X-Smokers's topics - tribe.net

Your Quit Date?

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 20:14:29 GMT

As I've posted before, Mike S. and I quit on July 5th. Over six months.

Post your quit date below, and then we'll all chime in with supportive things like, "Wow! Three months! WAY to go!"

posted in X-Smokers - 29 replies

coming up on three year anniversay

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:11:19 GMT

I was able to stop smoking by going through a medical study with UCSF Habit Abatement Clinic. They're usually taking new folks, so you can call and enroll.

http://www.ucsf.edu/nosmoke/

It's medically proven that you can stop smoking with as little as a 12 week program of welbutrin and a stepped down patch regimen. This study provides all medications free, and they also offer participation incentives, paying cash for meeting milestones. It's a great program, highly recommend it.

As my friend said, "Honey, if you can stop smoking anyone can. That study is your fucking miracle, truly."

posted in X-Smokers - 2 replies

2 Years!

Budgie — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 06:15:38 GMT

So today was my two year anniversary of having quit smoking! Yay! I'm so proud of myself..... I'm not really here to gloat, though... I just wanted to tell you all that it DOES GET BETTER..... Cigarettes have almost totally lost their appeal to me with time... Every once in a very very very great while I feel like smoking for just about a split second and then I come to my senses and move on without it.... And then I don't even think about it..... For those of you that have recently quit or are thinking of quitting- hang in there- it's totally worth it!!!! :)

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

newbie here...

cooldawn — Sat, 26 Mar 2005 16:30:57 GMT

I'm quitting (again) this week - it will be the 5th time I've quit over about a 20 year period.

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

HEY!

cole — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 06:08:46 GMT

did everybody fall off the wagon or what?
no postings in quite a while. is NOBODY quitting smoking these days?

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

so glad to be hear

cole — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 21:40:15 GMT

i'm finally done with those nasty little fuckers.

6 days...
no want.. no more.

posted in X-Smokers - 6 replies

New Year's Resolution

Tue, 11 Jan 2005 22:29:43 GMT

So I know that it is everyone's resolution to quit smoking. So I made it ONE of mine this year. I stopped before new year's eve, and then decided it was my last night to smoke - so why not. It has been 7 (SEVEN) days today.

You would think that for anyone out there wanting to pick one up - they would want to know that I watched by brother-in-law, avid ex-smoker and 38 years old, have a tracheotomy this year, due to throat cancer. He now talks out of a machine, and just found out that it has spread to his lungs. This may be his last year with his son. So please - don't smoke.

Not trying to bring anyone down, but I was smoking despite the fact that I had open heart surgery. It took me seeing him go through this to quit. And to be honest with you - I still want to smoke, it was one thing that made me relax blah blah blah.... I can't say that it has been easy... but I can say that I feel better.

posted in X-Smokers - 4 replies

Day One

Kris — Sun, 09 Jan 2005 21:30:38 GMT

Its been a day. Anybody out there?

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

33 days

maryoneal — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 01:16:57 GMT

Yeah, its me the slacker smoker who couldn't stop but I did it! I left the tribe to attend smoking cessation classes and I feel like it was the best thing for me...nothing else helped in the past...It was an amazing class....So I'm celebrating 33 days of not smoking....yes! I told myself I'd rejoin the tribe when I was actually a non-smoker...congrats to all who have new anniversaries!

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

Stop smoke'n now?

samcastanon — Wed, 13 Oct 2004 15:48:09 GMT

As a career medical professional, you tell people all the time"you gotta stop" then being a hippocrate must people (myself included) would turn around and light one up. Just the other day we took a 41yo man with emphysema (copd) to the ER because he was about to be hanging out with the big baby jesus. he still had the yellow nicotine stains on his fingers. he claimed to not still smoke but in was apparent that he was lying. this guy was on constant O2 was in the end stages of complete lung failure and was still smoking! well that happens alot and that guy had the same result you see alot, he's dead. me and my partner went outside to finish our reports and clean up, I (without thinking) took out a smoke and light it up. After all the years I've been doing this and all I've seen I somehow reached my breaking point. I felt disgusted with myself put the cigarette out and threw my pack away. It's a fact that nicotine is more addictive than heroin, with that said this is my third day without a smoke. I'm coughing like mad, not only because my lungs are try'n to rid themselves of all the foriegn matter but because I'm sick. I think getting sick at this time is gonna help me conquer this. 3 days so far and the rest of my life to go. It is really hard tho!

posted in X-Smokers - 2 replies

Smoking Cessation

maryoneal — Sat, 02 Oct 2004 22:17:41 GMT

Just started classes and love it. My quit date is October 12, 2004. I'm looking forward to this time next year and being a real x smoker. Thanks for the tribe. I've had three today over two hours ago...wish me luck...that week or so after quitting is going to be tough.

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

Congratulations...

Budgie — Wed, 22 Sep 2004 08:08:39 GMT

To ME!!!!! Today is my one year anniversary of having quit smoking and this post is really just my way of patting myself on the back and hopefully encouraging some of you in the process..... Here's my story:

I started smoking when I was 12 when this girl named Tara offered me my first cigarette... I was a bit of a rebel back then and so I took it and I smoked it.... Within a year's time I had gone from smoking the occasional cigarette here and there to smoking a pack a day... Over the next 17 years I worked my way up to as many as 3 packs a day, but for the last 5 years of my habit- I'd say I averaged about 2 1/2..... Smoking had literally integrated itself into every facet of my life from the time I woke up to before and after every meal to one just before I went to bed and a whole bunch inbetween.....

The last time I tried to quit was approximately 2 1/2 years ago and it lasted for about 4 months... I gained almost 75 pounds and decided I'd rather be a smoker than be fat so I started back up again... As soon as I started I was thinking about quitting again... I had realized how badly it smelled and horrible it made me feel and how awkward it was to be around non-smokers... I decided to drop the weight I had gained and then some before I would attempt to quit again....

I had gotten myself pretty darn skinny before this last quit and then I decided it was time to give it another try... I quit using the patch and for the first time I actually saw it through to completion.....

Over the last year I put on about 45 pounds, but my metabolism has finally leveled back off and I've already lost 10 of the pounds that I gained... The truth is I was much more aware of my eating habits this time around but I allowed myself to do whatever it took to remain a non-smoker... I feel confident that I'll be back to my slim and trim self by spring and I'm looking forward to it.....

I rarely write these long-winded posts, but I just wanted you all to know that it is possible to quit and that it does get better with time and that even though the process can drive you absolutely mad at times it's worth it... I feel better... My skin looks better.... I'm saving a wad of cash..... And despite my weight gain, I feel much healthier....

Here are some things that have helped me make it this far:

ORIGAMI- I learned origami as a kid. I hadn't really folded much since I was a teenager, but it's now become a favorite past time these days as it gives my hands something to do and it allows me to be creative on a regular basis....

EXERCISE- Takes off the edge and helps take off the pounds! It also makes you breathe more and helps strengthen and clear out your lungs!

APPLES and APPLE JUICE- I know it sounds far-fetched, but there's something in apples that physiologically reduces your nicotine cravings... In those first few months when I would really crave a cigarette, I'd go for the apples and it worked every time!

WATER- Try replacing your addiction to nicotine with an addiction to water! It's MUCH MUCH MUCH better for you!

CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT YOU'RE A NON-SMOKER- This may sound a little odd, but you really just need to get in the habit of telling yourself "NO"...... Slowly train yourself to be repulsed by the thought of smoking.... Continually re-visit the reasons you want to quit! NEVER BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH SMOKING JUST ONE CIGARETTE... When you decide to quit, quit for good!!!!! And remember to tell yourself that the only thing you're "losing" is a bad monkey on yer back that'll eventually kill you if you let it......

OK- I'm done preaching! I hope this was helpful to some of you... I'm happy and proud to have made it this far!!!!!!

posted in X-Smokers - 2 replies

help?

Courtney — Sat, 18 Sep 2004 19:16:30 GMT

so i've wanted to quit for years now, but the cig has been difficult to release. does anyone have some concrete steps i can take...the time is now, and even though i want to quit i keep smoking.
i appreciate the advise and help...
courtney

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

Just took my last Zyban

Sat, 14 Aug 2004 02:09:39 GMT

The Zyban has been working very well and I've been smoke free for 3 weeks now. It feels great, but I still feel funky from the Zyban, though the effects are much less. I had a real hard time with it at first (Zyban) because I drink so much caffeine...it was amplifying the fluttery jitteryness.

So now I guess in about 8 hours when the drug starts leaving my system it is going to get hard again. Tomorrow I have a 10 mile run planned with a friend. That's what I've replaced smoking with, running and exercise...and a whole lot of water. I hope I'm not addicted to Zyban. I am really looking forward to seeing what stuff tastes and smells like now though. Cigarettes mess those senses up, but Zyban really messes them up...hence one of the reasons it works so well.

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

My anniversary

chrisafer — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 15:34:04 GMT

After smoking since I was 13, I quit on my last birthday. I can't believe in two days it will be a whole year. It's really nice to be able to bike up the hill to my house now!

posted in X-Smokers - 2 replies

back on!

maryoneal — Tue, 27 Jul 2004 23:50:25 GMT

I'm eating candy and lots of gum...had my last cig a few hours ago....yuck...i read about Ronnie of the Rolling Stones going back to rehab, plus possible cancer from smoking, so I'm ready again. : )

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

completely fallen off the wagon

maryoneal — Fri, 23 Jul 2004 22:50:26 GMT

I'm back....pathetic me as fallen off the wagon. I continue to give myself the self pep talks....i won't stop trying though.

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

hi... here I am

heidealist — Sun, 06 Jun 2004 06:29:02 GMT

Hoping joining this tribe will help...

I was not a heavy smoker (5 or so per day.)

Smoked MY (as in one I bought) last cigarrette Monday. Since then, I've smoked 4 of my sister's (2 Wednesday night, 2 Thursday morning).

I really want one...

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

American Lung Association's stop smoking program:

Jules — Mon, 17 May 2004 10:38:45 GMT

For those on the verge of quitting, or when tempted to start again, take a look at the American Lung Association's site:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33484

They have devised an entire program, full of techniques to help map out all those different moments when you find yourself in need. Very intelligent, and surprisingly, not patronizing. You'll need to sign in.

Thank you all for your support. Peaches, shooting up never works anyway! By the way, I definitely see the Passion on next year's line-up on a double-bill with Showgirls.

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

How to disassociate yoursellf in social situations

madmoisellekat — Thu, 18 Mar 2004 19:31:09 GMT

I've almost quit for almost two months, but I admit I cheated and I have probably smoked about two packs total in the last two months.

I havn't been drinking or going out all that much because I am in a transition period in my life. However, I have conquered not having cigarrettes in my daily life, but on the few occasions I do go out it is proving rather difficult not to smoke.

I know I have to resist, but how long does it typically take to learn and disassociate yourself with not smoking in social situations.

I have the drive to quit and I really want to make sure I have this completely out of my system because I plan on joining the Peace Corps, which means leaving the country for two years. We all know leaving the country is a doom for smokers because if you think people smoke here, you have no idea. I actually started smoking late when I was 20 because I had been studying abroad in Spain.

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

Today is day number 5

Sasha — Fri, 07 May 2004 11:48:53 GMT

oh boy, i was really under the impression that I was unaffected by Nicotine (very not true)

i don't want to smoke anymore but its very challenging breaking out of the obsession to smoke...

its my last rebellion...

but im so done not being able to yawn in the morning, bad breath, kissing non smokers, the expense,,,

okay so today is day number five...

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

An important book

Sun, 02 May 2004 06:41:42 GMT

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974497908/individualsov-20/102-6309031-0612920
I hate to tell you but you guys are wrong, don't believe me? check out this book.

posted in X-Smokers - 3 replies

member #13 i'm a QUITER

j-sparkle — Sun, 25 Jan 2004 02:47:49 GMT

i just had to put it out there...

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

Ashtray Confessional

Mike — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 19:18:10 GMT

No one, even my quit buddy know this:

At a recent convention, only days after my 6 month, I slipped and smoked some puffs of a cigarette during a drunken spell.

I've been hiding this --- what do I do?

Anyone else have advice for those who have sinned?

posted in X-Smokers - 4 replies

Smoking Ban?

chrisafer — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 16:09:15 GMT

I was wondering what you all thought about smoking bans for bars?

This has been a contentious issue in DC for the last few months, and a friend and I got in a huge debate over it recently. He thinks it's a public health issue and that he shouldn't have to be subjected to all that smoke while in a bar. While I have grown to hate the smokiness of bars as an x-smoker, I'm against most kinds of legislating behavior. Also, it's a bar. It's not really supposed to be healthy. The way I see it, if there's a strong enough desire to have smoke-free bars, market forces will create them.

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies

Suggestions for social situations?

MO — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 20:11:05 GMT

Hello,
I'm new to this tribe, so I'll tell you a bit about my situation first. I have been smoking for about 10 years. I have been trying to quit for about the past 5. In the last year I've made a lot of progress...I can go days without smoking without any nicotine replacement - no stress, no physical withdrawl.

My big problem (that causes me to relapse) is social situations. I've always been a social and a solitary smoker, but social sitations cause me some amount of anxiety to begin with due to being shy. Therefore, I've always enjoyed smoking because it gives me something to do as well as a role to play - I'm "the smoker". Not to mention a number of these social situations have alcohol involved. I've quit AGAIN as of Sunday 1/11/04 and would really like this to be it - forever. However, I know that the second I am in one of these social situations, the urge to smoke will be overwhelming. Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Something else I can do with my hands to keep me busy? Some sort of hobby to take up that I can do in public without looking or sounding like some sort of freak?

So far the only advice I've gotten is to stay away from those social situations. I've tried that for weeks at a time, but the urge returns as soon as I'm back in the situation. I really don't want to become a social hermit, but I really don't want to go back to smoking either. Help!

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

Dreaming of you

chrisafer — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 16:29:00 GMT

I have dreams where I buy a pack of cigarettes but flip out because the counterperson is taking too long and all of my friends are coming in the store and I don't want to get caught. Why do I continue to dream of smoking?

I should just take up smack. That would take care of this.

posted in X-Smokers - 5 replies

I QUIT

Mon, 20 Oct 2003 14:05:25 GMT

I WAS ABLE TO STOP SMOKING WITH THE HELP OF DE=NICS. NOTHING ELSE WORKED FOR ME. I STOPPED THE DAY I STARTED TAKING THE PILLS AND HAVE NOT HAD A CIGARETTE SINCE JANUARY 21, 2003.

posted in X-Smokers - 2 replies

I quit 3 months ago

chrisafer — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 22:59:05 GMT

but sometimes I dream about smoking and wake up feeling guilty. Is this normal or just really Catholic?

posted in X-Smokers - 1 reply

Listen Up!

Mar — Tue, 30 Sep 2003 02:50:53 GMT

Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer may also be the most tragic cancer because in most cases, it might have been prevented -- 87% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are proven cancer-causing substances, or carcinogens. Smoking cigars or pipes also increases the risk of lung cancer.

The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater your risk of lung cancer. But if you stop smoking, the risk of lung cancer decreases each year as abnormal cells are replaced by normal cells. After ten years, the risk drops to a level that is one-third to one-half of the risk for people who continue to smoke. In addition, quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing other smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke also affect the the nonsmoker inhaling the smoke, making "secondhand smoking" another important cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths and as many as 62,000 deaths from heart disease annually.

http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungcanc.html

posted in X-Smokers - 0 replies