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.
I stopped smoking three days ago and feel absolutely terrible. I have no focus and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. I never have coughed, but do know (I have smoked for 12 years.) I have heartburn (never have). The symptoms are absolutely terrible. I have just lost 40 pounds (I amsure I will gain it back.) I like to exercise but don’t even have the energy to move. I quit smoking to live a longer and happier life???
I quit smoking on Jan.16th, 6 am. After 34 1/2 years of pack a day addiction! Day 15 and staying strong. I am on the patch and it has helped alot. I noticed that I already can breathe easier and no longer coughing. When I’m out in public and someone passes me that clearly is a smoker I’m appalled at how bad he or she smells. All those years I smoked and the money that I spent makes my head spin. It has become such a social stigma! I was tired of the feeling that everyone was wrinkling their nose at me as I passed by. It’s lovely to be on THIS side of that fence and this is where I plan to stay! Good luck to everyone who is on this smoke free journey!
Hi I have been smoke free for 5 days now and feel amazing. I have been smoking for ten years. I just decided I needed to stop and did it. Also on wellbutran. I think that helps to. Good luck
Don’t remember when I started to smoke but it’s been a while. I’m 23 now and I haven’t smoke in almost a month. My only advice? You can do it!!!
I quit back on Oct 12, 2010 after smoking for 30+ years. All I needed was a reason. I got sick, normal flu-like symptoms, and found that I could not fill my lungs with enough air to feel comfortable. Scared me so bad that it was the last time I will ever smoke. All I have to do is remember that feeling anytime I think I want to smoke.
I’m on day 4! I quit smoking last year for 6 months until my boyfriend and I of 7 years broke up. It was the drinking that brought me back to the smokes. But here I am again 4 days into it and I’m feeling good So far. Last time I never had any symptoms except o could smell everything from what ingredients were in foods. It was amazing and I’m very excited to smell again! I wish you all the best of luck! Just keep on going! You will feel great soon! It’s worth it! – Ashley
I would just like to say this website has helped me a lot with information and support. I am only 22 and about 180lbs and active so theres no way I should be having Hypertension that is one of my main reasons for quitting this is day 3 and my body is completely out of whack My head is so light I have a terrible cold chest is on fire, fever, cold sweats im just curious how long these symptoms will last because I am miserable right now.
Has anyone had any success with e-cigarettes? I am buying one next week to try I really hope to give up smoking and use one as a alterntive.
I Quit Nov 20, 2010
It’s been just over two months now. I want a smoke very very badly, I love smoking, always did, always will, miss it very much right now but I dont want to be a smoker anymore…..Make sense?? god no. Dont want to smell of cigarettes, want white teeth, want to jog, going to keep trying, but right now I can get soooo mean and mad at all. I will keep trying and keep telling myself all the reasons I will appreciate moving forward from smoker refraining from smoking to true blue non smoker, becuase all I am right now is miserable smoker refraining from non smoking. I am 48. Talk to me in 1 year and I’ll let you know if Im a non smoker because I think it will take that much time to not be miserable about it. Good luck to all trying…..I give you all the credit and have all the respect for those that figure it out
oh yeah for got to mention that I am on day 6 of quitting smoking.:)
I am 32 and have been smoking since i was 12 yrs old.. so ya 20 years. I dont want to ever smoke again .. I have gone through the emotional stuff … but I am finding that it seems like my cough feels fluidy .. my chest feels heavy and at times cough feels breathless.. Although my lungs are clear .. it feels heavy and hurts.. is this normal side effect? My anxiety is so bad.
I have quite smoking for about a month now, but occasionally when I go out i will have a smoke. How bad is this, am I prolonging the effects of the nicotine dependancy. Well I feel alot better, and I relies that I must quit entirely. I can smell again, but sometimes the urge to smoke is relentless. I can do this…….
I am trying to quit cold turkey. I cant stand to smoke but I have discovered that the more serious I am about quitting, the harder it seems to be. I have gone two days at work without smoking, and i literally gave away the extra money from my check so that i would not be able to purchase any….Im trying so hard… The reason, besides many others, I am pregnant. It kills me inside to look down at my protruding belly while Im smoking…realizing that my actions are literally saying, “I’d rather pleasure my addiction, than care about the health of my unborn child”. God please help me….
Thank you Tad…. that kind of testimonial is what i needed to read.
Hello everybody,
I’ve been a 2 pack a day smoker for 26 years.
I’ve been thinking about quitting for some time but never had the courage. Smoking has been the ONE constant in my life and I wasn’t willing to give that up.
Over the years I have asked sucessful ex-smokers how they did it. The old timers always say ” One day I just quit “. Yeah right! That will never be me. I’m gonna need the pill, the patch, the gum and counseling~!!
Guess what. On tues. 1/10/11 at 12 am, I quit smoking. How did I do it?
I just quit. No gum . no patch. no pill.
The withdrawal symptoms have been fierce and relentless. But, not impossible, and they grow less and less each day.
If I can do this, YOU can do this. It’s only been 6 days, but I feel better already.
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR QUITTING
hi everyone, i love ur inspiring words!
i also quit on new years this year and havnt smoked since. my chest pains have lessened and i am still very short of breath often and hopin that this side effect also goes away. thanks for your inspiring words and keep uo the good work
I was supposed to pick up my lady from the airport and have a good evening with her. Everything was planned out days in advance but i was sick from tonsillitis due to smoking. I began to hate cigarette and have not smoke since.
quit smoking 12/31/10 as well, its good to see I’m not alone. It hasn’t been easy, (smoked for 17 years), but I’ve already noticed I have more energy. Good luck to everyone else and hopefully next year at this time, we’ll be celebrating a year of not smoking.
Quit smoking 12/13/2010. Just like everyone else, I thought I couldn’t do it. I Dropped my half a pack a day, ten year habbit thanks to my family and the patch. Side effects? My sister was so impressed she quit too! I’m now a non smoker without the patch and it’s great. You can do it too!
i quit new year’s eve 2010.
the thing that keeps me staying quit is the fact that i would smoke and not even have the desire to smoke, and wonder why i was doing it anyway.
looking forward to spending more time on my bowflex treadclimber because i will be able to actually breathe~!
I quit January 2, 2011…Day 4! I am the youngest of 5 children all who have smoked. My mother died of cancer (she did not smoke) 15 years ago, my oldest brother who I was very close to and loved very much just died August 1, 2010 of Lung Cancer he was only 58 years old. He had a bad cough for several months, went to the Dr. ran all kinds of tests they said it was pneumonia but the med’s did not help so by the time they did the cat scan of his chest (x-ray showed nothing) on July 9th stage 4 lung cancer they gave him 3 months to live without treatment (his choice) he passed away 3 weeks later and the change that his body went through in that short time was beyond agonizing for him and for us, but he was very strong. That has been the hardest thing to face in my life up to this point. My father also just died December 11, 2010 (he smoked) and I have a brother that has gone through Colon cancer and stage 1 lung cancer, he smoked, but has since quit. The withdrawal symptoms are very hard, but I just keep telling myself over and over again that I am a non-smoker that they are not my friend they killed my brother and that I hate them (I chant this a lot in my head I know it sounds crazy, but it helps me). My anxiety is very high over loosing so much in a short time, but I just have to stay strong for myself, husband and our kids I want to be around for a long time.
Hello Carolynn,
Keep it up, you can do it, just hold on. Keep saying in your mind that you are already a non-smoker and continue feeding your subconscious mind with what you are saying, it’s does not sound crazy, trust me. Non-smokers do not need cigarettes to live, they don’t feel panic attacks like smokers do when they run out of cigarettes, they don’t need cigarettes to relax them, to relieve their stress and make them more concentrated and focused. These things are all lies and because you are now a non-smoker, accept the truth that cigarette is the one that is making your life miserable.
Congratulations / Rudy
I quitted smoking about 1 month and not sure if it is a related, I have heart palpitation, anxious and depressed. Chest pain as well. I didnt get the symptons right away. I got the withdrawel symtptons 1 month after..is that normal?
I quit January 1, 2011 … Day 5! Every time I have a week moment I remind myself of all the benefits of not smoking! Taking it one day at the time…. Delia
Congratulations Delia! Keep it up, thank you for dropping by.
9 days free from smoking. I have NOT SMOKED 200 Cigs as of today. That’s 1 carton!! YEA!!! I read a great saying the other day. A smoker may forget to take medicine, take the dog out,or almost anything else, BUT… a smoker will NEVER forget to have the next cigarette.
i was smoking since 2000 !!!
i quit smoking for 2 month now
i relay have many bad thing when quit smoking but i swear to GOD i well never smoke again. i hope the alqaeda target all smoking factory around the world they well save the humanity form the Slavery . peace
I think the most important thing for me when I became a non-smoker was that I could smell the shampoo in my hair – and so could my grandchildren – makes such a change from smelling like a week old ashtray
Best wishes
Lisa