A
female
age
22-25,
Mistify
writes:Hello Everyone.I know this is not relationship advice I'm seeking, but please be kind, and help me anyway.I've been a smoker for nearly 14 years. Never really smoked much (only about 5-7 cigarettes a day), until about April of 2007. I started smoking more, due to a very stressful job, and a totally smokers friendly office set-up. Now - 6 years ago, I made myself a promise that I would quit smoking before my birthday in 2008. That is only two months away.I decided two weeks ago it should be today. (LOL - so far it has been 15 hours without a smoke)Because smoking is a "self-inflicted illness", I have decided not to take medication.Do ANY of you have any tips of how to get over the cravings? Reply to this Question |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil  +, writes (7 May 2008):
 It would appear that we've both cracked it then! It'll be 10 weeks - that's about two and a half months - on Saturday 10th May since I smoked.
I think we both deserve a 'high five' or something liquid or both!
Well done you. And well done me. Even my son, who despite suffering from asthma until recently smoked like a chimbly, is giving it a go to try to pack the dreaded weed up. I try to look upon it as denying the bloody government its tax revenue. It's about the only way I can get at the bastards without voting them out - which I try my best to do at each election.
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (7 May 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the question Hello EVERYBODY...
I'm Ecstatic.
I promised myself i would quit before my birthday this year, and, it is my birthday on Friday.
I'm proud to say, that it's been 8 weeks and 3 days since my last fag.
How you keeping up Uncle Phil?
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (7 April 2008):
Well done mate! I've stopped counting the hours and minutes now, so the damned fags are getting to be more of a distant memory thank goodness. 5 weeks and 2 days now, and very definitely over the worst of it.
I'm fortunate in that I don't have any smokers anywhere near me so the temptation to have a sly drag isn't there. Wednesday might be a slight problem because I have to drive up to the Midlands with my son who smokes rather a lot. 650 miles there and back. Not sure how I'll cope with the stink, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to resist trying to inhale second-hand smoke!
You've certainly got more willpower than I have - there's no way I'd be able to stop if I had a smoker in the house with me, so to my mind you're doing absolutely brilliantly!
Keep it up
Phil
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (7 April 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionToday is 4 weeks.
It will be exactly a month on Thursday 10 April.
It is absolutely awesome not to be smoking anymore, and not to be dependent on those fags.
Etienne is still smoking. 2 weeks later he has still done no better than going 24hours without, BUT - at least he's piped down. Only about 1-3 smokes per day.
I'm trying to convince him, that he is now making those 3 fags SOOOO DAMN important, that at this rate, he will NEVER quit. BUT - everybody's different, and deal with things differently.
AND - females are the stronger species....
LOL (only joking)
How you doing uncle Phil???
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (31 March 2008):
Yes, one month, one day, 9 hours 23 minutes and a few seconds.
I had a mate of mine from 'up country' visit over the weekend who smokes like a chimney. It was tempting to say "gizza drag" but I resisted it thankfully.
Anyway - well done you - but beware the 'one drag won't hurt' philosophy - thin end of the wedge and all that. Remember it's the last fag that causes you to want the next one - even if it does taste like the contents of an ashtray! Give yourself a slight slap on the wrist and continue as before. Stay focused!
...............................
A
female
reader, Annalisa +, writes (31 March 2008):
 Well done to both of you! Keep it up!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (31 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHello everybody.
Just another quick update...
It was 3 weeks yesterday for me!!!!
I did have ONE drag on Saturday, but in all honesty, i almost puked. The smell actually gets me nauseas.
My partner is doing okay.
He wasn't able to quit yet, but has only had 12 smokes for the ENTIRE week. Monday - Sunday. That is already a lot better than 20-25 smokes per day!
How you doing Uncle Phil??? One month for you!?
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia  + ♥, writes (25 March 2008):
 Yay, fabulous! Wait until you hit that MONTH mark. You'll be feeling amazing. What a great accomplishment!! You are testing your strength and will power and YOU ARE WINNING! Keep going, my sweet!
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (25 March 2008):
You're over the worst of it then - unlike Etienne who is at the danger point, but like you say, he'll get over it and I'm sure a man won't let a mere woman beat him at this (at least, that's what you need to tell him!)
Anyway, very well done! That's quite an achievement - only another 5 days and you'll have gone three weeks - 12 days and that's a month!
Cracking stuff.
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (25 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHELLO EVd ERYONE....
I've the passed TWO week mark. Today is 16 days no smoke.
My partner Etienne, has now gone for 36 hours without any smokes, and i'm very proud of him...
He has been so irritable and edgy, that i've had to tip-toe around him... BUT i'm sure he'll get over it...
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (21 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionJIP - that is correct. Many SA women have been this way for ages, however, the men used to be even tougher than the women, and it was solely their responsibility to bring home the dough. - and i must say, THAT is what has changed.
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (21 March 2008):
Typical SA woman then eh?
I knew one some years ago lived at a place called Muldersvlei, Cape province, called Margaritha. 1969. She's be aged about 63 now, but she was a young bit of stuff then aged 24! Had a rifle by the side of her bed. Something to do with keeping the natives in check if I remember rightly.
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (21 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionLOL - Thanks Uncle Phil - BUT HONESTLY - my partner is NOT the outdoorsy type. I think that the new millennium brought on an entirely new species of men and women.
I'm not the "average" girl. I'm the one who changes the light bulbs, tyres and the plugs, catches the spiders, does the gardening, clean, cook, look after my daughter etc etc etc.
My partner is the one who pays for dinner when we go out, and pays for our cleaning lady. He is also the one who would rather PAY for someone to change the light bulb / toilet, than spending his precious TIME on doing it. Other than that, all bills are split half way.
I've (sort-of) made my peace with this, but i can promise you that there is absolutely NO WAY that i'll be able to get him OUT into fresh air...
You are also spot on in saying that he's a pussy-cat. He really is, but in saying that, he has his LION-HUNTER moments, when he is utterly frustrated, and THOSE are the moments i'm worried about in the coming week.
Our (very expensive) floor fan (which he paid for), lost the battle against one of HIS HIGH TESTOSTERONE FRUSTRATING moments. I just laughed, but i KNOW that this first week will be BAD for him.
Anyway.
Please just keep on rooting for me (us).
Like i've said, i do feel very very very proud of myself. 10 Days ago (2 days into this) i really didn't think i was going to make it this far without faltering.
ONCE AGAIN, thank you EVERYBODY....
Love & Light
M
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (21 March 2008):
Well, I guees it's coming into autumn in the southern hemisphere so I'd tell him to find something useful to do like sweeping up leaves and anything else to keep him out in the fresh air for at least the first week!
Afrikaners are only Dutchmen in disguise anyway! I bet he'll be a real pussycat instead of a lion hunter. Just tell him you'll get his support in this or you'll kick his knackers.
let me know how he gets on!
Phil
(:o)
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (21 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHello there.
NOPE - i have not faltered.
STILL going strong. Today is 12 days!
I feel absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!!
My partner told me that he will also quit, and his D-DAY, is on Sunday (to have the last fag) I'm actually quite nervous of what i'm gonna have to cope with, as he smokes stronger cigarettes than i use to.
Anyhooooo - i will definitely be back here to ask for advice on how to help HIM through this. Uncle Phil - maybe you'll be able to help. I have a full-blown AFRIKANER man, with VERY HIGH testosterone levels. So - i'm afraid that he might want to PUNCH something to deal with frustration (don't get me wrong - he's not the aggressive type - NOT AT ALL)
Any tips ALL of you can give to help me to help him???
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (21 March 2008):
Hope that things are still going strong... if you have faltered, it's okay! GET BACK ON THAT HORSE!
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (20 March 2008):
Not heard from you for 3 days - still going strong? I hope so!! You'd better not have cracked!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (17 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you "maatjie"????
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (16 March 2008):
ONE WEEK!!!!
Killer, dude. So happy for you! Please continue to update us week by week, so we can continue to cheer you on. Also, write to us with any struggles that you find yourself having!!
Good luck and keep going!!!
xx India
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (16 March 2008):
Hi Mistiffy
I'm still doing ok, thanks. Still getting the odd collywobble and desire for a swift puff, but those moments are short-lived. Not waking up and coughing up a lungful of crap into the sink any more. Isn't it fun to be healthy!
I'm now at the 192 hour mark. Not bad, it'll soon be 192 days, then 192 months with any luck. And I've saved over £20 already - even at smugglers prices! That's £520 per year. But if I was paying the recommended shop price, tax & duty paid, that would be £2117 a year. Quite a saving.
Keep it up, it does get easier, doesn't it?
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (16 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHelllllloooooooooooo everybody.
Last update (for at least a while)
In exactly 3 hours, it will be ONE WHOLE WEEK of not smoking, and i didn't falter ONCE.
I'm ecstatic!!!
Thank you once again for all your help. I really would not have been able to do this without all your support.
Uncle Phil - How are you doing?
Have a fantastic week - (and hold thumbs for me that i can write back here next week, and tell you that it has now been TWO weeks)
Cheerio
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (15 March 2008):
I feel great because YOU feel great. Congratulations, you are definitely having sweet victory. Sounds like you had a fun night! Keep it up, sweetness!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (15 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionJust to recap - It is now 130 hours SMOKE free.
I feel great.
Last night was fine.
Had about five drinks, seated in the non-smoking area, and i was totally fine.
I feel really great.
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (14 March 2008):
Still routing you on!! I hate spiders too, oh God. Brave girl.
NO SMOKING HOORAY!!
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (14 March 2008):
Basically, if you need a smoke here you've got to go outside in the fresh air.
The price of a packet of 20 has just gone up again in the latest budget, and you're right, it is an expensive habit here, which is why the smuggling industry is doing so well! I used to smoke roll-ups with smuggled baccy when I could get it but it still cost me about £10 a week.
I guess I've now got more to spend on booze!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (14 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThey passed that law in SA a couple of years back. Smoking is still allowed in some pubs and restaurants, however, ONLY if they have a designated smoking area (which is not allowed to be more than 25% of any restaurant or pub), and they implemented some very strict rules as to the make-up of these designated areas. Totally walled off, separate air conditioning etc.
Also - i'd say that the ppl in the UK have more than just the public smoking law to use as a reason not to smoke. I've visited London twice now. Once in 2005, and once in 2006.
The price of cigarettes should be enough reason for anyone in UK to quit.
Last visit, a packet (silk cut) cost about 5pounds. Back then, that was equivalent to about 55 RANDS. Back then, a packet of cigarettes in SA cost R 17. (1.5pound)
Don't know what it's like at the moment...
Anyway.
Anyway.
Thank you so much for the vote of confidence.
I'm sure i'll be okay.
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (14 March 2008):
Last summer, the UK government passed a law that made it illegal to smoke inside any public building, including restaurants and pubs, so I guess anyone intent on packing up the fags here has an advantage over you. Even so, I don't agree with this law or our nanny state. Our government would decree when you're allowed to take a dump and how many sheets of paper are to be used if they thought they could get away with it. But I digress.
You're right - it will be a big test, because that is the scenario that always caused me to fail in the past. A pint and a fag in the pub always seemed to go hand-in-hand. It was impossible to get away from the smell of smoke on a night out. Anyway, I'm rooting for you, stay strong and you'll beat it and when offered a fag you'll be able to say you don't smoke with some certainty!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (14 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi Everybody
Uncle Phil = Thank you for your support.
I've had a pretty tough week, emotionally. And each time i became depressed or sad, or lonely, i wanted to grab a fag.
BUT I DIDN'T.
I had to catch a 15cm spider, and after that i also wanted to smoke. My partner and i had a huge fight last night, and my first instinct was to smoke.
BUT - I DIDN't.
India said that if i could last the whole week, i would feel invincible.
I know this might be a bit pre-mature, but i already feel that way.
Tonight comes the biggest test.
I'm going out for dinner, and a couple of drinks.
I've already told my partner that we have to be seated in the non-smoking section.
Coz - i won't have a fighting chance otherwise.
Uncle Phil - WELL DONE TO YOU TOO.
Amazing.
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (14 March 2008):
Great stuff! You're over the worst bit now, but keep at it because that little nicotine monster is hiding just around the corner waiting to pounce on you in a moment of weakness!
Have you noticed how toothpaste tastes different, or how you can smell things that you couldn't appreciate before? As of tomorrow evening I'll have gone two weeks without, so I know from recent experience what it's like!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (14 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHello everybody.
QUICK UPDATE
It has now been 106 hours (just over 4 days) and NO smoking.
I'm feeling great.
Have a fab day all of you.
CIAO
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (13 March 2008):
Three days!! Hoorah! If you last for the whole week, you will feel invincible!!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (12 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi Everybody
Thank you very much for your response Yos.
I do find that reminding myself of how HARD the first day was for me, really helps me NOT wanting to face that again..
Its been 70 hours now. (LOL - Almost 3 days)
I play netball, and i must say that i had a much easier game tonight. Didn't get as tired, and didn't start coughing by half-time. That was an fantastic feeling.
Once again, thanks to all of you.
...............................
A
male
reader, Yos  + ♥, writes (12 March 2008):
 I find reminding myself of two things really helped:
- How much I wanted to stop, and how I felt about it when I was smoking.
- That if I started again, and stopped again, I'd gave to go through all the cravings again that I've already resisted. You get sent right back to the start, in other words.
The cravings get much much easier after the first couple of weeks. In the mean time, stay away from any situation where you'd normally smoke, as much as is possible at least.
Good luck!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (12 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi Serenity
Thanks for the well-wishes.
I went to our local health shop, and they didn't have sunflower seeds, and neither did the normal supermarket. (Bar from the PET-food isle)
So - i bought the Goji-berries instead.
Also not fattening, and they are VERY high in anti-oxidants, so i'm detoxing while not smoking.
Its been 63 hours now. And i'm still feeling great.
Have a fab day, and thanks again for the support...
...............................
A
female
reader, Serinity +, writes (12 March 2008):
 Whoo-Hoo!!! You go girl!!! Did you try the sunflower seeds yet? They have really helped me a lot. It's a time consuming snack so it keeps me occupied. Don't give up the fight, you're winning the battle and surely you can win the war. Good luck and God bless!!!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (12 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHello everybody
Just a quick update.
So - i got through yesterday, with a packet of crisps, a slab of chocolate, and some GOJI-berries.
It is now 58 hours since i had my last smoke. AWESOME.
I feel so much better today.
Technically i've missed out now on about 48 cigarettes, and i feel soooo much better for not having them.
Also - i told my partner yesterday, and he's been very supportive.
He is now smoking outside - which is a great help to me.
And - he's also being very sweet, asking me all the time if i want / need anything.
So sweet.
Thanks once again for your support.
I know i still have a long way ahead of me, but today for the first time i feel as though this is not altogether an impossible task.
If it wasn't for you guys, i would probably be puffing away on a fag right now.
THANKS....
...............................
A
female
reader, TasteofIndia + ♥, writes (11 March 2008):
Woo hoo!!! Keep going, keep going!! Well DONE! Tell your partner so that he can be cheering you on as well!
xx India
...............................
A
male
reader, Uncle_Phil +, writes (11 March 2008):
All par for the course! You've every right to be pleased with yourself, but you're approaching a very critical time. The cravings can get very strong today so be prepared for them and be ready to fight that nicotine monster!
You may get a feeling like your stomach has turned into an empty hole with butterflies in it, and the temptation is to stuff your face with peanut butter sandwiches or something similar. Have a drink of water instead.
Tomorrow morning you'll feel a lot easier, and by Saturday you'll feel a lot better still, and the craving will have died down quite a lot and it won't be bothering you half as much. You won't quite be out of the woods, but you'll be heading in that direction. Now try to look ahead to Saturday.
Refer to the second paragraph of my first answer to you - imagine that last cigarette you had - it's getting more distant and is having less of a hold on you. It's getting so far away you can hardly see, smell or taste it. It's becoming a distant memory. It was your LAST cigarette and you're saying goodbye to it.
Don't give up giving up and don't let that last cigarette grab hold of you again. You WILL beat the little bastard!
...............................
A
female
reader, Annalisa +, writes (11 March 2008):
Well done!! Keep it up and it will get easyer!
I wish you all the best!
...............................
A
female
reader, Mistify +, writes (11 March 2008):
Mistify is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHello everybody.
I'm upset - I'm moody - I'm grumpy - I'm tired, but i'm ALSO EXTREMELY PROUD.
LOL - it has now been about 33 hours since my last smoke.
I never realized that it will be this hard, but in saying that, i must say that a feel a lot better today than i did yesterday.
I'm drinking a lot of rooibos tea (i normally drink coffee), and this also has a detox effect, so i'm hoping that this is helping me.
Touch wood. I have not had a craving yet this morning.
Once again, thank you for all your advice and support.
Uncle Phil - i was right. My partner still has not noticed that i'm not smoking. (Only that i'm more moody than usual)
Hope all of you have a fantastic day.
CIAO
|
