Finally decided to give up: Hi everyone, I'm... - No Smoking Day

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Finally decided to give up

nsd_user663_64646 profile image

Hi everyone, I'm new here, been a smoker for the last 5 years and after reading this article I've decided nows the time to quit. Only thing is, I'm unsure which is the best way. I've heard that going completely cold turkey is the way to do it, but I don't know if I could do that. What's worked for you guys?

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11 Replies
RoisinO1 profile image
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free

Hey Brad and welcome, I quit cold turkey over 4 months ago and never looked back. Every quit is up to the individual themselves how they do it, some need help to get them in the right path until they are ready for the withdrawals, I did not want to delay this process so opted for cold turkey. I think what is vital in everyones quit is being 100% focused, determined, positive and above all knowledge on what happens when you quit, research on what way is best for you and read up as much as you can. Wishing you success in whatever you decide to do....(perhaps read posts here on methods used)

Nozmo profile image
NozmoValued Contributor

Hi Brad, I use an ecig but I would rather I didn't. It REALLY helps but I'm just substituting one habit for another and if my battery runs out I go into a flap! I plan to carry on, gradually decreasing the nicotine level until I'm on 0%, then I can think about giving up the hand to mouth habit.

Another thing to consider with ecigs is, although the manufacturers say they're perfectly safe, and it's quite possible that they are, there has been very little testing on the inhalation effects. The main ingredients propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine are harmless when ingested but nobody truly knows (yet) if they have any adverse effects when "smoked".

Also, be careful vaping if you have cats as propylene glycol can cause a form of anaemia in our furry friends. I have three, so I don't use my ecig around them.

Summary is - they really help, they save you lots of money...BUT... they don't break the habit, they have an element of risk, and there CAN be some dodgy ingredients in there.

I only buy liquid that comes with a certificate of analysis so I know what I'm breathing in.

in reply to Nozmo

Cannot agree more

Stop smoking is not just about stop inhaling smoke, it's about regaining control over your life and stop being dependent on the cigarettes, not necessarily the nicotine.

I never actually had a problem with the lack of nicotine. That's the easy bit.

The problem is to learn to live and face life without hiding behind smoking

Nozmo profile image
NozmoValued Contributor in reply to Nozmo

Very true mmaya, hit the nail on the head.

I will say one more thing for ecigs that I forgot to mention - even though there is an element of risk it is a FAR lesser risk than the one associated with cigarettes, and their cocktail of toxins and carcinogens.... in my opinion anyway...

in reply to Nozmo

Yes Nozmo agreed but ultimately you are just taking the least evil, when the plan was to stop evil.

Replacing the habit doesn't work, I did it myself and I learnt I only postponed the inevitable - smoking.

There is only one way to stop smoking - through it, face it and learn how to live again without the crutch.

Nozmo profile image
NozmoValued Contributor in reply to Nozmo

Well I'm sticking with my ecig for now mmaya :-)

Once I've got a bit further down the road and brought my nicotine down to 0% I'll think about giving it up. It's a cracking debate though...

CocoaXChange profile image
CocoaXChangeValued Contributor

Brad, The hand-mouth habit is of different importance to everyone. I found the e-cig very helpful. I lowered the nicotine levels until I was at 0%. Even though I'd panic if the battery died, I found myself vaping less each day. After about 2 months I just forgot about it and stopped using it. I think it helps to quit that it tasted so bad.

If you buy an ecig, get one made in a country with safety standards. And get one that has different levels of nicotine including 0%, I don't think all do.

Nozmo profile image
NozmoValued Contributor in reply to CocoaXChange

I like that idea of having a horrible flavor. I'm using a quite refreshing "Green Tea and Menthol" at the minute but I think I would be better off with a flavor that I don't like to help me wean myself off them. Maybe the one that tastes like celery?

CocoaXChange profile image
CocoaXChangeValued Contributor in reply to CocoaXChange

I used tobacco flavor and it was dreadful, though probably not intentionally.

Nozmo profile image
NozmoValued Contributor

How's it going Brad? Have you set a date for your quit yet? It's always a good start - set the date and let people know about it.

How's it going Brad? Have you set a date for your quit yet? It's always a good start - set the date and let people know about it.

Great advice.

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