I know there's been debate on here quite often about NRT being a con :rolleyes: ..... and now we have another news item about the latest study that could save your hard earned cash (Don't shoot the messenger :D)
startribune.com/lifestyle/w...
Whatever method you choose to quit the main ingredient they all need is YOUR willpower!
This doesn't suprise me.
its down to the individual person and wether they really really want the quit to succeed and how determined they are
i really dont believe our government are to worried about what works for people they have the NRT out there so that looks good for them if to many people quit the government would be crippled with lack of taxes
Well these are one of those topics that have cropped up from time to time, does NRT work? I dunno & quite frankly I don't care, I'm using patches and will continue to do so for as long as I feel I need to. Is it just pyschological and me prolonging the inevitable, maybe yes. But for now it's my security blanket, and to be honest so long as I don't smoke then they have served their purpose in helping me to quit.
Some claim hypnotherapy have high success rates but for how long? I was hypnotised a few quits ago but failed. Friends have mine have successfully quit using this method while others haven't.
I find these studies interesting but really don't think it matters how yolks quit so long as they quit.
Best wishes to you all on your quitting journey and chose whatever method/methods work for you.
It's entirely subjective I guess - anyone approaching NRT as a catch-all "fix it" will fail. I think the point is that while your cravings are softened by the NRT, you get yourself out of the old habits.
By creating new habits - not smoking when you normally would - you are then in a stronger position to get yourself off the nicotine itself. Then will-power will always be the key factor. I think it's just a case of "breaking it down" - killing off habits of a life time, while craving the nicotine, is a lot harder than killing the habits while the craving is being satiated.
One thing at a time, as they say...
Very good points like any addict if you have the choice to use something that might help with the withdrawels then why not as long as you quit and stay quit then what does it matter how you got there
This is interesting, I think that you definitely need willpower over and above anything if you are quitting, but NRT has helped a few people I know quit for good, and I'm on day 2 (furthest I've ever been) on 25mg patches and they do seem to be helping whether placebo effect or not.. Helps that NRT is free in Scotland, don't know if I would pay £15 a week or whatever when willpower is the main ingredient you need to quit, although still costs well less than a weeks worth of smokes!
It's maybe worth mentioning that in England I got two weeks worth of NRT on prescription (£7.50) from my doctor......so it's way cheaper getting NRT this way compared to buying it off the shelves. I went cold turkey in the end though....just thought it might help some others on NRT.
Me too....on another quit, but this was a group quitting session, where there was a group of us stopping smoking on the NHS. We had to go along to a twice weekly check in...have a group conflab, have our carbon monoxide levels read, speak about any issues, and have advice on healthy eating.
Maybe you still can get 12 weeks worth in the West Mids but only in this group hug thingy ma bob.
These 'discussions' usually resolve to:
1. Who cares as long as you're not smoking
2. I used NRT, quit and therefore it works.
3. My mate used NRT and is still off the fags.
4. I quit CT therefore NRT is not necessary.
5. Champix is better than everything.
In reality, year on year the NHS success rates are levelling out around the magic 7% no matter what you choose to help.
The argument is not, "does NRT work?" We already have that answer.
The argument is, "why are we all paying for treatments proven to be no more effective than no treatment?"
Let NRT fend for itself in the marketplace and let GPs prescribe something that might help people quit.
Knowledge would be a good start...
You do have a point Austin, in fact a forum member (missihaha) posted this in the New Years Revolutions Group forum 'So maybe all the adverts and brainwashing which tell us how hard it will be and that we have a demon to fight should just be banned and let us quit without expecting every day to be awful and the hardest thing we have ever done. We are giving this habit too much respect!'
I hope she doesn't mind me copying and pasting this part here but it did make me pause for thought...and has actually changed the way I am looking at it, although I do still have a patch on 
The argument is not, "does NRT work?" We already have that answer.
The argument is, "why are we all paying for treatments proven to be no more effective than no treatment?"
So in answer to your above, maybe it's because all the advertising, campaigning, glossy posters leads us to think that is what we need, we need a, b and c to otherwise there is no way we will be able to quit...:confused:
So in answer to your above, maybe it's because all the advertising, campaigning, glossy posters leads us to think that is what we need...
It's the oldest advertising trick in the book.
Sell the problem and solution in the same package.
Invent a problem that people never had and then sell them the cure they don't need.
Nutrition, cosmetics, personal hygiene anti-oxidants etc, we're surrounded by complete nonsense that almost overnight becomes fact and has us rushing to buy something that we've never needed to battle something we haven't actually got or is totally ineffective against something we do have.
It's a free market. If you want to believe that 'quitting is hard' and wish to buy something that'll make it easier then no-one is going to get in anyone's way.
I'd just rather not have my NHS unnecessarily fund something when there are more deserving causes. 
It's the oldest advertising trick in the book.
Sell the problem and solution in the same package.
Invent a problem that people never had and then sell them the cure they don't need.
I've never looked at it like that and it kind of makes sense, wow I'm a sucker then really...I'm the one that goes and buys this, that and the other becasue the advert on the tele said I'd need it to do x,y and z. 
I take it you don't rush to the shops then Austin to buy the latest anti wrinkle cream?
As for not allowing NRT to be given on prescription.
I have worked my whole life, sometimes 2 jobs. I have paid my tax and insurance month after month so why shouldnt I be given something that helps ME.
Bcause I suffer from severe depression I cant take any of the quit medications such as champix. Ive paid for hypnotheraphy and that didnt help me at all.
I think its all well and good if you can just stop, my father and brother did. I couldnt and needed that little bit of extra help.
If you are able to stop without any other help I bow to you but bare in mind that some of us need that extra help, after all its cheaper to give NRT than to treat someone dying of cancer or emphesemia.
If you are able to stop without any other help I bow to you but bare in mind that some of us need that extra help, after all its cheaper to give NRT than to treat someone dying of cancer or emphesemia.
Hi Lillie, I don't think anyone is saying that no one should use NRT or no one should go cold turkey, etc. I have used patches, took them off today because they are itching but still have lozenges to hand in an emergncy. I think what is trying to be said is that it is forced down us that we need this and that to stop so we think without it we cannot do it. When in fact as you are aware the biggest aid in quitting smoking is forums such as this and education. I think what Austin is saying (and sorry if I am wrong here Austin) is that perhaps money spent on NRT perscriptions could be spent on education to tell the truth about smoking, why people do it etc, advertising forums, etc?
It does not bother me what methods people use and no one is better than anyone else for using a different method, the thing we all have in common is we all want to live a smoke free life each of us will have similar experiences but go about it differently. The thing I don't like is being brain washed.
All the best in your quit
I take it you don't rush to the shops then Austin to buy the latest anti wrinkle cream?
Sadly no. I'm not one for wrinkle creams. Custard creams however....
Interestingly switching from cigarettes to custard creams is a guaranteed way of stopping smoking...
I have worked my whole life, sometimes 2 jobs. I have paid my tax and insurance month after month so why shouldnt I be given something that helps ME.
You should, on the proviso that I think my quit would be easier if I could have a daily prescription of 2 bottles of Marston's Pedigree to keep me tobacco-free.
Sadly no. I'm not one for wrinkle creams. Custard creams however....
Interestingly switching from cigarettes to custard creams is a guaranteed way of stopping smoking...
That's it then I'm off to stock up on custard creams because you have said it's a guaranteed way of stopping smoking then so it must work 
That's it then I'm off to stock up on custard creams because you have said it's a guaranteed way of stopping smoking then so it must work
Trust me.
Every time you want a smoke have a custard cream instead.
You'll never smoke again, guaranteed!
They're allowed in pubs, on planes, in hospitals and restaurants.
They're grrrrrrrrreatttttt...
hmmm, why am I here again?
Karri, I am going to be stern
Stop making excuses for not quitting and just bloody stop smoking 
All the best hun...this is how I see it and it's meant with the best intentions.
Stop talking the talk and walk the walk...like you say maybe lock yourself away, whatever you think is best for you. Just give up the smoking and if you feel that you're gonna cave and start smoking maybe come on here as a last resort and we'll all rally round and give you that support that this forum is here for.
Thinking of you.
Lisa x
Noooooo :eek: stupid phone - I've lost my epic war and peace length post
Never fear, I found it for you...
TO AUSTINS KNOWLEDGE IS POWER*
Sorry but cant seem to quote on my phone. I have been a failed quitter for nearly a year and am now considering knocking the idea on the head and just smoking.*
Having given the quit process a lot of deep thought the last week I have come to the conclusion that knowledge is actually my downfall. When I signed up to the forum I was well up for quitting but now I realise it's never going to happen. I think ignorance is bliss and too much knowledge can be a real handicap. Now I know the entire forum is going to jump on me and say I'm a fool for thinking like this but it is my own view only.*
I actually took the time to speak to friends, colleagues and complete strangers about their quits. I spoke to 78 people in all which equated to 99% all being long term quitters. None of them read, none of them joined forums they just got on with it. The general consensus was the first day was awful and some locked themselves away for the first 24 hours.*
Knowledge seems to make you wait for the worst and almost expect it to happen. The brain prepares for the terrible 3's because it reads about it every day. We condition ourselves and almost lay in wait for that bad moment. *People criticise the forum for being slushy but I think that's what it should be here for. It shouldn't be here to criticise or even question method of choice, it should be here purely for support.*
Also how can you get on with life as a non smoker if all you every day is talk about it? If you end a relationship you don't turn up at that persons house every day because if you did you would never move on from them.*
I blame myself for my failures but I also blame reading too much. I know knowledge is power is a big mantra for all but one size doesn't fit all.*
This forum is a wonderful place for support, encouragement and is full of good people. I hope one day I do become a non smoker but first I have to clear my head of all the negatives it is filled with from reading too much!
That's it then I'm off to stock up on custard creams because you have said it's a guaranteed way of stopping smoking then so it must work
And I'd hold him to that, Tinks! Day 6...congrats, girl
hmmm, why am I here again?
To confuse, to educate....and speaking of confusion, not that it's of your doing....
TO AUSTINS KNOWLEDGE IS POWER*
Sorry but cant seem to quote on my phone. I have been a failed quitter for nearly a year and am now considering knocking the idea on the head and just smoking.*
Having given the quit process a lot of deep thought the last week I have come to the conclusion that knowledge is actually my downfall. When I signed up to the forum I was well up for quitting but now I realise it's never going to happen. I think ignorance is bliss and too much knowledge can be a real handicap. Now I know the entire forum is going to jump on me and say I'm a fool for thinking like this but it is my own view only.*
I actually took the time to speak to friends, colleagues and complete strangers about their quits. I spoke to 78 people in all which equated to 99% all being long term quitters. None of them read, none of them joined forums they just got on with it. The general consensus was the first day was awful and some locked themselves away for the first 24 hours.*
Knowledge seems to make you wait for the worst and almost expect it to happen. The brain prepares for the terrible 3's because it reads about it every day. We condition ourselves and almost lay in wait for that bad moment. *People criticise the forum for being slushy but I think that's what it should be here for. It shouldn't be here to criticise or even question method of choice, it should be here purely for support.*
Also how can you get on with life as a non smoker if all you every day is talk about it? If you end a relationship you don't turn up at that persons house every day because if you did you would never move on from them.*
I blame myself for my failures but I also blame reading too much. I know knowledge is power is a big mantra for all but one size doesn't fit all.*
This forum is a wonderful place for support, encouragement and is full of good people. I hope one day I do become a non smoker but first I have to clear my head of all the negatives it is filled with from reading too much!
WTF,
It's possibly correct that in dealing with addiction there are plenty ready made excuses. But then, "Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure".
After a year posting on the boards I would think that even you would see the hypocrisy of posting support with one hand whilst flicking ash with the other.
Edit: I hope one day I do become a non smoker
I sincerely hope you do also...make it one day soon.
To be fair to Karri, despite her losing her epic post she may not have wanted me to post it for her once I'd found it!
Please tell me if it needs losing once again?
Maybe I shouldn't post this with the frame of mind I'm in and I'm probably going to live to regret this but Karri, I'm here proper struggling with my quit - in the very early days and I'm reading posts on this forum...nearly every thread I have read so far I see you have replied and then realised that you are actually still chuffing away...I mean I'm the mother of all serial quitters but at least I go away from the forum when I have fallen off the wagon...I don't stop to offer others advice...after all who am I to offer others advice when I couldn't take heed of my own advice.
I mean your 'war and peace' post doesn't make any sense, has it honestly taken you nearly 3000 posts to get to the point where you think you have read to much and that's the reason you cannot quit smoking? Come off it.
Speaking my mind is not out of character for me but doing it on a public forum is as I know this will probably be taken more personal than what it would be if I said it face to face but Karri I do sincerely hope you quit smoking one day, but is that what you want and I mean really want? It just seems like as we have all done/do you make excuses and this time yours is reading too much :confused: it would be great if you would start to practice what you preach, don't you think?
Despite all we say about quitting the only way to stop is to not put them in your mouth, light them and inhale.
Everything else is just the coping mechanism of living without the drug we have become so accustomed to.
The knowledge is there, anyone who reads enough has all the information needed to put those coping mechanisms into practice, but they still have to maintain abstinence to reach the goal which is living ones life without wanting to smoke.
I know there's been debate on here quite often about NRT being a con :rolleyes: ..... and now we have another news item about the latest study that could save your hard earned cash (Don't shoot the messenger :D)
startribune.com/lifestyle/w...
Whatever method you choose to quit the main ingredient they all need is YOUR willpower!
Willpower doesn't work, and for those who do quit using this method they live the rest of their lives moping for a cigarette because they don't understood the psychology of smoking and continue to believe that smoking is inherently pleasurable when we both know it is anything but.
Well i use NRT loz but really as a security blanket. But i do like the Xtra strong mints they do a good job for me, but then i do have days when i reach for a loz . I agree with using NRT. Everyone is different some people go cold turk good for them but please dont give us NRT users a bad name. We all quit and choose which way is best. Jacqui
I started on NRT on Tuesday night after my last well loved cig......really needed to stop because i had a really bad cough and bad chest infection....dreaded waking the next morning cos 1st thing i did was light up, but have not smoked since and to me this is more then i expected, i'm doing well, whish i had the guts to go CT but knew i could not do it, whatever your choice and it works for you do it.....i had a chest xray it came back clear and i somked a lot i was terrified...the patches are working for me, am on day 5 without a cig and i am feeling great........good luck to you all, this forum has helped me sooooooo much, Jay,xxxxx
No more NRT
Wanted - success stories from NRT users
