I've struggled off and on with quitting. I even quit for almost 6 months once. Apparently, smoking is just as hard to quit as heroin. that doesn't sound very encouraging, but I'm currently back on track and at about 2 months of being smoke-free again! Woo!
Regarding advice, chewing gum has been helpful. Not hanging around other smokers so much when you first quit is a good idea. Don't dwell on how much you want a cigarette either, just try your best not to think about it. Think happy thoughts!
Oh and last but not least, if you've quit for a while, it's never a good idea for "just one drag". That mentality will get you back smoking quick. On more thing and I'll conclude my chapter here in the comments section. After 3 days of not smoking it won't be so bad and after two weeks it's even better. It just keeps getting easier and easier the longer you stay smoke-free.
Good Luck, to your friend!
Starting smoking was the single stupidest decision I ever made.
The best advice I can give her is to really *want* to quit. If she doesn't really want to, nothing will work. Once she makes up her mind--really, truly makes up her mind--it will be very difficult for her to fail.
I recommend Zyban aka Wellbutrin aka bupropion. I quit with it. It doesn't reduce the number of cravings, but it makes them a lot easier to ignore.
I also recommend this website:
http://www.swen.uwaterloo.ca/~as...s3/faq/
faq.html
as an excellent piece of her support system. LOTS of good stuff there.
Best of luck to J. This is the hardest thing that's 100% under her control that she'll ever do in her entire life. Believe it.
Johnny, thank you so much for your awesome tips! She's been chewing gum like a mad woman so hopefully that will pay off. Plus, most of us don't smoke so at least she won't be around it too much.
Bo, I told her what you said this morning, that this is the hardest thing that's 100% under her control that she'll ever do in her entire life," and I think something might have clicked. It really is all up to her. Thanks so much!!!
e-girl, Love your blog-- ilovedietsoda.com!!! thanks for stopping by sugarfreestyle. I think your friend should enlist all the nec. tools to kick the habit! It's terrible for her health (duh!) but it will also make her look like a hag well before her time. Vanity is a good motivator for some people. Not so much for others -- you know your friend best, and can decide which advice would help motivate....Good Luck!!!
Audrey, the whole vanity factor would certainly work for me. Wrinkles? No thank you! I think I just might try that approach seeing as how she's a little vain as well. Thanks!!
Hi Elaine. Kudos to your friend for moving forward in her quest to quit smoking. You sound like a very supportive friend indeed. I hear the cravings are a tough fight, but I have faith she'll be able to do it. Veggies and crunch are a good detraction from those nicotine fits, but adding a tasty variety of dips to them makes the fight just a bit yummier.
I quit smoking by reminding myself of the psychological connection to my x- girlfriend. I was never a smoker before that relationship until I starting dating(smoking) her(smoker). The only smoke I get these days is the environmental footprint of humanity shoved done my lungs.
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