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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
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.
I chewed smokeless tobacco for about 14 years. Smokeless tobacco is supposedly more addictive then smoking but I do not know that for a fact. Cold turkey worked for me and it has now been 2 years since I have touched it. If I tried just one pinch again back to the old habit I would be, that is why I won't even try a pinch. It has been offered to me many times since I quit but I had already prepared myself mentally and spiritually not to give in. I had quit hanging around my friends for short period of time until I had real control of it. Most of them chewed and I really couldn't be around it for a couple of weeks.
Yes, I agree there are many of psychological factors included. For me, if was after dinner, when I was on a long trip (or anytime in a car), when I was with friends, at work, almost anything I did I chewed. I basically identified myself by my habit. I truly felt like a part of me was missing for the first few months.
Cold turkey is possible but other methods work for different people but I do not think that just accepting addiction and doing nothing is a good option. One thing I did different than some was I sincerely prayed about it and asked for help and I received it.
I can see why someone in the other posts would say just quit because he/she has seen people do it and know that it is possible, I do not see this as ignorance.
I quit 10 years ago> I used the patches and I had to have something to do with my hands and, no laughing, my mouth so I chewed on needle caps and coffee stirrers.
If you have never smoked you have no idea how to quit an addiction, sorry but you just don't. I think for one to have done, should be the advisor.
I quit 10 years ago> I used the patches and I had to have something to do with my hands and, no laughing, my mouth so I chewed on needle caps and coffee stirrers.If you have never smoked you have no idea how to quit an addiction, sorry but you just don't. I think for one to have done, should be the advisor.
Dang, I forgot about the coffee stirrers. I went through 1000 of those suckers.
All this brings back memories and the desire for a cig.
Nope, you never lose the desire. But, I will not fold under. I'm a tree........I can bend. :wink2:
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
If you really want to quit smoking (or any bad habit) you have to take control of your life, you also have to take responsibility for your actions. It's hard for some people because society (and most of this board) want to tell you that you have an addiction and it's not your fault. I can tell you I smoked for about 10 years and none of the cigarettes put themselves into my mouth, nor did they light themselves. It's all about self control. I'm not saying it won't be hard but the best way is to set a quit date, wean yourself down (to 2 or 3 a day, this helps a lot) and then just stop altogether. You will probably suffer but it will be worth it when you find out how strong you really are!
Smoking is terribly addictive-I see that with the husband. When I volunteered in the hospital-every single one of the respiratory therapists smoked!!!
Congrats to those who have done it and I wish all the ones who want to the best of luck! Never give up on yourself! You are strong enough!
robfall
37 Posts
While it may seem less valid coming from a nonsmoker; 'just quit' is an important breakover point in the process of quitting. I was able to stop smoking after I realized that I could control the addiction, rather than having it control me. In the interest of full disclosure; it was the Welbutrin that helped me get to that point!