I joined the ranks of the non-smoking late tuesday night. I have now stopped smoking for about 48 hours.

I am taking Zyban and I think its great I am not having intense cravings and actually there isn't really anything even to cope with.

So, how many of you lot out there, are smokers, have given up, are thinking about it. Tell me your giving up stories.

Could I say as non smoker, it is worth all the pain.

It's healthier, you won't have smoke smells on your clothes and most of all it's cheaper.

So good luck.

By the way, how many are you on a day.

I am not on any a day. Ive given up. I am a non-smoker.

But I was on under 20 a day. And I have been smoking for 8 years,

I am not on any a day. Ive given up. I am a non-smoker.

But I was on under 20 a day. And I have been smoking for 8 years,

In that case definately think of the money you will save. :)

I was a smoker from the age of about 19 to 27 but I gave up a couple of years ago. I started as a social smoker when out in pubs, clubs etc but by the time I gave up I was smoking about 10-15 a day regardless of whether I was going out or not.

I decided to give up as it seemed most smokers were chavalikes and it just wasn't a very classy habit :)

I didn't take any medication or patches or anything but just stopped, I had a couple of lapses in the first six weeks or so but I didn't let it put me off and I haven't smoked a cigarette for about two years now.

It is worth it, you really don't notice how much it makes you stink when you're smoking, also the money saved has enabled me to drink half a bottle of red wine a day extra so my heart is getting a double benefit ;)

Today walking past the offices on Bishopsgate it smelt like an ashtray, not from the smokers but from all the fag butts and ash, not very nice.

keep it up, don't even let tempory lapses put you off, the more you try the more likelier you are to give up, it's different for different people but i found after two weeks (cold turkey) my mood improved no end and the cravings went. Whats more you won't miss it at all, i remember reading something about nicotine addiction once and it said that by the time you've been smoking for a bit all a cigarette does is make you body feel normal by taking away cravings.

I used to smoke Gauloises and I really like the smell of it. I rarely smoke, mainly with some sensimilia or durban poison. Pure tabocco no longer has my fancy.
</demanding wife>

tips:

-drink water every time you feel that urge
-don't get obsessed about it. When other people still smoke, don't nag unless you don't drive a car or travel by airplane, then you hold the right to complain.

I quit for 10 months. I put on 5 stone, I can't blame quitting, although it was a factor. I was able to taste things better, I could jog for longer and I felt great. Lately I have been on and off them, I've managed to lose 4 of the 6 stone.

I recommend quitting completely, it's just rather hard for me.

Try putting £2 in a tin every time you beat a really mad craving.

The warnings on the fag packets aren't lying, I lost 3 out of 4 of my grandparents from lung cancer and they all smoked. Age ranges from 52 to early sixties.

Its a stinky, expensive habit, well done for giving up.

good job. Smoking is a filthy habit.

i dont mind smoking, what i think is sad is two things, firstly people get addicted. as someone able to smoke and not i consider myself lucky. it means i can smoke for pleasure rather than having to. it would be horrible to have to. i should add im not a social smoker.
the second thing as dinp has said is health. if you smoke regularly you will fuck up your body. smoking occasionally is no more harmful than occasionally eating fastfood but again people who are addicted dont have this choice. i believe approx 50% of regular smokers die of smoking related diseases in the end.
i should add i smoke cigars and find the cheap tobacco they use in cigarettes disgusting. im shocked anyone can smoke it given what the tobacco companies does it with to make it more addictive - anyone who doubts this just has to watch 'the insider'

FUCKING QUITTERS!

I can't stand the tobacco inside normal cigarettes either. That's why I smoke this: http://blogia.com/manuelbenedito/upload/_224593_golden_virginia300.jpeg

Well i am on my third day now, and all the advice reckons it will be the worst day. I decided if I can do a week, I've cracked it. But for anyone out there thinking of giving up, go to your doctor and ask for zyban, its really taken the edge of things.

Yeah that's true the third day is the hardest. Whenever I decied to give up smoking I only last for two days, on the third day I eat tocacco. :)

i dont mind smoking, what i think is sad is two things, firstly people get addicted. as someone able to smoke and not i consider myself lucky. it means i can smoke for pleasure rather than having to.


you are not in denial are you gothicform - "I can stop when ever I want to" :laugh:

I used to think the same as Goth, and think 'I'll stop when I get addicted' (some pretty crap logic there in hindsight! :)).

I like me fegs. I prefer roll ups, 'cos they'r cheaper and the baccy's nicer, but they're a right royal pain in the arse.

I quit smoking 3 years ago and never looked back. No nictone plasters, no fake medications, just cold-turkey quitting. No withdrawal symptoms either, it's all bullshit. Quitting is easy you just have to stop feeling sorry for yourself. There really is nothing to it, except for not lighting a cigarette anymore. Those who cannot stop are weak spineless pussies, I'm sorry for telling the truth. People who say it's so hard are just making up excuses to continue.

And before you say I wasn't a real smoker, I smoked 20 a day, for 13 years ;)

Nicotine has a VERY light physical addiction (*). It's all between the ears. So if you want your Zyban, go ahead, but realise that you're fooling yourself. All you need to get rid of is a bad habit.

*) Nicotine is addictive within a very short period. But it's a light addiction, withdrawal symptoms are almost non-existing.

God I wish you had come along a lot sooner with your helpful advice, I might have stopped sooner. God I see the light now, you should start a group telling the millions of smokers everywhere that they have got it all wrong and its all between their heads.

This from the NHS smoking site

Smoking is not just a bad habit, but a complex addiction. Experts believe that nicotine exerts its powerful addictive effects by altering two chemicals in the brain - dopamine and noradrenaline - known as neurotransmitters. Within seven seconds of inhaling, a concentrated dose of nicotine is delivered directly to the brain, producing a nicotine "rush". Many smokers interpret this rush as one of pleasure, but in reality the pleasure is misunderstood. It only appears pleasurable because it satisfies the craving created by the last cigarette. Over time the smoker has become victim to the classic cycle of addiction.


The addictive cycle
If this is hard to believe, think back to the first few cigarettes you smoked. Most smokers will admit that these were anything but pleasurable. In fact, you probably had to persist until the addictive cycle had taken hold before smoking gave you any kind of "pleasure". What smokers perceive as pleasure is, in reality, simply the relief of satisfying a craving for nicotine. After smoking a cigarette, withdrawal can set in as quickly as 15 minutes later.

Smoking makes you sexy.

The addictive cycle
If this is hard to believe, think back to the first few cigarettes you smoked. Most smokers will admit that these were anything but pleasurable. In fact, you probably had to persist until the addictive cycle had taken hold before smoking gave you any kind of "pleasure". What smokers perceive as pleasure is, in reality, simply the relief of satisfying a craving for nicotine. After smoking a cigarette, withdrawal can set in as quickly as 15 minutes later.

I've never understood this. My first fags were like a blowjob from Satan himself. If it made me sick, I wouldn't have sat and smoked more of 'em; I'd have said 'this is fucking vile' and not bothered.

Good luck though Price matey. I've given up a few times. When I want to give up it's a piece of piss. That's the trick I think.

I just enjoy it too much!

"It's not real enjoyment, just your body getting back to normal after withdrawal, blah blah blah".

I don't care, 'cos it gets me through the day!

God I wish you had come along a lot sooner with your helpful advice, I might have stopped sooner. God I see the light now, you should start a group telling the millions of smokers everywhere that they have got it all wrong and its all between their heads.

Me? Why should I, there are lots of experts (http://www.allencarrseasyway.com/) who say the exact same thing :)

This from the NHS smoking site ...

Everything you pasted is true, but it does not contradict what I said. It is indeed a complex addiction, but very easy to get rid of once you understand it. Especially the part about the pleasure not really being a pleasure but just the satisfaction of your craving. Once I understood that quitting was a no brainer. And it was infact very easy.

Everyone who says they like smoking (the millions of people you speak about) are fooled by their addiction. Physical withdrawal symptoms are nearly non-existant. It is indeed all in your head.

Perhaps quitting will become easier when you stop lying to yourself that it's soooo hard, and that you like it sooo much. It's not hard, a child can do it. And you don't like it, you're just addicted.

Greetings weaklings :D

Millions of smokers say quitting is hard. Perhaps you shouldn't ask smokers, but people that actually quit smoking. Perhaps people who say stuff like that just want an excuse not to try.

Or listen to companies that want to make money of your attempt. Yes quitting is hard! You will sweat, not sleep for weeks! You will suffer like a heroin addict, it will be hell for months! Unless you buy our Zybon of whatever the fuck it's called. And our nicotine plasters (you know, the stuff you actually want to quit using). For only EUR 120,00. VAT excluded.

It's so haaaaard, boooohooooo :cry:

F.OFF. Go find some other thread to be superior in.

Blunther: It is weird isn't it, as you are not addicted to cigarettes straight away, so why do people do it. What surprises me is people who take up smoking in their twenties, I don't understand that.

its possible the only reason i never got addicted was because i never believed i was addicted.

and no, im not in denial. people have said that of me before, girlfriends who have smoked and so on, until i wake up with them and they offer me a fag and i say "no thanks" then they go "oh really arent addicted then"

@pricemazda:
Poor thing, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. You go buy your Zybon, you definately need the help :lol:

You could also try reading what I typed instead of acting like a crybaby. I'm not superior, I thought the exact same thing for 13 years. I thought I wanted it because I liked it. I also thought quitting was very hard, which kept me from actually trying it. Untill the book by Alan Carr (http://www.allencarrseasyway.com/) told me the exact same thing, albeit in a more polite manner. It turned out my fears were ungrounded, once I understood how addiction works, it was shockingly easy.

Congratulations on giving up. It's not easy and I know countless people who have tried and failed. I'll recommend Zyban next time they try.

I'm an occasional smoker but I hated the first cigarette I had. How anyone can enjoy it beats me but I never find myself craving one and I don't believe I ever will. I think it's true that some people have a more addictive personality and so find it harder than others to give up these things.

Ok I'm fucking with you people. How hard it is depends on how easy you can quit a mental addiction. My point is that your Zybon or whatever may be surpressing your physical symptoms, while the entire problem is between the ears. It's a nice placebo. You think your Zybon is helping you but you're doing it all by yourself. I'm not superior, you just don't give yourself enough credit if you're buying into (literally) that Zybon crap.

)
Zyban is one of the newest drugs to the market and is available on prescription. It works by suppressing the part of the brain that gives the smoker a nicotine buzz when smoking a cigarette. The smoker starts taking Zyban before giving up, and the drug puts them off cigarettes, because they no longer get the "hit". It reduces the cravings as well as the usual withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, sweating and irritability. Some users of Zyban have reported unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headaches, dry mouth and blurred vision. Zyban is not recommended if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have a history of epilepsy, liver disease or an eating disorder. Early findings show it to be highly effective, but for maximum effect it should be used as part of an overall give-up smoking plan.

A report in the New England Journal of Medicine2 found that "almost one in three people treated with Zyban were not smoking after one year, compared to 16.4 percent of people using a nicotine patch. Zyban was thereby found to be almost twice as effective as a nicotine patch in helping people to quit smoking."

It's an anti-depressiva! Jezus, that's even worse. Exactly proving my point, what do you people think you're on? Heroin? Do you actually think you're going to get depressed if you don't smoke tobacco? I expected more from someone quoting the NHS site. It does not create pleasure, just an illusion. In other words, you will not miss any pleasure when you quit smoking. Which means, no depression. Which means, no drugs to counter depressions.

It reduces cravings, I bet it does. It reduces all signals to the brain. The cravings appear each 15 minutes, and all you need to is learn to ignore them. They will become less frequent over time, unitll you simply forget all about them. When you know that the only thing a cigarette does is make sure that signal keeps coming, ignoring it is easy.

There are two ways to make the signal go away. The first is lighting a cigarette. which will ensure the signal returns within 15 minutes, repeating untill you're dead. The second is not lighting a cigarette, in which case the signal will also return after 15 minutes, but now you know that it will get less frequent over time, untill it disappears. I think you're an intelligent person, the choice should be rather easy.

This is on cigarette packs in Canada by the Canadian govt agency Health Canada

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/1addictlow.jpg

Smoking is both big and clever, makes you look cool and smell good, and improves your health so there!

I have to agree though, bottom line: smoking is cool.

Again, that says nothing about physical withdrawal. But I think the flyer is bullshit, atleast concerning heroin. Heroin is heavily mentally addictive, but also physically. Think vomitting, sweating like a pig, etc. for weeks. Cocaine is not physically addictive, just mentally. Tobacco is highly mentally addictive (you get addicted fast and it creates a very strong illusion of being needed). It's physical addiction is nearly nothing, especially compared to heroin.

Also if I were you I'd look into the side effects of that nice anti-depressive you're taking. Look for bupropion, otherwise you will only get commercials by companies wanting to make a buck on smokers. It turns out it's not an oppressing anti-depressive like for instance prozac. It's rather a stimulant that messes with, among other things, your dopamine levels. I wouldn't touch this shit with a stick but that's up to you ofcourse.

Wellbutrin etc. (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin etc. (Bupropion) is a newer antidepressant medication (U.S. FDA approved 1986) which is classified as a dopamine reuptake blocking compound. Bupropion has a chemical structure unrelated to any other antidepressant medication and works by increasing levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, three of the neurotransmitter chemicals that carry messages between brain nerve cells. Bupropion is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine, an action which is not shared by the other antidepressant types.

Neurotransmitters are secreted by one cell and picked up by receptor proteins on the surface of another cell. Once the message has been delivered, a neurotransmitter is either destroyed or absorbed into the cell that made it. This process is known as re-uptake. When re-uptake is inhibited, the effect of the neurotransmitter (in this case dopamine) is amplified. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are involved in the regulation of pain, pleasure, anxiety, panic, arousal, and sleep behavior (the sleep-wake cycle).

Because of its unique makeup, Wellbutrin also has a different side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. Unlike the SSRI’s and other antidepressant types, it rarely causes sexual dysfunction. In fact, Buproprion has been shown to reverse or minimize sexual dysfunction associated with SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, when patients either switch to Wellbutrin SR or use it as an add-on to existing antidepressant treatment. Similarly, Buproprion users tend to report less side effects of weight gain, anticholinergic symptoms (blurred vision, dry mouth, indigestion, and constipation), cardiac problems, and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure occurring after standing up). Bupropion, the chemical name for this medication, is additionally sold under the brand name Zyban to help stop the urge to smoke. As Buproprion tends to have a stimulating effect, common side effects include restlessness and insomnia. Also, soon after its release, Wellbutrin was temporarily removed from the market due to the occurrence of seizures in some patients. However, further investigation showed that seizures were primarily associated with high doses (above the current maximum recommended dose of 450 mg/day), a history of seizures or brain trauma, an eating disorder, excessive alcohol use, or taking other drugs that can also increase the risk for seizures. Wellbutrin is now available as a once-daily tablet - Wellbutrin XL. (Wellbutrin SR needs to be taken twice daily; and the original Wellbutrin needs to be taken 3 x day.)

NOTE: All of the antidepressants have been shown to work. Unfortunately, they don’t work for everybody, and finding the right antidepressant is something of a chemistry experiment – trying to match the chemistry of the medication with the user’s unique body chemistry. The general rule is - if one antidepressant therapy doesn't work, you should try another.)

Replace smoking with random sexual encounters.

------

I tell you what rdj seriously go somewhere else and put someone else down. You are extremely pompous. I asm trying to stop smoking and some dick is trying to tell me the method I choosing is stupid and doesn't work. Kudos! Which is funny as my doctor highly recommends it and i bet he reads a lot more studies than some nob finds on the internet. All over the world health authorities are reporting very successful results. In all studies they always use a placebo as well. So please go put someone else down.

I tell you what rdj seriously go somewhere else and put someone else down. You are extremely pompous. I asm trying to stop smoking and some dick is trying to tell me the method I choosing is stupid and doesn't work. Kudos! Which is funny as my doctor highly recommends it and i bet he reads a lot more studies than some nob finds on the internet. All over the world health authorities are reporting very successful results. In all studies they always use a placebo as well. So please go put someone else down.

It's day three of giving up and pricemazda hits the short tempered stage ;)

By the way I agree rdj is a: http://img170.echo.cx/img170/9481/wanker9kr.gif

I am not short tempered. But I know if someone wants to pick a fight with me, I am ready to have one!!!!1 lol

Not really, I just don't tolerate nobs very well.

lol

Did you insert that through gritted teeth. ;)

No it was more of a nervous thing.

Pricemazda mate i gave up 10-midnight on the 28th Feb.See here http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=187758
So that puts me on day 46 i think. You will fill alot better very soon.You will forget about cigarettes most of the time.Even in the pub.Going to work and not smoking is a peice of piss.After a meal(around 5pm)peice of piss.In the pub just inore the cigarettes.Most of the time you would forget about them.Good luck you can do it :)

Just think of all the money you'll save. :)

Good for you. Honestly i feel a slight pinge every now and then, but I don't really think about it that often. I am getting such a kick out it though. I am a non smoker.

I am a non smoker.

:yes: That's what we like to hear :yes:

Yes its cool i can stay in the non smoking section at work instead of going into the far smoking corner.You may begin to have a bad chest for a bit but thats just bringing the bad stuff up will soon go away.You will fill better also very hyperactive at stages.Your chest would be fine in the mornings no weezing.I feel very good and notice a huge change in heath.Keep going.

Well walking past offices it smells like a really stale ashtray. I am coughing up some nasty looking critters though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/Bubbles96/smokingrules.jpg


this is what the slut and the slave think........don't you agree?

:)

I have to agree though, bottom line: smoking is cool.

yeah, real cool (http://members.lycos.co.uk/zep_/whyquit/family.html)

I tell you what rdj seriously go somewhere else and put someone else down.

It would be nice if you actually read my posts ... :lol:

Which is funny as my doctor highly recommends it and i bet he reads a lot more studies than some nob finds on the internet.

Yeah, and now people make money of your attempt, including him. Why believe someone who actually quit smoking, right? Just read Allen Carrs book, which helped MILLIONS of people to quit. It says the exact same thing.

All over the world health authorities are reporting very successful results. In all studies they always use a placebo as well. So please go put someone else down.

Relax mate, just take your precious anti depressive. It looks like you really do need it :cry:

By the way I agree rdj is a: http://img170.echo.cx/img170/9481/wanker9kr.gif

The truth is hard sometimes. I could have also been "supportive". Yeah it's soooo hard, good luck, it must be terrible for you blablabla.

But I hate bullshit :lol:

The truth is hard sometimes. I could have also been "supportive". Yeah it's soooo hard, good luck, it must be terrible for you blablabla.

But I hate bullshit :lol:

I think you have just proved my point.

Then why the fuck do you keep posting in this thread? I have provided ample evidence of the addictiveness and how hard it can be to give up from health authorities and doctors around the world. All yopu have done is read a self-help book, now how do say positive affirmations in dutch...

prizemazda i applaud you....keep at it..i am a smoker still and i am desparate to give up but alas i cannot do that until end of june due to what i do for a living..sing...dont get me wrong i know i shuldnt smoke being a singer but i always have and consequently it makes no short term effect on my voice. however in giving up i have to have a good 2 months to get rid of all the crap in my lungs and wont be able to sing properly for those two mionths..ie having to wait for end of june when i have no solo work booked till sept. i am looking forward to being a non smoker and having more money but i wish i could do it now...in this business you cant turn up to a concert and croak your way thru a peice...your reputation just goes down the pan and no more bookings come in...so i am being careful. am also looking forward to seeing just how high i will bale to sing without a lung full of tar..its high now ...god i might break wine glasses soon lol

keep up the good work matey. i am down to max 10 a day and no 'AM' smoking (singing teachers advice which shocked me but he is one of the best so i trust him)

any hints and tips on satisfying cravings without stuffing gob full of food let me know.

x

I am coughing up some stuff from my lungs at the minute. Not too often but as a singer you should probably pick your time to give up carefully.

I have decided to give up smoking too!!!

How's it going matey?

Still off 'em?

Yep, not one!!! I will have gone two weeks on wednesday.

Well done mate :)

One day I'll give up.

I have decided to give up smoking too!!!

:applause:

All the CASFR members are backing you all the way!

JDRS I'm afraid I only lasted four hours. I said fuck it and I was injecting myself with concentrated nicotine water. :cry:

Shame on you. Concentrated nicotine water. :ohno:

The shame of it!!! I can't live with it, it's too much!!! :cry:

Well I'll cheer you up by saying that your latest newsletter was the best by far. What are you feeding those clever little monkeys?

Class A bananas and Cuban cigars :yes:

Welldone pricemazda/Medo.Im now on day 56 without smoke.

sounds like you've cracked it. You must be officially a non-smoker, rather than a recovering nicotine addict.

Class A bananas and Cuban cigars :yes:

It's now wonder you're still smoking when you have the temptation of cigars so close by.

Well done clarky!

Originally posted by Medo
Class A bananas and Cuban cigars

They like chicken too.

Ive smoked for about 2 years, about 2 months ago it went upto like.. 15 a day.

Now Im on 1 or 2 a day if that, and theyre my mates cigs not mine.

Theres a solution to not smoking cigarettes... Its called not buying cigarettes.