[alinnell]

It's been 16 3/4 years since I quit. I had to quit. I was pregnant. So I also didn't drink, so the impetus to smoke was gone. But it didn't make it any easier.

I have remained smoke free since then except for a few occasions. First, I would give in when we went out with friends to drink. But now California has ended that--no smoking indoors, even at bars. Then I smoked only when we went on a cruise (only 2 times) and I quit as soon as we were back home.

DH quit as well, although he waited a year or more after I quit, and then a few years ago he took up cigars, but didn't smoke them much. He did like to chew on an unlit one a lot until our dentist pointed out some pre-cancerous spots. He chewed on strips of plastic for a while (must have been some oral fixation for him) and now he has no desire.

I have not smoked nor have I had a craving to smoke in several years (about 4 years). It is not easy, but as with losing weight, if you make up your mind to do it you can. The cravings more or less were the most intense around others who smoked or at the times I used to smoke (parties, bars, etc.). Removing the temptation can help, but it is definitely something that you have to make your mind up to do.

Good luck!!!

[jourdain]

I'm currently trying to quit while losing weight! Yea Dr.'s orders! I started off with Wellbutrin and the nicotine patch, but the patch is worthless for me (I have a definite oral fixation) and the Wellbutrin made me dizzy all the time. Went back to the Doc and she's putting me on Chantix starting tomorrow, so we'll see. One good thing is that the semester is ending so I won't have to drive an hour both ways for clinicals. I can go all night without a smoke, but get me in the car and BAM!

[FaeReverie]

I quit smoking in August... I had a small relapse in the end of September (I had gone back to visit my family, and was suddenly surrounded by situations and people I would smoke in constantly), but haven't touched one since then.

I cut down, then quit cold turkey, less for my own health, but the fact that I decided to move in with my boyfriend, and I refused to smoke in front of him. (Funny though, he honestly didnt care if I smoked or not, lol!) And in that was probably the best quit-smoking aid I had... I know this doesnt really apply to your situation since you cut down, but to anyone it could help... find someone who doesnt smoke, and say you will not smoke in front of them. It really helped me when I was with a friend who was smoking, to just have him sit there and talk about normal stuff, and me thinking "Ok, I really want to steal a cigarette from her, but I cant while he's here, so I guess I won't." And now, I only get urges when I'm really stressed.

GOOD JOB on cutting down! I used to smoke a pack a day as well, so I know what its like!

[futuresurferchick]

WOW Look at all the people who have successfully quit smoking!! I did it too, last January... GO US! We have happy lungs.

[almostheaven]

BTW, the method I used to quit was cold turkey. Smoked the last one and didn't buy another pack. I smoked 2 to 3 packs a day for 18 years. However, I'd tried cold turkey before and it didn't work. I'd tried cutting back and that didn't work either. This time it did. And that's why I think you've gotta be ready to quit. It's like all the times I'd tried dieting before that never worked and this time it did. This time I stuck with exercise that I never was able to stick with before. It's just a point you gotta hit.

[blueberry3]

I want to quit so bad! But I just havent. I bought the patch because I am so serious about quitting for the new year!! Was it hard just stopping cold turkey??

[getncontrol]

I quit on Jan 1, 2000 with the help of Zyban. In all honesty I wasn't even planning on quitting. I was just supporting my dh. The Zyban worked so well for me that I did quit and I don't even miss it. Good luck!