HELP!!! I need to quit smoling!

[TahoeMan]

Hello All,

I was hoping for any comments or suggestions from people that have succesfully quit smoking, I have been smoking for about 20 years. As I am getting older, I have really been trying to keep up with my health and the #1 thing I need to do right now is quit smoking, I have a beautiful wife and 5 year old daughter that I would like to be here for as she grows up, graduates high school, and one day be able to walk her down the aisle. I know that everyone says ytou have to have STRONG WILLPOWER to quit. I have tried patches, gum, Chantix, etc to try and quit and it hasn't been successful. Are there anyother suggestions out there for ways to quit that may have worked for you. My willpower ***** for everything and I tend to over do everything I get going on. Thank god I don't drink or do illegal drugs. Please help me with suggestions ot advice. I would like to be smoke free by New Years Eve.

Thank You!

[kathyjo]

Aside from the "strong willpower" you need an even stronger resolve.

You say that you want to get healthy and you want to be around for your family and those are great reasons to quit, but you have to want it for yourself more then anything.

I smoke for 40 years and have 2 children and a hubby but those things seemingly weren't enough. It wasn't until I was put on advair with "asthma" and the fact that I reached 50 and wanted to "stick around" for another few decades that made me decide that it was time. That is where your willpower comes in. In order to suceed in your quit, you have to know why you smoke, understand your addiction and then prepare yourself.

Whyquit.com is a great site that will help you understand the addiction and why you have a difficult time fighting off the urges. There is an article there for every issue you have and will have. This site supports a cold turkey quit but if you should choose a NRT, you can still access it and read the articles.

Many on this site have quit CT. I quit with Chantix. My quit wasn't quite like they suggest....rather I smoked for nearly 6 weeks while taking it and it was in that 6th week that I decided that I was ready to quit for good. I struggled with withdrawal but I'm sure the severity wasn't as bad as with a CT quit. What made me strong in my resolve was that it was my time and I saw that I was able to cut back to 1 or 2 a day with the help of Chantix and if I could cut back, then why not stop all together!

I will flash my free meter that I downloaded from the whyquit site:
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2y 6d 13:24 smoke-free, 16,222 cigs not smoked, $3,893.28 saved, 1m 3w 5d 7:50 life saved

[dawnangela]

My friend ended up quitting through hypnoses..Might be worth a go if you have tried all the others..

[Lori575]

TahoeMan,
Congrats for trying!  If you really want to quit you can/will do it.  I smoked for 20+ years as well.  All I can say is you have to be dedicated and my biggest piece of advice is to keep reminding yourself that it is only a craving and it WILL pass.  In the beginning, the cravings are strong and may last a long time...sometimes it seemed like all day :)  But just keep reminding yourself it's not permanent.  Once you can master that, you'll notice that you can handle it.  It's sort of a mind game.  As time goes by, they cravings get shorter and easier until they eventually go away.
Good luck!
Lori