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I'm trying to quit smoking any suggestions?
Right now I am chewing nicotine gum but I have had a headache since I woke up this morning. Also been having hot flashes all day. This is day 3, any suggestions / tips?
Thanks!
Thanks!
voted interesting: dbspringer, bunnyphuphu, buddawiggi, irishstephen1974, lccork95
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answers (16)
There is a really great, complete article on this exact thing here:
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-quit-smoking
Some of the best general tips from the article include:
1. Set a quit date. Decide on a day within the next two weeks in which you will stop smoking entirely.
2. Remove all tobacco products, ashtrays, lighters and matches from your home, car and office.
3. Notify friends and family that you plan on quitting.
4. Talk to your doctor about your decision to quit smoking.
The article also reviews nicotine replacements, exercise, and importantly "staying quit".
Quitting smoking is no easy task but you're not the first... and you won't be the last. Rely on the help of family and friends and you'll do it!
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-quit-smoking
Some of the best general tips from the article include:
1. Set a quit date. Decide on a day within the next two weeks in which you will stop smoking entirely.
2. Remove all tobacco products, ashtrays, lighters and matches from your home, car and office.
3. Notify friends and family that you plan on quitting.
4. Talk to your doctor about your decision to quit smoking.
The article also reviews nicotine replacements, exercise, and importantly "staying quit".
Quitting smoking is no easy task but you're not the first... and you won't be the last. Rely on the help of family and friends and you'll do it!
voted helpful: bunnyphuphu, sysaaron, buddawiggi
The third day is the worst, because the nicotine has now had time to dissipate from your body. You might want to go to Wikipedia and read up on nicotine addiction. The reason that I suggest this, is that knowing what is happening to you is often a relief. It's the not knowing that's hard. I kicked it. So can you.
From;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine
"Modern research shows that nicotine acts on the brain to produce a number of effects. Specifically, its addictive nature has been found to show that nicotine activates reward pathways—the circuitry within the brain that regulates feelings of pleasure and euphoria.30
Dopamine is one of the key neurotransmitters actively involved in the brain. Research shows that by increasing the levels of dopamine within the reward circuits in the brain, nicotine acts as a chemical with intense addictive qualities. In many studies it has been shown to be more addictive than cocaine and heroin, though chronic treatment has an opposite effect on reward thresholdsneeded. Like other physically addictive drugs, nicotine causes down-regulation of the production of dopamine and other stimulatory neurotransmitters as the brain attempts to compensate for artificial stimulation. In addition, the sensitivity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors decreases. To compensate for this compensatory mechanism, the brain in turn upregulates the number of receptors, convoluting its regulatory effects with compensatory mechanisms meant to counteract other compensatory mechanisms. The net effect is an increase in reward pathway sensitivity, opposite of other drugs of abuse such as cocaine and heroin, which reduce reward pathway sensitivity.25 This neuronal brain alteration persists for months after administration ceases. Due to an increase in reward pathway sensitivity, nicotine withdrawal is relatively mild compared to ethanol or heroin withdrawal.needed Nicotine also has the potential to cause dependence in many animals other than humans. Mice have been administered nicotine and exhibit withdrawal reactions when its administration is stopped.needed
A study found that nicotine exposure in adolescent mice retards the growth of the dopamine system, thus increasing the risk of substance abuse during adolescence."
From;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine
"Modern research shows that nicotine acts on the brain to produce a number of effects. Specifically, its addictive nature has been found to show that nicotine activates reward pathways—the circuitry within the brain that regulates feelings of pleasure and euphoria.30
Dopamine is one of the key neurotransmitters actively involved in the brain. Research shows that by increasing the levels of dopamine within the reward circuits in the brain, nicotine acts as a chemical with intense addictive qualities. In many studies it has been shown to be more addictive than cocaine and heroin, though chronic treatment has an opposite effect on reward thresholdsneeded. Like other physically addictive drugs, nicotine causes down-regulation of the production of dopamine and other stimulatory neurotransmitters as the brain attempts to compensate for artificial stimulation. In addition, the sensitivity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors decreases. To compensate for this compensatory mechanism, the brain in turn upregulates the number of receptors, convoluting its regulatory effects with compensatory mechanisms meant to counteract other compensatory mechanisms. The net effect is an increase in reward pathway sensitivity, opposite of other drugs of abuse such as cocaine and heroin, which reduce reward pathway sensitivity.25 This neuronal brain alteration persists for months after administration ceases. Due to an increase in reward pathway sensitivity, nicotine withdrawal is relatively mild compared to ethanol or heroin withdrawal.needed Nicotine also has the potential to cause dependence in many animals other than humans. Mice have been administered nicotine and exhibit withdrawal reactions when its administration is stopped.needed
A study found that nicotine exposure in adolescent mice retards the growth of the dopamine system, thus increasing the risk of substance abuse during adolescence."
voted helpful: bunnyphuphu, sysaaron, buddawiggi, easyeboy
voted unhelpful: samid
I quite smoking by becoming pregnant...... but I can tell you a couple things, i was trying to quit before hand, and what helped me out the most was by not smoking in my car. The hardest part of not smoking was going out drinking with friends, when I was in the transition of not smoking, I found that I would refrain going out with friends who smoked until I knew that i was comfortable with them smoking around me. Good luck, and as long as you really want to do it, then you'll be able to.
voted helpful: sysaaron, buddawiggi
Yes! Cut out the TRYING in your formulation and just do it. The only people I know who succeeded were the ones who had a change of heart and quit from one day to the next. I do not believe in "every day one ciggarette less" or nicotine gums. You should completely shut out everything smoking has given you, maybe for a while avoid smoky bars and hanging out with smoking people too much (just to make it easier at first, I'm not saying abandon your friends). Also find a new distraction such as a hobby but preferably a sport because you will need a healthy body and healthy lungs to succeed which falls in allignment with your goal.
One of the toughest tasks I have ever seen anyone accomplish, good luck!
One of the toughest tasks I have ever seen anyone accomplish, good luck!
First off - good for you and good luck with the quit. I've quit myself a few times and I've found that, as hard as it is, not thinking about cigarettes is the best thing you can do. Everyone has their own individual tips and tricks, but what it comes down to is drive and determination. You have to WANT to quit for YOURSELF.
Some things that helped me while quitting:
*Pick up a copy of Allen Carr's ''EasyWay to Quit Smoking'' and read it
*When the craving gets really bad, I found that munching on carrot or celery sticks helped: The crunch is good for anxiety/stress and regardless of how many you eat, they're still good for you and won't significantly increase your caloric intake
*If you do "fall off the wagon," don't let it completely throw you off. Rather, realize that you made a mistake and continue with your quitting plan
*Drink lots of water - it may help the headaches slightly
*Get out for a walk, but stay away from convenience stores if you're concerned that you may be too tempted
*Continually remind yourself why you want to quit (whatever your reasons may be)
Some things that helped me while quitting:
*Pick up a copy of Allen Carr's ''EasyWay to Quit Smoking'' and read it
*When the craving gets really bad, I found that munching on carrot or celery sticks helped: The crunch is good for anxiety/stress and regardless of how many you eat, they're still good for you and won't significantly increase your caloric intake
*If you do "fall off the wagon," don't let it completely throw you off. Rather, realize that you made a mistake and continue with your quitting plan
*Drink lots of water - it may help the headaches slightly
*Get out for a walk, but stay away from convenience stores if you're concerned that you may be too tempted
*Continually remind yourself why you want to quit (whatever your reasons may be)
source(s):
personal experience
personal experience
voted helpful: lesliec, buddawiggi
I quit smoking in January this year. I had tried before and it never stuck more than a few weeks. As the others have said you need to want to quit. If you are not fed up with smoking and quiting for some other reason it just won't work.
That being said here is what worked for me. No gum, last time I used gum and as soon as it ran out I bought a pack of cigarettes. It always seemed funny to me to try to quit by still getting the nicotine. Kinda like a heroin addict replacing that additction for methadone. Just doesn't sound like it will work.
I used hard candy. Yep I replaced the cigs with candy. I bought sugar free hard candy (got to watch the weight) and when I wanted a cigarette I reached for a life saver instead. It gave me something to do and occupied my taste buds. As most smokers know you don't need a cigarette when you are eating (or sucking on a piece of candy). I found that as time went on I was not thinking of cigarettes and soon was not reaching for the candy any more either. Worked for me.
That being said here is what worked for me. No gum, last time I used gum and as soon as it ran out I bought a pack of cigarettes. It always seemed funny to me to try to quit by still getting the nicotine. Kinda like a heroin addict replacing that additction for methadone. Just doesn't sound like it will work.
I used hard candy. Yep I replaced the cigs with candy. I bought sugar free hard candy (got to watch the weight) and when I wanted a cigarette I reached for a life saver instead. It gave me something to do and occupied my taste buds. As most smokers know you don't need a cigarette when you are eating (or sucking on a piece of candy). I found that as time went on I was not thinking of cigarettes and soon was not reaching for the candy any more either. Worked for me.
the best possible suggestion is not to create excuses for yourself.. Smoking is a hard habit to break, but your health is on the line. Hot flashes and headaches might not have to do with withdrawl, so don't assume that there is a connection to smoking.
Dedication is key. It will be one of the hardest battles you will ever fight, but with the dedication to keep it up and resist the addiction, im sure you can do it
Dedication is key. It will be one of the hardest battles you will ever fight, but with the dedication to keep it up and resist the addiction, im sure you can do it
voted helpful: irishstephen1974
voted unhelpful: chriswingate
It was unfair to choose no best answer
There were many answers here. Hard to believe that not one was correct
There were many answers here. Hard to believe that not one was correct
Absolutley!!
Don't cheat yourself!!
Don't cheat yourself!!
My husband and I both attempted to quit on two separate occasions and here is what we learned. Since we are two different types of people, we are more successful in different ways. Half of quitting smoking is psychology, as you will see below.
My husband is more of an impulsive type and, if cigarettes are in his midst, he will smoke them even if he is trying to quit. His mentality is to use them all up, because if there are any sitting around, he will impulsively smoke them without thinking of the consequences. This worked very well for him, but was a horrible experience for me because I started to freak out that I was totally out of cigarettes. It's a psychological thing.
I, on the other hand, am not impulsive at all, in fact I am pretty much the opposite of impulsive. I'm a saver, planner, and overall very methodical person and control freak. I quit best when I still have cigarettes left. This way I place the pack of cigarettes on top of my fridge and leave them there and use my will power to quit, basking in the warm fuzzy feeling that if I really really really really really need one, they are there, but of course doign the right thing and leaving them alone.
We tried to quit his way one time and I was unsuccessful. Then we tried to quit my way one time and he was unsuccessful.
I do want to say, however, that Chantix is a God send! Chantix effects the brain in a way that takes away the psychological and physical cravings. When taking Chantix, you don't even think about smoking. It doesn't even cross your mind until you see someone smoke or are reminded of smoking in a direct way. I successfully quit using Chantix and by leaving a pack on top of the fridge so I don't "freak out" at being completely out.
If you wish to quit without the help of Chantix, remember that exercising, drinking plenty of water, and massaging your extremities help to flush out the excess nicotine from your body and your withdrawal symptoms will be over with more quickly.
My husband is more of an impulsive type and, if cigarettes are in his midst, he will smoke them even if he is trying to quit. His mentality is to use them all up, because if there are any sitting around, he will impulsively smoke them without thinking of the consequences. This worked very well for him, but was a horrible experience for me because I started to freak out that I was totally out of cigarettes. It's a psychological thing.
I, on the other hand, am not impulsive at all, in fact I am pretty much the opposite of impulsive. I'm a saver, planner, and overall very methodical person and control freak. I quit best when I still have cigarettes left. This way I place the pack of cigarettes on top of my fridge and leave them there and use my will power to quit, basking in the warm fuzzy feeling that if I really really really really really need one, they are there, but of course doign the right thing and leaving them alone.
We tried to quit his way one time and I was unsuccessful. Then we tried to quit my way one time and he was unsuccessful.
I do want to say, however, that Chantix is a God send! Chantix effects the brain in a way that takes away the psychological and physical cravings. When taking Chantix, you don't even think about smoking. It doesn't even cross your mind until you see someone smoke or are reminded of smoking in a direct way. I successfully quit using Chantix and by leaving a pack on top of the fridge so I don't "freak out" at being completely out.
If you wish to quit without the help of Chantix, remember that exercising, drinking plenty of water, and massaging your extremities help to flush out the excess nicotine from your body and your withdrawal symptoms will be over with more quickly.
source(s):
Personal experience.
Personal experience.
Oh man GOOD ON YOU!!!
You are in the worst part right now!! Week 1 &2 are absolutely miserable!!
I quit last year and I've been smoke free ever since - just straight up quit cold turkey. Mind over matter - and I won.
Oh, I'm not going to lie, it was SUPER tough, but you can do it!
Pens caps helped (althought they're bad for your teeth) fill the oral fixation and they feel like a cigarette in your fingers. Gum is awesome too, so keep that up. If you're a drinker, avoid beer and liquor for a while because they not only weaken your resolve, but what goes better with a frosty cold one than a smoke? So steer clear of those for a while.
Take some Tylenol for your headaches, and try to remember to be nice to folks - I know you want to kill people, but remember that this is withdrawl and you can beat it, don't let it beat you. Of course at the same time, they need to realize you're having a hard time and should try to take care of you too!
But mostly you've got to tough it out. The weird thing is, after you get over this HARDEST PART, you may sneak one in a month from now and it tastes HORRIBLE, the rush you get will make you sick and you'll go, "Dang, I'm glad I quit, that was nasty!!" I promise this will happen!!
Man, just hang in there, don't lie or cheat yourself and you'll be in a good way in about a month. After that, every day gets easier!
You are in the worst part right now!! Week 1 &2 are absolutely miserable!!
I quit last year and I've been smoke free ever since - just straight up quit cold turkey. Mind over matter - and I won.
Oh, I'm not going to lie, it was SUPER tough, but you can do it!
Pens caps helped (althought they're bad for your teeth) fill the oral fixation and they feel like a cigarette in your fingers. Gum is awesome too, so keep that up. If you're a drinker, avoid beer and liquor for a while because they not only weaken your resolve, but what goes better with a frosty cold one than a smoke? So steer clear of those for a while.
Take some Tylenol for your headaches, and try to remember to be nice to folks - I know you want to kill people, but remember that this is withdrawl and you can beat it, don't let it beat you. Of course at the same time, they need to realize you're having a hard time and should try to take care of you too!
But mostly you've got to tough it out. The weird thing is, after you get over this HARDEST PART, you may sneak one in a month from now and it tastes HORRIBLE, the rush you get will make you sick and you'll go, "Dang, I'm glad I quit, that was nasty!!" I promise this will happen!!
Man, just hang in there, don't lie or cheat yourself and you'll be in a good way in about a month. After that, every day gets easier!
Quit Smoking Today is one of the top selling Quit Smoking Systems on the internet.
http://b4213d3f1ehb6jxh0c-oqkn50t.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=QUITSMOKING
http://b4213d3f1ehb6jxh0c-oqkn50t.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=QUITSMOKING
This is how I quit. I took a drug called Champix. It's made by Phiser the same people who make Viagra. It took me about 2 months to quit. All I did was take the pill. My fiancee and I had both been smoking for years and he wanted to quit. I didn't even want to quit. I didn't do anything differently but just took the pill and eventually i just didn't want/need to have a cigarette anymore. It just didn't seem right to me. The only side effect that both of us had was bad nightmares. We're now saving over $400/m. Now if you don't have a drug plan (which we didn't) in Ontario, Canada it cost us $60/2 week prescription. I've talked to a lot of people and everyone is raving about how well it works. I would suggest to talk to your doctor and see if it's right for you. Yes it's a bit of money to quit but let me tell you the savings after. I'm now putting that money towards a membership to the gym :) Anyway good luck and the biggest thing to remember is KEEP TRYING!! Just because you think you screwed up and you had 1 smoke after so long, don't let it stop you. KEEP GOING and eventually you will quit and be much happier after. Good luck!
Sometimes it's best just to go cold turkey. Get your family to lock you up in the shed without anything but a bowl of water and an excrement bowl. They will give you meals as is necessary until you have kicked the habit, no matter now long it takes. This is of course probably the last thing you want to try, but hey if nothing else works...
Quiting smoking was the hardest thing i had to do. I tried the patch, gum, and the electric cigs, but none off those worked. I took some pretty trastic measures. i put myself in isolation for two weeks. I was layed off at the time so i was able to do it. My girlfriend was going to France for two weeks so when she did i had her take my wallet and my car keys. The closest store was 10 miles away and i had no money. I was forced to quit. I didnt leave my apartment for two weeks. It was pretty interesting. Alot of reading and painting. All in all it was worth it. I havnt smoked in 6 months.
For every thing you need to know on how to quit smoking go to this website. http://www.smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/index.html
There is also loads of helplines to help you quit smoking.
There is also loads of helplines to help you quit smoking.
cinnamon gum will help with the cravings but the best way is to just do it cold turkey all the nicorette patches and gums will make you sick or give you really bad dreams. Chantix the stuff doctors perscribe to you will make you a depressed and emotional mess so just try mints and cinnamon gum. i wish you the best of luck.
hi, sorry to hear you feel bad. Drink a lot of water, take a walk, enlist someone to help. This is a very powerful drug. Enlist a good doctor, if you can, to advise you. Good luck! you are on the right track!
source(s):
we are trying to encourage a friend to quit. :)
we are trying to encourage a friend to quit. :)
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