Quit Smoking 4 Life
Information and Resources to Help you Quit Smoking!
Withdrawal from Cigarette SmokingMost people suffer from psychological and physical withdrawal symptom when they quit cigarette smoking. Withdrawal symptoms come from the physical addiction to nicotine as well as the psychological withdrawal symptoms related to the habit of cigarette smoking. Sometimes the habit of cigarette smoking is more difficult to overcome than the physical addiction to nicotine. Most people smoke when they have a coffee or sit down to talk with friends. The link between cigarette smoking and these activities is strengthened over the years, so that even when we no longer crave cigarettes in other situations we may feel like lighting up when getting together with friends - especially if those people are smoking. Physical Addiction to Cigarette SmokingBut let's not downplay the physical addiction to cigarette smoking. Nicotine is a powerful drug related to cocaine and morphine. Some studies have shown that nicotine is even more addictive than either of these drugs. The reason that nicotine is so addictive is that it affects the neurotransmitters of the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to the stimulation that nicotine provides. If nicotine is withheld for a period of time the brain sends out signals which are the cravings for a cigarette. If you ignore these cravings your brain will protest. You may experience fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, and insomnia. These strength of these symptoms are usually related to the length of time you've been a smoker, but you may also feel strong urges to smoke when you are in places and situations where you are accustomed to smoke. This is the psychological dependency which is feeding on the physical addiction. Overcoming Cigarette Smoking AddictionThe use of a nicotine substitute like gum or patches can reduce the physical cravings for cigarettes. These kinds of nicotine sources allow you to cut back on smoking while maintaining the nicotine levels that your body has become accustomed to. Once you have stopped smoking it is usually fairly easy to wean yourself from nicotine gum or patches. There are also some drugs which help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin are effective in overcoming nicotine withdrawal. It is not known how these medications work, and they must be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Withdrawal SymptomsNicotine withdrawal symptoms are not constant. You will experience many symptoms in your quest to give up cigarette smoking. Withdrawal symptoms include:
You may not experience all these symptoms, and some people are more affected by them than others. Remember! All of these symptoms will eventually pass as long as you refrain from cigarette smoking. If you give in to the urge to have a cigarette you will be back at ground zero. Also keep in mind that the urge to smoke comes in waves. The key to quitting smoking is to handle each of these waves in succession. They will gradually become weaker and less frequent. A good way to deal with these waves is to find some kind of distraction. Each time you feel like lighting up do something else like making a cup of tea or exercising. This will help to distract you from the thought of smoking a cigarette. As the urge to smoke becomes weaker and less frequent you will eventually have a day when you will not feel any desire to smoke. These urge-free days become more frequent until finally you have reached your goal - complete freedom from smoking cigarettes! Comments
Joy 06 Jan 2008, 02:43
It has been five days since quitting smoking. Everything is going great
except I can't sleep. I wake up every coulpe of hours. Tonight I just
couldn't sleep. Is this withdrawal or am I just experiencing an increase of
energy.
paul 06 Jan 2008, 15:48
Joy,
I'd say your insomnia is both a withdrawal symptom and having increased energy. If you can take a week or so off work, that might help until your sleep returns to normal. Don't get discouraged! Keep up the battle. The dividends are enormous!
Joy 11 Jan 2008, 08:38
Thanks Paul
It's been 1-1/2 weeks now and things seem a lot better. My sleeping pattern is back to normal. I do beleive it was a combination of withdrawal and energy increase. I think I am a little ADD at times. (lol) Now I go out walking in the evenings to help burn off the extra energy. It helps! Thanks again for the encouragement.
Paul 11 Jan 2008, 10:27
Joy - glad to hear you're sleeping now. Exercise is a great way to work out
the changes after quitting. I've been smoke-free for 14 months now and one
of the things that helped me get over the cravings was to go for a walk
whenever I felt like a cigarette. Now I exercise regularly and feel great -
so much more productive than before.
Tim 23 Feb 2008, 05:47
Just began to stop smoking
8 years of smoking and have been off for 5 days, smoking a cigarette max of 2 a day to ease the horrid headaches. Marijuana helps the sleep, loss of appetite, irritability, and headaches but is illegal so not the best suggestion.
NOELEEN 26 Feb 2008, 19:20
I was fifty cigarette a day smoker for almost 25years, When I decided to
give up smoking after a bout of bronchitus,I went through a bad bout of
depression which lasted for approx two months. This depression started
exactly two weeks after giving up smoking. I got over it and it is many
months and I have not had a cigarettte.
could the depression be as a result of giving up cigarett6es?
Paul 01 Mar 2008, 12:26
Noeleen,
Sounds to me like the depression is linked to the nicotine withdrawal. I'm no doctor, but 50 cigs a day was giving you a a massive nicotine dose - there's sure to be all sorts of effects when you give that up.
Erica 19 Mar 2008, 01:41
I't has been about three days today (3/19/2008). I've been a smoker for
about two and a half-years, and smoked about 10 to 12 cigarettes per day.
And I'm feeling pretty anxious,I have bad headaches,little sleep, and
probaly most of what everyone else in the world feels when they quit cigs.I
know all of this will subside in short time, and am very happy I quit now
instead of years down the road, because I'm still very young(20).
Paul 19 Mar 2008, 12:15
Erica,
I know it's hard now, but keep the big picture in mind - a lifetime free of cigarettes. You'll feel much better in a day or two - keep it up!
tarun 27 Mar 2008, 07:44
been a smoker for 19 years,quit 2 months back but still have problrms with
sore throat and tongue,get some unexplained blood from my mouth too.any
suggestions pls reply.
Paul 27 Mar 2008, 09:54
Tarun,
I think you should check with your doctor. The sore throat and tongue are quite common, but not the blood.
Mar 02 Apr 2008, 11:16
I quit Feb 25th. This week I am having incredible withdrawals. I thought
by now it would be over. Been drinking lots of water and doing deep
breathing. Maybe I'll take a walk.
Hang in there everyone. Mar
Paul 02 Apr 2008, 23:16
Mar,
The first couple of weeks are the hardest. Going for walks is a really good idea. Do some exercise - read a book - anything to take your mind off smoking will help. Just keep it up and the withdrawal will get better everyday.
Andrew 09 Apr 2008, 11:33
I just quit for the second time in my smoking career - been off them for
just over a week now with the help of Chantix. Was the easiest quit I
could've hoped for.
I too have a sore tongue and throat, but I hear that goes away after a week or so - not sure what causes it though.
Carmen 13 Apr 2008, 23:09
I first quit from 2 packs a day by putting them down, walking and just
breathing.Although I wanted to smoke every day for one whole yr. Then it
stopped. That was when I was 18 and had smoked 4 yrs. 20 yrs later I took a
couple drags to show my teenager how silly he looked. I layed awake for 3
nites wanting one. For the last 10 yrs. I have smoked a pack a day for all
but 1 1/2 yrs. I quit 54 HOURS ago. I am actually sick. headache nausea
sweats irritability feel like i can't breath.How do you just not smoke when
you are really sick? Is it worth it? I have all the reasons not too but
whoo.
sam 14 Apr 2008, 07:27
quit for 3 weeks now.swollen gums and geographical tongue,blood from the
gums too.
Paul 14 Apr 2008, 08:33
Carmen
Maybe nicotine gum would help you. It sounds like your body became accustomed to nicotine at a very young age. It's very addictive, that's why you're going through the withdrawal symptoms. Hang in there - it's worth it.
Carmen 14 Apr 2008, 13:14
Paul,
Thankyou for responding. I have a large extended family, but their way of helping is to tell you what to or not to do. I appreciate the encouragement. Today is a little easier. Not as many pale clammy sweats. Who would of thought nicotine was this addictive. I'll keep hanging in...thank you for hanging and supporting many not only me....
Dannielle 15 Apr 2008, 20:20
hello, it is day 2 for me and i feel awful! Tired, weak, sore throat...but
it is sooo worth it! I'm 20 years old and i smoked my first cigarette when
i was 9. I tried chantix made me feel crazy now i'm on welbutrin it really
works. i will never smoke another cigarette again.
congratulations and good luck for everyone who has quit.
Josh 16 Apr 2008, 21:28
It is one week for me, I quit cold turkey. It hasn't been easy, lots of
irritability, muscle tension and coughing up tar like you wouldn't believe.
I smoked one pack a day for about 12 years. I read "The Easy Way to Stop
Smoking" by Allen Carr. I think it actually helped tremendously because
I've gone longer than ever before and I know that this is it! Good god is
the muscle tension driving me nuts though. Smoking marijuana does help A
LOT with the anxiety and irritability though. Too bad its so expensive...
Good luck everyone!
Stacey Baier 23 Apr 2008, 20:05
I have been smoke free since 4Pm on 4-20-08. I'm 42 year old female, smoked
for 9 years, I just quit cold turkey. This has been the hardest thing I
have ever done in my life! Today is a little better... I can think without
being to foggy (can't recall the last 2 days very well LOL!), hope this
feeling goes away QUICK!!! I have been sleeping pretty good, a little chest
tightness, no cough yet. I don't wish these feeling on no one. Good luck to
all... each day gets us all closer to feeling better and being so much
healther.
Josh 24 Apr 2008, 22:39
It is over two weeks, still hanging in there!
Nancy 26 Apr 2008, 11:50
Greetings. Today is day 10 of my quit. After a really lousy night's
sleep, I woke up with a sore tongue. It feels like it does after a burn.
So my quitting has thus far ruined sleeping and eating and I dare not drink
or I'll just end up buying a pack.
Thanks for letting me unload, and I hope everyone is successful in dropping this pernicious habit.
Alisha 27 Apr 2008, 00:12
hi all
it's been 7 days since i last smoked. The first three days were the hardest, although it has gotten a little easier i was wondering if anyone knew how long it would take for the cravings to go away.
Paul 27 Apr 2008, 07:24
Hi Alisha,
It depends on how long you smoked, but I would guess that the physical cravings should be gone after 2 - 4 weeks. The psychological cravings can last much longer - that was the hardest part for me, just getting over the habit of smoking, feeling stressed and wanting to pick up a cigarette just out of habit. You have to learn a new habit of not smoking.
Stacey 27 Apr 2008, 09:05
Alisha,
My doctor told me friday the 25th that the nicotine leaves your body in 3 to 4 days then the rest is habit that you have to overcome, to me this is the hardest part as I type I want a cig. really bad! I have been keeping busy, the hardest part so far is this weekend. I will never smoke again!!!
tarun 01 May 2008, 05:35
well for me i quit 4 months back,but too late , as im diagnosed with
cancer.
but the results of quitting smoking were immense.i could feel life as in i had more energy,better white eyes,i could smell food better,lots and lots of benefits. so people if you quit smoking stick to it and try to make all people who smoke --- QUIT before its too late. people NEVER SMOKE AGAIN IT KILLS . im an example. good luck.
Nancy 01 May 2008, 11:41
Tarun, I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. I certainly hope you don't mean
it's too late in the worst sense of the phrase and that you cancer is
beatable. All the best to you in the coming months.
Stacey 01 May 2008, 17:36
tarun
Stacey 01 May 2008, 17:42
tarun
Sorry it posted way to soon, laptop very picky tonight ;-) I don't know what type of cancer you have but a girl I work with beat cancer and they said she couldn't, so hang in there be strong! I know its easy to type those words for I am not walking in your shoes but I did have a TIA stroke in November from smoking. My fear of having another one is with me everyday!
Tracey 14 May 2008, 13:06
Hi.. I have been trying to quit for 10 weeks, I did fine until week 8, then
the odd cig struck. I lost my mum to cancer February 7th this year and my
quit day was March 13th. It seems as I go through this grieving (which is
killing me) the cigarette thing gets harder. Initially i was so paranoid
about cancer (my mum was 63, out shopping one week, a week later in
hospital, 13 days later died of cancer in 5 places that she never knew she
had) I have been paranoid i would die within a week etc, this made it
easier to not smoke.. now i am going through the depression phase.. sad all
the time and feelings of whats the point, lets just get death over with
kind of thing, then i get all out of control and reach for a cig.. then i
feel bad and want to cry cos i have had one ;o( I just feel like a out of
control yo yo. I have been to see a cancer councillor once, and am thinking
of going back.. do you think my reactions are cigarette quitting or grief
or both. what a cocktail.. dare I have a glass of wine as I am well worse
then! I am on step 3 patches (5mg) am fine all day.. its the night times
that get me, maybe as there is another smoker in my house? I was doing so
well, not sure how to get back in focus? any advise would be great ;o(
Paul 14 May 2008, 21:17
Tracey,
You've been hit with a lot all at once. I'm really sorry to hear about your Mom, but you've got to see her death as a real wakeup for you. You've got a good chance to quit the habit, but you've got a lot against you - a smoker in the house (not good!) dealing with your mother's death. I think you should definitely go back to the councilor you were seeing. You've got 10 weeks of non-smoking under your belt, don't give up that fantastic accomplishment. Just hang in there, go out with a non-smoking friend, keep yourself positive because there's a lot of good things to live for and being a non-smoker helps you enjoy them all the more.
ana lascala 17 May 2008, 18:48
i have been trying to quit smoking after 50 or so years some days more than
others. i am now smoking maybe 1-4 cigs a day depending if i can buy them
from someone i pay 50 cents per cig.last night was the worst nigth for me
in a long time and i want to know if i can attribute how i felt to
withdrawal.i couldn't sleep, had pains here them there i was constipated,i
was freezing cold and i live in florida!!!!!!!! will you please let me know
what i can do to get rid of these side effects ?
thank you ana lascala
Paul 19 May 2008, 18:41
Ana:
The withdrawal symptoms are caused by nicotine, so i think you would benefit from a nicotine substitute - gum, patches etc. Good luck - keep going - it's well worth it.
Suellen 28 May 2008, 13:32
Well, today is day one of the quitting smoking process. I've tried many
times before and made it up to 1 month without a cig in the past. I'm 26
and have been smoking since I was 15..1/2 a pack to a full pack a day. I'm
using the patch this time..and I've never experienced anxiety like I am
today. Doesn't help that work is slow lately so I was taking quite a few
smoke breaks to pass the time. I can't wait for the cravings and the
withdrawals to subside. I'm sure everyone around me is tired of my
complaining :) I decided I had to quit. I'm on my second helping of
bronchitis in less than 2 months and last time it even went into pneumonia.
I was afraid if I didn't quit this time that my lungs would just give out.
Good luck to everyone!!
rohit 02 Jun 2008, 03:00
Tarun , dont be down pal , there is hope , tell me how old are you and what
cancer you have, i assure you i will give you a suggestion which will
lighten you up. trust me.
Jessie 24 Jun 2008, 11:14
I started smoking about 5 years ago, the last two years I've been smoking
cloves, perhaps 2-5 (more if I'm drinking) a day. I had one clove on
Sunday around 4 pm, 1 Monday (yesterday) around 8 am, and today I've hit
the 30 hr mark! Things aren't so bad because I'm not that heavy of a
smoker, but I just don't want to use that as a justification to buy ONE
MORE PACK. Good luck everyone.
Erin 05 Jul 2008, 02:45
Thank all of you for your testemonials. Day 3 for me, after about 2 and a
half years of smoking. Cant tell you how bad I just want to cry right now.
I feel like everyone around me hates me, most importantly my boyfriend.
My tongue hurts constantly, has taken on a strange color, and i always have
a fowl taste in my mouth. is this weird? Food never sounds good and if i
manage to get something down, i worry that the nausea will kick in. im so
stressed and tired but cant sleep. it doesnt help at all that i am a
bartender by profession and am around smoke constantly. anyway, good luck
to you all. we can do this.
Paul 05 Jul 2008, 07:32
Erin,
A lot of what you are experiencing is common for anyone who quits - not much of a comfort, I know, but remember that lot's of people have gotten through it. It gets better and easier every day, but if you're around smokers every day, the temptation to have "just one" is very strong. Can you take a week off work while you get over the worst of the withdrawal symptoms?
Barbara 12 Jul 2008, 16:28
I have quit smoking cigarettes with the aid of Chantix for approx. two
weeks. I have been getting sore throat pain which feels like razor blades
cutting the inside of my throat. I have also been depressed. Are these
symptoms common in withdrawal?
Thank you.
Paul 12 Jul 2008, 20:16
Barbara,
The withdrawal symptoms you are going through are quite common and will pass in a few days. Just keep on with what you're doing - it's worth it in the long run.
William Cherry 12 Jul 2008, 22:20
I'm 25yrs old. Two 1/2yrs ago I almost died from a spontaneous pneumothorax
with hemofelia, unexplained lung problem. I lost 2.3 liters of blood and a
3rd of my lung. I quit for 16 months, "No Cheating." A very stressfull
event happened and I was crazy to go back. I didn't go back to 2packs of
marlboros a day but cigars. I still have blebs on my right lung, and still
have post opt. paint. I'm quitting for good now and it's hard finding any
support. I know I just need to put it behind me it's crazy what i'm doing.
I just had a MRI and it's not good so I know my life is at the stake of my
own hands here. If there is anywhere to talk and get support pls e-mail me.
Thanks
frank 15 Jul 2008, 16:17
I have smoked for about 30 years. Hard to tell how much I actually smoked
because I only smoked my cigs half waqy down. I assume I could say one pack
equals one half pack. I smoked nevertheless a pack plus per day. Just cold
turkeyed 6 days ago. My chest feels kind of hurty does yours? Im an anxious
person who takes normally celexa. I decide against patch because the patch
keeps nicotine in system whejn you want to just get rid of it! I eat more!
However so far jm doing good I have been in many stores right near
cigarette counter and have refrained! I will say however Im just one
cigarrette away from smo0king agin. On my most stressfull days I have HUGE
urge!
sue 16 Jul 2008, 15:59
hi ive just stoped smoking after 30 years its so hard but iam going to do
it i feel its time to think about me and give me the bedt chance for a
longer life my thoughts are with all of us thats trying we can only but try
all the best to you all sue
William Cherry 21 Jul 2008, 21:42
I quit last Sunday and it has been really tuff. The first 3-4 day's were
the worst. You can only work on today to get to tomorrow. I feel a lot
better now and found a trick I didn’t do before that really works well.
Coffee stir straw. It cuts my cravings down tremendous. I hate chewing gum
and candy but the small coffee stir straw has helped me a lot. I am also
taking chantex but its not a wonder drug. honestly I don’t even know if
it works but anything to keep your mind off it the better which is not
fully possible.
jay 22 Jul 2008, 11:23
Its been three days since i stopped smoking and this is so hard for me...i
need someone to talk to about this...i need your help..please help me..
Matthew 23 Jul 2008, 14:51
Well its been about 17 years since I started (almost 1/2 my life) so I've
finally decided to quit. Its been 3 days now. I've been SO TIRED though
since quitting. Is that normal? Its like someones giving me a sleeping
pill. I especially like to smoke when I drink alcohol. So I'm dreading this
weekend when I go out to the bar. Anyone else have that problem? Smoking
while drinking? Any tips? (other than avoid the bar/don't drink?).
Thanks
Vian 23 Jul 2008, 17:58
Well I'm sorry to say that I have not quit smoking yet..I need some help. I
have been a smoker for 2 years now and all I ever smoke is the nonfiltered
Lucky Strikes..I don't even think I'm addicted anymore..I have quit up to a
week or more and not even have the urges that I used to have..yet I still
smoke..but lately I have had the worst sore throat for about a month now
and it wont go away...and I'm still smoking..so it cant be a withdrawal
symptom..so I'm confused..and I need help to get myself to quit..please
Paul help me!
Paul 23 Jul 2008, 20:24
Vian,
If you're not addicted, and have a bad sore throat, why do you keep on smoking? Those unfiltered Lucky Strikes are going to kill you - just stop. Even if you aren't physically addicted, you may have the psychological habit of smoking. Try substituting it with something that's not bad for you - like chewing gum.
Vian 24 Jul 2008, 15:11
Your 100% right...and another thing I have been having a challange with is
that i tell myself I can quit whenever I want to quit but I just don't want
to stop smoking...I mean cigarettes still have their effect on me and calm
me down..the only times I do have a craving is when I'm stressed which in
my case is everyday...I started smoking to aggrevate my parents cause they
hate it and I feel like when I have to deal with everything they put me
through I mentally and physically can't handle it so I cope by smoking..I'm
really trying to convince myself to quit..but I think I'm just too stubborn
Jen 29 Jul 2008, 19:29
I have been smoke free for 8 weeks. 6 weeks of that I was using the patch
which helped out tremendously! The past two weeks I have felt like a mad
woman. I am experiencing extreme ups and downs, difficulty sleeping, and
I'm extrememly irritable and angry. I don't feel like smoking, honestly,
the smell really bothers me now. I just want to know about how long these
symptoms might last and if I should seek addtional help?
tom 01 Aug 2008, 08:38
day 2 for me, using the nicotine lozenge. it's amazing how terrible you
feel despite still getting nicotine to your system. just thinking about
all the horrible, putrid chemicals leaving my system and making me feel
like i have the flu is motivation enough to stay off these horrible,
poisonous sticks. i know i will feel better soon, but please everyone
stick to it. it is so worth it.
mark 03 Aug 2008, 02:35
day 3 for this ex-smoker! couldnt sleep last night but my chest feels
better already (believe it or not!) was offered a cig. yesterday by a
friend of a friend and replied "no thanks i dont smoke" how weird did that
feel!!! anyone who is trying to quit- stick with it....i was told you dont
feel like s**t forever! and very soon you will feel better than ever! after
all...the human body was nt designed to be poisoned every hour by inhaling
dried out burning toxic plant matter wrapped in paper and laced with
chemicals!!! so lets give it the boot..for good
gridsleep 11 Aug 2008, 19:49
Sixth day cold turkey. I will never smoke again. I am pretty sure I will
never be happy again, either. I am resigned to a long life of healthy
misery. The thing about quitting smoking is, the life you had before you
quit is the same life you have afterward, only without cigarettes. I don't
know about some of you, but that's not much to look forward to. Life was
never wonderful to begin with. I just wonder what makes it worth all this
trouble. I have not found an answer to that question yet.
Blah. 12 Aug 2008, 16:15
I have quit smoking so many times and I always seem to forget how shitty it
feels. My blood feels annoyed, nothing seems worth while, who fucking
cares.... God, I hate this. I do not want a cigarette, they make me sick
to see them, but I do not feel good at all. I can't remember how long it
takes my body to turn this around, I hope it's soon. Just took my first
shot of St. Johns Wart.
I hate cigarettes.
adam425206 13 Aug 2008, 05:40
gridsleep that is VERY discouraging.. LOL but i feel ya. i am on day one
everybody. i am 19 years old at the moment have been smoking for 4 years...
i smoke a pack a day and have a pack infront of me right now, have been
staring at it for 14 hours now... 14 hours into it and i am already feeling
like a fiend. i quit a strong opiate addiction so i will break this, let
me tell you all smoking marijuana helped me quit oxys and has assisted
quiting smoking ciggerettes every time i fiend for one i just take a hit of
weed.
Gail 16 Aug 2008, 04:21
My husband has had the flu and hasn't had a cigarette in 8 days (50+ a day
smoker) he has been very ill and cannot eat anything much without throwing
up, he says he feels sick all the time, do you think this is a combination
of both?
Debbie 16 Aug 2008, 22:20
I quit for 5 1/2 months. I was going just beserk. Throwing tantrums at
any little thing. Not like me at all. Being very mean to people. Eating
soooo much that I made myself sick. Wasnt even hungry, just ate out of
sheer upset. Bit my tongue many times till it bled. Cried soo much and
always mad. I took it so hard and finally I said its not worth it. I am
just sooo mad at everything and everyone. I was so miserable the whole
time. Self inflicted torture for me to quit. By the way Im 46 and I jog 10
kms 4-5 days a week even though I smoke. I quit because I figure soon the
smoking will affect the jogging. Climb 200 stairs on my jogging route.
Would like very much not to smoke, but not going to put myself through that
torture ever again. Sorry, I know it is not what people want to hear, but
that is exactly how it was for me. Withdrawl is one thing, but going
absolutely nuts for that long is too much. Please dont tell me the
withdrawl gets easier
kat 19 Aug 2008, 13:31
Hey I smoked a pack every 2 days. I have had 5 cigs in 19 days. I cheated 3
times, but its still better than a pack every 2 days. I get sooo stressed
out and I take it out on anyone who is nearby. I started working out and
its helped out a little. I go through a pack of gum a day to take my mind
off of it (should have a thousand cavities soon..lol) Oh the best part is
that I keep having reoccurring dreams of me messing up and smoking. No
other physical symptoms just extreme cravings at night and when im
stressed. Good luck to everyone!!
beatrice 01 Sep 2008, 21:49
I am on day 21 of quitting, and tonight was the toughest yet. I thought
this would be easier by now. Physically, I feel SO MUCH BETTER, but I am
so weepy tonight. Question: I smoked a pack a day for 15 years, so I was
wondering if I should be coughing things up. I feel great actually, and
wondered if I should be nervous that my lungs are not detoxing.
Paul 01 Sep 2008, 22:12
Beatrice:
If you feel great, great! Everyone experiences different symptoms, so don't worry too much. Just keep up the good work!
Gary 16 Sep 2008, 21:33
Today is day 3 going on day 4 since I went cold turkey. I've been smoking
at least 5 cigarettes day for the last year and figured I'd quit now while
I'm still young. I have to admit I randomly experience feelings where I
really want to smoke. For example I was reading over some paper work and
just all of a sudden I remember a voice in my head saying "that's nice, but
why don't we go and have a camel in the basement eh'?". Thankfully I'm not
getting any of these other symptoms minus the irritability and tiredness.
Good luck everyone :D
Bert 17 Sep 2008, 12:27
Hey everyone.
It's been 30 days since I quit smoking. I used to smoke about 1/2 - 3/4 pk a day for 23 years. I woke up one morning , sneezed and blood came out of my nose, followed by some in my mouth. Enough to scare the hell out of me. I decided right on the way that I will not smoke anymore. Anyway the doctor checked at my lungs ( no liquid build up ) and heart ( rate normal ) and blood pressure ( a bit high ). So now I have gone through the withdrawals and symptoms - although I am not eating as much as everyone said I would. The headaches, insomnia, tiredness, anxiety have all come out.. now I may have a sinus infection.My nose is like its on fire. I woke up this morning again with blood in my mouth ( which has not happened since a month ago ). What I do not understand is how someone can get so sick while trying to heal!! Anyway I am off to the doctors ( again ) so that they can have another look.. On a footnote: Glad i found you guys on here.. can relate to it.
ronm 29 Sep 2008, 19:40
I quit cold turkey on july 22 after smoking 2 pks a day for over 30 yrs. I
went through bad withdrawal,depression,irratbility ,and unable to
concentrate.I cheated on sept 2 thru 12,just one or two a day.I stopped and
had to go through with- drawal all over again.Its affecting every
relationship in my life in a negative way. I can breath easier and am
walking every night to try and keep from gaining weight
Kim 01 Oct 2008, 08:12
Hi I quit 1 month ago,..and just feel like crap,..nose infection,..Can't
sleep
and the first really big withdraw craving came over me today, after being quit for a month! Does this Happen? and how many more of these do I have to go threw? No I didn't pick up and smoke,..I wanted to but didn't. I just don't want to go threw all this again. I am 44 years old and started smoking at 17.
Cnnkt 09 Oct 2008, 21:04
Hi, this is my second legitimate attempt at quitting, 3 days in. I have to
say it has been FUN. The first initial urges have been turned into pure
energy which makes me feel like an absolute kid again. Stay positive
people. Smoking isn't a crutch, it's a vice that holds you down from being
able to do the things you used to be able to do. Also, keep as active as
you possibly can. If you focus on the good and not the bad you will start
to become "high on life" instead of buzzing off of nicotine.
Tom 15 Oct 2008, 22:25
This sites awesome. I'm nineteen been smoking a pack a day plus since 15
and recently went on Chantix. I took it for 2 days and decided to stop
taking it because it made me throw up. I've been cigarette free for a week,
which is the longest I've gone without one in four years and I feel great.
Just stay busy, surround yourself with people who encourage not boss you
around, drink water, eat breakfast and when you get a craving hold your
breath in as long as physically possible and when you release your breath
you no longer crave one. Good luck everybody its so nice, my teeth look
white you know?
Tom 15 Oct 2008, 22:30
Also, don't waste your time trying to smoke fewer and fewer cigarettes. You
ultimately go an entire day of not smoking a cigarette and think you can
smoke one. It just doesnt work.
Kim 16 Oct 2008, 04:15
Kim has not had a Cig in One month, two weeks, one day, 6 hours, 8 minutes
and 3 seconds. 1357 cigarettes not smoked, saving $268.14. Life saved: 4
days, 17 hours, 5 minutes. So forgive the moodswings.
=) Hi just letting you know,..I haven't started back up!! I am feeling better, I thought I would feel better than this,..But think it is more my Age now and not the Quit smoking part anymore LOL! I still have cravings but really not bad at all anymore,..Still haven't had a beer either,..not ready. I have been using the Commits,..they have the Cappichino(sp?) flavor now too,..(Yummy). So I am still hanging in there. Good luck to all of you too, this is the BEST thing you can do for yourself!!
Paul 16 Oct 2008, 07:14
Good going Kim! Keep it up!
SHARYN 19 Oct 2008, 18:01
10-19-08
I'M NOT A SMOKER , BUT MY HUSBAND IS. A HARD CORE SMOKER.A FEW WEEKS AGO HE WAS "LIFE FIGHTED" TO A TRAMA HOSPITAL OUT OF STATE. A COUPLE WEEKS A GO HE BECAME CONFUSED. THE DOCTORS SAY LONG HOSPITAL STAYS CAN DO THIS. TODAY HE REALLY WAS DILLIRIOUS (SP). HE WAS REFUSING TO LET THE NURSES TOUCH HIM AND SAID FOR ME TO COME AND GET HIM. NOW, HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE WITHDRAWAL FROM SUDDEN STOP SMOKING CAUSING SOMETHING LIKE THIS. I SENSE THAT AT LEAST THIS IT MAY BE ADDING TO THE DILLIRIUM. ITS JUST THE WAY MY HUSBAND IS ACTING THAT MAKES ME THINK THAT. HE WASN'T TRYING TO STOP SMOKING , HE HAD NO CHOICE. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS ?
john 24 Oct 2008, 07:54
My name is John and I am 27. I have not smoked a cig in 3weeks. I used to
smoke a pack a day for 7 Yrs. My wife is about to have our first baby and I
am going NUTS!!!!. I have been having alot of anxiety and panic attaks
which I have never had before. the first couple of weeks I had alot of
nausea,hot flashes, shaky feeling, lightheadness, fine it hard to
concentrate. I would like to know if anyone has had the same symptoms???
Hang in there everyone it should get better.
cw 29 Oct 2008, 08:43
I smoked for 20+ years, I have not had on ein about 4 weeks now. I am doing
good but last few nights I am actually dreaming about smoking. This ever
happen to anyone?
austin 08 Nov 2008, 21:33
i have been smoking for about 3 years. i smoke about 6-7 a day and just cut
back to 2-3. i have been having severe depression, anxiety, nausea (this
morning i threw up from drinking water)and i just want to know if there is
something else happening besides withdrawls. im trying to be smoke free but
just cutting back this much makes me feel like its going to be much harder
than i thought. any help or advice is appreciated.
Kim 09 Nov 2008, 05:12
Austin,
I have been quit for 2 month 1 week and 1 day. Don't get me wrong our body will go threw all kinds of changes when we quit but our MIND will be our worst ememy. I said to my self as I cried myself to sleep a few nights that it is just the nico demon tryig to get my self to quit. The nico demon is just trying to get you to take ONE PUFF! cause that is all it takes to get back to smoking more! You may just have a cold or flu,..and you mind is making you feel like you have to have a cig t feel better!. Don't do it. HANG IN THERE AUSTIN. I still have some BAD day after 2 months,..but I don't think about it long and it goes away faster,..But every ache I wanted to blame myself for Quitting,..and that wasn't the case at all,..MY BODY IS HEALING!!! Best of luck to ya!! KIM
Gboy 11 Nov 2008, 14:57
Hi everyone. It has been exactly 15 hours and 56 minutes since I had a
smoke. Right now I'm feeling a little cranky and I can't concentrate with
my work. I'm dying to have a cigarette but I know I shouldn't. Good luck
to all of us.
austin 12 Nov 2008, 15:21
kim thanx for the support. so far the depression and anxiety have gone for
the most part, but ive been constipated for 2 days and laxatives bearly
helped. the nausea is still around but its going away.
mentally im ok with not smoking. its the physical withdrawls that are killing me right now. i know that i will make it thru, im just really sick physically. if anyone has any advice on getting thru the panick attacks and lack of appetite please let me know.
Kim 12 Nov 2008, 17:38
Austin,
Happy to hear you are doing good!! You are going threw everything that you should be going threw when you quit smoking,..I am sure everyone knows and been where you are,..I know I have. I joined Yoga for depression and Anxiety,..Walking does great too. STAYING BUSY is the main thing. Constipation was a big one with me too,..But I use Commit as my NRT. And that will just come back with time,..OJ and Apple juice helps too. You can do this,..just know what you are going threw is NORMAL,..I have cried,..threw things,.Freaked out, and Blamed my husband cause my 22 year old water heater Died. And he wasn't even home when it happend. LOL I am 2m 1week and 4 days,..and If I can do this while my Husband still smokes (Outside) then anyone can do this!!! Make this quit about YOU! and only ABOUT YOU!
austin 12 Nov 2008, 21:49
kim, thanks again. ive been doing lots better, constipation is gone and i
can feel my digestive system returning to normal. ive now cut down to just
one a day (smoked 1/3 at a time) and plan on being completely quit by the
23rd (probably sooner). i know people say that its not good to cut back
slowly, but ive been really watching my nicotine intake carefully. the
depression and other withdrawl symptoms are still present but are minimal
now. i cant wait for the winter season so i can go snowboarding again (i
live in utah). i havent been in about 2 years and i want an excuse to stay
active this winter. thank you for the support and ill try to remember to
post back here once im off for good.
good luck everyone YOU CAN QUIT!
Christina 14 Nov 2008, 21:11
I've been smoking for about 6 months, about 5 cigarettes a day. I enjoy
every one of them. I absolutely love smoking. However, I have decided that
I need to take better care of my body. Today I have not smoked at all. I
feel chest pain.
grandma 17 Nov 2008, 11:32
i have been smoking for 67 years now, im almost dead i got cancer of the
throat mouth lungs almost everything i am 79 years old ive been smoking
since i was 13, i dont know what to do i smoke five packs of ciggaretes a
day, i think i'm going to die do i have any hope
Pbee 17 Nov 2008, 18:40
Grandma...There is always hope when we put our trust in the Lord.
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