Quit smoking cigarettes!!?? Yeah, right

I loved them. They were my solace, my trigger, my friends. They were part of my French heritage, so I told myself, so giving me the out as one of a culture with low disease and death rates.

But my closest friend, a CNS working in a retired living center described to me the fallout: “You’re at risk for cancers, emphysema, and strokes, for starters,” she said, despite my balking. “If you don’t quit smoking cigarettes,” she nagged, “I would hate to see you end up like my people here, gasping for breath, toting around oxygen tanks, needing help doing the simplest of tasks because you’re all stroked out.” So I agreed. I would quit smoking…if she would help me.

That’s the key to quitting cigs—using all the help you can get your desperate, hacking, trembling hands/self on, can wrap your resistant brain around. Here are some steps I took to quit smoking cigarettes, steps you, too, can take to one level or another:

-PREPARE BY READING UP ON QUITTING

The American Cancer Society offers free, thoughtful info on giving up the habit. The pamphlets are written in serious terms and at the same time use gentle language. If you need the soft approach, so you don’t feel like a freak, the ACS might be for you.

There are plenty of books on quitting--many informative, supportive, coaxing, humorous, brilliantly researched, and helpful. I can’t recall the title (it was about 15 years ago I quit smoking cigarettes), but you’ll know it when you see it, as it has something like twenty words in the title, all hyphenated: something like, The No-nagging-low-pressure-how-to-really-quit-smoking-cigarettes-book!

And it’s written by an MD offering info on how smokes are a dual drug…unlike any other: they are, he says, upper/downers. When you’re nervous or agitated, you take long…slow…drags and are tranquilized; when you’re logy, sluggish, tired, you take short.quick.puffpuffpuffs, and are instantly energized, hyped up.

Doc X exclaims, “No wonder it’s so hard to quit smoking!” He also defines another characteristic that helps us appreciate why we’re so hooked. He gives the times for onset, noting how there’s only one other drug, of all drugs (OTC, street, prescribed that hits the brain faster, and that’s crack cocaine. If I recall correctly, crack hits you in 3 seconds, heroin in 10, 7.

Cigarettes are harder to quit than heroin!

-INTERVIEW SUCCESSFUL QUITTERS

No need for brutal interrogation; just informally ask how others who stopped smoking did it. Here are a few tricks told to me:

1. Drink water. A lot of it. Our bodies take at least 8 ten-ounce glasses of water a day anyway, so whenever you feel the urge to puff, do water instead.

2. The oral act is a big part of smoking. Use a pencil, an imaginary butt, or even—if you’re brave—a real unlit cig, and each time you have the crave to drag, inhale really deeply and satisfyingly, instead.

3. Say, “If I still want a cigarette in 20 minutes, I’ll have one.” What? Give in? No. Give yourself permission to. BUT…truly wait the whole 20 minutes (for most cravings cycle through and pass away in 20 mins.). Then, here’s the trick, repeat the permit. If you still want a cigarette in 20 minutes, you can have one. The next thing you know, 8 hours have passed.

4. Reward yourself. First, when you plan to quit smoking cigarettes, note how much you spend on smokes. During white-knuckle moments, remember you have a treat coming. Use the same money you’d use on cigs to buy a toy, new bauble, health drink (not coffee!), magazine, DVD (yes, some of us smoke that much).

5. Use slogans. 12-step programs have something there. Easy does it. This too shall pass. I think I will have to wring the neck of the crazy driver in front of me.

Well, not that last one…but you get the idea. Do whatever works. Pray. Meditate. Run. Walk. Bike. Hike.

I did a lot of hiking. My friend drove us to Mt. Tam every day, and we scaled trails I bitched about, cried over, resented. But the tricks worked. For a year and a month, exactly. Then I stupidly picked up the lung bleeders again.

Quit smoking cigarettes? Aw, crap. Here we go again.

Determined To Quit > 5 Keys to Quitting

Studies have shown that these five steps will help you quit and quit for good. You have the best chances of quitting if you use them together.

1. Get Ready

• Set a quit date.
• Change your environment.
  1. Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
  2. Don't let people smoke in your home.
• Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked and what did not.
• Once you quit, don't smoke—NOT EVEN A PUFF!

2. Get Support and Encouragement

Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. You can get support in many ways:

• Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you are going to quit and want their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out where you can see them.
• Talk to your health care provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, or smoking cessation coach or counselor).
• Get individual, group, or telephone counseling. Counseling doubles your chances of success.
• The more help you have, the better your chances are of quitting. Free programs are available at local hospitals and health centers. Call your local health department for information about programs in your area.
• Telephone counseling is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

3. Learn New Skills and Behaviors

• Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task.
• When you first try to quit, change your routine. Use a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place.
• Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book.
• Plan something enjoyable to do every day.
• Drink a lot of water and other fluids.

4. Get Medication and Use It Correctly

Medications can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved seven medications to help you quit smoking:
  1. Bupropion SR—Available by prescription.
  2. Nicotine gum—Available over-the-counter.
  3. Nicotine inhaler—Available by prescription.
  4. Nicotine nasal spray—Available by prescription.
  5. Nicotine patch—Available by prescription and over-the-counter.
  6. Nicotine lozenge—Available over-the-counter.
  7. Varenicline tartrate—Available by prescription.
• Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the information on the package.
• All of these medications will at least double your chances of quitting and quitting for good.
• Nearly everyone who is trying to quit can benefit from using a medication. However, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications.
• For information on FDA-approved medications, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. To find out more about prescriptions, contact your health care provider.

5. Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations

Most relapses occur within the first three months after quitting. Don't be discouraged if you start smoking again. Remember, most people try several times before they finally quit. The following are some difficult situations you may encounter:

• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking lowers your chances of success.
• Other smokers: Being around smoking can make you want to smoke.
• Weight gain: Many smokers will gain some weight when they quit, usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Don't let weight gain distract you from your main goal—quitting smoking. Some quit-smoking medications may help delay weight gain.
• Bad mood or depression: There are a lot of ways to improve your mood other than smoking. Some smoking cessation medications also lessen depression.

If you are having problems with any of these situations, talk to your doctor or other health care provider.

Now How to Quit Smoking : Fast and Easy

If you want to learn how to quit smoking quickly and easily, this article reviews a program that can help you.

You know that you need to quit smoking in order to feel healthier and live longer. No big secret, right? But many people don't know how to kick the nicotine habit. Many have tried and many have failed and become frustrated with the entire process. This article will introduce you to a program that will effectively teach you how to kick the habit for good.

If you want to feel healthier and live longer, visit this website to quit smoking now and forever.

The reason that smoking is such a hard habit to break is the fact that nicotine is an addictive substance. Most smokers have found that quit smoking tips like using nicotine aids or relying on sheer will power will not get the job done. It takes a complete overhaul of your thought processes to convince yourself that you don't need that next cigarette. The Quit Smoking Today program offers just such a technique.

The founder of the program, Rob Mellor, believes that the best way to quit smoking cigarettes is to use a form of psychotherapy known as neuro-linguistic programming. He has perfected this technique and tested it on more than 5000 smokers. His results have been compelling with more than 97% of his test subjects kicking the habit for six months or more. None of the subjects in his study used other types of quit smoking aids like gum, patches or medication.

The benefits of quitting smoking are far reaching. According to Mellor, within 20 minutes of kicking the habit, your blood pressure will return to normal. Carbon monoxide levels return to normal within eight hours. Your circulation improves after two months and your chance of a heart attack is cut in half after one year. Your risk of heart attack and stroke will match a non-smoker once you have been nicotine free for 10 years or more.

Then there is the money savings. Some who have quit smoking for good have gone on trips with the cash they saved on cigarettes. Some use the money to purchase gifts for the holidays. When you count up the dollars spent on cigarettes every week, it is easy to see a big financial benefit in getting help to quit smoking now.

If you want to learn how to quit smoking cigarettes, check out Mellor's online program. The techniques can easily be downloaded to an MP3 player or CD so you can get quit smoking help right at home. After just 38 minutes of listening to Mellor's proven methods, you can kiss those nicotine sticks goodbye for good. The program is easy to follow and offers a 60-day money back guarantee. There is simply no easier or more effective way to enjoy the many benefits of a cigarette-free lifestyle.

How to Quit Smoking ( to video )

You say you want to feel better, live longer, and even have a little extra cash on hand? Easy. Just quit smoking.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Paper and pen
Gum and lollipops
Willpower
Calendar
Nicotine gum
Prescription drug
Hypnosis

Step 1: Ready yourself

Ready yourself. Make a particular day your quit day. Don't deviate from this plan.

Tip: Psych yourself up by making a list of all the reasons to quit—you'll be healthier, develop fewer wrinkles, have nicer breath, save money, and you won't be subjecting people to second-hand smoke.

Step 2: Write down smoking triggers

Write down your smoking triggers. When you drink? After dinner? With coffee? Knowing what prompts you to smoke can help you quit.

Step 3: List health risks

List all the health risks associated with smoking—such as stroke, heart disease, several types of cancer, ulcers, diabetes, eye diseases, and osteoporosis.

Tip: Remind yourself that there are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes, some of which are used in insect and rat poisons!

Step 4: Tell friends & family

Tell your friends and family about your decision. They can encourage you, plus you're less likely to back out if others know your goal.

Step 5: Call stop smoking line

Call your state's stop smoking line for free advice, nicotine substitutes, and a plan.

Step 6: Buy gum or lollipops

Buy lots of gum or lollipops. When you have a craving for a cigarette, suck on a lollipop or chew some gum.

Step 7: Keep busy

Keep busy so your mind doesn't start craving a cigarette. Begin a project or new hobby.

Tip: If you experience severe withdrawal—with symptoms such as intense cravings, tension, irritability, headaches, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping—consult your physician about the possibility of using a nicotine patch.

Step 8: Mark achievements

Keep going. Mark your achievements on a calendar: one day smoke-free, one week, one month, and so on. Use your calendar as motivation.

Step 9: Prepare for relapses

Be prepared for difficult situations or even relapses. If you relapse, start the process over.

Step 10: Try prescription drug

If willpower isn't working for you, ask your doctor if you might be a good candidate for a prescription drug that may help you quit -- like Zyban, also known as the antidepressant Wellbutrin.

Tip: Some people swear by hypnosis; that's how Courteney Cox, Billy Joel, and Drew Barrymore kicked the habit.

Step 11: Enjoy healthier life

Enjoy a healthier, happier and better-smelling life.

How About some Quit Smoking Help?

Smoking is one of the more destructive habits we can introduce in our lives and quit smoking help is very important to consider. The medical consequences become more and more alarming as knowledge deepens. 

Why do we start and why do then we continue to smoke. What make us stuck with the dumb habit? 

There are obvious connections between some situations in your professional as well as private life that for ever is related to the manipulation of a cigarette as a relaxing way out. I'm of course talking about the so called stress-factor. 

The cigarette is not only used to relax you after a tense situation but also during. I'm referring to for example a stressful conversation over the phone. We are all different as persons but for many of us the phone itself is regarded as pure stress. 

One very important problem about every form of abuse is if teenagers are involved. All forms of misuse are bad or harmful to the body and when the body isn't fully developed but in a growing stadium the harm is of course worsened. 

The younger the person the more sensitive the tissues and systems are for disturbances. Its easy to understand that the consequences of introduction to harmful influences are somewhat less if you begins at sixty-five than to start at the age at thirteen! 

One extreme form of early start is exposure from second hand smoking particularly when small children are involved! 

The growing body is very much sensible for toxic influence from aggressive and harmful substances. There are many reasons for that and one very important is that not every system is fully developed. This aspect is just the biological hazards and as such a reason enough not to expose the child for this environmental stress. 

There is an obvious possibility that such exposure in the long run will result in an early start of a personal abuse! 

The well known fact about all forms of abuse is that if or when you are struggling to stop the personal determination and stamina is very, not to say extremely important. 

The process is at least when the abuse is smoking ordinary tobacco more of a psychological process than a pure physical one. That's because the withdrawal or physical abstinence period are very short in comparison with every other drug out there. 

So the problem is to really get over the misuse more as a kind of bad habit like nail biting than to break a use of more potent drug. I know that many smokers wouldn't like that comparison but the fact is that nicotine as a stimulant gives a very short-lived effect. The longer and more intense the desired effect produced the greater the problem to break the abuse! 

Well let this be as it is - the fact is still that some help might be very vital in the actual situation. There is in such cases high demands for some form of quit smoking help. It could either be in form of personal assistance or by an effective personal program. 

Let nothing get in your way if and when you have made up your mind. Go for it - the longer you postpone the action the worse it will be. Another thing that you should consider is that your body never will be as young as it is today! The younger your body is to use as a platform for recovery the better obviously! 

And one thing to remember - there is no real possibility for a replay in life! 

Do you go all in? I certainly hope so!

How To Quit Smoking

One of the most vicious diseases in today’s times is smoking. It makes a person baffle for air 3 times more than a non-smoker. It has very many repercussions on the life of the smoker and those around him. It leads to lung cancer and various heart diseases like asthma and emphysema. We should thus abhor this deadly disease and quit smoking.

Quitting is not easy

But to actually quit smoking is not easy, because it is an addiction. However there are very many ways and methods that help us to quit smoking for instance we can opt for acupuncture therapy or aromatherapy. We can also opt for non-nicotine cigarettes or go for precise prescription by a doctor.

But first and foremost we need to decide in our heart to stop smoking and should also fix a day for the same. Inform your family about your decision and seek for their help and assistance. Throw away all the cigarette packets, ashtrays and lighters. Stop buying any more cigarettes. Rather think of the more useful and better things that you can buy with the money thus saved. Ask the other family members also, who smoke, to stop smoking. Keep yourself busy. Exercise regularly and meditate occasionally. Eat healthy food.

After doing all this you may still feel severe urges to smoke. You may also actually retort back to it, but that’s no problem, just be persistent and bring back your decision on to the right track after this break, because most of the people are successful only after 2-3 attempts.

Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms

About 80% people retort back to smoking after once leaving it and only 20% successfully accomplish the task. People retort back due to many reasons. Some say they feel agitated. Others say that the aroma when someone lights up is irresistible. But most of them do so due to the fear of symptoms that appears after that last puff viz. weight gain, aggressive thinking, dry throat, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, dizziness, hypersensitivity to stimuli, etc. but these are all just temporary symptoms and disappear in a few days. In fact after the initial bout is over the blood pressure, heart rate, pulse arte all get back to normal. You thus need to keep your will power strong and stick to your decision for a few more days.

Some people are not able to continue with the smoke cessation programs because they say that they are costly. But this is a wrong perception because they are not costlier than the price spent for buying cigarettes. And then isn’t it more logical to spend on your health rather on a disease.