SMOKERS... LETS KICK the HABIT!!

[not2shygrrl]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

You know, at first this bothered me, but after thinking about it I'm going with "take what you want and leave the rest."

For those who are not smoking, whether by sheer will power, patches, gum, zyban, chantex, vape, lollipops, cinnamon sticks, toothpicks, gritting your teeth, sucking your thumb, etc. Good luck and good wishes.

Loren

yanno Loren.....I 100% support what you say here! Successes are just that! I would venture to say ALL vices are replaced by something else, and in no way is the success diminished or less than any other success..... this opinion is how I choose to see people in the "quitters" here! Go quitters!!! How many times in life is it cool to be a quitter??!! Well it is here!

*singing* 'I'm a member of the quitters club, the quitters club, the quitters club!

Does a herion addict stop being a drug addict if they substitute their drug of choice and it's method of ingestion for methadone on a daily basis?

I know my opinion is not a popular one.

At least there's a thread for those of you who do chose substitute one habit for another one.

Honestly, I don't really care if anyone agrees with my unpopular opinion, I know that I too would have railed against such an opinion when I was a smoker.

It's not rocket science. To stop being 'addicted' to something you stop doing it... and it's substitutes.

[Loren_Q]

This thread is about kicking the smoking habit. In fact the OP mentions using a substitute to "cut the smoke from my lungs", etc. and the final question in the original post is "What is your remedy??? Or Your Game plan?'

I've posted on this thread in that spirit and laud all who have decided to find a way, their way, to stop smoking (and stay stopped).

FTR, I'm 30 years clean and 29 years sober. And I don't for a minute think that I'm 'cured' or that I'm no longer an addict; I am simply in recovery today, and let me tell you being an atheist in AA is an adventure.

My take on smoking is different from my take on drugs and alcohol because of how smoking affects (or doesn't affect) me.

When I was drinking and using, my values would change; I would lie, cheat, manipulate, steal. I would emotionally damage myself and others.

When clean and sober but smoking, my values didn't change; I didn't lie, cheat, manipulate or steal, but I was doing physical damage to myself and others.

I needed to get clean and sober not just because it was killing me, but because I hated being a person without values or integrity.

Smoking didn't take away my values, but it will shorten my life. I need to not smoke because I want a long and healthy life.

Your mileage may vary.

and the title should have been "To each their own..." yeesh.

[Loren_Q]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

FTR, I'm 30 years clean and 29 years sober.

Oops, that's 30 years clean, 19 years sober... washed my hands and I can't do a think with them.

[uncommondialogue]

Too many people just don't know what vaping is really all about. There is no "smoke" like a traditional cigarette taken into the lung...it is harmless vapor. I just had a doctor follow-up visit yesterday and he is thrilled. He can see how clear my lungs are now and there is no more smoker's cough. For a lot of smokers as I mentioned before it is a lot of the hand/mouth stuff going on. In fact, one of the ingredients in the e-juice is used in breathing medications in inhalers. There are non of the 400 additives in e-juice that cigarettes contain and certainly no carcinogins.

This is a tasty hobby for me now, and gives me more satisfaction than any cigarette taste did. There are a plethora of e-juices out there that taste scrumptious.

All I suggest is that vaping is a much safer alternative and works for thousand and thousands of people and verifiable benefits to their health and well-being.

[not2shygrrl]

Well it has been 4 years for me as a non smoker. Have I been tempted...hell yea......have I been successful being a non smoker....hell yea but not without those moments that had me struggling at times. What people think of what I say here is important to me, as I do rally for all of us to quit, or continue to quit and even continue to try if that is the goal! By me posting here I am saying I care, and kudos are just that......unconditional!! If you are reading this, then you are human......imperfect. What cannot be taken from any one of us?.....is our accomplishments! So I applaud you "quitters" as I affectionately refer to you all and myself as. If vaping helps you then vape! Not smoking carcinogens surely is a healthy alternative. I will never diminish nor push you backwards from where you proudly stand! On ward and up ward!! I agree with the OP here, and its about giving support, and my own twist is adding respect for peoples choices on how they quit. Why you do this or how you do this is part of what leads you to learn and grow. I think that is beautiful!

[Medusa]

I'm not a fan of the judgment call about what vaping is or is not, especially in context of people who are kicking an addictive, harmful substance. I really hope this thread remains positive and that those who think vaping is bullshit or an exchange of addictions consider that it's really not your call to label someone else's path to getting healthy.

I know several folks who vape (myself being one!) juice that has zero nicotine. The juice is basically the same ingredients that comprise asthma inhalers. Even further, there are a great many folks who are "mouth vapers" who don't actually inhale but rather puff on their stick.

Anyway, not trying to be an asshole but any step toward clearing your body of those hundreds of terrible chemicals in cigarettes is a GREAT step forward.

I haven't smoked since January 3rd of this year and I can honestly say I will NEVER smoke again.
I kicked the habit with the help of my vape stick. I now only vape in social situations but don't even regularly puff anymore. I chew gum and drink water when my mouth gets antsy.

I applaud every single person in this thread who is taking the step toward health! This is an amazing gift to give to yourself (and the people who love you!)

[Lady Pamela]

Checking in to say hello as see how everyone is?

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

Checking in to say hello as see how everyone is?

Just want to say that I think it is great that you keep this thread going. It reminds people who want to quit that we are here. I liken it to a 12 step meeting being available to people with addictions. It always makes me smile to see that you have hit another month and it reminds newbies that it can be done !

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Just want to say that I think it is great that you keep this thread going. It reminds people who want to quit that we are here. I liken it to a 12 step meeting being available to people with addictions. It always makes me smile to see that you have hit another month and it reminds newbies that it can be done !

Thank was so sweet thank you.
Though I am smoke free I am humbled by those who frequent here.
I am also reminded often what has happened and what could happen.
But honestly, If I can help one die hard smoker as I was then it also helps me.
I truely do not want anyone to hear they have empjysima..and more so the big C word.

Still keeping fingers crossed on my own stuff about that.

But thanks again...You as well as others helped to keep me going as well.
It has been a droup effort..not just mine.

Have a great evening to you.


.

[Lady Pamela]

17 Months Today!
Have a blessed day today!

Yes I know counting this far in may seem very silly..lol
But it is one of my most greatest achievements..It shows others it can be done...And I truely do celebrate my new life.

So for the record...I continue to count..lol


Hope you all are doing well and keeping strong.
For those who have had a moment, IT IS ONLY THAT..1 moment.
Try untill you get it I say...I had several attempts.


Blessing to you all.

[not2shygrrl]

Ahhh the number 17......one of my favs for it is the day of the month I was born! So I have always been partial to 17! What a great accomplishment LP.....looking forward to many more for you!

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

17 Months Today!
Have a blessed day today!

Yes I know counting this far in may seem very silly..lol
But it is one of my most greatest achievements..It shows others it can be done...And I truely do celebrate my new life.

So for the record...I continue to count..lol


Hope you all are doing well and keeping strong.
For those who have had a moment, IT IS ONLY THAT..1 moment.
Try untill you get it I say...I had several attempts.


Blessing to you all.

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by not2shygrrl

Ahhh the number 17......one of my favs for it is the day of the month I was born! So I have always been partial to 17! What a great accomplishment LP.....looking forward to many more for you!

Thank you kindly for always being the support that I as well as others need.
Also thank you for such kind words.

I truely appriciate all the support and friendship.


.

[Loren_Q]

Go Lady Pamela!

[Lady Pamela]

How is everyone?

This weekend I went camping with my family reunion and wow was it stressful at first...lol
Then everyone decided to calm a bit.
I decided to chill in a boat on the lake and was much better then.

I must say though..Even though I am not smoking, sometimes that urge creeps in to smoke and I have to talk myself out of it even still.

But guess all that matters is I didn't smoke.
Stress/sadness/anger etc seem to be the worst triggers.


Anyways, How the hell is everyone elses journey?

[Loren_Q]

Originally Posted by Lady Pamela

How is everyone?

This weekend I went camping with my family reunion and wow was it stressful at first...lol
Then everyone decided to calm a bit.
I decided to chill in a boat on the lake and was much better then.

I must say though..Even though I am not smoking, sometimes that urge creeps in to smoke and I have to talk myself out of it even still.

But guess all that matters is I didn't smoke.
Stress/sadness/anger etc seem to be the worst triggers.


Anyways, How the hell is everyone elses journey?

I bolded the part that means to the most to me. Yeah, the craving sucks but you talked yourself out of it. And that is the 'Go you!' part of this post.

My journey? It's going well so far. I did have some stuff come up over the weekend, but I didn't smoke, that's pretty darned good for me.

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by Loren_Q

I bolded the part that means to the most to me. Yeah, the craving sucks but you talked yourself out of it. And that is the 'Go you!' part of this post.

My journey? It's going well so far. I did have some stuff come up over the weekend, but I didn't smoke, that's pretty darned good for me.

Every smoke you don't smoke deserves a pat on the back I say. Ha!

Thats awesome you didn't give in!

I have found that most people do not see it as worthy to celebrate or voice struggles..Some have even said I am milking it...but I say, IT WORKS FOR ME AND WHO CARES..Like I said..It is a personal jopurney..smiles

I am so happy you are staying strong.
And thank you so very much for continued support and friendship.


.

[not2shygrrl]

Please recognize those moments where you struggle and don't light one up is your strength! However you build that to help you.....is so individual and personal. Do not forget, that others read these posts and are inspired. So what may seem unimportant to you could help someone not fire one up. I guess what I am trying to say is success here is not trivial, it is significant to life and the longevity of it! I say when it enters your mind that you are a non smoker, or that you have decreased smoking, or smoked less, or how ever you are approaching this, then give yourself the credit that is due! This not smoking is not easy for most people......and 4 years later I still celebrate not smoking and reinforcing that it is a habit I don't want to do. So kudos to ALL OF YOU, even if it is still a want and no action.

"The first principle of success is desire - knowing what you want. Desire is the planting of your seed. "
Robert Collier

[GreeneyedMe]

I'm doing it this time!! Going on two weeks smoke free....getting by with regular gum and an occasionally some Nicorette. It's WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm feeling better already! The cravings are calming down a lot....and after 33 years of smoking, I can finally say I AM DONE.

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by GreeneyedMe

I'm doing it this time!! Going on two weeks smoke free....getting by with regular gum and an occasionally some Nicorette. It's WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm feeling better already! The cravings are calming down a lot....and after 33 years of smoking, I can finally say I AM DONE.

Awesome!!!!!!

Keep it up no matter what..even if you get a vapor cig..they seem to be helping tons..and you eventually can break them down to no nicotine as well.

Works for some.

Proud of you!