Quitting smoking

Katnip, RN · Apr 11, 2006

Congratulations on your decision to quit.

I quit smoking 24 years ago. So yes, it can be done. It's rough for a good while.

To get rid of the smoking urge after eating I brushed my teeth each and every time I put something in my mouth. Not real practical, but the minty flavor seemed to help satisfy that oral need.

Take your break, but don't do it with the smokers. I had to work with smokers and this was before it was banned in most offices and buildings. I had some backsliding mainly because of that.

Other people had success chewing a lot of gum or eating lollipops. I never did that, but some swear by it.

Check the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association. They might have a list of tips and ideas to help as well. Also look for forums on the Net to see if they have some online support groups.

Good luck, and again, Congratulations!

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Apr 11, 2006

In June I will have quit 8 years ago. I went cold turkey. It was hardest to not smoke after meals and when getting into the car. Until I could deal with it, I replaced the addiction with Altoids. I was hooked on Those for years after. Atleast it was a healthier addiction. Then it turned into a gum addiction. Then a coffee addiction, then a diet soda addiction. Now I am addiction free. It does get better, hang in there! It is so worth it!!!

tookewlandy · Apr 11, 2006

Congratulations on your decision to quit.
I quit smoking 24 years ago. So yes, it can be done. It's rough for a good while.
To get rid of the smoking urge after eating I brushed my teeth each and every time I put something in my mouth. Not real practical, but the minty flavor seemed to help satisfy that oral need.
Take your break, but don't do it with the smokers. I had to work with smokers and this was before it was banned in most offices and buildings. I had some backsliding mainly because of that.
Other people had success chewing a lot of gum or eating lollipops. I never did that, but some swear by it.
Check the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association. They might have a list of tips and ideas to help as well. Also look for forums on the Net to see if they have some online support groups.
Good luck, and again, Congratulations!

Thanks for the tips, You are right about the brushing your teeth one after eating, I never liked to smoke after i brushed my teeth anyway for some reason it just made me sick, so thats one way to deal with it and an effective way. I am not going totally cold turkey i got the niccorete gum but its so nasty i only chew it when i need it other than that i am doing it cold turkey. I'm tired of feeling like an ash tray i didn't smoke that much to begin with although i had days when i did and already after 4 days i just feel "better".

MIA-RN1, RN · Apr 11, 2006

I brushed my teeth all the time when I quit, too! I got into pretzels and little crunchy things too. Not great for the hips but way better for the lungs.

Also, drank lots of water to flush out my system and try to help with getting over the cravings.

VeryPlainJane · Apr 11, 2006

I printed this picture of a lung cancer and put it on my ice box door. It's been helping so far. ouch!

http://www.tobacco-facts.info/lung_cancer.htm

tookewlandy · Apr 11, 2006

Yeah i know the pretzels may not be good for the hips but its better than smoking and ruining you rlungs for life, also the burshing your teeth thing will help get my teeth healthy and stain free again

tookewlandy · Apr 11, 2006

Im gonna print that and put it on my fridge, that dosent do it i dont knwo what will.lol

pannie · Apr 11, 2006

I used the Commit lozenges when everyone was sitting at the table talking after eating. It does taste minty (very much an improvement on that awful gum) and completely satisfied the craving for that after dinner cigarette. No one was the wiser, either. Most people didn't know I smoked. Maybe they just think I'm over my tooth brushing compulsion.

KeithEMU · Apr 11, 2006

I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit. I had smoked about 13 yrs, started when I was 12. I had gone to the doctor with my 6th bout of Bronchitis in a year. Every time I went to the doc he told me I needed to quit, and I told him I wasn't ready yet. This time I told him I was ready and asked if there was anything he could give me to help. In adition to the Antibiotics and Prednisone he gave me Wellbutrin to help with some of the withdraws. I also did Nicorette Gum. That all helped with the physical withdraws and then it was just a matter of changing habits. I took about 5 mnths stepping down on the gum.

The first few weeks were the hardest for me. for the first two to three years I had to stay away from people that were smoking. Now I don't have a problem being around smokers, except for the putrid smell of the burning cigs..lol. it will be eight years this June... I think my lungs are almost completely healed...lol

nursecher · Apr 11, 2006

I haven't smoked a cigarette since Jan. 1, 2006. It was my New Year's Resolution to quit and I have been going strong. I quit both times I was pregnant, but started up again. I don't think I will smoke ever again. I do think I am gaining weight because of it so I need to start watching that.

Anyway, I do get strong cravings sometimes esp since DH smokes (outside). I agree with the worst being the after dinner cig (prob why I keep eating and am gaining weight). The only thing I do is just not smoke- pure will power. I just ignore the urge until it passes. I never used the patch or any other type of aid.

Now only if my DH would quit......

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2006

I was smoking 3 packs a day when I quit. I had smoked about 13 yrs, started when I was 12. I had gone to the doctor with my 6th bout of Bronchitis in a year. Every time I went to the doc he told me I needed to quit, and I told him I wasn't ready yet. This time I told him I was ready and asked if there was anything he could give me to help. In adition to the Antibiotics and Prednisone he gave me Wellbutrin to help with some of the withdraws. I also did Nicorette Gum. That all helped with the physical withdraws and then it was just a matter of changing habits. I took about 5 mnths stepping down on the gum.
The first few weeks were the hardest for me. for the first two to three years I had to stay away from people that were smoking. Now I don't have a problem being around smokers, except for the putrid smell of the burning cigs..lol. it will be eight years this June... I think my lungs are almost completely healed...lol

You sounds like me. 3 packs a day for 27 years - from 15 until 42. Zoloft, patch, hypnotist.

It's been 11 years now. And yes, I sometimes still want one. Doi!