Nurses who smoke - I'm a smoker

BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN · Aug 23, 2005

I smoked for 20 years and just quit 4 weeks ago with the help of Wellbutrin.

Good luck to you if you want to quit!

S

Mithrah · Aug 23, 2005

I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I used to never know a single person who did quit smoking, but just recently I met 4 people who have quit 100%. And they all did it the same way: cold turkey.

You are not imprisoned by your cigarette smoking. Just quit. If others can, you surely can.

rogramjet · Aug 23, 2005

I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I used to never know a single person who did quit smoking, but just recently I met 4 people who have quit 100%. And they all did it the same way: cold turkey.
You are not imprisoned by your cigarette smoking. Just quit. If others can, you surely can.

Smoking is an ADDICTION. More people succesfully quit Heroin than necotine. That is why there are patches, Wellbutrin, gum...it is not unusual to be on a combination of therapies.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 23, 2005

I will start nursing school this fall.
I am a smoker (smoked for the last 15 years). I have tried to quit several times - just cannot seem to do it.
I've seen nursing staff at hospitals around town taking "smoke breaks." Even though I am a smoker as well - seeing nurses in their scrubs with cigarettes in their hand just doesn't look right. Not judging - have no room too.
I'm just curious about how many nurses (or other healthcare professionals) have been imprisoned by this addiction to nicotine? Any input on successful ways to kick this habit?
I've tried the patch (works for day or two before I cave in and light up); the gum (can't stand the taste); cold turkey (no way - cannot do it for more than 5 hours) :stone

This is undoubtly one of the hardest things to do. I know. I have been there.

I quit on the nicotrol inhaler. I smoked menthol and this gave me the ability to "hold" something and go through the motions of smoking.

It helped tremendously. It allowed me to quit on my own after about 3 days of using it. (You don't have to sneak out to "smoke" with the inhaler). :wink2:

elthia · Aug 23, 2005

I quit cold turkey, it's been over a year now.

I still crave a cigarette now and then, I know someone who quit smoking 10 years ago and still craves a cigarette.

It takes a lot of willpower, and you can only do it for yourself, and you will need the support of your family and friends. Also, try to avoid being around people who are smoking for at least the first few months.

Good luck to you.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2005

I quit cold turkey too, January 1st will be my 4th anniversary. I still sometimes think I want one, but honestly, just the smell of smoke, or the smell that lingers on a smoker nauseates me now.

I personally think any way one chooses to quit, cold turkey, patches, medication, etc....any method works, it all comes down to cold hard determination on the part of the quitter. My best advise, no matter what method you use, get some sugar free hard candies for the times you have cravings or dont know what to do with your hands, and avoid smoke/smokers at all costs the first few months. That way you are not tempted.

Good Luck, and you can do it!!!!

Someday-C.R.N.A. · Aug 23, 2005

Nicotine IS more addictive than heroin.

I quit in April after 13+ years of smoking, much of which was at 2 or more packs a day. It was kinda rough there for a little while, but it got better. I'll never smoke another cigarette, and here's how I did it:

I used Smoke Away There is a forum (very much like this one) where you can post and communicate with people. I have had nothing but very positive experiences with the people there. They have a daily pledge thread, where you can promise to the group that you won't smoke for the day. It's always nice to know that other people are going through the same struggle you are.

I also visited (and they will recommend it @ the above site) http://www.WhyQuit.com for information. I found that the knowledge I gained from this site really enabled me to overcome my addiction. This is a battle. You will need ammo!!

I threw my open pack, lighter, and almost a full carton in the dumpster and went to bed. Haven't touched a cigarette since. The worst part (for me) was the mind games. The addiction kept trying to pull me back in, but I wouldn't let it. I educated myself, took a stance, and stood my ground. I chewed a lot of gum, and kept the gum in the same pocket I always kept my smokes in - you can get a lot of tips like this at the websites above, so I'll save the rest.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!

Good luck! :)

gardenmum · Aug 23, 2005

I smoked for 21 yrs and quit 5 years ago (after quitting at least 5 different times). I tried cold turkey, gum and patches. What worked for me is called Herbal Smoke Away which is like a vitamin. Said it eliminated all cravings and would not cause weight gain. I am so sure it is just a bunch of herbs and vitamins but you know what? It worked the 1st day I started taking it. It takes determination, will power, lots of self-talk, and a reminder every single moment why you want to quit. It is seriously the single hardest thing I have ever done but I tell you what -- I felt so good within days of quitting. Just remember that it is an addiction -- both physically and mentally. When you're a smoker, your cigarettes are like your friends. They're there when you're down, when you're having a good time, they're there no matter what. Giving them up is a major life change. Just be determined and don't give up on quitting.

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 23, 2005

I did it by cutting down gradually. It is a horrible addiction. My heart goes out to you.

robfall · Aug 23, 2005

2-4 packs/day for 20+ years; smoke free for 4 years now. No one method works for everyone who is trying to quit. The most important advice I can give is to keep trying, no matter how hopeless it seems. It took me dozens of attempts to quit before it took. Good luck!

hospicemom · Aug 23, 2005

I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I used to never know a single person who did quit smoking, but just recently I met 4 people who have quit 100%. And they all did it the same way: cold turkey.
You are not imprisoned by your cigarette smoking. Just quit. If others can, you surely can.

ok..I normally dont get involved with threads like this, but I HAVE to with this one. I am a smoker. Have been since i was 14. I as well have tried MANY MANY times to quit. some of it is psychological....get in your car smoke..have a drink...smoke and so on. HOWEVER..ANY nurse knows that THIS IS AN ADDICTION.....so are other things like...carbs,caffine...so on.....I challange you to "just quit" something that you are used to...whether it be your 6 cokes a day that your addicted to. "just quit" coming from someone who has never smoked in her life is just plain ignorant if you ask me.