DO YA WANNA QUIT OR NOT?

[Laurenfra]

I declare this weekend to be quiters weekend. Pick a day between now and Monday and put those ciggies down. Post here and we will help keep you accountable.
While you are here there are a few posts from others who have quit, there is some great advice!

[spirittalker]

I will be here on sunday

[higgies]

Ok, I started today!! Or last night, depending on how you look at it... *scared*

[Richt]

Good luck Paul, you can do it.

Youve lost your weight, now stopping smoking has to be easier? (I am behind you anyway.

I gave up smoking 10 months before I started Atkins, and have stuck to them both.

If I can do it, then so can you.

Rich

[higgies]

Ok, I'm already thinking about going to the store...

[Laurenfra]

Higgies it wont last long. Deal with each craving as it comes. Drink water. DH drank it thru a straw. DO something to keep you mind off of it.

I'll be looking for you spirit

[higgies]

Yeah, I'm trying...drinking water and playing poker...which is actually making it worse because that's when I'd smoke the worst...I gotta go work out or something...

[Laurenfra]

great idea you cant smoke in the gym. It will pass

What are smoking withdrawal symptoms, and how long will they last?

Symptoms of smoking withdrawal vary from person to person. The symptoms peak around the second or third day after quitting and then level off. Your withdrawal symptoms may include:

PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
increased appetite
increased sputum production
cough
sweating
muscle aches and cramps
constipation or diarrhea
nausea
headache
hypersensitivity to physical stimuli
sleep disturbances
weight gain
irritability
restlessness
anxiety
aggressive thoughts and behavior
depression
decreased ability to tolerate stress
decreased sexual drive
impaired work performance
intense cigarette cravings


The good news is that at the same time you will experience positive health changes including improved lung function, better circulation to hands and feet, decrease in blood pressure and pulse, and more oxygen to all body parts giving you more energy. Psychologically, you may feel a sense of accomplishment, euphoria at being free of cigarettes.

To make it through withdrawal arrange all possible social, psychological and environmental support. Enlist the help of family and friends, mentally prepare yourself, and be aware of your surroundings. Minimize your contact with smokers during the initial period after you quit and avoid high risk situations such as bars. Remove ashtrays and smoking related items from your house, car and place of work. Studies have also shown that nicotine gum and the nicotine patch may reduce withdrawal symptoms by gradually tapering off the nicotine dose your body receives.




JUST 2 - 3 DAYS IS ALL IT TAKES. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING THAT LONG!

[MontanaRebel]

I quit smoking twice and the second time I hung them up for good!! You will feel so much better and with the price of cigs these days that is worth it in itself! Johnny :guns

[spirittalker]

Higgies I like to chew on coffee straw whenever I have quit in the past. Also just regular chewing gum can really help because it's minty and makes you not want to smoke after cause ewww that would tast so nasty. Be strong, you can do this!

Oh and I also hear that exercise helps a lot.