Stopping..

[ToniiN]

Okay so i'm sixteen years old, and I have been smoking ever since I was twelve, I've tried to quit many times before but I just cant seem to do it.. And my friends dont help, they actually think im making a mistake by trying to stop, And when I say im quitting they try to smoke in front of me and I cant resist. I know its getting to me because a few weeks ago i had bronkitus caused by smoking. I still have a horrible cough. I have no clue how to quit.

[kathyjo]

I started smoking at 12 also but unlike you, I didn't quit until I was 52 : (
You are very wise to stop now before the addiction gets worse....and it will.

You ask "how to quit."  There is no easy answer but I will tell you what helped me. I read the articles at whyquit.com (Education) and asked all my family to support me in my quit.
If you can, why not stay away from your smoking friends until you feel like you have control over the situation. It was hard for me at my age to be around smokers so I can't imagine how it will be for you.

Your symptoms will only get worse if you continue to smoke so keep that in mind when you are tempted to smoke. Also, keep some lolipops around and should you get a craving, have one. If you want to go the healthier route, try carrot sticks : )

What works for others won't necessarily work for you, but you might want to try cold turkey so that you aren't putting any type of NRT in your system, or the patch which decreases with time.

Good luck and if you should need support, I'm here.
Kathy Jo
---
2y 6d 0:35 smoke-free, 16,214 cigs not smoked, $3,891.36 saved, 1m 3w 5d 7:10 life saved

[ToniiN]

Thankyou so much, i'm trying my hardest, and i'm going to go get me some carrott sticks as soon as I get out of school today (: We will see how it goes, I'll keep you updated!!! :)

[kathyjo]

If you should need help, I'm here for you.
Good luck and stay strong : )

[moonpiebaby]

WOW!!! That was me many moons ago. All the friends smoked and I didn't. The pressure to start was crazy. I gave in to fit in. and 30yrs later am struggleing to quit. YOU will have to tell the friends that you no longer choice to smoke. That its lost it glam you had your fun and that you no longer to choose to smoke. Its nice to fit in but, its better to be different. As far as stopping do it now don't wait, try jolly ranchers, gum and brush your teeth (everything taste awful after you brush your teeth). I always keep candy in my purse. And when the friends light up and tell you your makeing a mistake by quitting...WHICH IS ONE OF THE CRAZY THING I'VE HEARD. Tell them that you choice not to smoke and leave it at that. Don't explain just say no thanks!