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1. help

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   15 Nov 2018
   15 Nov 2018

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   I have been smoking over 40 yrs. I so want to break this nasty habit. I battle constantly with trying to quit. I am really disgusted with myself. I know I will be healthier and richer. Can some one kick me
2. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   15 Nov 2018

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   Hi Help,
   
   I can well understand your feelings in the battle to quit smoking. I was also a long time smoker, more than 40 years myself, until I developed a quit plan last March and joined the Smokers Helpline for support. There are a lot of great posts in these forums with solid suggestions for quitting. You are not alone in multiple attempts to quit. I and many others tried now and then over the years until we made it stick.
   
   I started by writing down my reasons for quitting and put the list in front of me on a sticky note still attached to my monitor and another on the fridge. It is a constant reminder of all those things that made smoking such a problem for me. Next I made a list of benefits and rewards that I could enjoy during my quit journey. My "bucket list" of rewards have been very enjoyable to date.
   
   A plan can be developed with the aid of your doctor, pharmacist and the quit coaches at the Smokers Helpline phone number (1-877-513-5333). I used nicotine replacement lozenges and gum in my quit to help with the cravings. Everyone is different so other aids may suit you better.
   
   You are quite right about being healthier and richer. My helpline dashboard tells me I have now saved more than 60 days of life in eight smoke free months and I have saved over $4,000. I can't believe I burnt up that much life and money, but there it is in black and white. You do not need a kick, just positive encouragement in these forums and those around you.
   
   I wish you every success on your quit journey!
   
   Eagerquit
   
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   15 Nov 2018

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   Hi Help,
   
   It's great to hear that you want to quit smoking.  That is half the battle.
   
   I would suggest you read the material on this site and do the exercises/questionnaires.  Take a look at what others have posted here, and think about whether you want to quit cold turkey, or use NRTs.  If the latter, decide which ones you want to try.  I think preparation is really important, because that way, you can focus on your quit and what you have to do, rather than getting distracted by trying to decide what to do in various situations.
   
   And Help, please don't be so hard on yourself.  We are all in the same boat.  We have all wanted to quit, tried and been unsuccessful.  We all have our own reasons why we want to quit.  You are not alone.  I smoked for over 40 years as well, and with the help of this site and the wonderful people here, I quit smoking 22 months ago, and I never went back to it.
   
   Give it a shot, Help.  You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.  You can do this.  Believe in yourself.
4. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   15 Nov 2018

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   Hi Help,
   
   I wear size 11 boots, will that be sufficient?
   
   You don't need someone to kick you, you need someone to help you.  Don't worry, you've come to the right place.  There are tremendous resources both in this forum and on the balance of the site.  The Quit Coaches are excellent at their jobs and overflowing with knowledge and additional resources.
   
   Many of us have smoked for many years and practiced quitting many times over.  A common thread for many of us is a sudden change in our mindset - the need to quit is greater than the need to continue.  It sounds like you may be at this point.  Don't be disgusted with yourself, be proud that you are quitting.  Be proud that you are strong.  Be proud that you are improving your health.
   
   You refer to smoking as a 'nasty habit'.  Perhaps this is one of my pet peeves, but nothing could be further from the truth.  Smoking is not a nasty habit, it is a full-blown chemical addiction.  I believe only when we recognize it for what it truly is will we be able to combat our addiction.  It will take a tremendous amount of effort and willpower, but I promise you it is possible.  I promise you it is worth it.
   
   I keep the following words in my briefcase:
   
   It will hurt.  It will take time.  It will require dedication.  It will require willpower.
   You will need to make healthy decisions.  It requires sacrifice.
   You will need to push your body to its max. 
   There will be temptation.
   But, I promise you, when you reach your goal,
   it's WORTH IT!!
   
   I don't pull these words out as often as I used to, but they still ring true each time I do.
   
   Take care, and we're all here rooting for you.
   
   E
   
5. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   15 Nov 2018

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   Hello Help,
   
   As you can hear from our members, they too were where you are at now.  Please don't feel so down on yourself.  The fact that you are wanting to quit for your health and financial gain means you are motivated.  Eagerquit has shared an excellent way to start with writing down your pros to quit and keep visually on on hand.  Likewise, support from your peers and healthcare professionals increases your chances of quitting.  Exploring a quit aid as well has such benefit.  Treepeo found preparation key including reading the materials and exercises on the site, the more knowledge and awareness will empower you indeed.  And efreeman75 is so right on, no need to be pushed into a quit.  You are looking for people to walk alongside you, someone to share your challenges and successes with- we are all here for you!  
   
   Looking forward to hearing more from you.  Feel free to share your thoughts about your readiness to start your journey to a smoke-free life.  Any step you take is a win toward your ultimate goal!  
   
   Also, connect with us via phone as was already shared.  And live chat as well.  
   
   Truly believe you have what it takes to be a non-smoker!  So give yourself some credit and you will see things move along in the right direction for you.  
   
   Marianne
6. shazzan

   

   140 posts
   Registered:
   06 Nov 2018
   15 Nov 2018 in reply to marianne, quit coach

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   Hi Help
   
   You have come to the right place for support, insight and to ask questions. Eagerquit was right when he corrected your term of smoking as a habit. .... it is an addiction.  I think we all need to forgive ourselves for being fooled by such a sneaky vicious drug that once it takes hold is merciless. We need to understand how it affected our brain.  . You have made a huge step in the right direction. Now you have to decide how you want to proceed. What method is right for you.  Personally, i wanted to pull the band Aid off quick.... I have been smoke free  1 week cold turkey .  My story is in the My Journey section.   You will be free too if it is truly want you want. . 
7. rosie1931

   

   50 posts
   Registered:
   27 Sep 2018
   16 Nov 2018 in reply to shazzan

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   Hi Help (and everyone else)
   
   Really great advice from everyone Help.  And some that I still need to use myself.  Seems like all of us have smoked for over 40 years, wow!  Well, good for us for finally coming to our senses.  What's helped me the most is really wanting it.  And having a positive and optimistic attitude.  I'll be truthful, I never tried before and never wanted to.  I've shocked a lot of my friends and family, but here I am, almost 6 weeks quit, and never ever looking back.  So have a plan, make a list of pros and cons, find the 5 d's, change up your routine, and be proud of every single moment of your accomplishment.  Wishing you the best.  
8. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   16 Nov 2018 in reply to rosie1931

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   Rose1931,
   
   Almost 6 weeks quit.  Way to go!  You should be so proud of yourself!
   
   And yes, isn't it funny that there are so many of us who are older, who have smoked all our lives?  It took us a long time to get to this point, but better late than never, eh?  You have the right idea, keep moving forward, and stay on track.  You deserve to live a smoke free life and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
9. shazzan

   

   140 posts
   Registered:
   06 Nov 2018
   17 Nov 2018 in reply to rosie1931

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   Hi Rosie.  A truly great attitude you have and that alone will take you and others far when they  take on this scary, unknown,  mission to quit smoking. Your belief in yourself will benefit not only you, but inspire others as well. I know that coming this far, with your attitude, you will be one of the Happy Non-Smokers.   Keep on giving us that inspiration.