johnny5

I smoked for 20 years and made multiple attempts to quit during those last few years. What finally worked for me was finding a support site like this one, reading up and educating myself on nicotine addiction, and reaching out for help when I was struggling. I would also suggest finding Allen Carr's book "The Easy Way To Quit Smoking." There are online versions and paperback versions of this book available. People have mixed reactions to this book but go into it with an open mind. His book didn't necessarily make quitting easy for me but it did make me realize that smoking did nothing positive for me. Everything smoking did was negative. The turning point for me was realizing that I wasn't missing out on anything positive by quitting smoking. There is nothing positive about smoking. It is all negative. Whatever struggles you may have early on are definitely worth it as life without cigarettes is awesome. It may take you a while to realize that but once you do, quitting becomes a lot easier. Just focus on the positive benefits of quitting instead of focusing on the early negatives. Smoking sucks and life as a non-smoker is so much better.

Welcome to QuitTrain @ekptr Congratulations on 4 months smoke free.

NOPE - I don't smoke anymore.

NOPE!

Interesting post, Rick. I started smoking my freshman year in college and immediately thought about that when you talked about being young, listening to music, experimenting with cigarettes, etc. That was me "experimenting" with cigarettes (and other things) in college. I guess I felt cool then. Still, even at that age, I could feel negatives. I used to run cross country in high school and played a lot of basketball too. It didn't take long before I didn't have the energy or lung capacity to run or play basketball much anymore. I think I even knew that first year of smoking that I needed to stop but it was amazing how quickly the addiction, physical and mental, was taking over. Looking back, I realize how quickly that addiction took hold of me and I regret ever lighting up. Smoking is all about feeding an addiction. There are all kinds of lies we tell ourselves as smokers but that is all smoking is. A horrible and deadly addiction. There is nothing good that comes out of lighting up. It took me a while to realize that but when I did, quitting became much more worthwhile and doable. Believe me, you are missing nothing positive by quitting smoking.

NOPE - I don't smoke anymore.

That's great, @forestgreen It wouldn't surprise me if some of those smokers you talked about were secretly envious of you having quit. Maybe you inspired a couple to seriously consider quitting. Quitting is a rewarding path to follow. I'm glad you enjoyed Christmas without having to plan how to get your next nicotine fix. Enjoying Christmas without having the stress of worrying where your next nicotine fix will come from is a great feeling.

NOPE - I don't smoke anymore.

Congratulations on two years smoke free, Farmgirl. That is awesome.

Welcome to QuitTrain, Rick. Like you, I also had several attempts at quitting smoking before I finally quit for good. Joining and getting involved in a forum like this one and educating myself about nicotine addiction is what finally helped me quit for good. I'm glad you are taking these same steps. Speaking as someone who smoked for 20 years, quitting smoking is a truly great thing to do. You will see great improvements in your life over time and it is worth any early short-term struggles you may have. Stick close to this site, educate yourself about nicotine addiction, reach out for help if you need it, and support others too. The socializing and games section of this site also offer good distraction and fun to keep your mind off of smoking. Congratulations on 3 days smoke free. You are going through the toughest part but you are doing great.

NOPE - Not One Puff Ever

NOPE - Smoking sucks. Life is much better as a nonsmoker. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.