Tips for quitting smoking!

boldpuma89 said:It’s true that quitting isn't always about cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke.

I have two questions for everyone here:

1. "If you knew for a fact you could stay at just 0 to 3 cigarettes a day—with absolutely no chance of increasing that amount—
WOULD YOU DECIDE TO QUIT FOR GOOD?"

2. "ARE 1 TO 2 CIGARETTES A DAY CONSIDERED A HARMFUL AND BAD HABIT THAT NEEDS TO BE ELIMINATED?"

Just so there's no confusion, I am ABSOLUTELY in favor of being a non-smoker. It seems I struggle to tell myself "never again," so I find a bit of comfort in thinking about just having one or two a day...
I should mention that this is my VERY FIRST attempt at quitting (and I really want it to be my last—and a successful one).

Actually, smoking just 1 or 2 cigarettes can be more dangerous and harmful than smoking about 10. This is because regular smokers develop a tolerance where their bodies break down nicotine much faster; the excess is processed and expelled by the body quite quickly (within 5 to 10 minutes). However, for a non-smoker, that processing period is significantly longer (around 1 to 2 hours), which means a higher concentration of nicotine actually enters the system compared to a regular smoker...

One whole month!!!
Bravo me.
And honestly? I think I can keep going without it... it actually got way easier after just a few days.
Plus, I haven't gained any weight, and I haven't become all moody and cranky either...

As for the rest... I mean, you can totally do it if you really, truly want to.😁

I'm heading to see a hypnotist next week... supposedly it actually works... damn. $117

stormycobra28 said:Fashion trends need to help you quit smoking__WELL, I SAID NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! It’s been almost a year without a single puff. That’s what you call pure willpower!

It’s been a long time now, too. But I still haven't lit up once.👍 👍

John Hughes26 said:I'm actually heading to see a hypnotist next week... supposedly it can help... holy shit $117

I EXPECT A FULL DETAILED REPORT! And I better hear this "treatment" actually worked!

Look, I know firsthand that quitting smoking is an uphill battle. It’s incredibly tough. But don't lose sight of one thing: if you actually want to quit, it all comes down to you and your own grit. No one else can pull you through; nobody can help you more than you can help yourself. I’ve seen people try everything—acupuncture, hypnosis, nicotine patches, you name it. In my experience, those things only work if the person has the iron will to back them up, and honestly, those people are rare. For me personally, two years ago, I just said "no more." AND THAT’S WHERE I STAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!👍 👍 👍

stormycobra28 said:Look, I know quitting smoking is incredibly tough—but don't forget, if you actually want to stop, it all comes down to you and your own willpower. No one else can help you as much as you can help yourself. I've seen cases involving acupuncture, hypnosis, patches, and all that—but they only worked for the people who had the grit to make it happen, and unfortunately, those people were rare. As for me, I said "no thanks" two years ago AND I'VE STUCK TO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!👍 👍 👍

Man, when your wife isn't breathing down your neck about it...😁
I went six months without, gained 9 pounds, and it was a total struggle to lose it back. Some higher power basically forced me back into it. It’s not like I don't have the will to quit again—I don't smoke much at home—but still...

boldpuma89 said:Yeah, quitting isn't just about dropping the count.

Got two questions for everyone:

1. "If you could guarantee staying at just 0 to 3 cigarettes a day—with zero chance of creeping back up—
WOULD YOU DECIDE TO QUIT FOR GOOD?"

2. "IS SMOKING JUST 1 OR 2 CIGARETTES A DAY STILL A HARMFUL, BAD HABIT THAT NEEDS TO GO?"

Just to be clear, I'm 100% pro-quitting. It’s just that telling myself "never again" feels impossible, so I try to find comfort in those 1 or 2 a day...
Keep in mind, this is my FIRST attempt at quitting—and I want it to be the last one. Success is the goal.

1. yeah
2. yeah
Let's be real, I quit the day I found out I was pregnant.
Those little compromises you're trying to force on yourself? They never even crossed my mind...

Look, I basically quit smoking just like 😳

It was simple—one day, without warning, I hadn't bought a pack in almost three years. Before that, I was going through about a pack and a half, maybe two packs a day. Honestly, I thought I’d never be able to stop; I actually thought being a smoker was great

I didn't really deal with any massive withdrawals, I didn't put on any weight, and I wasn't even particularly nervous (well, not more than usual 😁 )

And since then, I haven't touched one. Not even when I'm out hanging with people who still smoke. The best part of all of this? That feeling of FREEDOM. Knowing I'm not dependent on anything

Nowadays, I barely even think about the fact that I used to be a smoker

It is definitely all mental—if (and when) you make a firm enough decision, you're done. Guaranteed

And isn't it just RIDICULOUS to be addicted to something (I mean, literally)... when I really sit back and think about it, that constant craving for a cigarette was what got under my skin the most (it's like every addiction; it starts off as a pleasure, but eventually, you don't even enjoy it anymore, you just have this desperate need to feel "normal" again), so I just decided to get rid of that Shit

Good luck to everyone. If I could walk away from it, anyone can. I'm nothing special👋

Here it is.

I’m officially declaring that this cigarette is my LAST one.

I was never really an addict. I can go a month without touching one if the mood isn't there, or I can burn through half a pack a day just because I enjoy sitting on my balcony alone.

But now, I'm calling it quits. Enough is enough.

I'm done. Smokers gross me out. Kissing smokers grosses me out. Being stuck in a room with a smoker grosses me out. Plus, I know exactly how much damage it does.

So why do I still do it? Because sometimes, it actually feels good. It's been going on like this for four years. I know I'm not an addict yet, but I also know how this starts—and I don't want that path.

I've had enough.

Wish me luck. Not quitting for a month is easy; if I can make it six months, then we're talking real progress.

So, I'm stopping. Now.

🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Bravo Kevin White5 👍

I'm in the same boat. As an occasional smoker, if I actually tallied up my usage—since I’ve always been good at taking breaks—it’s probably only about 4 or 5 years total.

Just wanted to check in and say I haven't lit up in 20 days now, and man, I feel incredible! 😎
This time I’m dead serious. I promise I'll come back here and report in if I happen to slip up, just so someone can give me a good 🙂

But I truly believe I'm going to crush it this time. Luckily, I headed out of town for a getaway this weekend and didn't think about smoking for even a single second. Honestly, I've just been noticing how rough people look when they smoke, especially women—it’s just not a good look. Plus, whenever I grab coffee out somewhere, the smell of cigarettes really bothers me now. It feels like I'm finally on the right track. 🙂

Sunčice, your story is so inspiring. At the end of the day, it's all about willpower. What I hated most was that nagging feeling that you "need" something. You know, like waking up in the middle of the night realizing you're out of tobacco and getting all worked up? It’s just stupid to be dependent on anything, especially things that are actively hurting us!

this idiot is finally quitting smoking starting today—okay, maybe tomorrow, but the end is definitely in sight. I smoke constantly because it’s my go-to fix for stress, boredom, a breather after a brutal shift, or just a little reward for getting through the good and bad parts of the day. Basically, every single moment of my life feels like it needs a little "treat," and that treat has always been a cigarette. But all that's coming to an end. I just need to finish this last pack, and then, if I'm lucky, I won't light up another one. Tomorrow, if fate is on my side, the local convenience stores will be closed, the big tobacco companies will go bust, and I'll officially be done. Please, I could really use some support. 🙂

Look, Rolada, just don't go walking away thinking you're losing out on anything—like some little prize or a consolation gift or whatever...

You actually gain way more than just the fleeting satisfaction of a smoke (which, let's be honest, isn't even that great), you get your health back, clarity, time (man, you get so much time back), a little extra cash, and most importantly, freedom!

Listen, the choice is yours, but honestly, being free from tobacco is pure bliss. 🙂 👍

For now, I'm mostly just lurking in the shadows and gathering up enough courage to actually jump into the deep end with you guys!
I actually gave this a shot once, maybe four or five years ago, and man, I barely made it past eight days before I totally lost my mind—I was such a nervous wreck, snapping at everyone and everything in sight!

I’ll pop in here every now and then to leave a little comment, but I just can't seem to find the guts to finally take on the big bad cartel.

So, day one is in the books.🙂
The only real struggle was resisting the urge to light up with my coffee, but other than that, I'm doing fine.
My place smells great, my breath is fresh, my teeth are white—honestly, I feel pretty good right now.
I'll keep the updates coming.

coppercrane89, when you're ready, you can do this. Just build up the courage and follow our lead. We've got to look out for each other.
😁

🙂 🙂 🙂

Kevin White5 said:Well, the first day is officially in the books.🙂
The only real struggle was resisting the urge to light up while having my coffee. Other than that, everything was smooth sailing.
My apartment smells great, my breath is fresh, my teeth are white—honestly, I’m feeling pretty damn good about myself right now.
I’m still checking in!

coppercrane89, whenever you're ready, you'll get there. Just gather your courage and follow in our footsteps. We have to look out for one another.
😁

🙂 🙂 🙂

The worst is yet to come! And here is my forecast. NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!

coppercrane89 said:Right now I’m just lurking, reading everything and trying to psych myself up enough to actually go for something like this.

Day one: You can't have a single smoke for at least an hour after you roll out of bed; then maybe one every two hours after that.

The second day: NO smoking for at least 2 hours after waking up—you get one around 5:00 PM and one around 9:00 PM.

Day three: YOU CAN'T SMOKE UNTIL THE YEAR 2100!

(Is it easier to quit if you look at it like that?)

Does anyone out there happen to have the contact info or an address for that specialist who uses hypnosis to help heavy smokers quit?
Pleeeeeeease.

My old man is coughing his lungs out lately... and honestly, he’s so stubborn that he probably won't listen to anything unless it involves some kind of psychological trickery to break the habit. 😢

I heard through the grapevine that there's someone practicing this down in Opatija—though I don't have a clue what his name is or where his office is located—but if anyone knows of a practitioner in a major hub like Chicago, please, help me out. 🙏

So, I’ve finally made up my mind... I've officially set my "D-Day" (as Bobetko would say!), and until then, I’m going to give it everything I've got to cut back!

Come on, let me hear it—vent, cry, whatever you need to do... how's everyone holding up?
Instead of just burning out, why not become something better?

boldpuma89 said:Day one: You can't have a cigarette for at least an hour after you wake up; then, you're allowed one every two hours later on.

Day two: You can't light up for at least two hours after waking up, and you can only have one around 5:00 PM and another around 9:00 PM.

Day three: YOU CAN'T SMOKE UNTIL THE YEAR 2100!

(Is this an easier way to quit?)

No, honestly, it’s much easier if you just break the cycle in that exact moment of craving. Telling yourself you'll just "reduce" the amount is really just self-deception to make the process feel less daunting...