Stopping smoking? What helps you

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Although I have never smoked I have helped many patient's in my role as a practice nurse (I worked in doctor's surgery) and these are a few things that they found helped them to stop

chewing gum

mints - no added sugar kind as worried to putting on weight

crossword puzzles

needlecraft

finding something that would distract themselves for the few minutes that the cravings broke through

Many found something to do with their hands as that was what they felt affected them the most.. ie hands doing nothing

So what helped you to stop even for a short while if not permanent?

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Specializes in SICU, MICU, CICU, NeuroICU.

This one is pretty obvious ... just not doing it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Thanks, Conrad. And I agree...just not doing it is the best answer. However, as a complex habit...it is often easier said than done. I myself am a smoker...with an off and on again habit. I know I shouldn't smoke...not good for me. I have quit many times...even for long durations of abstinence. All my family smoke and smoke like chimneys. Sometimes, I am successful in my abstinence. Sometimes, I am not. It is an ongoing struggle for myself. So, with regard to smoking, I can understand the angst it creates.

Thanks for posting.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Thanks Conrad it would be ideal not doing it but for a lot it is habit forming and have had many tell me they started smoking again because they felt lost without their hands doing something. I know people who stopped at the drop of a hat, my dad was one and he was a very heavy smoker and many said he wouldn't do it but has managed over 30 years. Others have tried many many times but just can't stop.

What I try to do is not nag people to stop but make sure they have all relevant information so they can make an informed choice and think of ways that would help them

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

One thing that I have tried for myself during my desire to abstain was to focus on my breath and breathing. When I felt the urge to smoke coming on, a sensation that I feel center in my gut and lungs, I would purposely meditate on my breath and begin purposeful slow, deep breathing. Just like the urge and craving to smoke comes, it will go...and refocusing on my breath, allowed me to ride out the urge, was often helpful. I also have used some imagery that was helpful during my breathing. One image that I would use was imagining myself standing in waist high water on a beach. The craving to smoke was like an incoming wave. I would see it coming towards me, I would feel it coming towards me...then I would imagine the wave on me, lifting me slightly off my feet to unsteady me, then wash past me. Just like a wave, the craving comes to me, over me, and past me. I don't fight it...but allow it to wash thru me. I found this image to be very helpful. But, it remains a tough habit for me...and I myself continue to struggle with it.

So, like others, I too will benefit from the support found here on this forum.

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

I too am a smoker and know how bad it is but it is very hard to quit. I have tried but my spouse smokes as well and that makes it much harder to kick the habit. I do not smoke at work and I know I could probably stop if I wanted to but it's such a mental thing that is hard to fight sometimes. At work I chew a lot of gum to get me through my 12 hrs and I actually don't even think about smoking until I leave the building then it hits like a ton of bricks.

People who do not smoke do not realize how difficult it is. They are quick to give advice or judge but not quick to support.

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

I have also been trying to quit on and off. It is hard for me especially since my husband still smokes so I have them readily available to me. It is such a mental issue and it's hard to fight it. I do not smoke at work, I chew gum but as soon as I get home I need to have a smoke or so my mind tells me that. It's definatly easier said than done to say just quit doing it. People who are non-smoker do not understand how tough it is. Like they say unless you've walked a mile in my shoes you can't really relate to my or any individuals situation whether that is addiction or pain ect. To any of you non smokers please don't lecture it does not help it does not have any effect at all. I know what smoking does and it's long term effects so please do not lecture. ;)

If someone you know is trying to quit please help support them because it is a hard battle.:up:

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not sure if i've posted this on this particular forum, but "the easy way to stop smoking" by allen carr was definitely the best way to go for me. i know those "how to stop smoking" books seem like a waste of time, but believe me, this one wasn't!! if you want more info or encouragement, just pm me.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

After smoking for 12 years, I quit cold turkey on New Years Day 8 years ago. I used sugar free hard candies alot the first couple of weeks, but after that I was okay. Husband said I was a tad bit on the bitchy side, but not nearly as bad as he thought I would be. I remember being very "edgy".

I had made attempts to quit before I finally did, using nicotine gum and even patches. For some reason, the cold turkey is the one that stuck.

I have seen many co-workers using Chantix with great success. Down side is the expense, but compare it to what smokes cost these days and I am sure the medication is more economical.

All I can really say to those trying to quit is, a lot of positive self talk, stepping away from the smoking familiars (taking break in a different spot, having something to do instead of going out to smoke, having your car detailed) and get someone as a support person. You can do it!!!

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not sure if i've posted this on this particular forum, but "the easy way to stop smoking" by allen carr was definitely the best way to go for me. i know those "how to stop smoking" books seem like a waste of time, but believe me, this one wasn't!! if you want more info or encouragement, just pm me.

:w00t:

After 23 years of smoking, this too is how I quit. I agree 100%! It's only been about 1.5 year, but I have no urge or want to smoke ever again. I've quit on and off many times, but it's different this time. I don't continue to want to smoke and "wish I could have one". It doesn't bother me to be around it, other than it stinks. Even through rough times in my life and high stress, I NEVER consider it. It's just not a part of my life anymore.

I read the whole book in 1 day, smoked a whole pack while I read it and never touched one again. The book truely worked for me. Best $15.00 I've ever spent. I'm 1Y 1M 3W clean. I've saved $2778 so far and have not smoked, da da da daaaaaaaa ready?..... 10,580 cigarettes. WOW!!! I haven't looked at the numbers in a while.

To everyone out there struggling with this addiction, I do understand, I have been down that road, and you can most certainly live without it. I actually thought I LIKED being a smoker. :pumpiron:

:twocents: Now if I could just figure out where all that money went....

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Specializes in L&D, M/B.

I quit smoking 6 years ago this past Jan 10th. after smoking for 25 years. It was harder than quiting taking the pills I was taking for my migraines. Smoking was my comfort.

I walked into Walmart one day to buy a carton of cigs and came out with a box of patches! I used the patches for 11 days but I don't really think they worked very well. I too was very crabby for about 3 to 6 months (just ask the girls I work with!). (we have a party every year now on Jan. 10th)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
I have also been trying to quit on and off. It is hard for me especially since my husband still smokes so I have them readily available to me. It is such a mental issue and it's hard to fight it. I do not smoke at work, I chew gum but as soon as I get home I need to have a smoke or so my mind tells me that. It's definatly easier said than done to say just quit doing it. People who are non-smoker do not understand how tough it is. Like they say unless you've walked a mile in my shoes you can't really relate to my or any individuals situation whether that is addiction or pain ect. To any of you non smokers please don't lecture it does not help it does not have any effect at all. I know what smoking does and it's long term effects so please do not lecture. ;)

If someone you know is trying to quit please help support them because it is a hard battle.:up:

You raise a good point....lecturing doesn't help. Support and understanding does though. I feel your angst.

So....it is good to say this now...if you have not used, don't lecture. It falls on deaf ears, mine included. If you have or do use, lecture with caution...but only after you speak from your own space first or tell your story. One has to earn the right to lecture...and even that is done in moderation.

Great post.

Thank you.

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