How do you stop bad habits?

dmarie (GA) · Dec 7, 2006

I totally understand the struggle to quit smoking! I don't even LIKE to smoke anymore! Yet, strangely, I continue to do it. I can even hear myself wheezing now, especially at night. It's a horrible thing. I'm terrified of gaining more weight if I quit! I'm in nursing school and I've already gained weight as it is!!! Maybe I'll try the hypnosis thing? I've heard the new smoking shot is good too........

all4schwa · Dec 7, 2006

i was a smoker for over 10 years and quit during my first quarter of nursing school. i tried to quit probably 30 times before it finally worked--always cold turkey. my biggest problem was going out for a few beers because this was the only time i really "liked" to smoke. the last time i quit smoking i just quit drinking also...well for probably 6 months anyway.
i agree that cold turkey is the best way to go. i always quit when i would get my annual bronchitis (haven't had it since i quit btw). just keep trying and train yourself to hate the habit and the control it has over you. i think it would probably be easier for me to quit now because it is becoming more and more inconvenient to smoke (in my state no smoking in any public place--even bars).

i could have written this exact post myself. i smoked for 10 years, bronchitis that lasted months at a time. refused to believe it was all attributed to smoking. i'm young, i see everyone around me smoking...it can't be killing me. i'm grateful everyday that ive been able to quit and haven't been sick once.

quit 1st quarter of nursing school, quit drinking for about 6mos, wouldnt, couldn't go near a bar....like the man said i liked smoking too much.

the freedom from smoking program at lungusa.org helped me the most. especially spoke to the nurse side of me!

RobCPhT · Dec 7, 2006

Chantix is the new med that is growing in popularity. We have had great results in LTC. If you have medical insurance with your employer they usually have cessation programs for you.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2006

Chantix is the new med that is growing in popularity. We have had great results in LTC. If you have medical insurance with your employer they usually have cessation programs for you.

What observations do you notice with this medication? I am having one hell of a time getting my 77 year old mother to quit. She recently had a triple A repair and during her 10 day stay in the hospital her primary complications were all related to her respiratory status. We tried the patches and Wellbutrin prior to surgery and she was still smoking like a frieght train while on this. It didnt take a week home post-op she was blackmailing everyone to go get her cigarettes. Either we got them or she would go drive on her own to do so. Also I plan on getting a house in the next few months to allow her to live with us but have told her she has to quit smoking. I dont allow smoking in my home at all. For one I have a son who is asthmatic and also have pets that cant tolerate the smoke (birds and prairie dogs) as they develope respiratory problems very quickly also. She still works full-time in a factory on night shift (dont have a clue how she is able to do this as it's hard work) but am hoping to get her to quit work once I move (she never put away for retirement and I cant afford 2 homes). I know most of her co-workers smoke so that makes it more difficult for her. Plus she's been smoking since she was 9. I'm at a loss as she coughs constantly, has emphysema, severe sleep apnea and her fingers are even stained very yellow. I'm talking 3 packs aday at least! I dont believe it's she cant but she just doesnt want to. While in the hospital she even tried "smoking" her pulse ox sensor LOL, then would curse at us that it wasnt a cigarette.

sming · Dec 9, 2006

I smoke, and I am not embarassed, I do a lot of other healthy things, and if I do quite smoking it will be more for finacial reasons rather than health. Shame is only going to make you feel bad, if you smoke, smoke, and enjoy it, don't ride yourself you will just smoke more. When you are ready to quit you will. It takes about 12 attempts to stop, and after you stop you will have occation to want them. It will never go away'.