26 years Genie? Ahhhh, you're just a ray of hope to follow! For me, because I'm not (sorry, I WASN'T) a heavy smoker (10-12 cigs a day) it's not so much a chemical hook as it is an emotional/behavioral one. At least that's what I tell myself - makes it sound easier...

And you're right - there ARE better things to put it my mouth :-O !!
But I know I have to careful. Last night I spent the evening with a friend who quit two years ago. She looks much healthier - more colour in her face, less 'wrinkly' - but she's gained a considerable amount of weight (about 50 lbs!) and she still has the odd 'cheat smoke'. She's become one of those people who bums smokes off others all the time. Not very encouraging ...

Also, the last time I tried to quit (about 9 years ago) my mom helpfully bought me a big tub of hard candy to help with the hand-to-mouth 'fixation'. A few days later I broke a tooth on the stupid things, got really p****** off and decided I'd rather smoke than break my teeth. So I won't be doing the candy thing this time ... candy is dandy, but sex won't rot your teeth ... oops STOP IT NOW!

Nancy who used to love smoking - I hear you! I think the things that bugged me the MOST about smoking lately were (1) the desperation you spoke of when I really WANTED one, like after a meal - and when you're the ONLY one at the table who has to excuse themselves so that they can go have a smoke it really centers you out and makes you feel like a fool! (2) the constant worry that the smell will offend someone - I've been rudely insulted by non-smokers who reeked so badly of cheap perfume/body mist it nearly knocked me over - but they still figure they have the 'right' to insult you cuz your just a lowly smoker, and (3) even though I'm healthy, I worry about my lungs and throat. I WANT TO GET MY SINGING VOICE BACK ....

Oh yes, and I refuse to support the tobacco industry and their chemicalized product, OR the propoganda machine and their mind-warping assaults on every pack I buy (sorry, BOUGHT).

Gee, I've armed myself quite well now against any temptation to smoke today - I'll just read this thread over! THANK YOU AGAIN for the opportunity to do this ...

:-) smoke-free daylia who feels like :-( :-)   :-(   :-) :-( :-)