You may be wondering, what happens when you quit smoking permanently? Well, there are many benefits you will reap as soon as you quit smoking. Some of these benefits will affect your health and finances while others will positively affect your social being and your relationship with the community or society. Despite the fact that you know some of the common benefits you would acquire, your addiction to nicotine has blinded you of the many important benefits you may get. If you want to know what really happens when you quit smoking for good, please have an open mind and read all the benefits stated below and hopefully you will find motivation in quitting smoking.
Acquire a Longer Life
In general quitting smoking will give you a longer life by preventing dreadful diseases in your body that is caused by carbon monoxide, nicotine and other poisonous substance that smoking gives. There are many sicknesses which you can acquire from smoking, from a simple ulcer, to a severe cough or cold or worse a lung cancer. Listed below are the positive gains that will happen when you quit smoking. So let’s review the positive health benefits that will prolong the life of a smoker once he stops.
When smokers quit — What are the positive benefits over time?
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.(Mahmud A, Feely J. Effect of Smoking on Arterial Stiffness and Pulse Pressure Amplification. Hypertension. 2003;41:183.)
- 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1988, p. 202)
- 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp. 193, 194, 196, 285, 323)
- 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp. 285-287, 304)
- 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, p. vi)
- 5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, p. vi)
- 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a person who continues smoking. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease, too.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp. vi, 131, 148, 152, 155, 164, 166)
- 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s.(U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, p. vi)
Immediate rewards of quitting
- Kicking the tobacco habit offers some benefits that you’ll notice right away and some that will develop over time. These rewards can improve your day-to-day life a great deal:
- your breath smells better
- stained teeth get whiter
- bad smelling clothes and hair go away
- your yellow fingers and fingernails disappear
- food tastes better
- your sense of smell returns to normal
- everyday activities no longer leave you out of breath (such as climbing stairs or light housework)
This excerpt was taken from an article provided by American Cancer Society, you may read the full article following this link Guide to Quitting Smoking
So keep in mind those benefits. By the way clear your mind of the fallacies and myths that you will acquire several sicknesses after quitting smoking like colds, fever, cough etc. It’s NOT true, it’s actually the opposite. Even if you get those kind of diseases within the withdrawal stage, keep it up it’s just your body trying to heal itself.
Now that you know what happens when you quit smoking, don’t get hooked with a great lie that you will get sick when you quit, it’s a false belief!
You Save a Lot of Money
Effective July 1 this year, a pack of cigarette in New York will cost 11.00. Here at my place, a pack of cigarette costs 4.00. So how much does a pack of cigarette costs in your place? If you are smoking a pack a day, do your math, compute how much you are spending a year for your vice, and I know, you might be surprised how much money you are shoving for your addiction. This was one of the reasons why I quit, although it gave me the least motivation in quitting, I really regret the money being wasted each time bought those filthy cigarettes.
There were times when I was borrowing money from my co-workers or acquaintances so I could buy a pack of cigarette, how shameful those moments were. There were also times, especially if the store nearby does not accept credit cards, when I was searching and counting pennies and dimes just to buy a pack of cigarette, and how pitiful those times were. I am pretty sure some of you have experienced or are experiencing those sad moments.
But now being an ex-smoker and once again a non-smoker, things are different. I could always see coins lying around, in my car, on top of my drawer, in my coin purse, inside my office drawer and inside the pockets of my pants in the laundry. I am no longer stressed even if I don’t have a dollar in my wallet, because I know I won’t be needing it to satisfy my addiction. So what happens when you quit smoking, you will save a lot of money.
Earn Social Respect
Most countries now have laws limiting the smoking area in public places. Most common places are public transportations, restaurants, malls and airports. The world of smokers is getting smaller. Some countries that are still being lax in giving freedom to smokers are doing it because of the huge amount of tax they are generating from tobacco companies. But generally, smokers are losing a place in this world (I could get some wild reactions here LOL).
Honestly, non-smokers detest the bad and awful smell that smoking brings. I myself never liked the taste and smell of smoke when I was still smoking. Your fingers stink, your clothes stink, your mouth smells like a smoke pit and your hair and skin smells like cigarettes, disgusting I tell you. You could see people covering their nose when they talk to a smoker or avoid conversing with them just to avoid the foul smell of cigarette.
This was another motivating factor that pushed me in quitting smoking. I recall how people would cover their noses each time I ride an elevator with them; how people would look at me like a cockroach when, after smoking, I would enter the conference room for a meeting. But after I quit smoking, things have gone different, I became a part of society. I could speak with my co-workers with confidence, felt the difference with the people around me whenever I ride a bus or an elevator. I could talk and play with kids or carry babies without the worry of passing second hand smoke.
Smell good and look good, enjoy the benefits of becoming an ex-smoker by quitting smoking today.
Find Peace of Mind
Smokers often say that smoking give them peace of mind, well that’s a lie and you know it. You feel that peace when you smoke because you’re calming yourself from withdrawal symptoms. How many times have you felt irritated because circumstances won’t allow you to smoke or you have ran out of cigarettes? How many times have you panicked when you see that you only got 2 or 3 sticks of cigarettes left? How many times have you gone out in the middle of the night just to satisfy your cravings of nicotine? And how many times have you been borrowing money or searching for coins just to buy a pack? Now, tell me, which of these circumstances or situations have given you peace of mind?
A non-smoker does not need nicotine to calm himself because he’s not an addict. A nicotine addict was made to believe a lie that he will find bliss when he puffs those cigarettes. But the truth is, the smoker is just trying to calm down his withdrawal symptoms by supplying his body with nicotine and the culprit that causes these withdrawal symptoms is of course nicotine itself. It’s a merry-go-round, you smoke to get nicotine, you feel peaceful and when the substance leaves your body, you feel awful, again you smoke to calm yourself. You will never attain peace of mind as long as your life is dictated by addiction and you will find this peaceful state once you quit smoking.
Gain the Freedom from the Slavery of Smoking
Freedom is priceless! Being a slave is the worst experience that a person can suffer. Believe it or not but nicotine have been dictating your life since you started buying those cigarettes. This is a fact and the sooner you can accept this reality the better it would help you when you decide to quit smoking. Every smoker is a slave and I have to admit I was also one of them as well for 22 years. Sustaining this vice and addiction is very costly, it makes us blind to the truth and discards in our mind the negative things that it is doing in our life.
When I finally succeeded in quitting smoking, life has never been better. I started running, I started saving money, I regained back my confidence to mingle with non-smokers and I never felt so free in my whole entire life. The foul odor and filth of cigarettes became a memory of the past and how I regret waiting for 22 years before I finally quit and regain my freedom. Aside from the health benefits, I think being free is the second most important experience that will happen when smokers quit smoking for good.
So now you know what happens to you when you quit smoking permanently and I hope you have already made the decision to quit smoking today.
Hi im currently 19 years old almost 20 i have smoked for 2 years and plan on quitting also i was wondering if anyone has gotten help or helped others quit smoking because my mother has been smoking for 30+ years and i would like to help her any ideas. and if you know any ways of keeping the urge down to smoke like chewing gum (im trying mentos) or something along those lines please email me at chasewittchow(@)lavabit.com
it is my second day smoke free. I am using champix and the only thing i am really struggling with is really bad headaches! anyone else feel or felt that at some point?
I also wonder if the headaches are due to the nicotine withdrawl.
More than likely, yes it’s the nicotine withdrawal. I used the Champix method myself (3 times) and this time I think it’s going to work for me. As far as the headaches are concerned, my advice to you is to drink LOTS of water and take frequent naps. Also avoid Alcohol.
I had smoked approx. 2 pks. a day for 40 yrs. 2 weeks ago I was rushed to the ER for what they thought was a heart attack, was not feeling good at all !! That turned out ok but the Dcts. said I had to quit, so it’s been a little over 2 weeks now and I feel great !!
Congratulations!
It’s my 2nd day of non smoking. Using champix. Feeling lazy. Hopefully my energy will come back soon.
congrats! I am also on champix and on my second day. Are you experiencing the same headaches and nausea that i am?
I stopped after 50 years by using Champix. The side effects of this drug were scary but I knew what to expect and even hate the smell of smoke now.
It’s been over a week since I quit and I’ve already noticed the difference, when I go to the gym my heartrate has come right down (it was getting quite high before). I’ve had comments my skin is a lot brighter, my teeth look whiter too!
Only downsides I’ve had is sleeping at night, been a bit restless, but hopefully I’ll get past it all
I’ve been smoking 3-4 packs a week for the past 6 years. But I’ve been clean since last thursday night when a family friend visited me. Was tempted to buy a new pack again today but decided to google health benefits of quitting instead. It’s a pretty good deterrent. I’m probably going to print this out and paste it on my work table so every time i feel like picking up a cigarette i read this first.
I am preparing myself for tom as as of midnight tonight I will have and will give up smoking forever!! I started smoking at 12 years old and now I am 41!! I have a 12 yrd old and a 15yr and more and more I think I don;t want to miss anything in their lives and always be there for them. I am most definately addicted on 20+ per day for so long now!!! It is time and I have to believe that I can do it and the one thing that does worry me are the side affects and putting weight on!! They way I am starting to look at it is I can lose weight and join a gym but it’s a damn site harder giving up smoking fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes Jessica I agree with you. Good luck to you!!!!
Thanks you are my inspiration to keep going, it’s hard. I decided to quit finally after numerous attemps without success. I quit 3 days ago cold turkey. i believe its all in the mind. When you’re ready you’ll know. Make the decision and its basically mind over matter. We can all Quit!! We just have to really want to and go for it!! Good Look Everyone!!!!!
Good Job Jasmine, way to go!! You’re not alone, I quit cold turkey last Sunday. It’s tough but we just need to push through! I also believe in the power and influence in God and that he can help us quit, we just need to pray and ask for help!
If I can do it you definately can go for it!!!
this is my third time and it will be my last good riddance forever!!! It can be done we are strong we will beat it!!!
Been smoking since high school, so it’s been 10-12 years. I smoked more when I was young (10/day) and increased to a point of (20/day) for a year or two. Then it dropped to 10/day, and eventually 5-8/day for the next years. Recently, within the last two years i was 3-5 per day. I stopped for 3-4 months 2 years ago (cold turkey). But I started again because my friend was always smoking, and I thought that having a puff won’t matter. You see, I was also smoking marijuana everyday with smoking. And having nicotine after smoking a joint was just customary because it gets you more high. Anyway, bad idea. Soon, I was having half-cigarettes, and eventually started to buy cigs again and smoke only half-smokes. Eventually, it became a habit again! A month ago, a revelation came to me one day, and after some serious introspection, I realized I’ve been destroying and wasting my life with my addictions. I decided to stop smoking marijuana (pothead everyday for 10-12 years) and cigarettes. I am 2 weeks smoke-free (cold turkey). My inspiration? A friend of mine who smoked longer than me quite a month ago. I said to myself “If he could do it so can I”. I also want to turn my life around. My ideals? It is never too late to change. Keep trying and never give up. If you are passionate about something and you believe it, and you put your heart to it, it will eventually become a reality. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU — BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
its all in ur head i smoked just a little over a year im only 15 parents are right never start i hate the feeling you get when you wake up i feel like i did when i had the ammonia when i was 7. cigarettes are just stupid after i finish my last 2 camel filters tonight im quittin cold turkey i tested this a few days ago it is all in ur head normally i smoke one every 1 1/2 to 3 hrs bout half a pack a day i went 5 hrs without a cig without withdrawls you dont get them if you dont think about it just keep yourself occupied why are cigarettes legal they kill 4 million people worldwide a year and why is weed illegal it has killed no people ? and for all the people that start because its cool i guess u dont get cancer with dignity but im done after tonight so whatever just gonna smoke one every july 4th for a certain tradition
Day 7 without smoking, have smoked on & off for 20plus years. I have stopped before,once for 5 years. I started with Chantix so far so good. A little gassy(lol) other than that not to bad. I take vitamins on a regular basis, and I have upped my Vitamin-C intake & water. Good luck to all. On average I will save over 2100.00 dollars a year.
Do it cause you will feel so much better, I gave up 4 weeks ago, i had no breath wheezing when i went to bed, smelt like a tip its awful i smoked for 40 odd years since i was 14 im now 56 and want to live a bit longer so it had to go.
If you want to give it up really want i mean its easy trust me i know good luck.
Dave
I can’t believe it’s 9 1/2 months already! Never felt better. I also amazingly dropped 20 pounds. I just feel more in control of myself in all aspects. The first couple of days are the hardest but I rarely even think about it now. It is worth it. Just do it for yourself and family.
I QUIT SMOKING FOR 6 DOLLARS!!! To Anyone who truly wants to quit the easiest way possible get Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I read it and quit over 48 hours ago and am happier then I’ve been in 5 years with no withdrawals as the withdrawals are only in your mind except for the almost imperceptible empty feeling in your stomach. My severe anxiety has gone and i now know it was the cigarettes. Don’t underestimate the effect the poison has on your mind and body.
The book was about 6 bucks on amazon and I had to read it twice. The book is enjoyable reading and once you realize you are not giving anything up, and don’t fear life without cigarettes, you can be truly free. Save your life and quit the easy way.
One of the few times that you can say it loudly I AM A QUITER my 3rd day after smoking betwen 20 and 30 a day for 40 odd years. Dont know what is wrong so far I find it quite easy, still feel like lighing up at definate times but it passes very quickly i just hope my worse is still to come will have to wait and see. Best of luck out there
smoked for 35 years, ran out one Saturday morning 6 months ago, and said enough is enough. Never seriously tried to quit before. Decided it was my time to quit before it killed me. I wanted to be around for my wife and kids. Seriously, it was tough for maybe 3 days, then it was a piece of cake. I thought it would be much more difficult. Hang in there for 3 days, and you can do it. My 6 year old hugs me every day and says she is very proud of me for quitting. I had the classic chronic smokers cough; It dissapeared within one week!! No more coughing myself and my wife awake at night. Breathing and walking are now a breeze. My fitness is 100% better. My mouth feels alive again, and my gums and teeth are now already healed. Smoking is so stupid, quit for yourself and family now. You can do it!!! I did, it’s not that tough.
Hi guys,
First of all, I just want to congratulate everyone who has kicked the habbit. This is a great resource for motivation for those quitting or considering it.
Here’s what I have to share, hopefully this will help some people.
I haven’t smoke for about 3 weeks. Not really sure exactly when I quit but I just knew it was time. I smoked a pack a day for 15 years.
The first 2 days I was using the patch. Regardless of using the patch, I was waking up every 2 hours with cold sweats and felt horrible. At that point, I said, if I’m going to go through these withdrawals with the patch, then it’d be better off dropping the patch and not having to deal with withdrawal later from the patch.
The first 5 days were a nightmare. I had brutal withdrawals. Dry mouth, poor sleep, anxious.. It was horrible. What I realized after a while though.. I will never pick up a cigarette ever again if only to never have to deal with these nasty withdrawals again.
So, think about it this way.. You’re a smoker right? Well, do you plan on being a smoker for the rest of your life? If not, use the withdrawals as motivation to never smoke again
Good luck!
I quit 12/9/2011 with the use of Chantix. I quit during the most awful stresses of my life. This is my second go around with the quitting. In honesty, the last attempt I just seriously slowed down my smoking to four a day. We all know where that leads. My father was terminal and the last four months of his life I became his caretaker. During this time my teeth (least path for stress effect) went wonkers, Dad is dying and I am either losing crowns, swallowing crowns, crowns are breaking and another tooth decides to abscess and subsequently pulled. Then dry socket. Dad passed on 12/15/11. I found the intensity of the stress was actually a positive. I had no time to sneak a smoke nor could I with the mouth/teeth issues. I did worse when I finally had a break of stress. I purchased a pack and smoked one a day for three weeks. I am now disappointed in myself and it has been much easier to kick the little voice in my head when I am bored. To all those out there – we can be free of this thing called addiction.
I have to disagree with every non-smoking cell of my body regarding the statement “clear your mind of the fallacies and myths that you will acquire several sicknesses after quitting smoking like colds, fever, cough etc. It’s NOT true”. I quit 10 days ago and I began getting sick immediately. I now have a serious sinus infection and my lung congestion is worse than when I had bronchitis while smoking. The same thing happened 12 years ago when I quit before. I had constant bronchial & sinus infections for 6 months afterwards. I am not saying, that it is a reason not to quit, because I don’t care about any short term illnesses when I’m focused on the long term benefits of not smoking. Any person who truelly wants to quit will agree. I just want to make clear that the statement that withdrawal illnesses are a fallacy is the real fallacy. My own body is the test lab & I have experienced the imperical data first hand. Don’t give up trying to quit. It’s olny a matter of time before you are successful and it’s very much worth all the effort AND the side effects of withdrawal.
yer I agree- day 9 for me cold turkey and I still feel terrible ! light headed, coughing , running nose etc but I know I will feel better in a few weeks ! stay strong people !
just 2 days for me. but dizzy and aching everywhere.
Day 5 and I’m starting to change emotionally lol But I know soon enough I will thank myself regardless of what I’ve been through…Keep it up strong people \m/
I am 10 days in, I have noticed that I too am having more “sinus” issues. Like you, I don’t care. I can deal with the short-term to reach the long-term goal. The one thing you have to remember is that our respiratory systems are naturally lined with cilium. Smoking destroys these!! I have been a smoker for about 15 years. Meaning my body has learned to function without cilium. Now they are regenerating and don’t know really what their function is. So, I do believe that these really are positive changes as our bodies are trying to learn how to function without the smoke!!
Also, I am a participant in a smoking cessation study for adults at risk for gaining weight. There is significant documented research that shows, on average, we burn 200 calories with every cigarette. Do what you can folks to try to stay active and make better food choices as not to fall victim to the after quitting 20 + extra pounds.
I am taking it one day at a time and focusing my energy on the things that I can control. I wish all of you luck!!
Quitagain is right, I agree……I quit 2 weeks ago after reading the effects of the carpenter’s glue that is on the paper of each cigarette smoked. I had noticed increased anxiety, cough, chest pain (very dull but noticeable) and so I looked up the effects of the glue that was added in 2008 – FSC (fire safe cigarettes).
My point, immediately I stopped and haven’t looked back (I did take a puff of a friends cigar but it didn’t appeal). Two days after I stopped smoking, my stomach wouldn’t hold anything and this last a week; I couldn’t even drink a glass of water without running to the bathroom and I don’t mean vomiting. That subsided, thank goodness, but now after 1&1/2 weeks, I am itching all over, day and night and I cannot sleep, I flop like a fish. My desire for water has increased which is good. Am I miserable? Maybe physically with the constant itching but I have so much energy that even the lack of sleep has not affected me (yet). Benedryl will help with the itching. I have read it is the healing of the nerve endings damaged by smoking. I do not have the slightest cough any longer but I never really did.
I smoked a half a pack for 25 yrs. I smoked the tiny Virginia super slim menthols but even so, they are all deadly.
Just wanted to share my withdrawal symptoms thus far. The itching has gotten lighter and I almost don’t even notice it now. Look it up, none of my friends ever had itching when they quit but it is common.
Hang in there!!!!!!
Day 7 Quit Smoking Cold Turkey may Yahweh keep me from ever smoking again : )
Keep up the good work all of you people out there trying to quit.
One Day at a Time
Shalom aka Peace : )
on day 5 of cold turkey- still feel crook but slowly getting better- smoked 30 a day for many years- tip plenty of orange juice and vitaman C ! hang in their people ! one day at a time !
Hello Everyone,
Well this is my 23rd day without a cig. I feel great! Yes, I have more energy. My clothes doesn’t stink and my teeth are turning white again. I first started with I was 14. Then I quit after 3 years (Cold Turkey). I went off to college and while I was pledging (lol) I started back smoking again. I smoked for 3 more years and quit. That time I quit for 20 years and started back about 5 1/2 years ago. I started back because I was addicted to casinos and was tired and angry because I was losing my money. Also, everyone it seems smoked in the casino. Well February 7, 2012 was my last cig. I quit cold turkey with God’s help. And with the help of an upper respiratory infection. The cig tasted horrible. No taste just terrible feeling on my throat when I enhaled. I QUIT!!!!!! cravings still come but like the others have said, they only last a few moments and then gone. Peace, you can recognize. money saved. You just have to fine a new habit….Hang in there, you can do it too.. Must be willing to suffer just a little while.
day 4 for me- feeling bad but a bit better than day 3- went cold turkey no patches, gum etc. TIPS stock up on food, OJ etc and stay home 4 a week- dont go near shops or people- stay home and tough it out !
Been smoking for a little over a year and after watching some videos on YouTube and Google’d the topic, i have finally decided to stop smoking. Just wondering how much damage i have done. Its a bit a of a relief to know some people have smoked for more than 10 years and have been able to quit, so i mean, its been just a year for me. Any one wanting to share any tips or offer support, i will be more than grateful. Have stopped for a week or so prior to reading about this and watching videos, and ended up going to the shop to buy another packet.
You might quit and start again many times, but just keep trying. One yr is not bad but do not let it continue, it gets harder as each smoking year passes.
You can do it. Stop today.
I quit today 2/29 after 33 years of smoking. I’m in a panic over this but I know it’s in my head. It’s going to take a lifestyle change to fight this nasty addiction. I’m using Chantix and keeping myself busy and my mind occupied with other things. When I got home from work, the first thing I did was collect all of the ashtrays and poured water in them. Then I inhaled deeply. It was AWFUL. I want to remember that smell because I know that’s what I must smell like after I smoke. It was enough to make me sick. Good luck to all of you on here who have made that hard decision to quit. After the first 2-4 days, it’s all in your head. It’s behavior modification.
I quit 10 days ago and am still feeling the urge to go lay out in the driveway and suck on my tailpipe but it is getting better!!..It just comes over me about 4 times day and seems reallly realllly powerful for 10 minutes..I know I can do this tho.. I feel so EMPOWERED as to not have fallen victim to giving in to the stinky cigarettes..I have smoked over 40 years and believe me this is the hardest thing Ive had to do in my life.. However, quitting will be the best thing I ever do in my life…and you in yours!! Hang tuff!!! we can do it!
I have decided to quit smoking today 2/29/2012 after 21 years of smoking. I didn’t even realize it had been 21 years. It was an OMG Really? type of reaction. I purchased an E-Health Cigarette just to assist me. I only purchased the non nicotine cartridges. I am mostly addicted to the hand to mouth action and having 10 minutes breaks here and there. I find that smoking breaks up my day. Having my teeth cleaned today as well. Just to give me an extra push to not make them stained again. I am leaning on God for strength and support. For it is stated in the Bible “I Can Do All Things Through Jesus”.
I will be praying for you, and let me tell you last tues afternoon i decided to quite because i felt like GOd was dealing with me about it. I told him that there was no way that i could do it on my own though and he gave me that verse i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13. I have been using the patch and on the occasion that i have an urge that is what i pray I have been smoke free now for 9 days
Hi
I have my quit date for tomorrow 2/29 when I wake up..I have bought the Nicoderm CQ patch…as the countdown begins I am beginning to feel very anxious that I won’t be able to not smoke..I am determined to do it..I have been smoking for 35 years and am basically sick of it..
Today’s the 3rd day since i smoked my last one. The urge to smoke is still strong but when i read some of the testimonies here it makes me feel better and it helps to know that there are others who are going through the exact same thing i am going thru. 16 years of lighting up and timing everything according to the cigarettes was just killing me and I really do pray we all get through this.
I’m on day 3 of the patch…. I don’t really feel like I have quit because I’m still hooked up to nicotine…. Anyone have success w/the patch? Going from smoking to the patch I was manageable, I’m scared about what’s going to happen when I cut my dosage…. Smoked a pack a day, everyday, for 12 years…. Even selfishly through two pregnancies.
Hello, I am 56 years old and have smoked for 40 yrs. I have tried several times to quit but always found the least little excuse to light one back up. This time I knew it was now or never. I have always heard about all the chemicals in a cigarette but never payed it much attention. This time I found a list of the chemicals that are used in the cigarettes and I printed the list of the ones that are carcinigens (sp) out and put them in a frame and displayed them where I could look at them often. I quit cold turkey. Yes the first 4 days were hellish, but I made my mind up. Everytime I thought of wanting a cigarette I would say to myself, first I must take that cigarette and dip it into ammonia, cyanide, formaldahyde, carbon monoxide, acetone, DDT and arsenic before I lit it up and inhaled it into my lungs. That right there has kept me from caving or craving. Out of sight and out of mind is true. But look up the chemicals in a cigarette and really read about them, very scarry. You inhale them 20 plus times a day into your body. I am on my 24th day smoke free. never been this far before. Loving it. Good luck to you all. If you want it bad enough, it is possible.
YEAH!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU…IM RIGHT BEHIND YA.. SMOKED AS LONG AS YOU AND AT YOUR AGE..HAIL TO THE QUITTERS!!!
So, I’m on day 3. Yesterday was horrific but I’m feeling a lot better today! Just one other thing to note that I can’t see as being raised here yet which I think is really important. I live with my fantastic girlfriend who really hates me smoking, we’ve been living together for 6 months now and shes always pestered at me to stop. I’d smoke 10 a day between getting up for work and coming home then go cold turkey every evening. Already I can see the clouds lifting on our relationship, what on earth was I thinking? Trying to go cold turkey EVERY night as well as having the guilt (and bad stomach from the full pack of extra strong mints to cover up the smell for her!) I could have lost someone who has complete faith in me not only due to smoking but also because of the horrific mood swings that came along with trying to hide it. And hey, if that doesnt do ya, Remember, if you don’t smoke you’ve got a higher chance of picking someone up on a night out, how often do you hear people say “I could never date a smoker” and compare that with those that say “oh, and yeah, he must smoke…”. Good luck to you all!!
Well I have no idea how to start, I have made it to 3 days and I have no reason why? I just woke up on Sunday and gave up… This COLD TURKEY THING is so hard but I havent had one yet and really do not feel like it. I am 45 years old and have smoked since I was 15yrs of age, In one form or another. I have tried to give up 5 times now. This time I hope it sticks, just because I failed 5 times dosent mean Im not worth the 6th time. 3 Days and counting my darling girl is getting married and I really want to be around for my first grandchildren.So good luck to you all… I know how it feels and smokes in OZZ cost at least $30.00 a pkt omg cant believe what I have spent in the last 30yrs but I will now be spending it on her wedding. All the best ppl ange hugs from Ozz
Hey Angela, I’m Mike in the post before you. 3 days is a huge achievement. My third was the worst. Believe me it will be much simpler now. The other five times were setbacks not FAILURES. This time I really feel that you’re going to do it. Focus on the experiences you’ll be missing with your grandchilden if you take another DEADLY PUFF. Focus on the money “SERIOUS MONEY” you’ll be spending on your grandchildren. Keep saying out loud at least these two things when IT rears that ugly head. As much as possible, get away from situations and attitudes that remind you of it. If you have the time post your experience because it’s not only good therapy for you but if you just manage to get at least one person to quit that surely would be your great achievement. Tell us all about it when it’s 3 weeks!
Unfortunately I cannot find my comment posted last January. Basically it was about my 12th week not smoking after 40 years doing the same thing 60 times a day at least (with great shame I say this and not with bravado). Today is my 16th. week. I do not have any advise to give but simply my expereince, because that’s the way I managed to quit, with other people’s experience and used whatever worked for me. For me what worked and still works, is to get away from smoking times situations (just thinking about it gives me the creeps!) It’s hard and not easy, but it’s absolutely achievable and so liberating. With me it’s the self discipline that made me not to continue smoking. Without self discipline I’m useless. I never thought of “cravings”, “nicotine” or “lighting up” but simply focused on self disciplining myself not to continue hurting myself. Once that thought rested on my mind, it progressively went from good to better. I am certainly giving it all not to start again, God forbid. Please keep your mind and your attitude away from what reminds you of your smoking habits.
There will be desperate times. I know, I quite cold turkey. I isolated myself in my home for a whole week without hearng or seeing anyone. What’s a week compared to the rest of my live! I WAS a workoholic. Now I’m less stressed out and more productive. It’s true, though I didn’t believe it before I quit. It is also true that I’m more patient and less nervous. It is absolutely not true that ciggies relieve tension. It’s the drug in them that relieves tension. But if you quit smoking you don’t need the drug anymore, so you get to be less nervous. I could continue writing a whole book, but I’ll come back again with more personal experience. I hope my comments help at least one person to stop smoking. That would really be a great achievement for me. IT’S NOT THOSE WHO BEGIN, BUT THOSE WHO PERSERVERE. Come on, take the challenge right now, and let us know about it. As much as we like to talk about our experience, we’d like to hear yours also…..soon
This was a really important blog to read. I stopped smoking on Valentine’s Day. I made a commitment to love myself more this year and that day was significant. It had been 16 years as a full-time smoker and I finally needed to admit to myself that it was over. I was hurting myself in various ways and it was becoming more of a burden than anything else. I’m on day four and I have been through some ups and downs emotionally and physically – fatigue, some headaches, confusion, dizziness. All of these, I knew, were normal and would pass. The important part was finding a way to get through them without giving into the dreaded cigarette to cure them. I have tried (successfully) to use distraction techniques: jumping jacks, water or calming tea, breathing for 10 seconds (which they say is how long it takes for the urge to pass), exercising by myself and with my dog, etc. The goal is find healthier habits that take the place of smoking. I am confident that this will work and feel more empowered by quitting then I have in my entire life. Good luck to all of you for loving yourself enough to quit!
You and I both quit on the same day.
Right now I’m struggling, not because I want a cigarette, but because I’m constantly alternating between spaced out, depressed, or anxious. But I know it’s for the best and I just need to hold on a few more weeks and I’ll be free. 
So good luck to you!!
P.S. – You are officially my quitting buddy.
I quit on Valentine’s Day too! I’ve wanted to quit for a long time now. My Dad’s wife was just diagnosed with Lung Cancer (she’s never smoked) and I am dedicating this to her. I have been feeling really funny – almost like I’m on daytime cold medicine. I’ve also burst out in tears a couple of times. Really hard but also really easy.
I’m on day-4 too today. Its about the 10th time that I have stopped. Smoked 30 a day for 20 years. My health is real missed-up. This time I stopped smoking for good! The most important advice to anyone who stops smoking: NEVER TAKE EVEN A SINGLE PUFF once you have decided to quit.
I am aged 28 years old and been smoking approximately 13 years some times heavy smoking other times not a lot at all as it all would differ week to week. It has only been 6 days so far and I have still not picked up a smoke. I must admit that I have wanted to pick one up whilst talking on the phone etc but in saying that no actual craving I have had tho to actually inhale the smoke if that makes sense, I am thinking this is all just habitual and will allow myself time to break the habitual type thoughts. I associate talking on the phone, drinking coffee etc with smoking even sometimes starting up the car in the morning travelling home from work. I was not intending to give up smoking but after last weekend in which I smoked plenty I just have not felt like smoking so have decided to stick with it. I am already feeling cleaner on the inside from not smoking but I am experiencing nasty head aches and waking up after only 2 hours of sleep and not being able to go back to sleep, does anyone know how or what to do to help with this. Hope all this is normal and will just stop soon enough, I will stick with the not smoking anyway. Also is weight gain a very common problem when giving up smoking?
Hi Jlia,
First I would like to congratulate you for a job well done. Keep on holding, those nasty stuff will go away soon. Just maintain the mindset of a non-smoker. Regarding weight gain, it is not true! Smoking is also a habit and not only an addiction and one fast way to get rid of it is to replace it with a new habit. Some use food as their replacement and soon enough it becomes an unhealthy eating habit. When I quit before, drinking plenty of water and exercise helped me a lot. It became a habit as well and now I am drinking 15 – 20 glasses of water a day.
Rudy and Jila,
This is only my 3rd day of quitting and I have quit for a week before. I have always experienced loss of sleep for the first couple of days, then it passes. This is because your body is craving the nicotine. I promise it does pass, for me it was after Day 5. I am experiencing the waking up every 2 hours now, but I know it is nothing compared to saving so much money and being healthy. This time I am working out and drinking plenty of water. When I crave a smoke my stomach often growls so I drink an 8 oz. glass of water and the craving goes away. My biggest challenge is figuring out what to do with my time. I am a college student and stay-at-home mom. I have plenty of time on my hands and I feel lost when I get bored and want to go outside for a smoke. Talking on the phone, coffee, and driving is also a challenge. I just now walk around when I am on the phone, relax in the dark with a cup of coffee, and roll down the windows whether it is hot or cold in the car. I know this is more habit than addiction, because I do not crave a smoke anymore, I just crave the time filler that smoking gave me. I know that sounds funny, but it is true. I wish all of you the best of luck. I truely think quiting smoking is the hardest thing I have ever done, but once I get over the first couple weeks. I will feel so accomplished. Remember, DO NOT THINK 1 drag or smoke will fix your craving. You have already come this far, so continue, and you will finally be in control of your cravings and body. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Amy,
Something you said makes sense to me now. First, I have noticed that my stomach growls when I first wake up, however, I do not eat right then because I am not hungry, if that makes sense.
You mentioned when you want to smoke, your stomach growls….mine has been growling mostly right when I wake up which is when I would (in the past) have my first cig. I will now drink a glass full of water.
Funny how I crave water now like you wouldn’t believe.
2 weeks and pushing forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will say it until I am blue in the face, if you are having trouble quitting, read what they now put on the paper of your cigarettes and every cigarette out there. The new glue that prevents the cig from burning if left unattended. You will quit, unless you just don’t care about dying in the next year or so.
I haven’t had a cigarette since 4th January and each day I am putting £5 away, now I see how much money I have wasted over so many years. I do not intend to smoke again. My smokers cough was gone within 3 weeks and I do generally feel fitter, however, at the moment not feeling great, horrible dry throat constantly having to clear it, an intermitent croacky voice, and I don’t like it at all. Someone please tell me this too is going to pass!!
Hi Anita, am on day 17 myself and i am also suffering with a croaky voice, been like this for a few days now. The coughing has stopped but i now have a cold sore, think all these symptons are my body punishing me for daring to give up the cigs ha! Have spoken to friends who are ex smokers who assure me that all these horrible symptons do pass, just our bodies getting rid of all the poison. Hang in there Anita.
Today 10/02/2012 is my twelve day for stop smoking and feeling great,
I stop basically for all the reasons of the above and it really make sense,
I also started training at gym the day I stop smoking, but the thing that help me most through the whole craving ordeal, I brush my teeth with one of the most strongest mint tootpaste everytime i feel like smoking and i will drink water after that, I have also decrease my coffee and tea intake due to once you done drinking you often feel like smoking.
Good luck to whoever wants to stop smoking, my motivation is I feel like a new person and I can do things much faster then before.
Hi everyone, I just happened to come across your comments. I have been ill
due to through the roof high blood pressure, it was real scary they wired me
up and thought I was having a heart attack. I have smoked for 30 yrs and I
took that as a warning, I do not want smokers lung disease, or anything else.
I am feeling very irritable, I cannot snack on anything as my doc wants me
to lose weight also. But reading your comments gives me extra drive to succeed,
and well done to everyone who has stopped.
I am just coming up to 1 day, I know I will be ok after a week, but it is so difficult
when addicted and its a habit,a habit which was part of everything I do in a day.
But failure is not an option after my scare.I will continue to read your comments because it is helping me so much, thank you.
After 33 years of smoking today I am on my 9th day of quitting the cravings are there but my brain says no going back .When you stop you really begin to notice what you have missed ,the only question you ask yourself is why you wasted your life.
It’s been a month and 10 days now never touched a gum or single puff…in the early days felt so lonely, but my girl took care of me…last 2-3 weeks I’m getting chronic headache and feel like my both eyes are burning like hell… But I never gonna smoke a again…!
I quit smoking yesterday, ***@$#%^***! Life feels different now, time seems to have slowed down, I get bored easily and I don’t feel like doing anything. Weird. I still crave though, it’s a bit annoying, but I can deal with it. Hope it’ll go away soon.
I have been smoking for years not to long ago i got a infection in the muscle in my neck it was so bad I ended up in the hosp, I spent three day in a room scarded not knowing whats was wrong . there was a man named David in the room with me he had one lung and a trak tube I herd him work for every breath he took. he was a smoker his wife said he has been like this a long time. I had every test you could think of they said I would be fine when i left the Hosp. I had been 7 days without smokeing thanks to David and the Infection I quit no patches no gum no pills When you have had a scare and make up your mind its time you will need no help it will just happen evertime I wanted a smoke I would say boy Id love a cig. but I dont smoke. GOOD LUCK TO ALL ITS THE BEST THING YOU WILL EVERY DO LarryEBW
2 months now, still chewing the gum
I always feel like I have no energy when I quit ? hope I can do it !!!!!!!!!!!!
I am still working on the ‘quit’ part. I haven’t had a smoke in 7 days however I don’t want to say I have quit just yet just incase I fall off the band wagon. I quit by illness tho… I was really sick with a flu (the worst I’ve had in over 8 years).. and because I was so sick I couldn’t smoke. I then decided that something good had to come of it so I just stopped smoking. I have been to friends houses while they smoked infront of me and I still didn’t give in. I’m not finding that I am craving them, however, occasionally seem to want one from force of habit but then I just remind myself that I don’t smoke anymore and its like my body just forgets that it ever wanted a smoke. Good luck to everyone who has quit or is trying to quit or like me just wanted to make something good come from a bad sistuation.
today is my 43rd days of Non smoking . i also start my 10km running from day 1 i quiting smoking. i’m glad bcoz i can feels the different and easier for me to run and walk everyday.
alhamdullilah. thanks god that give me strenght and will power.
Hello,
I have been a smoker for the past 3 years. I am a kind of person who does anything in excess. Anything for that matter. Anyways, my point is a few days back I felt that its high time for me to get rid of this addiction of smoking. I know I am going to take a difficult road out there trying to control myself. But I surely know that the results are good. Today one of my friend, who quit smoking a few months back told me to gradually reduce smoking rather than quitting. Is this right??? Need some advice here please.
Regards,
A. Arshad Khan.
This can be an effective way to quit, but it takes a lot of discipline, especially in social situations where there is drinking and other smokers about or you are having a stressful day. You will find yourself saying ” tomorrow I will go back to cutting down.” I have tried to quit that way also, along with a patch. In the end I just said to myself “forget it!!!” and chucked the filthy things in the garbage. The first few days are tuff, but you will live through it! Just keep telling yourself what a filthy, disgusting, stupid thing smoking is. You are missing out on nothing! Smoking is not your friend, your companion or anything else, Cigarettes are your ENEMY!! Treat them as such!! It is all about changing your thinking. Hope this helps.
Try Chantix. It helps so much
It has been 26 days since I quit smoking… after 24 years. I quite when I was pregnant with my daughter 5 years ago, but started again a year later. Now it is for good, it is almost a month and I cannot wait until it is 6 months, a year, etc. No patch, no gum, just simply not smoking. I taught myself to hate smoking, which helped… it is horrible. Who ever reads this, it is all mind over matter.
I’m at 14 days today. I had one small slip but other then that I feel pretty good. My cravings are mainly situational. Today was the first day I’m going to try it without the patch. I had a day last week when I forgot to put my patch on and I was pretty irritable for a few hours. But I felt so proud of myself that I got through the stress without smoking. So I feel good. If I can do it, you can to.
Hi Jesse,
I am going on my 5th day without smoking. This is only my second attempt in my life to quit. The first time I quit was 15 years ago and I quite for a year and a half. Went through a divorce and started smoking again. Anyway, when I quit back then I used the patch for about 4 days, but found that other than the first few hours it didnt really control my cravings. After 4 days I took it off and quit on my own. My advice if anyone cares to take it is to understand the smoking addiction and then just throw them in the garbage!! I found that using replacement therapy only prolonged the process. Jess, if you can go 14 days dealing with the patch, you most certainly can go the 3 to 4 days it takes to purge all the nicotine out of your body!! Good luck to you!!!
14 days for me after 16 years of smoking 15 a day…and feel v happy with my self. i’m using an app that tells me how much i’ve saved and i look at that whenever i get a craving. it also shows tips and facts about giving up and smoking respectively and i find that that helps me overcome the 2 minute cravings! i hope i don’t turn into a harsh non smoker though as already noticing smells i woudn’t have before and find it hard to talk to people who have just had a cigarette as it stinks. i need to remember to be tolerant and kind…..!
Great post! I have been taking Chantix for about 3 weeks now and have been smoke free for 5 days. Thank you for the inspiring words. Scizospaz, its been 5 days for me and I get cravings to go through the motions of smoking, but it usually only lasts a few minutes. I know that this is the beginning of my new future. Good luck to you!
It has now been 26 days since I quit and it feels great!! Still get the odd craving but it doesn’t last long, saved $300 so far. No matter what your going through, once you get over the first few days, you can do it!!
Just quit 20 minutes ago after 10 years of smoking. I want to enter 30 40 and 50 and beyond healthy and smoke free. Im just tired of it, I don’t even smoke for pleasure anymore I don’t even why I did it or why I smoke when I did.
I quit smoking Jan 9th 6 years ago, I smoked for 35 years, 1-1/2 to 2 packs a day. Just said I quit and that was it, some times is was rough but I knew I was going to make it this time because, I wanted to not my wife wanted me to. Best thing I ever did. No gum, no patch and no pills, I just quit. easiest way to do it.
FREEDOM,LIBERTY is what I felt after quitting smoking, its been 6 months now. Amazingly its very hard to see the benefis whilst we are smoking, I felt its just normal for non smokers as well. But when I quit I felt a different world. I could smell more,taste more, feel more, sense more. No more worries of having a smoke during break time or worrying about how many cigarettes left for the night…
I dont need to worry about that, and after seeing the benefits I even quite drinking even the weekend drinks are over. And I feel more controlled of myself and my life. And it has boosted my confidence level. My friends are surprised because I was so addicted to smoking and drinking that due to that reason I lost many friends, because I was destroying myself. But now the same people have their occasion drinks and I have just juice.
But the secret of me quitting didnt just come from some patch or counselling. It came in as a miracle when i visited a Catholic retreat centre. After staying there for 3 days everything changed and I feel more peaceful and positive about everything. Some times when our capability to give up these addictions doesnt work then leave it to higher source. And life will change for your betterment. And it wasnt only me who reaped the benefit of the retreat centre but many people of different ages came there to seek deliverance from these addictions.
THis is what I wanted to share about. You can see the website address above. Or just pray to God to help you and you will see the change.
I quit about ten days ago, yes I still have cravings or urges to smoke again, they usually last
A couple of minutes and leave. I don’t miss much about smoking, I just up and quit. I had been smoking for about 9years. I have notice so far that I have more energy, that my fiancé shrimp Alfredo is Awesome and that I now can smell everything! I Wish I would’ve been quit, as a women i spend so much moneu only perfumes,manicures,lotions etc, only to have my money wasted once I smoke! I’m so over it! No more ciggs for me!
I was a smoker for 35 years, at least a pack a day. I quit almost one year ago (01/31/10). I can’t tell you how many times I quit. I tried using the patch, but every time I went to a lower dose, I went through withdrawls again, which is the hardest part! I tried acupuncture, didn’t work.
So this time, I mentally prepared, I cut back to 2 cigarettes a day, and picked a quit date. I used nicotine gum which helped with the cravings. I can’t tell you it’s easy, because it’s not. I still want a cigarette every day. But I physically feel better, mentally feel better, have more time on my hands, my clothes, car, and house don’t smell like an ashtray… and many many more reasons.
Don’t give up. If you slip and have a cigarette, don’t give up. Just don’t have another one!
Good Luck!
Hi Sue,
May I refer you to a book called “Allan Carr’s easy way to stop smoking?” You are suffering needlessly. This book will help you to change how you perceive the idea of smoking. There is no need for you to want a cigarette everyday after you have quit for a year already. This book really helped me to see smoking for what it really is and that I am not missing out on absolutely anything by not smoking.
Hope you will give it a try!
I’ve recently quit for (hopefully) the last time and living downtown in a big city I gotta say I don’t know if your smell coming back is a good thing haha. I wasn’t aware how wretched some of the world smells until I quit. I guess sometimes ignorance is (nasal) bliss.
i just quit today, tossed my smoked down the toilet before bed last night and been smoke free sence i woke up this morning, i made sure to spend all my cig money on kindle books so i wouldnt have the xtra to go out and get smokes. how long do cravings last? 3 days?
I think this is a great web site and I congradulate you all on taking the first steps to being smoke free.
smoked for 40+ years, quit for 10 years, divorced and started again, quit again – bottom line, I didn’t set a date, chew gum, substitutes, nothing, when I think about quiting, I smoke more, I just smoke a brand I hate for a few months and one day, early in the week so I’m working through the first few days, I just quit, any and all side effects fall so very short in comparision to the liberating feeling of being free from cigs and knowing each day, my body will heal.