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I was terrified of the idea of giving up smoking - what the hell would I do without my favorite finger friend, my vodka companion and wonderful times spent outside the back door puffing away with my husband whilst gazing at the starts and chatting?
Like you Sharnie I tried all the methods and failed each time, mostly because of habit and association and life's trials getting in the way.
I'm not especially proud of myself for being able to give up this time as I cheated - will power didn't really need to come into it. I went to the doctor and said 'I want to give up, NRT hasnt worked so lets throw the big guns at it and let me take Zyban' - he agreed
Zyban worked for me. It was like my brain had been chemically rewired. I never suffered any cravings whatsoever, I am able to socialise quite hapilly with smokers (my husband still smokes - outside or course). The whole thing was a piece of cake
BUT... (there's allways a payback)
The side effects of Zyban were horrible. Zyban has been associated with suicide and I now know why
I wouldnt recommend Zyban other than the fact that it does exactly what its meant to do, so in the long run it was worth it but at a price. I am in awe of people who can quit through will power and/or NRT
Well done anyway - guess I'll hold that in reserve though! - last, last resort!! How long did you have to take the Zyban for?
Sharnie - I was supposed to take it for 8 weeks but stopped after 3 because of what it was doing to me. Despite stopping after three weeks it still did the trick though (probably partly because I though 'flippin ek I'm not going through that again
!)
I remember my doctor telling me that each person will need to find their own way and what works for one may not work for another - I gave up with a friend at work, she used the Alan Carr method and ended up back on the fags after a couple of months despite training for a half marathon. There is now an alternative to Zyban which is meant to be not as bad called Champix
Go for it Sharnie.
First 3 days are the worst - after that it gets easier every day.
You know that point in a run when you really dont think you can keep going much longer? when you know a monumental effort may get you within reach of a PB, but every part of you is saying "oh just stop and chuck it in for once - you deserve it - you've done well - wont hurt just walking fo ronce..."
..but you dont... Somehow you find that extra bit of determination and will power and you stride on...
you know that feeling?
Well that is 100 times HARDER than giving up cigs!
You obviously already have the mental toughness, endurance and determination otherwise you couldnt be a runner!
Go for it Charnie and keep the 'drugs' held well back in reserve if all else fails (its nice to know that there is something held in reserve) Like I said everyone finds their own way and so you will find what works for you and the strength to crack it - good luck
Reckon its time for another go - gonna read all the Alan Carr stuff then try again - guess the one thing I'll not be giving up is trying to give up!!!!!!!!
Starting Running to help with smoking addiction now addicted to running as well as smoking!!
After long runs really enjoy a ciggie!!!
Well done all of you who have quit, have tried but not succeeded.
I miss my smoking habit which I had for 25 years - but that is far outweighed by the feelings of pleasure that I am beginning to feel on my daily runs, which are beginning to feel like they used to before I was a smoker.
I am now 3 months into my new smoke-free life.
Speaking as an ex-30 a day man (with deep inhalations!!), it is worth going through a rough few days - and coming out the other end as a stronger person who feels that he can deal with a lot more of the pressures that life can throw at us.
running / swimming / good diet are my new addictions.
best of luck to anyone who is considering jacking in the nasty weed. It dictated my life for too many years.
just wanted to say good luck to everyone who is giving up
apparently it helps if you start thinking of/referring to yourself as a 'non-smoker' (i wouldn't know, i just heard that somewhere - might be worth a try?)
Day 1 smoke free - would like to say I feel tip-top and full of enthusiasm - but the truth is I missed my post run ciggie this morning and am feeling very grumpy - but still determined, reassuring to hear from so many successful ex addicts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Woo hoo well done Sharnie - the worst bit is over. Make sure you put the cash by and treat yourself to something. I did every week. I ended up refreshing my entire summer wardrobe by clever/lucky shopping on ebay
and my husband couldnt say a single thing to complain (he's still smoking)
Thats what I call bargain getting and smug satisfaction
rolled into one
Well done.
If you can get this far without a cig, you can make it till tomorrow - and if you can make it till tomorrow - you have already proven to yourself that you can manage a day... so one more wont be a problem.
Remember when you get those cravings: the urge will peak and crest like a wave and it WILL go away quite quickly - just weather the storm and you'll do it.
well done sharnie -if it gets tpough please please remember life as a smoker and stop starter can get far tougher believe me with COPD.
keep it up and take care.
I was a smoker when I started running, I made slow progress but my breathing got worse when I gave up.
I had been 20 a day for 6 years, all the shit inside my lungs was held in place by the constant barrage of tar and other crap that I was inhaling. When I stopped, this all came loose, my asthma came back and I couldn't run a mile without stopping for breath.
Le gav
Are you still running now?
Definitely stick with it - I was using running to lose weight as well, the combined effect of sorting by breathing out and losing weight saw my times drop really quickly, it was so encouraging.
I always found the best thing is to get out running asap after work, once I'd been out I wouldn't want a ciggie, but if I lingered around at home too long before getting out I'd be like dot cotton in no time.
Reckon giving up might kill me - sat on the bike on my turbo trainer for 4 hours last night - kept putting off getting off cos I knew I'd want a ciggie - sad huh? Got up and went straight out for a run this am and gonna head straight for the climbing wall after work - keep telling myself that by tomorrow morning all that nicotine will be out of my system and then it really is just avoiding the habit! ! ! .............
Hey ho - 1 day at a time!
This is only day 2 - its great hearing other people successes tho - its keepin me motivated!! had a go before and lasted a month - so know I've got a long way to go yet!!!!!!!!!
Are you using gums or patches? I can't stress how huge a difference they made for me.
I was down the pub, drinking pints whilst chewing nicorette