I just quit smoking after too many years and really have had no problems quitting so far. Now the only real problem I am having is the snack foods. Does anyone out there have the same problem? One thing I know that has helped me is the strawberry Twizzlers.
Straws work! I quit about 5 years ago and chewed, sucked and finger twirled a straw for a few weeks (maybe even months), but it really worked.
It helps with that hand to mouth action that is so automatic. It also has No side-effects, No weight gain, they are easy to carry, and you can use them at work, on the phone, in the car or at home without anyone really noticing.
I also think they would be an easier switch for you since you've been using twizzlers, straws are a similar shape and size.
Good Luck!
Instead of a straw, I used a cinnamon stick to suck on. It satisfied holding a "cigarette" (the cinnamon stick) and the oral gratification of smoking. The "sweet - hot" taste of the cinnamon was a jolt to my mouth.
Cinnamon altoids are what they suggested in my stop smoking class.
My dad had to quit for health reasons, and my mom quit with him to help him out. My mom used gum or peppermint discs when she had a craving, my dad wasn't fond of mint, so he used butterscotch discs.
I was lucky enough to be able to quit without much trouble, I guess I don't have an addictive personality! Good luck -- you will feel much better when you kick the habit!
My uncle used unbuttered air-popped popcorn to curb his anxiety. What you are experiencing is the lack of something to do and anxiety sets in.
Throw yourself into a hobby. Puzzles, word puzzles, crafts, reading. Anything that occupies your mind.
It's hard, but the cost and health thing is worth it.
P.S. yep I still smoke. I have tried three unsuccessful times. Hope this one sticks for you. But, I think, no I know, it's all in the head once you kick the drug addiction part. Motivate and don't give up! You only fail when you quit trying.
I quit Nov 14 08, I used the chantix from the doctor. Has been the hardest thing I've ever done. Had a relapse for a week at x-mas when my step mom passed away.
They have really helped, something crunchy, sweet, relatively non fattening. Although I have gained 23 pounds. Of course That is from the cream cheese I piled on the celery, lol. Good luck!
Hi,
it's all about mindset! ((:
I always enjoyed smoking- each time I got preggers(3 times) I would quit for 9 months.... for me knowing I was quitting for my 'baby' was enough of a push.
I still like to smoke (at home in my back yard) I am a secret smoker of sorts!
I cant imagine how hard it is trying to quit? as I just put them down each time.
after my 3rd baby (she is 18 now) I didn't pick up smoking again for 16 yrs.
chewing gum, and sugar free candy may help.
I'll say it again, it's mindset.
good luck to you.
Oh boy! I can sure identify with the Smarties candies. They are sold in 500 lb. bags I think.
I quit smoking last year and got addicted to the Smarties...gained 60 pounds and relapsed. Now I'm just a big, fat smoker! I'll try again soon.
The Chantix did help me as well but it has some serious dangers. There have been reported suicides associated with Chantix. This info is alleged. You should talk seriously with your doctor and do some web research before choosing Chantix.
A couple of positive things I did when I quit were I took up crocheting again...which kept my hands busy. I used cinnamon toothpicks as well. They can be hard to find but you can make your own. You can find a recipe online.
The very best wishes for your quit. Oh! I forgot. When you get a craving breathe with your belly button. Draw a breath and expand your stomach. It really helps. My turn next!
I quit smoking 12 years ago. Try praying and brushing your teeth when you get cravings. It works wonders, but then God always does.
Good luck and God Bless you.
I quit smoking 25 years ago by buying the hottest cinnamon hard candies I could find, and having one in my mouth at all times and did this as long as it took for the smoking craving to go away. I don't remember how long it took, a week or two, but it worked. No matter how much you want to smoke DON'T EVEN TOUCH A CIG. If you find yourself wanting to smoke go do something to occupy your mind, something that takes total concentration, and the craving will go, I promise. My tough period was at two weeks into quitting, then it got easier. Now I never even think about cigs except when I'm around a smoker and can't breathe! It's penance for my years of inflicting my smoking on others. You can do it, and your body and pocketbook will thank you.
Hope this helps.
Susan in Omaha
I caught chicken-pox when I was 50 and felt so vile I stopped smoking( after 30 years!) The craving hit me after a week or so and in desperation I took the refill out of a biro and sucked and twiddled with the empty case. I agree, just one cig and back to square one. I haven't had a smoke in 12 years-I wouldn't dare, I couldn't go through that again. Best of luck and I hope you make it.
