[batman911]

I quit in 1983. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The addiction was very strong. I immediately bought shares in Philip Morris. The best way to beat the addiction is to completely change your life style. I started jogging and only eating healthy foods. You cannot run (or walk) far if you smoke. Within two years, I finished my first marathon. After about a year the urge to smoke left me completely. You get through one day at a time and keep focused on the goal. Good luck to all of you who will quit on
1 Jan. Live strong.

[jebartle]

My folks smoked Chesterfield, Dad, two packs a day, died at 69 from complications from emphysema, Mom quit at 60 when a pack of cigs went to 50 cents, lived until 85....I on the other hand, was a second-hand smoker...I applaud anybody that trys to quit, I know it must be tough, if I had to give up chocolate, I'd be a basket case!....Hang in there and watch the latest quit smoking ads, showing the inside of your lungs when you smoke, that would do it for me!

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Janitor925

There's a woman (Christine Rossiter) who advertises in the Daily Sun for quitting smoking through hypnosis.... in one hour guaranteed. I'll bet! As you can see I'm a skeptic. It's new year resolution time and I'm wondering if anyone here has used her with success or is it just another scam.

Hi Janitor,
My hubby knows someone who quit using Chantix. However, as others have said, hynosis, medication, etc. are "aids" not solutions. There doubtless is no cure for a physical addition absent steadfast determination and will power. Even God helps those who help themselves.

It might be one of the most difficult things you've ever tried to conquor, you may need some help (such as Chantix or other aid)-- but you can do this. Please believe that. I'm hoping and praying for you.

Keep us posted. We'll provide encouragement and moral support. Go for it!

[mrdills]

Smoking is a mind over a matter thing, the first think you must do is WANT to quite smoking because if you don't want to quit you won't. You can take all the pills you want and it won't stop until you want to quit in your mind. This is what I did 40 years ago and I haven't smoked since.

[another Linda]

I agree about wanting to stop. But the problem for me was I would have these lapses where I didn't want it quite as much. Keeping the "want" strong for the long term isn't always easy, but it is do-able.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Freeda

I agree that it boils down to wanting to quit; having a strong enough motivation; because smoking is a very strong addiction. I started smoking while I was in law school; there was so much tedious reading, and I thought that smoking would curb my tendency to snack while studying. I planned that as soon as I graduated, in 3 years, I would just quit smoking, to avoid any health consequences. Well, eight years later, I was smoking up to 3 packs a day. (I guess I had overlooked that even after law school, law practice would require alot of complicated and stressful reading). (Smoking 3 packs a day had occurred because I had switched to the 'low tar' cigarettes, since they were 'healthier' - what a joke that was; what happened was that I just smoked more cigarettes than ever, because I still craved the nicotine fix, so I gradually increased from 1 to up to 3 packs per day).

After smoking (but I did 'cut down'!) through two pregnancies (something that I now can only view as totally shocking to have done) in the early '80s, and luckily having had two healthy babies, I lost my third child in a mid-trimester (very rare) miscarriage; and of course, I had been heavily smoking throughout that pregnancy, too.

I was devastated by grief, which was worsened by my guilt and shame, as I felt then, and still do, that my smoking was a big factor - possibly the only factor - in losing this child. I still can't tell this story without tears. I decided that at least something 'good' would come out of this tragedy, and that I would stop smoking; and that I wouldn't get pregnant another child unless I had stopped smoking. It still took me a few stops and starts, but within a few months I had stopped. I later had my perfectly healthy third child.

I am telling this story because it illustrates the idea of having a strong reason for quitting; and because it might help someone - maybe some of you have daughters or nieces who smoke.

I did go to an American Cancer Society stop smoking clinic, which had good education and pointers, such as to carry cinnamon sticks as a 'cigarette substitute'.

Freeda,
I greatly admire you for sharing this story. It has to be painful to relive and tell. That you shared it anyway, for no benefit other than the possibility of helping strangers is an extraordinary act of kindness. I'm deeply touched.

[laryb]

I also smoked 40+ years, at times 2 packs a day, and quit. The second time I had cancer did the trick for me. The first time, the doctor told me to quit and I ignored him. The second time I decided to listen. I used Chantix, and it worked for me. Used it for one month, then thought to myself that if I could go a month without smoking, I didn't need the pills anymore. I haven't smoked in 3 1/2 years. Like others have said, it's not just the Chantix that works, you have to want to quit. I don't even get the urges anymore. You can do it!

[Janitor925]

Thank you for your thoughts and comments.

[Yoda]

Quit smoking or die. Is that motivation enough?

Yoda

[memason]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Quit smoking or die. Is that motivation enough?

Yoda

What kind of motivation is that ????? .... Everyone dies! Even non-smokers, last time I checked.

[jblum315]

Yeah, I guess the idea is to stay REAL HEALTHY until you drop dead. Thanks, but I"d rather smoke.

[barb1191]

I also made another incentive to quit. I quit and promised myself I would bank the money I would have been paying to smoke three packs a day. I was very encouraged to see that bank account grow and grow. It helped kick the habit tremendously.

Nowadays the habit is sooooo expensive that I would never ever give consideration to smoking again. Mainly for the health, and then for the outrageous cost of the cigs. No way!!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Janitor925

There's a woman (Christine Rossiter) who advertises in the Daily Sun for quitting smoking through hypnosis.... in one hour guaranteed. I'm wondering if anyone here has used her with success or is it just another scam.

I gave up smoking many years ago, but I have friends that still smoke and would like to quit. I'm very curious if anyone has used the hypnotist, (Christine Rossiter) and found her effective.

[Talk Host]

I have been a co-owner of a Hypnosis business for 15 years. Over a million patrons have attended our seminars or have purchased our hypnosis products. (for both smoking cessation and weight loss) Success depends on the actual desire to achive the goal.

Literally, thousands and thousands and thousands of our patrons have stopped smoking forever or lost weight and kept it off, thanks to hypnosis. It's safe, fun and effective.

A couple of years ago, we conducted one of our seminars near the Villages. About 300 people attended and the reports of success were overwhelming. We wanted to do it in The Villages, but, sadly, couldn't get permission to do so.

If you are interested, please look at our website. http://www.johnmorganseminars.com

JLK

[EdV]

Originally Posted by jblum315

Yeah, I guess the idea is to stay REAL HEALTHY until you drop dead. Thanks, but I"d rather smoke.

Perhaps after you’re wheeled into the emergency room on a gurney with a near fatal case of COPD and pneumonia, like I was, you’ll change your mind.