Qiut smoking day for AZers and support.Monday.

It is worth it in the long run FOR SURE!

One thing that smokers might do who want to quit smoking is to ask themselves some very sincere questions like:

Why do I want to quit smoking?
What will "stop smoking" do for me?
What will "stop smoking" do for my family?

One of the peculiar and almost funny things that someone who has tried to quit smoking will think as they are abstaining from smoking is:
This is the only thing I really enjoy doing. Is this so bad?
Life is short. I have to die from something.
I'm not hurting anyone by smoking. Well, I "MIGHT" be hurting myself but I know old man so and so has been smoking for 60 years and he isn't in too bad a shape. Hell, I don't plan to live to I am 90. Lol
Smoking relaxes me. I LOVE to smoke. Why take away that one pleasure?
If I don't smoke around other people, it shouldn't bother anyone else. After all, I only "MIGHT" be hurting myself.
I need to do something with my hands. I enjoy puffing on the cigarettes.
I'll quit one day, just not right now. Too much going on right now to quit. After I get passed this next hurdle I'll get serious about quitting.
I could have a drug habit so things could be worse. :D

Well, you get the idea. Our thought process can justify a reason for smoking, even if the thought process is skewed.

Best to those who decide that they want to quit smoking FOREVER.

Believe me, all of the above items have been thought by those who have tried to quit smoking, most of them by me. :)
 
I quit just over 3 years ago after more than 20 years of smoking. It was not easy but looking back it was sooooo worth it. Right now it is -40 Celsius with the wind and man am I glad I dont have to go outside to smoke.

I seriously encourage anyone who is on the fence about quitting to just do it. The relief of not having to be controlled by an addiction is extremely rewarding. The benefits are so worth it.

One of the things my wife and I did is to take the the money we used to spend on smokes and do something useful with it. We sponsored two kids from third world countries and were able to still make payments on a cheap new car. All for the cost of smoking. I often see the pictures of those two kids on our fridge and think about how cool it is to not smoke.

Another thing that helped me a lot was prayer. I know not everyone believes in prayer but if anyone who is trying to quit would like me to pray for them as well just shoot me a PM.

Best wishes to all. You can do it!!!
 
Me too...........

JoeyA said:
One thing that smokers might do who want to quit smoking is to ask themselves some very sincere questions like:

Why do I want to quit smoking?
What will "stop smoking" do for me?
What will "stop smoking" do for my family?

One of the peculiar and almost funny things that someone who has tried to quit smoking will think as they are abstaining from smoking is:
This is the only thing I really enjoy doing. Is this so bad?
Life is short. I have to die from something.
I'm not hurting anyone by smoking. Well, I "MIGHT" be hurting myself but I know old man so and so has been smoking for 60 years and he isn't in too bad a shape. Hell, I don't plan to live to I am 90. Lol
Smoking relaxes me. I LOVE to smoke. Why take away that one pleasure?
If I don't smoke around other people, it shouldn't bother anyone else. After all, I only "MIGHT" be hurting myself.
I need to do something with my hands. I enjoy puffing on the cigarettes.
I'll quit one day, just not right now. Too much going on right now to quit. After I get passed this next hurdle I'll get serious about quitting.
I could have a drug habit so things could be worse. :D

Well, you get the idea. Our thought process can justify a reason for smoking, even if the thought process is skewed.

Best to those who decide that they want to quit smoking FOREVER.

Believe me, all of the above items have been thought by those who have tried to quit smoking, most of them by me. :)
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Almost word for word. My thoughts also. When I used to smoke....
 
I found out about a month ago I have blockage in both my carotid arteries. My dr. said I need to quit. I have a brother who last year needed surgery to unclog his carotid artery, so I'm hoping to avoid getting cut open.

I started using "the patch" yesterday. Been chewing gum, tootsie roll suckers, atomic bomb( red jaw breaker candy) what ever to keep my mind off smoking.

Had apa last night in a bar that still allows smoking. To my surprise, it wasn't too difficult of a test. Just ordered a fountain coke and chewed on the straw.

Left the bar, and after a full day of not smoking, the smell of smoke on my jacket and clothes was nasty. Today is my second full day and it's still hard to ignore, especially after lunch, but it's getting better.

I know I need to quit
 
stutz said:
I found out about a month ago I have blockage in both my carotid arteries. My dr. said I need to quit. I have a brother who last year needed surgery to unclog his carotid artery, so I'm hoping to avoid getting cut open.

I started using "the patch" yesterday. Been chewing gum, tootsie roll suckers, atomic bomb( red jaw breaker candy) what ever to keep my mind off smoking.

Had apa last night in a bar that still allows smoking. To my surprise, it wasn't too difficult of a test. Just ordered a fountain coke and chewed on the straw.

Left the bar, and after a full day of not smoking, the smell of smoke on my jacket and clothes was nasty. Today is my second full day and it's still hard to ignore, especially after lunch, but it's getting better.

I know I need to quit
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Hang in there. Every day gets easier and easier. Within a couple of weeks the hard part is in your rear view mirror.
 
Thanks, I'm sick of this damn monkey yet I enjoy it at the same time. I've quit a few times before, but always came back.

My longest non smoking run was 10 years or so ago. I started going to the gym, hitting the weights hard, gained some decent size in doing so. One day I ripped my bicep completely off ( don't ever do that) and that ended my gym days. I got so depressed about it, I sparked one up and boom..back into my same ole routine :frown:
 
stutz said:
Thanks, I'm sick of this damn monkey yet I enjoy it at the same time. I've quit a few times before, but always came back.

My longest non smoking run was 10 years or so ago. I started going to the gym, hitting the weights hard, gained some decent size in doing so. One day I ripped my bicep completely off ( don't ever do that) and that ended my gym days. I got so depressed about it, I sparked one up and boom..back into my same ole routine :frown:
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As a long time smoker you are ALWAYS hard wired to go back if you smoke just one. That's why you can NEVER think you can smoke one and go back to quitting. Stay away at all cost. All those little receptors in your brain fire back up and want nicotine again. As long as you steer clear you're safe.
 
I quit 3 months ago and began "vaping". First I was on the vapor juice with a medium level of nicotine, but now I'm using juice with zero nicotine. I only vape when I get a craving or when I want the sensation of smoking without the harmful effects. Plus it allows me to enjoy the smoker's-patio-camaraderie at the poolroom with all my buddies still.

I figure that's saved me from smoking around 1000 cigarettes so far.
 
SpeedyPete84 said:
I quit 3 months ago and began "vaping". First I was on the vapor juice with a medium level of nicotine, but now I'm using juice with zero nicotine. I only vape when I get a craving or when I want the sensation of smoking without the harmful effects. Plus it allows me to enjoy the smoker's-patio-camaraderie at the poolroom with all my buddies still.

I figure that's saved me from smoking around 1000 cigarettes so far.
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That's what I have done. Still on nicotine, but taking it slow and will gradually step it down. I'm a big fan so far. Vaping is fun. There are some ridiculously tasty flavors out there. That might be a bad thing, I don't know, but it beats the hell out of smoking,

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=4606182&postcount=42
 
Two thumbs up for Gene!

Atlatlien said:
That's what I have done. Still on nicotine, but taking it slow and will gradually step it down. I'm a big fan so far. Vaping is fun. There are some ridiculously tasty flavors out there. That might be a bad thing, I don't know, but it beats the hell out of smoking,

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=4606182&postcount=42
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"Vaping" (I guess that's those electronic cigarettes) has become VERY popular at our pool room not just with older people trying to quit but very young people trying to quit as well.

Some of the units look like a 50 caliber machine gun bullet, while others look like a Virginia Slim. I used the patch but the bottom line is eventually stopping ALL nicotine ingestion FOREVER.

This is turning into a very positive quit smoking thread. Gene you may have helped a few people make that move toward better health and possibly a longer and better quality of life.

JoeyA
 
I hope others are having success-

well somehow I'm smoke free yet. Peer pressure is going to be the worst. Wish I could go into the mountains and live a few months where no one was around!! Monday morning while getting a Propane tank filled. As I went to pay the office girls were out puffing away- I thought Id say I had decided to quit. there response was there isn't a good reason to quit. Next stop was Doc's Kannaka Creeks cues. 3 smokers there, Jimmys Poolhall ,the cook and waitress smokers. I am retired so I was able to stay inside, reading, sleeping lots. I do feel like I can walk and breath without getting tired. Im sure a jog around the block would be very tough. A bicycle ride around the lakes would be good too- 5ft snow and supercold. Going on a 2 wk vacation to Hawaii seems perfect to keep smoking out of mind- swimming would be wonderful- and a good way to start being healthy,my other habit is energy drinks. Tonic water really has helped me sleep(takes the tinging away from my legs. I was told to do this at the mayo Clinic here- for neck and back pain. thanks to Jam!! for the pm. and support. mark
 
Keep it up there Mark...

HollyWood said:
well somehow I'm smoke free yet. Peer pressure is going to be the worst. Wish I could go into the mountains and live a few months where no one was around!! Monday morning while getting a Propane tank filled. As I went to pay the office girls were out puffing away- I thought Id say I had decided to quit. there response was there isn't a good reason to quit. Next stop was Doc's Kannaka Creeks cues. 3 smokers there, Jimmys Poolhall ,the cook and waitress smokers. I am retired so I was able to stay inside, reading, sleeping lots. I do feel like I can walk and breath without getting tired. Im sure a jog around the block would be very tough. A bicycle ride around the lakes would be good too- 5ft snow and supercold. Going on a 2 wk vacation to Hawaii seems perfect to keep smoking out of mind- swimming would be wonderful- and a good way to start being healthy,my other habit is energy drinks. Tonic water really has helped me sleep(takes the tinging away from my legs. I was told to do this at the mayo Clinic here- for neck and back pain. thanks to Jam!! for the pm. and support. mark
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I headed up to Shooters last night after laying around for 3 days with a sore neck. Was hoping to maybe see you and ask in person how your doing.
Sounds like your on track so far.
Pretty cool when I see a personal friend on here trying to better his life with putting these cigs to rest.
Jam and all the other AZers are being so great here and helping so many players like yourself get it done.
Back in the 80's when I quit it was me myself and I for support.
The power of the numbers here and support on AZ is unbelievable.
I can't wait Each day to read more testimonials and to see who else has started their non smoking journey to better their life.

Didn't even know you smoked.

Welcome aboard my friend............plus your trials and tribulations on here will help other.

And somehow I just know your going to make it this time.:)
 
I am extremely grateful that you got those nasty cigarette smokers to stop. Cigarette smoke just ruins the fragrance of my cigar smoke. :wink:

Bob
 
Atlatlien said:
That's what I have done. Still on nicotine, but taking it slow and will gradually step it down. I'm a big fan so far. Vaping is fun. There are some ridiculously tasty flavors out there. That might be a bad thing, I don't know, but it beats the hell out of smoking,

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=4606182&postcount=42
Click to expand...

I'm sure there's some negatives to e-cigarettes/vaping, but what I can say FOR SURE is that I don't wake up and hack up a lung in the morning. I don't cough up nasty stuff and I don't feel like I have a non-stop sinus problem. Plus my girlfriend likes when I smell like mango/whatever flavor, rather than a Marlboro.
 
JoeyA said:
"Vaping" (I guess that's those electronic cigarettes) has become VERY popular at our pool room not just with older people trying to quit but very young people trying to quit as well.

Some of the units look like a 50 caliber machine gun bullet, while others look like a Virginia Slim. I used the patch but the bottom line is eventually stopping ALL nicotine ingestion FOREVER.

This is turning into a very positive quit smoking thread. Gene you may have helped a few people make that move toward better health and possibly a longer and better quality of life.

JoeyA
Click to expand...

why? just because inhaling toxic tar-filled smoke into your lungs is harmful it doesn't mean that tobacco or nicotine in all forms are that harmful. when the UK health administration studied the FDA research of e-cigarettes they concluded that the toxicity of e-cigarettes were one-thousand of that of cigarettes.

and swedish snus have none of those toxic elements, yet still its a very nice stimulate. like wine, coffee, or poppy, its not the consumtion of the natural stimulant in itself thats bad, its the form and amount of it. drinking poppy tea is all fine and well, but making heroine out of poppy and pouring it into ones veins is not very healthy.
 
skogstokig said:
why? just because inhaling toxic tar-filled smoke into your lungs is harmful it doesn't mean that tobacco or nicotine in all forms are that harmful. when the UK health administration studied the FDA research of e-cigarettes they concluded that the toxicity of e-cigarettes were one-thousand of that of cigarettes.

and swedish snus have none of those toxic elements, yet still its a very nice stimulate. like wine, coffee, or poppy, its not the consumtion of the natural stimulant in itself thats bad, its the form and amount of it. drinking poppy tea is all fine and well, but making heroine out of poppy and pouring it into ones veins is not very healthy.
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I guess if you're really not interested in stopping smoking permanently, you can continue to stay addicted but just to nicotine. I doubt if many people are actually addicted to the smoke itself. It's the nicotine that one is addicted to. I'm sure nicotine is less harmful than the smoke but if you continue the nicotine addiction, you will surely be on standby to go back into the smoking bin.

The best stimulants are exercise, diet and hydration but I do like my cup of coffee in the morning. :grin-square:


JoeyA
 
Just quit. I was a 2-3 pack a day. Stopped for one full day in Jan 1989. Never smoked again. STOP for one day and simply stop for one more day after that. One day at a time. It gets easier as you move on. You can do it. It's less painful stopping smoking than it is dying from cancer. I lost my brother from LC. Died leaving his 13 yo son fatherless. Stop smoking for the ones that love you. Do it now. Never stop trying to quit.
 
Powerful testimonial there my friend......

GoldCrown said:
Just quit. I was a 2-3 pack a day. Stopped for one full day in Jan 1989. Never smoked again. STOP for one day and simply stop for one more day after that. One day at a time. It gets easier as you move on. You can do it. It's less painful stopping smoking than it is dying from cancer. I lost my brother from LC. Died leaving his 13 yo son fatherless. Stop smoking for the ones that love you. Do it now. Never stop trying to quit.
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We quit about the same time. I quit in 1986. Not much help to quit back then.

We just had to quit. Not much support either.

But that's why we are still around. We did quit.

Sorry about your brother and his son.

It's stories like yours and all the other AZers that can make a smoker that is on the fence quit once and for all.

Thanks for sharing...............
 
It's been 30-days since heart surgery, no cigarettes.
I didn't have a choice, smoking caused all of my heart issues.
The patch really helped reduce the nicotine craving, and the rest was on me.
I recommend a little weed once and a while to help you forget about cigarettes
 
I also quit in 1986 after suffering a collapsed lung due to a spontaneous pneumothorax. I spent 12 days in the hospital and had 3 chest tubes. I had no plans to quit before this happened; but the Dr. said there was a connection; so not wanting to go through that again, I just quit. I was 37 at the time and had been smoking for over 20 years. It was probably a blessing in disguise, as I would probably have continued to smoke.

I have a co-worker who quit several years ago after going to a quit smoking hypnosis session. I think it cost him $30 to sit there in a room full of other people. It worked for him - perhaps it's worth a shot for those here having trouble quitting.
 
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