This is a survey for smokers -- including those smokers who are not yet ready to quit -- to learn more about their perspective.
For those of you that were previous smokers and have been successful at quitting, tell me about your story of quitting and how you feel now that you have quit.
THANKS!:heartbeat
1. How long have you been a smoker?
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?
3. What is your reasoning for smoking?
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not?
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?)
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking?
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not?
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit?
1. How long have you been a smoker? I picked up my1st cigarette when I was in 5th grade (sad, isn't it). I became addicted by the age of 13 and smoked until I was 23. About 11 years. I quit 9 months ago.
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes? I smoked about a half pack a day, more if I was at a party or out drinking.
3. What is your reasoning for smoking? I started because a friend of mine told me it would help me lose weight and keep weight off. My Dad smoked and we could steal them easily from his car. I thought I was super cool. I just got addicted and couldn't stop.
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples) NO
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples) It's gross. It smells. It causes cancer. It makes you wheeze. You taste like an ash tray. Your nails turn yellow. People don't want to be around you. It gives you high BP. It decreases circulation. It's expensive. Etc, etc, etc..........
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not? I don't smoke anymore, but I used to be very mindful of nonsmokers. I never smoked in the house. I used to hide it well at work and I would step outside and then spray myself with body spray and wash my hands and chew gum. I knew it smelled bad.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?) I quit!!! Woohoooo!!! I can't tell you how good it feels. I quit pretty much cold turkey.
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking? Now. I've been smoke free 9 months.
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not? I never thought I would... but I did. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. That first week I wanted to jump out the window and I would have sold my soul for a puff. But it got better. And I am smoke free!
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit? There's tons... support groups, medications, patches, gums, lozenges, hypnosis, getting diagnosed with lung cancer..........
Thats amazing! also...NOVEMBER 15th is the American Smokeout DAY! everyone should pass on the word! They want people to quit smoking for a day and then will help them formulate a plan to quit for good! (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Smokeout.asp)
Thanks, these are both great links.
Honestly, I hope the smoke-free laws in play/on the books will be of more help. If you can't smoke inside anywhere public, you might not start; however, teens/early 20s will still, well, "peer pressure" sounds a bit cliche because I sure wasn't pressured, I actually felt like I was independent and "defying" my mom and dad. I wasn't yet legal to buy alcohol but I had my own money and I COULD buy cigarettes! When people told me about the risks and urged me to quit (no matter how much I knew they cared about me) I wanted to scream at them! I was tired of everyone telling me about it. I knew and I just didn't care. Probably the "invicibility" of the 16-25 years .
I wish there was a fool-proof way to get anyone of any age to never pick up a cigarette and put big ol' tobacco out of business, but I bet most of us started young and nicotine is crazy-addictive. I don't know of many "older" people who smoke that really still want to, they just can't quit - my father and brother are just 2 of several I know. I know there's the "I'll smoke 'em on my death bed" crowd, but I don't know any personally - I guess I might meet some when I start nursing.
Specializes in Aged Care, Midwifery, Palliative Care.
How long have you been a smoker?........25 years
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes? every 30 minutes to an hour, would smoke around 20 to 25 a day
3. What is your reasoning for smoking? ..... addiction, releive stress, social, time out, as a reward for not procrastinating (I'll just have a smoke and then I'll finish that assignment)
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples) NO
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples) Hanging out for a smoke in non smoking situations, money, health, SOB when climbing stairs or going up hills, congested everyday, flu leads to chest infection, starting to need asthma treatment.
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not? Yes, but wouldn't in there house.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?)
I attempted to quit smoking 3 weeks ago and havn't looked back.
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking? Since I quite 3 weeks ago, before that 3 days when I didn't have any money.
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not? I hope this is it,
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit? Yes, like your assignment I did one the week before I quit, on smoking cessation. I had to write up an education plan for a pregnant mum with asthma, using the adult learning theory. Doing that assignment helped me quit.
I have so far managed on nicotine patches, using a 10 week program. I also make sure I have lots of support and my OH also gave up to help me. I've joined internet programs and will print out what you posted above about what happens when you quit... stuff like that helps (thanks for posting that).
I also have a stress ball to squeeze when I want a smoke and try to beat cravings by thinking about them disolving and telling myself 'that one wasn't so bad'. I hate the cravings I get when doing assignments, I constantly want to go outside for a smoke. Now I have a mint, some fruit or go have a cup of coffee.
I smoked from ages 16-21, took it up again when I was 26 for six months
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?
About 25-30 cigarettes per day
3. What is your reasoning for smoking?
I gave up at 21 because I felt physically ill from smoking, felt out of breath and really unhealthy. When I briefly started again at 26 I gave up because my partner told me he'd prefer I quit and pestered me until I stopped
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)
I was a lot thinner, a size 8 compared to being a size 12 now. There are times when I feel tempted to take it up again because I feel fat.
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
Feeling like I have no breath left, it costs too much to smoke
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not?
I never smoked around non smokers because it's not respectful.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?)
I've successfully quit smoking but it took a few attempts
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking?
5 years
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not?
I hope I will not take up the habit again
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit?
I was aware of the quitline but never used this service.
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?
I smoked about a pack a day so pretty much all day long.
3. What is your reasoning for smoking?
My reason for starting was dumb! I got drunk (at 19!) and had my first cigarrette. Then after that I only smoked at parties (while I was in college). Then I worked my way up to a full time smoker (didn't want those leftover cigarrettes to go stale during the week ya know). So once I was fully hooked on them there were many reasons. Two of the biggest reasons were: they were my stress relief, whenever I got mad or upset I would smoke like a chimney and it would make me feel better. The second reason was that it is a very social habit. I am shy and sometimes I have a hard time making friends because of it. So you go outside with the smokers and ask someone for a light or whatever and there ya go...something to talk about.
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)
The social part that I just mentioned was probably my biggest advantage. Whenever I was in a new situation it made it easier to meet new people. You just go out and stand in the cloud of smoke and listen to everyone talk. Eventually these people usually become your new friends.
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
Disadvantages are many. The cost, the effect on your health, the smell, always having to go outside to smoke, the way smokers are looked down on...
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not? I used to smoke around non-smokers. The only exceptions I made were young children and sometimes the elderly. Otherwise I would smoke unless someone asked me not to. But if I was around non-smokers (especially if I was the only smoker) I would automatically smoke less.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?) I did actually quit. I tried cold turkey 3 different times. I would last 3 or 4 months and then something would upset me and I would use it as an excuse to have "just one" yeah right. But this last time my boyfriend was coughing an awful lot and he decided to try to quit. He asked me to try with him. I told him flat out, yeah I'll try but don't expect anything great because I'm not ready to quit. (I was under a lot of stress at the time-one of my excuses). So off we went to the dr and got prescriptions for Chantix. I have to say it worked, but I didn't care for the side effects. They say you should take it for 3 months. Nope. We lasted two weeks. The dreams alone were enough to make us quit taking it!
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking? It has been about 1 1/2 yrs.
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not? yup.
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit? yeah but if you aren't ready it doesn't matter how many programs are out there....
1. How long have you been a smoker? I smoked for 11 years. Beginnig when I was 16.
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes? Back when I smoked, you could pretty much smoke anywhere. I smoked about 2 packs a day, all day everyday.
3. What is your reasoning for smoking? I started in high school to shed my goody two shoes image and run with the cool crowd.
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples) No.
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
The smell, the slavery, the cost, the aggitation when I couldn't smoke, the potential death sentence.
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not? I smoked constantly inconsiderate of anyone around me who didn't smoke.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?) I attempted to quit hundreds of times cold turkey.
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking? I quit over 20 years ago, but during the 11 years I smoked I rarely could quit longer than a few hours to a day.
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not? n/a
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit? n/a
Smoke free 20 years. Did it cold turkey....hated it. If I were to quit now I'd definitely take advantage of non-smoking programs.
1. How long have you been a smoker?On and off, since 1985. I'm in an on phase right now. My longest time without cigarettes was 11 years.
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?I smoke 1/2 pack daily.
3. What is your reasoning for smoking? Every time I pick it up again, it's during a time of increased, significant stress. In my mind, it beats picking up alcohol (I've been sober for 9 years).
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)It has a calming effect on me.
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)The morning cough. Ick.
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Not particularly. Why or why not?Hubby is a recent quitter, and I don't think it's fair to smoke around him, so I attempt not to.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?) I've quite several times, always cold turkey. I wouldn't mind trying Wellbutrin, which is how Hubby did it, but it doesn't mix with all my bipolar meds. Bummer.
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking? 11 years, because husband number 2 was a absolute dictator about it. Which was par for the course with him (jerk).
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Eventually. Why or why not?Because when I'm smoking, I tend to pick up every cold that goes around work, plus I really don't want to die of lung cancer.
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit? Of course. I'm not one to participate in them, though.
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?
It varies - I can go a day or two without smoking, then I'll be around smokers and smoke two packs. I used to be a solid 1-1.5 pack a day smoker, but I've tried to quit so many times that my habit has changed. Now I only smoke a few packs a week, instead of 10.
3. What is your reasoning for smoking?
Addiction is the reason I still smoke (smoked? I'm trying to quit again as we speak...). I started for social reasons - not peer pressure, but because it helped me to make friends. I smoked at all my high school jobs, because we got more breaks that way and I had instant friends to smoke with. When I went to college, I had the only smoking room on my floor freshman year - another great way to meet people, so I really increased my habit.
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)
It's relaxing, and nothing feels better after a big dinner than a cigarette. I've never felt short of breath and I don't have a chronic cough, and I'm active and I work out frequently, so I don't feel any ill effects, although I'm very aware that they exist. Also, getting more breaks at most jobs I've had.
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
It's a huge social stigma in many circles these days. The obvious health risks. The annoying lectures from complete strangers. Having to get up and walk outside a restaurant/bar.
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers? Why or why not?
I consider myself to be a polite smoker in that I always ask if I'm with people I don't know well. If I'm somewhere that has smoking sections I don't insist that we sit there. However, if I am somewhere that allows smoking - bar that hasn't banned it, outdoor bar/restaurant, outside - then people around me knew they were going to be around smoke when they showed up. Usually in those establishments, I'm one of 50 smokers outside anyways, so whoever I'm with is already sitting in an ashtray. I don't usually try to hide it - I'm an adult, and it's legal.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?)
Many times. I've used the patch, the gum, and Chantix, plus I've tried cold turkey. The patch and gum don't make much difference for me, and the patch made me nauseous. Chantix gave me crazy dreams and I never felt rested, and I was in nursing school and needed what little sleep I could get, so I went off of it. Cold turkey has never worked for more than about a week.
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes since you started smoking?
Maybe a week - every time I quit, I start cheating again right away.
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not?
Yes. I'm trying to get pregnant, and I know that once that happens, there won't be any more cheating on trying to quit. Also, if I can't drink for 9 months, that should help with the loss of control incidents. Now will I stay quit after I give birth...who knows if I'll be able to. I'd like to thouhg.
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit?
Yes, I've tried many of them. None that I've tried work for me. Right now I'm trying a one day at a time approach - it's cold turkey, but I'm just trying not to smoke today. I'll worry about tomorrow when it comes, instead of focusing right now on never smoking again.
Great thread! I quit many times, once for 5 years. Loved smoking more than eating. Since the gum and patch came around they really helped me get over those first miserable weeks but my problem remaining a non-smoker always happened during a crisis. I mean real, true 'family member in an accident, dog who is like my child sick and/or dying' type crisis'. That was the green light to light up. Thinking of yourself as a non-smoker is important because a non-smoker never thinks a puff will help anything. The thing that changed this last time is that ahead of time I made up my mind that there are NO excuses to start again because even though it might make me feel a bit better smoking isn't going to change one thing to fix the real issue of illness etc. The only thing it is going to do is make me feel guilty and disgusted with myself and the prospect that I will have to go through the agony of quitting yet another time. Plus its really expensive now a days. :)
Best of luck to anyone thinking of quitting and to those of you not interested...enjoy a nice long drag with a cup of black coffee for me.
This is a survey for smokers -- including those smokers who are not yet ready to quit -- to learn more about their perspective.
For those of you that were previous smokers and have been successful at quitting, tell me about your story of quitting and how you feel now that you have quit.
THANKS!:heartbeat
1. How long have you been a smoker?
32 years
2. How often and how much to you generally smoke cigarettes?
Generally 3-4(cigs, not packs) a night; half pack on days off
3. What is your reasoning for smoking?
Addiction, stress reliever
4. Do you find any advantages to smoking? (Give examples)
No
5. Do you find any disadvantages to smoking? (Give examples)
Cigarette odor to clothes, breath, etc. Risk for various kinds of cancer.
6. Are you comfortable enough to smoke around non-smokers?
Why or why not? No I do not smoke around non-smokers.
7. Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? (If yes, what steps did you take?) Not intentionally
8. What is the longest time you have gone without cigarettes
since you started smoking? 5 days
9. Do you think you will quit smoking? Why or why not?
yes, ---possibly this year so maybe I can live another 10-20 years and watch my 8 grandkids grow!
10. Are you aware of programs or services that will help you quit?
thats amazing! also...november 15th is the american smokeout day! everyone should pass on the word! they want people to quit smoking for a day and then will help them formulate a plan to quit for good! (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/smokeout.asp)
well, annful24, thanks for the info! november 15th is my 50th birthday so perhaps it's as good a time to quit as any.
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flightnurse2b, LPN
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