BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help

Subject: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 05:37 PM

The last one was at about 11:30 AM on Wed. 29 Oct. I'm still going through extreme feelings that I can't quite describe, except to say tortuous. I think I might rather have a kidney stone as the demarol stops the pain. Any help you can offer will be appreciated, even just good wishes. The tension is really tearing at me. I am a regular, but woud prefer to be anon for the time being. many thanks -- n

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 05:41 PM

Hang on, and drink lots of water. Get a package of Nicorette gum or, better, the Commit lozenges and take them as you need them. It WILL ease up, I promise. It is the toughest walk I ever walked. But it can be done, and if I could get tyhrough it, IO believe you can.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 05:44 PM

Well I stopped 11 days ago, and as my lifestyle revolved till then largely around the smoking of cigaretts, it has not been easy for me either. Keep it up, that's all I can say, I'm starting to feel better. More boring, with few high spots in the day, but better. We can do it!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 05:59 PM

Believe that you're a non smoker. Believe that you are a bit ill with hard to treat symptoms that will go away.

Nicotine will not cure the illness; time will

30 years and counting

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 06:50 PM

Thanks for the support. I do have another smoking mixture that I have been avoiding. I know the end results would help, but am loathe to smoke anything right now. Any insights?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 07:00 PM

Most successful former-smokers I know cut down first, slowly, over several weeks time, to a few cigs a day, and THEN quit with or without Nicorette or other helps.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 07:09 PM

There are two vectors which together always look insuperable but are not. One of them is the pure addictiveness of nicotine. The other is all the behaviours, beliefs, triggers and stimuli that one associates with smoking. Some people can ignore the latter indefinitely but are driven mad by the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. Other people are only inconvenienced by the withdrawal but are married to the habits of smoking activity and all it symbolizes.

In my experience, the latter is more often the big hurdle for women and the former for men, but that may just be one person's take on things.

I do believe that if you handle just one of these vectors, the other becomes a lot easier -- for me it was simple enough to use lozenges to provide nicotine until I was wholly comfortable not jumping to the triggers and not doing the behaviors-- and only then cutting down on the nicotine lozenges until I could walk away.

Nothing else would have worked for me.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 07:17 PM

Don't touch another cigarette, stick of nicotine gum or any other crutch. Just stop smoking. Period. You got the best advice you will ever get from "s&r". As soon as you *believe* you are a "non-smoker" you have won the battle. I smoked four packs a day at one time and quit five years ago. It only took two weeks before I disliked the smell of cigarette smoke and had absolutely no interest in going back. (BTW, lots of carrots and lots of diet soda in the fridge helped. Much of the "addiction" is to the physical movement of your hand up to your mouth).

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 07:18 PM

Susan, that did not work for me- mostly because cutting down made each cigarette that much better tasting. I eventually quit cold turkey- and I agree strongly with those above who assure nicwic and greg stephens that, yes, indeed, it does get better, and relatively quickly too.

One's motivations don't seem to matter too much when it comes down to it. For instance, I still wanted to smoke- but I no longer wanted to be a smoker. The day I realized that the fact it would be difficult to have stopped was not the important part- the fact that I no longer wanted to be a smoker was. That was an epiphany for me.

One's funny bone seems rather lacking during the early days but even at that there are some funny moments. Like the breakfast date where I found myself stomping the crust of my toast into the ashtray...

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 07:31 PM

The thing that causes the cravings is nicotine, so if you have only a few a day, you're sabotaging your efforts. Having a cigarette so you can resist having a cigarette is just silly. Expect your addict personality to try this tactic, and tell it to get stuffed.

You can try the lozenges, gum (you suck on it more than chew it) or patches. If it comes down to starting again or doing nicotine replacement, go for the replacement.

You can't stop doing something without replacing it with something else. Look for a habit that is beneficial. If you play music, play music. Learn something new. Whittle, read, or make origami hats for your pets. The main point is to find something you can spend time doing that will hold your attention for a time.

Don't forget to keep taking deep breaths even if you aren't inhaling anything but air. The breathing actually helps relax you.

You CAN do this!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Dani
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:39 PM

I am a FIRM believer in the patch, but mostly in the fact that you won't really quit until the day you really want to.

I quit a thousand times: because I or other people THOUGHT I wanted to. When *I* really wanted to, I knew it was the right time. The patch helped tremendously with the nicotine withdrawal, which is very, VERY real.

There is no shame in quitting as many times as you need to until you're ready to. And GOOD FOR YOU for asking for help when you need it!

Nicotine had me through pregnancies, through babies. Unreal. One day my husband and I noticed a big blue cloud in the room, hovering just over the baby crawling on the floor. That's it! No more smoking... in the house, anyway. Fast forward to hilarious shots of us shivering and shaking in the freezing wind and rain, huddled on the porch sneaking smokes...

But one day I looked at my little children running around, and realized I wanted to run around WITH them - and couldn't. And I wanted to hang around with them for a long, long time. And that was the day I knew I could quit. 15 years of smoking several packs of Marlboros a day!

It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I wanted it! And a few years after that, I found out I could run. Hadn't EVER! Certainly not since elementary school. Soon ran a 5-K. Thought I would die, but I knew that I had finally kicked that cigarette's ASS. Now when I find myself running down (not up, mind you) a road on a beautiful morning, I still wonder at the fact that I can do it. And I feel strong, and lucky, and incredibly free.

Now, let me tell you about my mother, who is in her sixties, and dying a miserable slow, horrible death from lung disease. And still smoking. I could kill her...

But instead I'll go running in the morning, and pray for you.

Do it.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Robin2
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:47 PM

lots of water, and walk, clean house, walk, exercise, walk. Keep moving!

I don't think I could have quit without the gum. The day it came out without a prescription I bought it, and quit that day. Thats how bad I wanted to quit, but the withdrawal for me was always severe. Sweats, numbness, uncontrollable depression, the whole nine yards. The worst really only lasts a week or so, and then it eases up. But give yourself several months to settle in being a non-smoker.

Take a good vitamin. And hang in there! You can do it!!! YEAH FOR YOU!!!!!!

Robin2

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:47 PM

Key: DO it. DO it. DO it.


Don't "not quite" do it.


DO it.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: NicoleC
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:54 PM

My experience was similar to Dani's. Efforts to cut back and such were useless and I finally quit cold turkey -- but it took me a few tries, and I finally successfully quit when *I* was ready to do it for me.

Good luck and hang in there. Water, water, water. Really, it helps.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: richlmo
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 10:29 PM

I was smoking 3 packs a day, age 44.
My wife had quit when she was expecting our son. We had a three year old daughter. I would sit in my LazyBoy at night , my wife asleep on the couch, my daughter my now 3 year old son asleep on the floor, filling the room with smoke, thinking, " I'm not just killing me, I'm killing us all." I really hated being a smoker.
Then I had a heart attack. Mad rush to the ER, clot-buster drug, helicopter ride to the nearest big city hospital ,days in Intensive Care, a stent put in and on and on. ALL the doctors involved said THE reason was SMOKING. It Scared the living hell out out me. Haven't smoked since. That was 8 years ago.
Just keep remembering , you are doing the best thing you have ever done for yourself.
You can do it without the same kind of kick-in-the-pants that I got.
It is THE worst thing you can do to your body. Period.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: mg
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 11:16 PM

if you can afford it, perhaps try accupuncture, massage etc..Should help some. I would see a naturopathic doctor to see what he/she recommends. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Mickey191
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 12:59 AM

Never heard this before-todays paper said there is a link between M.S. and smoking. Just another reason to quit. I did 3 packs a day & quit cold turkey. I did give up coffee as well (For a short time) because they do go together. Had no really bad times. Drank alot of water. Twenty seven years for me. Think of ALL the money you will save. Good Luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 01:26 AM

Yeh. Wonder what I did with all the money I saved.:|

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 01:41 AM

S&r and pdq and Boab here are the living proof that every person is different where tobacco addiction is concerned. I was a heavy baccy-user till one day about forty years back I just decided to stop [I couldn't afford the payments on a coveted car---!] To my own surprise, I had no problem whatsoever in giving it up. In tragic contrast, my dear sister had many agonised years attempting to kick the habit, and finally succumbed to lung disease. If you are as lucky as me [or s&r, or pdq..]then the only advice I can pass along is once you stop smoking, NEVER put another smoking device between your lips again---not a celebratory cigar, or a "xmas treat" or a "joint" or anything which exudes either nicotine or any other poisonous combustion product. If you do, you can never truly say "Ive stopped". If you have the misfortune to be as my sister was, then all that can be said is--fight it; you can win--and here's a fervent hope that you do.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 02:13 AM

I quit for good (great phrase!) almost 26 years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: smallpiper
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 05:52 AM

Say the following mantra over and over to your self "I have not just given up smoking, I AM a non smoker" and stop telling people you've given up, tell them you don't smoke (Best tactic when smokers offer you a cigarette if they think you've given up they may well press you to see how strong your resolve is but if you say you don't smoke they don't press)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 08:10 AM

One MAJOR problem is that it takes an endless succession of minutes/hours/days of not smoking to quit and ONE second in which you light and inhale to un-quit. It's important to steel yourself for the battles with those surges of cravings. Once you build a history of small successes, you're more likely to keep being successful because you want to make those other battles count for something, and you KNOW you can win.

The only place it's easier to do something than not do it is in the mind of an addict. We can, and will, rationalize damned near anything if we don't learn to recognize when we start to do it.

That keeping busy stuff is important. Another idea: during the day, spend time with people who don't smoke or go places where you can't smoke. Go somewhere you wouldn't have visited before because you'd be trapped and unable to get away for a butt. Think, while you're leisurely wandering through the halls of a museum or talking with people you only now can get to know (because they don't hang out in the smoking area), how it's you controlling what you do and when you do it - not the nicotine.

Look for the early signs that not smoking is making things better. Maybe your circulation's better and your hands and feet are warmer or you can just feel more with your fingertips because the nerves are getting more oxygen. Maybe you don't cough as much or your nose is less stuffy or your voice is simply starting to sound better. Maybe you can take deeper breaths. Maybe you can walk farther without getting winded. Maybe things taste better, smell stronger. Maybe your heartbeat's slower and muscles feel stronger. Finding these little rewards can help keep you going.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 08:44 AM

Actually JEri you can look at it the other way around: when you stop smoking all you have to do is refuse or avoid one cigarette.

But when you start smoking, you are buying in to a trainload of them!

I walked five miles the other day!! My feet hurt but my wind was just fine.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 09:04 AM

When some people in relationships split up, they not only end up hating the other person (hardly surprising), but they also con themselves into believing they never did like the other person. This may help soothe your anger,or guilt, but it's not very honest or grown up(face it, there were good times to start with).
      Similarly the average nicotine giver-upper wanders about saying cigarettes are horrible, wicked killing things, sold by evil profiteers-of-death, filthy vile,train yourself to remember the smell of an ashtray etc etc blah blah. Well, I think youre fooling yourselves, and it wont necessarily help you keep on the straight and narrow.
   Now, I gave up 12 days ago, but I know damn well that what I've given up is the valued companionship of an old friend of decades standing. An old friend who shared all my little triumphs, the convivivial moments, the old pubs, the reaching of mountain summits, the pleasurable intimacies (well, maybe a couple of minutes after those). And an old friend who helped me in times of difficulty and worry and misery. Why deny all this?? Tobacco'been a good buddy to me. But it can kill you, and I've said goodbye. But I'm not going to pretend it's without regrets. After all, if tobacco was so bloody awful it wouldnt be too hard to give up, would it? Let's face it,tobacco is great, so it's as well to remember that.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 01:22 PM

greg stephens, for a long time aftre quitting I said that if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness, the first thing I would do would be to go back to smoking. I no longer feel that way, if for no other reason than that a smoker smells bad.

One of the perks of not smoking was the wildlife I saw after I quit. In the past on my hikes I had never seen deer close up, for instance, or was able to watch a flock of wild birds bathing in a mountain stream. I had never been able before to stand still for a long time outdoors- I always needed a cigarette.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 01:43 PM

Many more thanks to all. I've been taking the time to re-re-re-read your thoughts and ideas, and am all the better for them.

Today finds me less agitated, but still craving, even though I am not sure what I'm really craving; perhaps less the cigarette than that 'lift' that comes with it. Example: Never smoked at the computer, therefore no associations. But did take "breaks" for a little nicotine. Just took a "break" no strong craving, but rather a desire for "something different."

I am quite sure at this point, that I've won the battle; I can't think of anything that would lead me to act in such a way as to go through this again.

Keep those thoughts and ideas coming -- N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 02:08 PM

My greatest problem was that I had been using having a cigarette as a reward.

For instance ..... in my mind I would think "I'll just do this then I'll have a cigarette".
There is no substitute for the pleasure of lighting up under those circumstances so the craving continued longer than it should.

I only really beat it when I weakened and lit up again .... what a disappointment, it tasted horrible and I felt so guilty ..... it was not at all pleasurable and I knew that my memory had been playing tricks on me.

Now when I have the urge,(and I still get them even after 3 years) I know that it will soon go away and I'm happy to say that for 99% of the time I never think of cigarettes now.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Dani
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 03:25 PM

You're right, Greg. Well to remember that smoking is WONDERFUL if it doesn't kill you or keep you from doing the things you love.

I still love the smell of a cigarette, and inhale deeply when there's one next to me. Sometimes the only thing that keeps me from bumming one is the thought of how embarrassing it would be to get sick, just like the first few I smoked.

I'm amazed sometimes at the young folks who work for me. Almost every one of 'em smokes: even cooks, for crying out loud!

I never realized how good food smelled and tasted until a few years ago. It took a few years for my sense of smell and taste to return, but they did.

Keep it up!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 04:22 PM

Guest Nicwit,

Wow! A lot of wisdom and experience in the above posts. May you find strength in their words, to support you in beating this thing. Never having been a smoker, I have no first hand advice to offer, but even if I had been one, there is nothing I could add to what's been said so well, above. I watched my mother suffer for many years before her death 2 years ago from emphysema. I begged her for years to quit, and she finally did, but it was too late for her.

Congratulations, Nicwit. You are a now non-smoker. All the best to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 04:45 PM

AS with most things probably, one person's success strategy might not work as well for you. I never had very much sustained luck with quitting cold turkey. Cutting down gradually and then quitting altogether seemed to work best for me. Admittedly, I didn't apply any kind of controls as one would in a legitimate scientific experiment, so that I could say that cuting down gradually is definitely the best way for me. There may have been other extenuating factors which unduly influenced the gradual reduction method, but hell, who cares? As long as you stay quit. That is key. Don't expect to be "cured" after a week or a month. For me, I can say that I didn't really have the addiction under control (never beaten) until after about a year. That sounds pretty daunting, I know. The best advice I can give is just to hang in there. Actively think about strategies to keep you off smokes. I sucked hard candy for a long time, and chewed gum. Eventually I got tired of doing that as well. Other people have mentioned altruism and selflessness as a powerful motivating factor ("look what I'm doing to the kids," etc). There's a lot to be said for that. If I had only had myself to consider in quitting, I'd probably still be smoking today. In order for the phrase "physician, heal thyself" to be valid, I think it is important the physician "know thyself" as well. Good luck.

P.S. You mentioned "alternative" smoking mixtures as an aid. I quit once that way. Every time I wanted a smoke, I lit up a "smoke." Stayed so stoned I forgot about ciggies. It worked, but only for a while. The goal is sustained cessation of smoking. Every smoker quits as soon as s/he stubs out his/her last cigarette, and stays quit until they light up his/her next. To sustain the effort over time takes eternal vigilance, sorry to say, but that is just the nature of the beast. Trust us ex-smokers, it's worth it. It seems hard now, but you won't regret it. Quitting is also a great confidence builder. If you can kick the nicotine habit, you can do just about anything. I consider quitting smoking one of the hardest and most rewarding accomplishments I've ever achieved. 12 years now, and I don't smoke anything anymore. I agree with the advice that you have to give all of it up: pipes; cigars; weed; what-have-you.

P.S.S. Unlike Ebbie, if I'm ever diagnosed with a terminal disease and have only a few months to live, the first thing I'm going to do is buy a carton of Winston's. Maybe I'll buy a carton of Camel's and a carton of Pall Mall's for good measure.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: NicoleC
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 05:54 PM

It's been 8 years and I still occasionally want one, but it's more a passing wistful thought than a craving. I still take "Non-Smoking" breaks, though. They got me through breaking some of the habitual problems associated with quiting. I took a break and went outside to "not smoke" in the fresh air 2 or 3 times during the workday.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:07 PM

I do that too, Nicole -- it helps preserve my sanity to remember there is a real world out there!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:24 PM

Remembering there is a "real" world out there is enough some days to drive me over the edge! (and Columbus thought the world was round - hah!)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:58 PM

I haven't smoked for 4 months now. On my umpteenth attempt I went to see a hypnotherapist. Once we had analysed to crazy "reasons" why I was still smoking when I really wanted to be a non smoker it made it a bit easier. The hypnosis beefed up my wavery willpower to help me to NOT scrounge, try or buy any ciggies off others.
I'm still a nicotine addict. I accept that. I just use an inhalator. It gives me a bit of nicotine, no buzz, and occupies my mouth. I smoked for 45 years and this is, so far, working for me.
Keep telling yourself
"I am a non-smoker"
it sounds great.
Keep going, it's worth it.
I hate it when others blow clouds of smoke in my direction when I'm trying to sing. It stinks and kills my breath control.
DON'T GIVE UP GIVING UP
"just one" is a trap, don't be conned by it.
mary

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 07:33 PM

Well I am still enjoying my "no-smoking" breaks. I go to just the same place and sit on the bank and look at the trees, and I sit in the same Lloyd Loom chair in the conservatory and read the Guardian and drink coffee. Let's face it, the breaks arent quite as much fun as they were, but that's OK. I have the warm glow of self-satisfaction instead of smoke.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 09:13 PM

Maybe you can work on a new quiz for November, Greg. Hmmm?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Nov 03 - 11:22 PM

When I quit smoking I did it with the help of grapes and oranges. Something about them made it possible to cut the pain of nicotine withdrawl.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 04 Nov 03 - 12:02 AM

Vitamin C, i expect -- or were the grapes the sort that come in bottles?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 01:36 PM

Its been a full week now and its getting ever so slightly easier, though i do still have a craving. One thing I did notice though is that when I treated myself to breakfast on the road, that it tasted far better than ever before.

Went to health food shop today and got some homeopathec stuff to help: lobelia inflata to be precise. Can't be sure if it really helps yet or not.

Later -- N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 01:59 PM

My grandmother and grandfather smoked for over 40 years. Then my grandmother got laryngitis. She was unable to speak for about 3 months. She carried around one of those Magic Slates (anybody remember those?) and that was the only way she could communicate. The doctor told her that if she wanted to be able to speak again, the smokes had to go. She quit cold turkey and my grandfather did it alongside with her.

I'm not a smoker....never have even tried the stuff...but I think that on some level, YOU have to be ready. The only thing I can compare it to is this. I am overweight..have been for most of my life. I finally came to a point where I just could NOT stand myself anymore. I knew tons of nutritional information, could write a book about how various foods interact, how important exercise is, how to change your habits, how bad being overweight is for you.....yadda, yadda, yadda.....didn't mean squat until *I* was tired of feeling the way I did...then I was able to start and continue with success.

My mother is currently trying to quit smoking..she has been smoke free for about 6 weeks now. It's not been easy for her and honestly, it's been kinda weird to me too. I am so used to meeting her to do something and having to wait while she takes a smoke break. I notice it the most when we go out to eat. The time where we would sit and visit (or stand outside and chat), is when she would smoke. We still talk, but the routine is changed...and frankly, it's weird for me too. It took us a while to get over the akwardness of that missing link in our normal activities. Or when we go shopping (a 60 mile drive away)...first thing that used to happen is I would stretch and she would smoke! I never really thought about how much her smoking affected her/me until now. I mean, I know that there is a HUGE social end to smoking...just go outside any day during the work week and hang out with the folks having a smoke on their break......yep...lots of social interactions to make adjustments to as well as the actual smoking.

I don't have any suggestions as to how to stop smoking as I am not a smoker.....I am cheering you on from the sidelines KNOWING that you WILL make that change when YOU are ready!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Mickey191
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 02:25 PM

My wonderful, handsome hunk of a brother died of lung cancer at 47. They allowed him to smoke in the hospital, and at one point he asked me to light one for him. He then said," Oh Mick, I should not have asked you to do that, you'll start again." I looked at this mournful, bag of bones and said, "Nothing will ever make me smoke again." Gave him the lit cig. Two days later he died. What a waste. Never got to see his son marry or his grandchildren. All lost for the love of nicotine.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Don Firth
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 03:09 PM

Nicwit, you've gone six days so far. That's a good investment. Within my considerable experience with smoking—numerous attempts to quite—the third day is the hardest. If you can get past that, which you have already done, it should begin to ease off. I've heard that it takes about twenty-one days for nicotine (and heroin, and other addictive substances) to clear out of your body, so in fifteen days you should be physiologically free of it. Although there may be moments when you don't feel like it, you have actually passed the worst. So hang in there. It's a real bitch, but, believe me, it really is worth what you're going through right now to be free of it.

Sometime back, on a similar thread, I posted my experience with quitting. For what it's worth, if you'd like to read it, here it is: BLICKY.

As I describe, I tried a number of times to quit "cold turkey" and didn't make it and I wound up almost inadvertently tapering off. But just because I didn't make it "cold turkey" doesn't mean that you can't. Lots of people have.

In the months and years to come, you're going to be real happy you've made this choice. Rather proud of yourself, in fact. Congratulations!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: thehiker
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 03:32 PM

I smoked my last ciggy 10 years ago next March and though I would never say quitting was easy it was'nt the ordeal I imagined it would be.I decided to try nicotine substitute gum but after only one piece I realised that the only way for me to succeed was to go cold turkey.
However I carried 4 pieces of gum with me for the next 6 months my theory was that if the pressure got too much and I felt about to crack my lifeline was the gum.I would be able to satisfy the craving and I could still call myself a non-smoker.Just as a by the way I smoked 20 cigs a day, 20cigs x 7 days x 52 weeks x 9 years = 65520 cigarettes that I have not smoked since I quit and thats gotta help the old pump and bellows.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 03:58 PM

Good thoughts, as always. Don, your experience was most interesting. I had been cutting back, way back at times, off and on, for a while now. My experience, however, mirrored what Jeri said,

"The thing that causes the cravings is nicotine, so if you have only a few a day, you're sabotaging your efforts. Having a cigarette so you can resist having a cigarette is just silly. Expect your addict personality to try this tactic, and tell it to get stuffed."

I'm sure this would be easierr if i werent also dealing wiht depression, but who isnt?

Thanks again to all - N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 05:46 PM

The depression is a side effect of withdrawing from nicotine. It will pass in due course -- your brain has to get used to generating its own chemicals, so to speak. Recommend you start walking a lot.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 04:22 AM

Just a thought - after a long time smoking the cilia in your lungs haven't been moving out the mucus as they should. You may find cattarh develops for a while as you rid your lungs of debris. It happened with me, but is hepled with a mild expectorant linctus.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 04:50 AM

I've been mulling over the notion of quitting smoking myself for some time and this and other recent threads on the topic have given me the final push.
I confess to ONE cigarette yesterday(which I deeply regretted as soon as I smoked it), so starting from now, I QUIT!!!!





so far, so good..................









yeah! this is easy...................










help!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,oggie
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 05:19 AM

After trying umpteen times and failing miserably the first time I went into a pub or did some writing (when you stop to think you light up - at least I did), I followed the late Willie Rushton's advice and carried a pack of 20 and a lighter around with me. The logic was if you have no fags you've not given up, you're just out of fags. If you could smoke at any time then you are consciously deciding not to smoke and are not tempted when suddenly you're offered a fag. Worked for me 20 odd years ago but evidently I was hell to live with for a couple of weeks.

All the best

oggie

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 08:20 AM

Haven't had time to read the other threads so i don't know if this has been muted earlier.
My GP does accupuncture, he told me that of the people he treats one third walk out a light a fag, one third cut down substantially and one third stop altogether, I was one of the lucky ones. I walked into the surgery on a Tuesday afternon a fifty a day smoker and came out a non-smoker, that was nearly eight years ago. I felt the benfits within hours as I had previousl;y had a constantly runny nose, a condition which stopped within 24 hours and within a month when walking I could feel myself to be healthier.
Keep at it you will soon reap the benefits

Good Luck

Raggy

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 09:25 AM

Nerves grow back, oh yes they do. The tiny ones in your respiratory tract. Your smeller and taster will work better, and my hearing actually got better (I have eustachian tubes the size of Michael Jackson's   nose, and irritation shuts 'em down and makes my hearing suck as bad as...something that sucks a lot.)

With the perky new nerves comes an increase in feeling that may not be all that welcome to start out with. Respiratory irritation: it's not that it wasn't there before. You just didn't feel it. You might go through a phase where your throat's sore or you have a tickly cough that will drive you nuts for a bit. It will pass. Take it as a sign that you're healing.

The loogie-launching mentioned by s&r above - same thing. Think about what the stuff does to you when it doesn't go anywhere. Drink a lot of water - it will help.

Now, expect, in a month or two, to have THAT dream. (has anyone who's quit not had it?) You'll be in your little dream world, and you'll be talking to the usual dreamland buddies. The guy with three heads offers to buy you a drink, so you whip out your wings and fly up to the bar, because you're bored with going up the slide. You sit there with the three-headed guy, Bugs Bunny and Jack Keruac, discussing favorite ice cream flavors, and then, the most frightening thing happens. It makes your stomach seize and your blood drain to your feet in the icy grip of terror. You lift your hand to your mouth and inhale the cigarette that's been there the whole time, and realize, "HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL, I AM SMOKING!!! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? I DO NOT SMOKE...I STOPPED THAT SHIT!!! OH WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!???" Then you wake up in a cold sweat and realize it was just a dream.

Of course, it's not always the same dream. Sometimes it's Daffy Duck instead of Bugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 09:52 AM

Jeri:

Cracking up!! I love yer dream!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 11:03 AM

The depression might need a theraputic dose of lithium. I've heard smokers referred to as
"self medicating depressives"
by nurses. Tobacco contains lithium. Hence the connection.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 12:32 PM

Another tidbit. When I quit smoking, I was working at the telephone company as an operator. I hadn't smoked for maybe a month, and one day I'm sitting there at the TSPS board when this young woman (whom I knew smoked) came back from her break and plugged into the board right next to mine. She reeked of cigarette smoke—surrounded by a miasma of noxious vapors. It was on her skin, in her hair, her clothes were permeated with it. I suddenly thought, "My gawd! I used to smell like that!"

Believe me, people who smoke have a real "air" about them—much stronger than they imagine. Whewie!!!!

And once my beak got more-or-less back to normal, I could smell food cooking, and I could taste it again!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 12:38 PM

Jeri, that kind of dream must be universal. I quit more than 25 years ago and once in a great while I still dream that I'm smoking. I tend to feel bemused rather than panicked these days (nights?), more on the order of 'I was thinking that I had quit?' Our psyches are wondrous things.

C-Flat, the best of luck to you. Let me repeat: The fact that it is difficult to quit is not the important thing- quitting is.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:29 PM

I gave up just over two weeks ago and I did it cold turkey I am quite proud of that and so far it has kept me going I did the having a pack around thing and it did make it easier oh well onwards and upwards. Cllr

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:38 PM

Well done, Cllr!! I quit recently as well and am still proud of it. It is a major accomplishment.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Folkiedave
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 05:03 PM

I gave up after about forty years (around 20 per day and then latterly a pipe) and loads of previous attempts.

I even struggled despite a doctor telling me give up smoking or give up breathing. (How stupid can you get?) Eventually it was the nicorette type gum that stopped me smoking - I regard myself as still addicted even though I don't smoke.

Regards,

Dave
www.collectorsfolk.co.uk

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 05:38 PM

Still hanging in, hanging on, and more determined than ever not to give in...but I sure could use some kind of a "lift" right now. I got some of those things called "Ariva." While they may help over time, they're not the instant gratification that i'm missing. How do some of those aids you've been talking about rate in that regard. Please, name names of those products. thanks.

N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 06:08 PM

The lozenges called "Commit" are pretty instantaneous if that is what you mean. They're a nicotine replacement and for some people (as I mentioned) it works better to subdivide the problem that way.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 11:57 AM

Just don't do as my one of my brothers did:) He took Nicorette to help him quit. He said it got to the point where he had to quit taking the pills in order to have a decent tasting cigarette.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 12:41 PM

Went out in search of Commit this morning. The drugstore wants nearly $50.00 for this stuff; withdrawel is free and still diminishing. haven't had any real cravings since shortly after coffee.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 12:47 PM

Way to go, man. If you can do it without replacement, better still. Trimming the coffee intake also helps.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: jeffp
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 01:16 PM

Gawd, Jeri! I just had that dream two nights ago. I forget what I was doing, but I lit up a cigarette, took one drag off of it and realized, "I don't do that any more!!!!!!!!!!" Very bizarre. Glad it was only a dream.

Stick with it, Nicwit. It's definitely worth it.

Jeff

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 05:58 PM

Keep it up, nicwit and Cflat. I've just passed the two weeks, cold turkey, still going strong. Went for a walk in the Lake district two days ago, fantastic sun and autumn colours, up the Duddon valley. And I got to the Doctor's Bridge, where all right-minded people lean on the edge, admire the little waterfalls, and enjoy a fag (UK style). And it was a bit of a wrench, I must admit, but I did manage to enjoy it, even without the ciggie. And there was an otter swimming about (or maybe a big mink, I'm not an expert and it keep going behind a rock and diving). Anyway, no nicotine, and life is still bearable. Let us all keep at it.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: LindaG
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 03:00 AM

I had only been smoking for five years, and had not been smoking that much (about half a pack a day), but had not been successful at several attempts at quitting, either. I had always kind of liked smokers and smoking. For example, I would deliberately sit in the smoking car of a train, even in the years before I began to smoke, feeling the people there were probably friendlier...

I tried to quit when I got engaged, with the grand gesture of throwing my last pack out the window into the Susquehanna River as I crossed the state border into Maryland, where I was going to get married. That cigarette-quitting only lasted about two weeks.

What did the trick for me was quite inadvertent. On a vacation, we were visiting Pennsylvania, and after three days of Philadelphia rain, I developed a cold and really couldn't smoke. Then we stayed for several days on a Lancaster County Mennonite farm, where you were only allowed to smoke standing up outside and it was rather embarrassing to do so. It just wasn't worth the trouble and discomfort to smoke on the farm, so I didn't start back up again.

To my astonishment, after this week of not smoking I had suddenly turned the corner into being a non-smoker. Even when we got back to town and our old routine, I had no desire to smoke and now completely hated the smell.

I'm sure that my being on a farm with lots of fresh air, simple food and exercise helped a lot, once my head cold had taken care of the three-day withdrawal period for me.

It's been about 25 years, and I don't miss smoking except maybe for a second or two about once a year.

Both my mother and grandmother died early and badly, directly as a result of smoking. Everybody else in the family (all non-smokers) lives to vigorous old age.

Keep up the good work! You deserve a good life with no smoking!!

--Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 07:38 PM

Tomorrow will be the two week mark. Cravings are less frequent, but when they come, they seem to be even more intense almost to the point of "pain." It's more like the better film depictions and descriptions of heroin withdrawel; no sweats, but intense agitation and a proclivity to wringing of hands, rubbing of head and arms and thoughts of tearing my face off. This doesn't last much more than half an hour, but is really awful. More assurances will help.

Meanwhile, how's everyone else doing?

N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 08:42 PM

It's pretty obvious that different people have different levels of addiction and different degrees and types of withdrawal. You sound like it's worse for you than most folks I've known. I think quitting smoking is probably the hardest thing anyone can do on purpose. I've certainly done it enough to know, and I never had horrible withdrawal symptoms.

Maybe some sort of plan for what you can do when those cravings begin would help? It would have to be something you have to focus a great deal of attention on - learning songs, talking to people, counting something, making something. Deep breaths are always good, and can help a lot more than you'd think they would. Laugh at the rich bastards who push the stuff, because they haven't got you any more.

I hope the demons cease plaguing you soon, when they realize you're not going to pay them any mind. The more time you put between yourself and that final cigarette, the easier it will be.   Go treat yourself to a dinner out or something else that tastes, smells, sounds or just feels better now. You deserve a reward.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 08:42 PM

One of my frustrations a week or so into quitting, Nicwit, was the almost overwhelming desire to light up a cigarette and congratulate myself for quitting! I couldn't reward myself any other way that I could think of.

But fresh air and LOTS of water help. There were times when I almost burbled as I walked. And brushing my teeth. That one helped a lot. Just remember, each day is doable, and each day is that much closer to not wanting it any more.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 08:44 PM

Go for a glass of water and a hug. If there's no one around to hug, jump up and down, stride around the block or do pushups. You are the commanding center of choice, and the meat does what you tell it to.

These brushfires sting but they don't get bigger unless you screw around with it (just a puff to see....). Don't play around, because you're doing so well doing it right!!!

I still get faint shadows of those feelings, months later. I expect they'll pop up from time to time in future years even. But just flimsy copies of the worst passage.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Don Firth
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 10:18 PM

This isn't actually related to quitting smoking, but it may help. About seven years ago I had a string of panic attacks. These were so ghastly that I wouldn't wish anything like this on my worst enemy. Xanax cut the panic attacks, but then I got addicted to the bloody Xanax. I managed to kick that (I already had the experience of quitting smoking, so I drew on that, and it really helped). Anyway, a counselor helped me clean out a few mental closets. I wound up in a wheelchair a couple of years before and things were just starting to sink in. The counselor helped me come to grips with it, and now the panic attacks are gone, forever, I hope. To help me through any panic attacks that might come while I was phasing out the Xanax (trying to "work without a net"), the counselor told me about Dr. Herbert Benson's "relaxation technique." It's essentially the same as meditation, and I found that it really helped a lot.

Get in a comfortable position and consciously relax your muscles, especially around your neck and shoulders, and your abdomen. Close your eyes and try to make your mind go blank. Think of nothing (hard to do, but I found that visualizing a blackboard with nothing written on it seem to work). Then begin to breathe — slowly and deeply — in through the nose and out through the mouth. Then, as you slowly exhale, mentally recite a word or brief phrase—an affirmation, like a mantra. Anything positive will do: "Peace," or "Relax," or even something like "I can handle it," or "I'm gonna make it."

Now, your mind is a cantankerous thing. It will try to interrupt you with all kinds of extraneous thoughts. That's okay. But each time it intrudes, blank your mind again and center your concentration on your breathing and the affirmation word or phrase you're using. If the craving hits real big, keep breathing slowly and deeply. Keep at it. Brush the craving aside and stay focused on your breathing and your affirmation. Usually, after a few minutes of this, tranquility reigns.

Some people call it "prayer," some call it "meditation," some call it "centering," and some just call it "getting my head together." I've never actually gotten into Transcendental Meditation or anything like that, but I understand that this is sort of the same basic idea. Anyway, it sure helped me over some rough spots. And I still use it whenever life gets "te'jus." And it's great for whenever you're having trouble getting to sleep.   

Give it a try. It might just work for you. Anyway, hang in there!!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 06:10 AM

This time can be very hard as the brain is trying to convince you that all these problems would go away if you just lit up a cigarette.
They wouldn't.

You've already beaten the addiction .....there is no nicotine in your system What you have to do now is beat the habit

That is an entirely personal thing, whatever works for you.
A lady I admired intensely said that she sat on her hands. I came on the computer and swapped a nicotine addiction for a mudcat one (A VERY GOOD SWAP IN MY OPINION). Some take up knitting, sewing, or other crafts. Anything to take your mind away from the need to reach for a cigarette and light it. My father always carried a pack of twenty on his person and would occassionally get one out and put it in his mouth after a few minutes he would return it to its packet fully satisfied. I could never have done it that way but it was his solution.

The craving does eventually lessen but will return to try and trip you up when you least expect it. Especially in times of stress. I'm just approaching 3 years nicotine free and am very proud of myself.

You have come so far on the journey it would be a shame to go back to the start .....keep the finishing post in sight and you'll run the marathon.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Dani
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 07:49 AM

Oh Yes! A nice dinner out. Or even better, go buy some wonderful food and prepare one yourself, noticing the tastes, textures, smells as you cut vegetables, stir sauces, etc. Congratulate yourself.

Walk, run, bike, do something that hurts your lungs and remind yourself that it will be MUCH easier and more fun SOON: as soon as clear all that shit out of your system. Congratulate yourself again.

Think it might help to watch some of those movies? The ones where the addicts suffer terribly but are successful in the end?

Keep at it, and good for you for asking for help!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Spot
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 08:09 AM

Just dont smoke the next one!Save the money you'd have burned, in a pot in the garage and if you're anything like me, 6months down the line you buy a brand spankin new Lowden guitar. Then you continue quietly filling the pot...in no time you have a hand made English mandolin!! Like I have... You then become obsessed with savin the dosh for personal treats and you then cant understand why you smoked in first place...Any Good???
    Best of luck.
            Regards to all    Spot

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 08:14 AM

Thanks for all the advice. keep it up nicwit. I completed three weeks today. it's not easy, but it's possible. YIPPEEEEEEEEE

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Cllr
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:01 PM

Its Now three weeks and a couple of days and I have come down with a really bad cold, What I am coughing up is like something from the aliens films (is that half a lung I see?) However the cold is so bad that I couldn't have a smoke if I wanted to, every cloud etc Cllr

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:25 PM

Well done Nicwit, I'm on day six and I'm wavering badly. I'm trying to keep busy as I find it much easier when I'm distracted.
Consequently I've started redecorating my daughters' bedroom (I hate decorating) and I'm spending less time at the computer, which has always been a favourite time to light-up while I browse the forum.
The notion of trying a cigar (just one, on an evening) is quite appealing, but I'm pretty sure that it would be a short step from there to full-time smoking again so I'm resisting, so far.
I'm also considering getting patches, something I was sure I would never need because I always thought I had enough will power to stop once I'd made my mind up.
I may have under-estimated the hold that nicotene has on me!
Still hanging in here,(just).

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:29 PM

C flat: dont even THINK about that cigar. Or at least tell yourself you might have it after Christmas dinner, but not before. You can do it. If I've made it to thre weeks, so can you. Courage, mon brave.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 02:59 PM

C-flat:

Believe me, it is not an issue of will power. Different folks get addicted in different ways. The basic machinery that you use to implement willpower gets compromised for some folks. If you can't cut the cold-turkey routine, do NOT take it personally -- just get yourself a lozenge or a patch.

Don't be proud -- just be effective.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Nicwit
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 03:12 PM

Now in the beginning of week three, the cravings are a lot less. This may be because I've spent most of the day at the computer, a place I've never smoked. But then again, my forays to the kitchen table have not brought on great longings either.

The weather is nice; I got out and puttered in the yard a bit. Shortly going out for lottery tickets and perhaps a new stock of Ariva. These are tobacco candy, and while they don't bring great relief, they are some slight help I think.

Glad to hear that everyone else is doing well. We will overcome -- N

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 06:04 PM

Who are, you, nicwit? Time to out yourself!!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 07:52 PM

My nicotine "dummy" is still working for me. I don't start to drool when I see someone else light up and don't want to smoke. Smokers smell soooo bad. I'm a non-smoking nicotine addict but it's better than being a smoker.

A friend bought me a mousetrap to put on the wall inside the front door. It reminds me every time I leave the house
DON'T HAVE JUST ONE, remember it's a trap.

Four months and counting.........

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: NicoleC
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 01:46 AM

Cllr, I had the same "cold" about the same time, and so have most of the ex-smokers I've talked to. It's just your body getting rid of the accumulated garbage, and I think these cold viruses take advantage and tag along for the ride. Think of every strange thing you cough up as one more pack of cigarettes leaving your body.

The other day I was in the doctor's office and CNN Health was on -- they went through your recovery step by step, (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.), and showed how within even weeks of quitting your body was more resilient and less likely to catch diseases. Even big risk items like cancer and heart disease had the smoking risk factor dramatically reduced in months or years, and eliminated within a decade or so. Sorry, I can't find the transcript on the web or one like it -- it was a great way to keep quitting in perspective and why the heck you are going through this!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 01:14 PM

Now having begun my 16th day, I can report that there are no real cravings, but rather the occasional inkling of desire. Certainly, I will never start up again only to go through such a miserable time as I have just survived.

Many most sincere thanks to all for your suggestions, some of which I've tried, some not. But perhaps most valuable was the support and encouragement, along with the assurance that it would get better.

My taste buds are getting terrifyingly better; when I got a day of work on Monday, I was able to make the long trek from the parking lot (all uphill) without any shortness of breath.

Let us all keep posting here from time to time so as to offer aid and encouragement to those others who have, or still want to cast of the chains.

Thanks again -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Fortunato
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 02:58 PM

Just remember. No matter what you think or feel, don't touch a cigarette. You can't smoke them if you don't pick them up. DON'T TOUCH THEM!

It works.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 04:09 PM

Congratulations, my friend!

Anyway, what's your favorite restaurant? Not that I'm planning anything, mind you. I'm just curious. Boy, is that turkey ever gonna taste good!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 02:18 PM

WEll, how's everyone doing? Still on the straight and narrow? I've passed the one month(just). the worst time was this morning, during the England Austraila match. The tension was unbearable, and I was watching with someone smoking. But I held out, and was rewarded by Wilkinson's winning drop kick in the last minute!!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Morticia
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 07:57 PM

well I've been trying off and on since August....now on my third day (again)....but dammit, if I keep trying one of these times I'll make it.....I believe it will be this time.....keep things crossed for me?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 11:51 AM

Great to hear the good news Greg ... I've been wondering about you.

Keep it up Morticia ...... think of all that lovely money. I was always in denial regarding the amount of money I spent on cigarettes, I now admit to wasting at least £2000 a year.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 11:57 AM

Eating like a pig, but NOT smoking!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 12:07 PM

Morty:

Wonderful, lass!! Keep it up!! Drink water and find some thing to do instead of touching the cig you thought you wanted. You really only have to get through an attack of about thirty seconds, so walk hastily around the block or go tie a couple of knots in the phone cord or some such.

C-flt, proud of ya!! I have had to be careful on the eating so I buy a lot of chewing gum to pass the time and keep the ole mouth muscles busy. It has less calories than eating food and is less risky than kissing pretty women.

Good on all of ya!!

A
Fellow escapee

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Frankham
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 12:52 PM

Nicwit, I think what you are doing is terribly important. The act of giving up smoking sends a message to the dope-dealing tobacco companies that you are not going to support them.

What you are doing is extremely difficult and I applaud you for your courage.

I have never been a smoker so I'm not qualified to make any really constructive suggestions.

How about these idea, though. Get a physical trainer who can monitor your development and start a program through a health club. Go easy at first (that's why I suggest a trainer).

Watch your diet as well as this can lead you back to ciggies. Eat the most nutritious food you can find. There is a psycological dependency that has to be addressed and eating figures into it. Please don't substitute one addiction for another.

Stay away from friends that smoke. This is the hardest thing to do.
They may not be in a position to honor your decision because they are addicted. Very few smokers I have known in my life are capable of really recognizing the foul air they create which remains on their body after they've smoked. If you can smell it, it's hurting you.
You'll have to find a new circle of folks to hang out with who are not caught in the addictive behavior. There may be some smokers who can consider the needs of non-smokers but they are damned few. If they do it, they think everyone should be able to put up with it.
They can't help themselves because whether anyone likes to hear it or not, smoking is an addiction and one of the hardest to break even more than cocaine or heroin. It's a time bomb unlike the other stuff which hits immediately.

Watch out for the propaganda that is fostered by the tobacco companies about how it's not as harmful as polluted air or other things. They are in denial. And they are profitting from the sickness of others.

Keep up the bravery because that's what it is when you decide to kick the habit and follow through. Congratulations. The benefits will outweigh the temporary discomfort you feel now.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 02:20 PM

I personally refuse to avoid friends who smoke, on the argument that I have to face the stuff, not just retreat from it. This worked for me once I found abasic successful strategy to get myself off the hook. I think it is an individual call, because each person has to feel their eway out of the bio-chemical-social trap their own way.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 12:00 PM

Thanks to all for support, encouragement and ideas. I've just started on my fifth week tobacco free.

A couple of thoughts to pass on though. I cannot really fault tobacco companies for selling a legal, though harmful, product. I do resent the government agencies that knowingly allowed this in order to fill their coffers at the expense of addicts. These are the same states that provide no assistance to those of us who are breaking our old ways. Here in NH, the meanest state, all the tobacco settlement money is used to keep our small group of very wealthy citizens from paying a small fragment of their share.

I have no problem being around smokers, having been just about the last in our circle to stop. And since our weekly music session is in a pub...

Thanks again -- Tom (nicwit)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 12:40 PM

Wow, Tom, looks like you're gonna make it!! A clean break. Keep rolling on!!   Don't lower the standard even just a little -- this is not an area where tolerance is a good idea! :>)

COngratulations, man!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 04:39 PM

Thanks, Amos. The craving is almost non-existent and the desire a dim memory. How are the rest of you doing ?

- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 05:15 PM

Still with the dummy but smoke free.
How are you doing Morty? Do you realise that my last bit of baccy was with you in the Middle Bar? Keep going it's worth it in the LONG run.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 06:24 PM

Vectis, still not quite sure what you mean by "dummy." Fake fag? Gum? Candy?

I had some "Ariva" tobacco candy that I was using. When it ran out and wasn't available locally, I went without with no problem; it never helped much anyway.

What's happening with Greg S., C-flat, Cllr, Morticia?

Please report in. You'll get lots of support and encouragement as I did, and I'm the oldest dog around who has still learned a new trick -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 06:45 PM

Well done, Curmudgeon/nicwit/tom: and well done everyone else who's still with us. I hit five weeks this morning. Still missing it (especially during the Australia-England match on Saturday) but no lapses so far. Pubs are not too much of a problem, though not as much fun as they were. I dont think the beer tastes so good without the Golden Virginia. but there you go.
KEEP IT UP CHAPS AND CHAPESSES

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Folkiedave
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:07 PM

Please keep it up folks....

Dave
www.collectorsfolk.co.uk

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:24 PM

For me, the Guinness is tasting better than ever. I have yet to come across the leas of a barrel yet. And it does not provoke any craving whatsoever!

-Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:51 PM

I'm still hanging in. Passed a tough test tonight, my band just started gigging again after a 3-week break and I usually go through a few cigarettes before and after playing, but I stood firm and felt pleased with myself.
I must confess to siding up to the occassional smoker and sharing his or her cloud but it's not giving me too much of a problem now.
Still enjoying my grub a bit too much but I'll deal with that later!
Well done Curmudgeon and Greg, you've cracked it!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 09:13 PM

Get ready to really enjoy your grub! Some things I used to "like" are no longer so tasty; others are better then I had thought. It will all balance out. Keep up the struggle -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 05:24 AM

How are we doing, guys and gals? Everyone still aboard? Five weeks and six days. me.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 08:42 AM

Still clean since last February -- I think it is safe to say I have successfully quit smoking. I need to shed some pounds now -- I am a little overweight -- but aside from that I'm doing okay and feel the better for it.,

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 08:44 AM

Just about 34 days and getting easier all the time -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Cllr
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 09:00 PM

still not smoking hurrah but I won't get complacent morty keep up not smoking it is worth it in the end. Cllr

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:24 PM

Let's see now, C-Flat, Greg S., Cllr; Vectis? Morticia?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:39 PM

I'm afraid I've let the side down guys.
Had a bit of a drinking session last weekend and ended up going through a full packet. Deep shame, hanging my head.
Woke up with a tremendous hangover (I'm blaming the cigarettes and the two cigars) and vowed "never again".
All the way back to DAY 4 and I'm really annoyed with myself.
C-flat.(wearing a tin hat)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 05:02 PM

Sorry about the temporary setback, C-flat. Remember, it is only temporary. And while some of your hang-over may be due to unplanned fumes, I warrant that you also consumed sugar laden potables.

Now just carry on -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 03:01 AM

keep going, C flat. Be prepared for a temporary lapse, it's not the end of the world. Get back on track. I'm still going strong, 6 weeks now. All the best everyone

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 10:42 AM

Curmudgeon
The Dummy is a nicotine inhalater. In other words a fake cigarette. I've got to get past the smoking before I'll be able to get off the nicotine. I have been assured that it is safe and that it'll be all right in the end. It's a damn sight better than smoking anyhow.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 01:48 AM

Two months today for me. How is everybody doing?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: C-flat
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 03:09 AM

Well done Greg! You're a non-smoker! I'm not able to say the same however, but I have managed to restrict myself to having a couple on a night out or just before a gig (last night) which would total up to less than 10 cigarettes in the past month.
I don't know why I can't get to the point of not smoking altogether when I can go for days without one. Part of me was hoping not to see this thread again as I didn't want to be the one to let the side down but I've decided that rather than think of the 10 cigarettes smoked this past month, I'll think of the 500-600 that I didn't smoke.
How's that for rose-tinted spectacles?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 05:17 AM

C Flat: well done, you seem to have got the best of both worlds. If you can maintain it at that level you've got the secret of life cracked. I would love to try the odd one but I couldnt trust myself to keep it at that low level. I was wondering about a cig at midnight on New Year's Eve, which is what a frie3nd of mine does to remind himself of the good old days. But I just kind of know that I would soon be back to fulltime smoking. We shall see.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 11:55 AM

I am still wrassling the weight issue but I have winning -- six pounds off. Still off the smokes. I wouldn't gamble on trying just one or just ten, because I know how fast that can fall and how far, and what an incredible fight it is to climb back up. Why flirt with disaster? If you're done, you're done.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Morticia
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 12:33 PM

It's ok,C-flat, you aren't the only one to let the side down, I will share your disgrace as I haven't made it this time either.....but I try again in the New Year and hope for a better result.Good for all you that have though. I wonder how Janie is doing, anyone heard from her?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Frank
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 02:01 PM

Never having been a smoker I'm not qualified to give advice.
I have a suggestion, though. You might look at smoking
as being part of a larger picture. The gratification that
is gained it seems to me has to do with some sort of self-
image. Somewhere, there is a small voice inside saying that
it's OK to do it because "I'm not worth not doing it".

Smoking is an addiction. And it seems only reasonable that
it be treated as any other addiction to a drug. It has a cyclical
aspect in that you do it, you feel badly about doing it, you
have a bad self-image in doing it, therefore you feel as though
you're not worth stopping it and you rationalize doing it again.

To break the cycle would mean allowing yourself the self-worth
that you inherently have otherwise you would continue without
feeling bad about it. If you assume that you are an addict,
then this is a double-edged sword. Recognizing it as an addiction is a first step toward recovery. But now, you have to change the image of yourself as an addict. You can stop and you are not inherently an addict.

That was a choice that you made in the past. Now you can choose not to be an addict by breaking the cycle. I believe that physical
exercise and a good eating program will help a lot. Become an
athlete instead of an addict. That may seem extreme to you
but addiction is an extreme situation calling for extreme
remedies.

These are just my thoughts and again, I'm not qualified to make
these ideas as pronouncements as things that would work for you.

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 03:55 PM

Well, Frank, it may be that each person gets tied up in the Nasty Nicotine Net for their own reasons and compensating for different gaps, pressures, needs, problems or what-have-yous, but all I can tell ya is that I am very fond of myself for having overcome this particular beat -- the hardest thing I have conquered in all my years, in some ways. There is a LOT of self-satisfaction on the other side of them there hurdles.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 06:50 PM

This Wednesday will mark my eighth week of tobacco freedom. I still want a cigarette, or at least a couple hits; and I want one frequently. But I no longer CRAVE same; no more hair tearing, garment rending, self mutilating craving.

One of the problems involves the "reward," the cigarette that come after the completion of a task, a show, a shift. It's not an option, and I've yet to find a replacement. That might make things less stressful. As it is, it does take some effort to move from one activity to another,

Frank, you're quite right; you haven't been there and while your suggestions may help some, they're a far cry from universality. At the age of 61, I am not about to become an athlete, a position i have always held in some personal abhorrance (sp). But your thoughts on the whole matter are of value.

C-flat, I once thought that cutting down would be just fine. But it isn't. It's a short path from 3 or 4 a day to "No problem; I can have a few more." to a full pack. Go back on this thread and read Jeri's comments; she's been there too.

Happy Yule and enlightened New Years to all. We will overcome -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 08:04 PM

Still on the dummy and off the tobacco. Hit a rough patch when I REALLY wanted one but knew that it would be one too many. A friend (who is a smoking cessation nurse) told me to "dummy" as much as I needed but not to give in. Past rough patch and serene again. Hoping to get past Christmas Day. Last year I visited a smoking friend to scrounge a couple. This year I don't intend to.
Wish me luck
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 05:44 PM

Morty, Janie's computer went on the blink. She'll be back around the Mudcat in a week or two. I don't know how she did with the smoking thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 24 Dec 03 - 03:00 AM

Keep at it folks ......it's worth it. Well done to all ...those who succeeded and those will be trying again.

Amazingly (I succeeded on about the 20th try), I've just passed the 3 year mark and still have rough times but they don't last long.
Recently I've had a series of family problems and, at times, could have killed for a cigarette ...... I comfort ate instead and piled on the pounds but just accepted that as the penalty for being a non-smoker. I'm still a lot healthier. No colds so far this winter and I have a lot more puff now that I am not abusing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 07:21 PM

Still off. Stayed off over the Christmas festivities no problem.
How'd everybody else cope?

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 08:07 PM

Going strong and out of the woods -- not only that, but my Best Beloved Wife (known far and wide around here as BBW) is now also off the weed and is holding her own into the fourth day. I yam VERY proud of her!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 08:43 PM

Well, bless her heart!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: The Barden of England
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 08:15 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: The Barden of England
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 04:53 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:41 PM

Hi everyone. Pleased to report I am still going strong having successfuly negotiated the perils of Christmas and New Year partying.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:48 PM

Well done Greg :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:49 PM

likewise, vectis

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:54 PM

Ten and a half months, more or less....phew! If I bring it up and intervals I can milk it for a lot of sympathy!! Great!!! lol!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:57 PM

I am now just begun my 12th week of freedom. More power to us all -- Tom

(formely Nicwit)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 05:38 PM

I am using a diiferent method to sifle crvings when they occur. It involves putting a large rubber band around your wrist that fits snug, not too tight. When you have a craving pull back and snap the rubber band. The worse the craving is the harder you want to snap it.

It focuses your mind off the craving and on the pain and it WORKS!

CM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 06:43 PM

Still off the ciggies. How is everybody else doing???

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 25 Mar 04 - 07:11 PM

Great idea re rubber band. I am now into my 14th month and going strong -- I really feel out of the woods. BBW has also quit now, so we're both out of the woods -- she's on her third month. Zippydedoodah!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 12:01 AM

Not wanting to upset anyone, I've left my name off this post.

I've been of two minds about posting on this thread -- I keep coming back and looking at it, wanting to post, changing my mind, then looking again. I've decided to do it now.

I quit smoking a month ago, after 46 years, and it took a combination of Zyban and the patch for me to do it. I quit too late. Although I don't have an immediately fatal illness, I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, mostly emphysema) and congestive heart failure. Emphysema is a progressive disorder, and I will eventually die of it. Congestive heart failure (isn't as bad as it sounds!) can be treated. Both make it difficult for me to breathe; I can't walk for long, or do anything that involves physical exertion. It's difficult to sleep.

My husband retires in one year; we have enough money to travel and enjoy life, and I, because of my stupidity for 46 years, have decidedly limited our options, our enjoyment, and the quality of our life together.

I'm in my early 60s: I feel so young! And I'm so, so angry at myself.

If this message helps anyone make the decision to quit before it's too late, then I will feel better about posting it.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 12:05 AM

Brave post.

Thanks for the courage to communicate.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 May 04 - 08:34 AM

GUEST thanks for your brave post well said. I am still going strong, but need all the encouragement I can get. My great sympathies to you, but thanks as well for what you say.
Vectis and Amos: keep going!!

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 01 May 04 - 10:16 AM

I feel I am out of the woods and well-established on my life without smoking path. It's like a distant memory, although it has been only a year and a bit. It has taken a lot of adjustment, aside from the actual quitting, to get used to. But it is a done deal as far as I can see.

And if I can get through it, man, anybody can!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: nutty
Date: 01 May 04 - 02:30 PM

Congratulations to you all ... it's over 3 years for me now yet I can't, like Amos , say categorically that I'm "out of the woods."

I've had quite a bit of family stress lately and there have been times when I would have killed for a cigarette.

I know that at times I reacted in a very different way and got far more wound up than I would have done as a smoker.

Personally, I have put on weight and now have a high blood pressure problem. The doctor tells I'm still healthier than I was as a smoker but it's difficult to see how.

The main advantage for me has been the amount of money I have saved and the thing that keeps me a non-smoker is knowing that I never want to waste that amount of money ever again.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From:
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:33 PM

Hello, This is day 2 for me at being smoke free. I feel so angry, frustrated, alone and so ready to go get a pack of cigarettes!! And yet, I still WANT to quit!!! My husband is such a wonderful man and really loves me a lot buut I need for him to pay more attention to the support I need to get thru this. My kids live over a thousand miles away because they are grown and on their own, neither of them smoke thank God, so I really can't get support from them. I reaching for stupid excuses why I should just smoke now and looking for lame reasons to blame others. Will this EVER pass?????????????? Will I truly be able to be a non - smoker EVER????? I have smoked for 31 years, since I was 9 years old, I want to quit!!! Any words you can pass along that might help?????

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:36 PM

1. YES it will pass. I guarantee it.

2. YOU are bigger than IT is.

3. You can get through it using your own strength.

4. Chermically, if necessary, use COMMIT lozenges.

5. Drink LOTS of water.

6. YES!! It will pass. Don't you DARE turn back!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:38 PM

EX-smokers tend to divide into two catagories - those for whom it is a constant fight against addiction (a day - by- day ongoing process) and those who broke a habit.

There does seem to be a spectrum spanning these two extremes - but most seem to fall pretty solidly into one camp or the other.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 03:54 PM

14 (and a half) months for me. I have re-gained my sanity, and gained thirty pounds. I have a mild craving maybe twice a week, but now mild enough that the comprehension of long term emphysema esily outweighs the short term craving. My words of wisdom are fail, fail and fail again until you quit. That's the only way to beat the odds when there is such a high probability of failing.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: curmudgeon
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:01 PM

Guest jlo -- i started tis thread last November as nicwit. I have been off cigarettes for eight and a half months now and will continue. It has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done but has been well worth it.

Although I went through major heart surgery in April, I probably wouldn't have faired as well if I still had been a smoker. I still have the disire for a cigarette, but not the craving.

Two days is a start; hold on tight to your resolve, and persevere. After about six weeks, things will start getting easier. You will no longer feel like rending your garments or pulling out your hair, not to mention tearing off your face.

Above all, keep this thread going and keeping reading and posting. I know it really helped me get through it -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ed.
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:15 PM

GUEST: 26 Mar 04 - 12:01 AM

Thank you so much for your brave post.

I am still at the 'deciding' stage, but have printed out your post and placed it on top of my computer (I spend a good deal of my spare time here). If anything can finally help me 'take the plunge' I think that your post will be near the top of the list.

I wish you well, and thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Jlo (Jewell)
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:21 PM

TY Tom for your words of encouragement, I will fight as hard as I can to stay on track and eventually call myself a non - smoker. As for today I know I will probably just sleep the evening away so as not to have to have face the withdrawl, I'm already wore out! I just found out that my non smoking husband will get home about 2 hours later then he should because of work...UGH...just another let down!! But I will be strong (for now) and stick with it.
Thanks again...day 2 and hanging on by a thread...Jewell

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Dani
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 04:37 PM

DO IT DO IT DO IT! Do whatever it takes....

Ask for help from everyone you meet!!

Guest, *you* have still bought yourself SOME time by quitting. Days, weeks, months with the people you love that you wouldn't otherwise have had. I'm sure of it.

My recent birthday celebrated *9* years smoke-free. But each of those years was made of up ONE AT A TIME not reaching in that pack, not buying them, not taking it out of the mouth of the person next to me. And you can make those decisions for yourself, one at a time.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 06:16 PM

One and a half years ago after a score of false tries over forty years, I smoked my last cigarette. Hardest thing I ever have done.

Absolutely worth it.


Absolutely possible.

You DO get through it.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 08:02 PM

jlo/jewell: hang in there. I stopped last October, it was awful, but it got steadily easier. I loved smoking,did it all my life, but I am now a NON SMOKER. I dont give people lectures, I dont think they deserve to die, I have not become a boring twat, but believe me I am a non-smoker. And you have also just become one. It may not feel quite like it yet, but it very soon will.HANG ON. If me and Amos and everyone else here has done it, SO CAN YOU.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 09:03 PM

Why not just cut out the smoking and take the nicotine in a less socially disruptive manner, which doesn't do your lungs in, and doesn't run into problesm with "no smoking" environments ? 'snuff said.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 11:16 PM

All right, Iz atayed outta this danged thread 'bout as long as I can....

You wanta quit smokin'? Like when? Now? Okay, I'm sending you a 12 guage shotgun and one shell... Get it? No? Well, when it arrives yer smokin' habit will be over... Jus' stcik the shell in the shotgun, pick a peaceful place and....

Oh, you don't wanta quit smoking now? Fine, keep it up, you'll get the same place as the shotgun was gonna get you except after a lot of misery...

Oh you don't like that option either???

Then go lock yerself in the bathroom, look yer pitiful butt in the mirror and say "Hey, I don't smoke no more", "I'm not a smoker", "Smokin' in fir loosers".... etc., etc.....

Tilt!!!

Game over....

No other options.................

I'd say "Good Luck" but it ain't about luck....................

Bobert
(Been there & 17 years without a cigarette)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,j
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 01:02 AM

just quit and am having really bad axiety symptoms. I wasn't a big smoker but somehow my couple cigarettes a day are proving very hard to give up...especially when i am out and about with friends. wondering if I should get on anxiety meds from doc or just wait it out?
any ideas?
J

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 02:32 AM

Thirty some years ago a friend (now my wife)said, "Don't ask for help, just do it."

Nobody makes you smoke, but a lot of people make it harder to give up. Change your social pattern for a while; expect to feel a bit grotty while you give up. Good luck, it's worth it.

Stu

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 09:10 PM

If you really just smoke "a couple cigarettes a day", GUEST,j - ie one, or at most two, why feel obliged to give it up anyway?

But if you find giving up is a desperately hard thing to do, it sounds to me like you actually take a few more than that.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,peedeecee
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 10:45 PM

I quit 5 months ago, after 46 years of fairly heavy smoking. To do it, I used all the help available -- the patch, and 2 Zyban a day. I'm now off the patch, down to 1 Zyban a day. I don't smoke any more and never will again. Cravings come like waves -- they build, then recede. All you have to do is wait it out, and it will go. Orange juice helps. Water helps. Stubbornness helps!

Good luck to you. At one time I smoked 60 a day, and (as everyone says), if I can quit, anyone can.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Muskratpete
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 10:57 PM

To anyone trying to quit smoking, I would advise checking out this website: www.quitsmokingonline.com. It is a wonderful, and free, course that helps you painlessly quit cold-turkey. It helps you understand that the psychological addiction to this nasty habit is much worse than the physical addiction and it offers a zen-like approach to quitting smoking. It's worked for me....a couple of times!!! lol

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,almost former girlfriend
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 06:11 PM

I've got big problems. My boyfriend's personality has taken a complete nosedive since he decided to quit smoking about 4 weeks ago. He chose teh patch followed by gum this week - the gradual approach. He is treating me so awfully and he is like a stranger to me - someone that I don't even know. Is this normal?
lady in love

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 07:05 PM

It is usual to go through a bad time withdrawing from any addiction, and nicotine is no exception. Make him drink lots of water, take long walks and try to exert himself. What is happening is, among other things, a false personality is coming off and it can be very painful. At least that is my take on it. Changes can go on for up to 12, even 18 months in my experience, in different degrees and kinds.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:07 PM

I quit a 36 year, pack and a half a day addiction, cold turkey in January 2003. I decided that patches, nictone gum etc...were all crutches and either you wanna quit or you don't. (To each his own of courae.) But with me it's all or nothing. It's like being an alcoholic only with tobacco. I can't be one of these people that can smoke 5 cigarettes a day for the rest of their lives. If I have one puff I'll find a way to bargin or rationalize it and then I'm smoking, and I'll head right out the door to buy a pack.

I was motivated by my children and I was miserable for the 1st 3 months. You have to completely re-learn ALL of your behavior over again because everything you've ever done you always associate with having a cigarette. And then you have to learn how to do everything WITHOUT having a cigarette. It's very hard. I think I'd rather be a junkie. :-)

I couldn't get up in the morning and drink coffee for the first 2 months because I knew I'd want a cigarette. I couldn't go to a bar because (a) I'd smell the cigarettes and (b) drinking would make me want one. And alot more.

Here I am now 19 months later and I still get urges and the urges really annoy me. I am told the urges will never go away but thankfully they are few and far between and don't last more than a couple minutes.

I tell my kids that it is such an insidious addiction that you are so much better off at never having smoked, than to have smoked and then quit. The good news is, I have saved enough money to have recently purchased a very nice custom Martin!

Do I regret it? Not a chance.
A very clear vision of an unconsolable son of 12 years, standing my coffin at my funeral was and is a very powerful motivator for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:07 PM

(apologies for the typos, etc. above)

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:14 PM

By the way Lady in Love, it's normal.
One's irritability levels go through the roof.
Take a breather from him till he gets his rage and compulsions under control.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:20 PM

I purchased term life insurance this week, twenty year term (age 45). The smoker rate was 3.33 times the non-smoker rate.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:43 PM

Proud of ya, JP!!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Justa Picker
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 08:45 PM

Thanks A.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: vectis
Date: 04 Aug 04 - 09:18 PM

I just got back from Sidmouth festival where I celebrated a complete year without a cigarette (with Morty with whom I shared my last one) I was on Inhalators (dummies) for nearly a year and am now on gum. I realised that,having smoked since I was 5, I was on a long haul but haven't given in.
Keith Kendrick has a wonderful theory that people have a "Movement Memory" and if you can break that you can kick the habit that goes with it. I think I have overcome the movement memory and now have to kick the adiction to nicotine.
It's been a long haul and there is still distance to go for me but I reckon that the improvement in my singing voice is soooooo worth the struggle.
I want to be able to sing when I'm 80. I've got a chance of that without cigarettes; with them I'd be dead most probably, so the struggle is MOST DEFINITELY WORTH IT!
I went to a hypnotherapist to start the "cure" the best £50 I spent in my life.......
Still an addict but a non smoker
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: s&r
Date: 24 Aug 04 - 04:41 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Aug 04 - 11:00 PM

JP, I too was one of those who couldn't figure out how to have my usual coffee when it was such an incomplete experience without its longtime companion, a cigarette or three. Discovered that if I walked around with my coffee rather than sitting down with it, I could do it.   That was a big moment for me- reinforced the fact that I was in charge and I was choosing not to smoke..

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Aug 04 - 03:34 AM

Well done,Vectis and everybody. I havent quite made the year yet, but I passed 11 months a couple of days ago. I think I've got this beaten, the temptations are no longer so strong, and perfectly copable with.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 25 Aug 04 - 09:13 AM

Huzzah, Greg. Tough fight, ably won!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,mike
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 04:29 PM

Quit 6 weeks ago today, feel great. Quit 15 years ago for 5 years, and one puff and was back until 9/9/04, the day my bro was diagnosed with emphasema. He can't go 3 days without yet. what a stinking habit

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Amos
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 05:08 PM

WAY TO GO!! You're right -- it is a tough, nasty, and also bad-smelling habit and very hard to walk away from.

But it is COMPLETELY worth it. I am twice as alive as I was when I first quit. DON'T back down. If you backslid, just quit again. You CAN get through.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: GUEST,Elizabeth
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 09:07 PM

WOW...finally found a website that talks it like it is! I am mortally embarrassed to even write this as I am a 70 yr old lady, with COPD, advanced emphysema, been in hospital w/pneumonia every 3 - 4 mos. for the past 2 yrs, been on nighttime oxygen for 2 yrs., now on daytime oxygen also for the past few months.
Have managed to stay out of hospital for the past 9 months. And yes, here it is....I am still smoking. Started way back when I was 17 when it was "cool" (remember that?), smoked for 50 years. COPD hit me rather quickly. I have 4 wonderful children, 7 beautiful grandbabies, a loving and supportive pair of sisters & lots of friends, etc. If that's not a lot to be grateful for, I don't know what is. BUT....I am still smoking. Guilt is my first name these days. I do manage, about one day/night per week this past month, to go for 24 hrs without a cigarette. I just wanted to share my story with all you great folks involved in helping each other...and yes, I know that what I am doing is surely suicidal. For an intelligent woman, I am stupid when it comes to this. Just nice to know you are all out there! Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Extreme Nicotine Withdrawal Help
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 09:50 PM

Elizabeth, first off- be a little easier on yourself. It is HARD, there's no way around that. I told myself that the fact it would be hard for me to quit wasn't the issue; I no longer wanted to be a smoker. (Still wanted to SMOKE, you understand. *G*) Guilt is not a motivator- at least it is not, for me. The moment WILL come when you tell yourself "I'm just not going to smoke anymore." That, for me, was the moment I knew that I could do it, I COULD quit. All those other times I had TRIED? Just plain will power never did it for me; there always was a moment when the anguish wasn't worth it. The longest I ever went without a smoke, using will power, was five days, and I was an absolute bear. But deciding, ahead of time, that I no lnger was going to smoke did it for me.

In your case, having medical conditions already must bring in a bunch of other elements that complicate the decision. No doubt you are telling yourself that you've already done the dameage, you couldn't stand the stress, what's the use, yada, yada, yada. Just remind yourself that even though some damage is not reversible, some other symptoms will almost immediately improve. And the quality of your life is really what you are trying to affect.

{{{{{{{{{HUG for Elizabeth}}}}}}}}}}