35 years but not once ever tried to quit until I ended up in the hospital ICU on Easter Sunday 2010 with pneumonia turned COPD exacerbation, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, pulmonary hypertension & obstruction of the bowel. The doctor put a nicotine patch on me in the emergency room and to this date I've not had another cigarette. I did not know I had COPD as it didn't rear it's ugly head until the health crisis on Easter Sunday. There were signs but I 'self-diagnosed' them as just being tired. If you are experiencing any kind of shortness of breath talk to your doctor. Heck, why not just start DEMANDING a spirometry test when you go in just like they do a blood pressure, temperature and weight check! Need help in quitting? There are many, many resources where people will not judge your decision to smoke in the first place. Seek the one that fits you! Make the next time you attempt to quit you last! Good Luck
- —Husker88Fan
Finally!
- After 45 years, I finally quit smoking for good on 3/27/09. I quit smoking twice before for as long as 6 months, but due to continuing problems with mood, memory, and concentration I made a conscious decision to resume smoking. This time, by substituting vaporized nicotine for the tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke, I have regained my lung health and reduced my risk of cancer and heart disease without being forced to sacrifice my cognitive and emotional health. I have since joined Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA.org). Vaporized nicotine is just one of several options that can be used for Tobacco Harm Reduction. The University of Alberta sponsors an informative site: http://www.tobaccoharmreduction.org/
- —Guest VocalEK
Times Trying to Quit
- Oh my! I have tried to quit smoking at least 10 times. I had quit for 2 years back in 2002/03, but under a deep depression, I started again. Now it is a daily struggle even with the Committ Lozenges. I have moderate COPD, and do not use oxygen.....YET!
- —forrestal
Qutting Smoking
- I quit smoking on my first try. I quit cold turkey. After smoking a pack and a half a day for 43 years it was very, very hard - but it is doable. I've been smoke free for a year and seven months now and I am so happy to be free from the killer, nicotine. I do not crave nicotine at all. It's the best gift I've ever given to myself and to my family.
- —Joni_Lou
Quit Story
- I have quit so many times and go back. I continue to struggle with it. I have patches I was going to use but my BP has been very high so I'm leary of using them.
- —anena
Once Was Enough
- I smoked for 40 years and quit after using Chantix. That was the only time I tried, and it was very difficult. That is why I never want to have to go through it again. I have been smokefree for 2 years now.
- —Guest donewithcigs
Can't Count
- I can't count how many times I tried to quit before I was finally successful. The nicotine patch worked for me when I was ready to put down for good.
- —Guest npalan
