Question

To any ex-smokers, how did you quit? If I quit it would save me approximately 150-200 dollars a month. (Not to mention the health benefits! ) Just thinking about it puts me in high anxiety mode! I would like to do as naturally as possible, (no pills or patches). What kind of mind tricks did you use? I would appreciate any advice!  

Answer 1

I sat outside, wrapped in a blanket then smoked till I got queasy and threw up. While feeling sick and shitty, I sat on my sofa with a trash can still wrapped in the blanket I was wrapped in while smoking. Woke up the next day, washed my bedding, clothes and the Smokey blanket, took a shower and washed my hair. went out to take my dog potty, walked by someone smoking and (as planned) the smell of cigs turned my stomach. Quit cold turkey. Haven’t touched one since. Obvi still has to go they the mood swings, but couldn’t stomach a cig, so I’d go on a walk or run instead.  

Comments

And every friend who ever tried this method after I quit all successfully quit smoking cold turkey. Just under 8 years cig free and still no desire to touch one.  

Answer 2

Vaping tbh

Answer 3

I got pregnant and I never wanted to expose my child to secondhand smoke. It gets easier and eventually you don’t even think about ever.  

Answer 4

My dad carried tic tacs instead of cigs and would pop them, when he felt the need to smoke. It gave him something to do with his mouth and something to reach for.  

Answer 5

I was a heavy 2 pack a day smoker. I decided I wanted to quit. I decided that I was simply a non smoker and would not accept any thoughts that did not fit this description. It was one of the single best decisions I have ever made. You can do this too! I went to a hypnotherapist for one session. I took vitamins and drank a glass of water every time I had a smoking thought. I walked more and avoided alcohol for a month as I knew that it could reduce my resolve. That was June 2004 and I have never smoked nor desired one since.  

Answer 6

First time I quit for 3 years when I found out I was pregnant. Started smoking again in Jan 2018. Jan this year I was heading to Disney World and decided to quit. Put a patch on at 4am. took it off that night. and I haven’t smoked since. My best advice is to be ready to quit, it’s the only way it’ll work. Mind over matter. I was smoking 25 cigs a day.  

Answer 7

I tried & failed but never quit trying. The final time I actually carried a full pack with me for three weeks & I never gave in. I’d cry, find a friend who understood & talked to them until I calmed down. It was rough. Once I got past the three week mark the hold was gone. Good luck to you! Never give up trying! Every break you give your body is an improvement, a moment to heal. I did take up walking & eventually running for the mental health boost!  

Answer 8

In order to quit with the least amount of stress, you have to turn your mind against smoking. Seek out all the information you can on how bad smoking is for you. Look at those things everyday. You can only quit for good if you want to. Make yourself want to.  

Answer 9

Gum helped me

Answer 10

I used bupropion medication. I can’t tell you it is easy but it is worth it. I quit in 2012 when we realized that we could afford a house payment if we quit smoking. Have I fell off the wagon a few times - yes - but even after the fall I can get right back up in the wagon PDQ. Sober me hates smoking & smelling smoke. Me after a few drinks really wants a smoke. So there is that. I know what my triggers are and try to avoid them as much as possible.  

Answer 11

I quit cold turkey. Threw them in the trash and never picked them back up. That was 36 yrs ago.  

Answer 12

Not me but my husband. The method that worked: He did the nicotine gum and when that ended (because apparently it's a program/directions you follow) he switched to regular chewing gum. He did this last summer (June I think? ) and he's been good ever since. He smoked from age 10 or 11 to 27 so for him it was a really hard habit to kick. Prior to this though, he tried quitting the year before and was doing really well. But he was primarily a stress smoker. So something super stressful happened with his brother and he started smoking again. When he tried quitting that time, we slowly decreased the number of cigarettes he could smoke a day. That method seemed to work but clearly not as well as the gum. You can do it!  

Answer 13

I just quit. Boom. One time.  

Answer 14

Cold turkey  

Answer 15

No advice but giving you tons of moral support and kudos. It's one of the most priceless gifts you can give yourself and your family!  

Answer 16

I got pregnant  I've only ever been able to quit smoking when pregnant

Answer 17

Set your mind against it best you can. I kept essential oils in my purse to rub on my temples when I got stressed or craved one. I prayed a lot also. That’s how I quit cold turkey. You can do it!  

Answer 18

Pneumonia. Two years ago. I don’t recommend this method.  

Answer 19

The only thing that worked for me was using a vaporizer with nicotine in it, in the flavour that was the same as my brand of cigarettes. I slowly lowered the nicotine mg’s until I was off nicotine. Then I stopped using the vape. Vaporizers aren’t the best for you, but still better for you and cheaper than cigarettes and I was weaned off completely without cravings or withdrawals within a year. Every other method, I always went back, but it’s been 5 years now! Good luck!  

Answer 20

Lots of gum, cinnamon flavors work best , cinnamon mouth wash when craving hits hard just rinse mouth out with it

Answer 21

I did use patches but this is the mind game I played over 25 years ago. Jan. I decided I was going to quit that year. March. I decided on the date. Mothers day May 10. I ordered the patches. May 10 I threw out the cigarettes and put on the patch. Wore patches from Mother's Day til Father's Day. Never looked back.  

Answer 22

Don't go to the place you normally buy them

Answer 23

Every two weeks I would go down in nicotine level until I was smoking the cigarette with the lowest nicotine level. If you do a search online you should be able to find which cigarettes has what nicotine levels and adjust accordingly. It took me four months but I have smoked in three years.  

Answer 24

I’m right there with you if you need a quitting buddy

Answer 25

I got out my bed at 4am to go 7-11 because I ran out of cigarettes. When I realized something controlled me like that, that I was that addicted, I was D. O. N. E. I prayed. I asked God to help me. I told God I was done, that I couldn’t do it anymore. When I did that, it was as if I had never smoked. I’d tried it on my own & it lasted for 18 months then I got stressed. When I turned to God, no matter how stressed I’ve gotten I’ve never wanted to smoke. That was 40 years ago. BTW: I didn’t even talk to God back in those days but I was desperate.  

Answer 26

I quit because my love told me he didn't care if I smoked but he wouldn't kiss me if I did. It was the easiest way I've ever been given to quit in my life (smoked for 25+years) but that was so worth it. first 2 days were a bit edgy. but after that it was easy! And now it's almost 7 years later :)

Answer 27

I quit because I got pregnant, and now that I’m not pregnant all I want is a cig. 0/10 do not recommend this method  

Answer 28

Get bronchitis that turns into pneumonia. That’s how I did it lol

Answer 29

I quit when I got the flu one year. Best time to quit is when you’re sick! Not saying you need to get sick lol. But that was my experience. After that, it was being self aware of my triggers: driving, drinking, etc. I used to carry around plastic straws and chew on them when I had a craving

Answer 30

A craving only last for a maximum of two minutes. If you can find something to occupy your mind for those two mins every time you can work through the cravings. I quit cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant and never went back. I know some friends that also had success with hypnosis.  

Answer 31

I got pregnant  I'm hoping I don't start up again like I did after having my last child.  

Comments

I quit 3 times with each pregnancy. I can’t go back to smoking cause I’m not having another baby  

Answer 32

Cold Turkey. Chewed gum. Crocheted. Reminded myself of why I was quitting when I wanted to give it Been almost 8 years now. You can do it!  

Answer 33

Not a smoker, but maybe look on YouTube for nighttime hypnosis or meditations that you listen to in your sleep- for 21+days to break a habit! Or try saving up all your butts in a jar with a little bit of water, let sit for a while and then smell it to turn you off the smell of cigarettes?  

Answer 34

I got pregnant lol. In a seriousness, it saved me. Once I had to care about someone else, it was a breeze. Going on 6 years this summer. Now, I won't recommend this method. But it's also what has kept me from going back. There have been plenty of times where it sounded just so good. But my grandma was diagnosed with cancer of her larynx likely from her 65 years of smoking. My grandpa died of heart disease. My dad has almost total lung failure from a lifetime of smoking. My kids deserve to have me around for their kids.  

Answer 35

When I quit I did it cold turkey. Sucked on a cherry lifesaver anytime I wanted a cigarette. Quit for 10 years and started up again. Now I roll my own. About $10-15 a carton it costs me

Comments

@bravar7543 where do you get the tobacco for that i wonder

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@ghassan we have smoke shops around that sell loose tobacco

Answer 36

I used dum dum suckers. Every time I wanted a cigarette a had one. Every time I got in the car, or woke up & went outside & had my sucker. Often times the hand to mouth is an addiction too so this helped me! & BE STRONG! The physical addiction only lasts a couple days, it’s just mental (not that that isn’t hard haha. ) But stay strong! Give your self small rewards when you make a day/week/month etc. to help motivate. YOU’VE GOT THIS!  

Answer 37

When I got a craving, I would hold a pen like a cigarette, flick it, and do the intentional, deep inhale and exhale as if I was taking a draw. Purposeful deep breathing and taking breaks to walk around the building to get fresh air away from my desk.  

Answer 38

I had tried for years never lasted more than a few days tops weeks finally got tired of the smell of smoke on everything and my granddaughter asked me why I smoked one day she said you know momom that the teacher said it’s bad an you can dieso next day went had car thoroughly cleaned out bought sugar free gum tic tacs an I take it to prayer daily after several weeks I didn’t notice anymore It will be a year in August

Answer 39

I got all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out and on the date of the surgery I put in my mind that would be the day I quit. I literally smoked my last cigarette on the way to my appointment. Any time I thought of smoking I would say to myself “I am a non smoker” (as ridiculous as it sounded because I loved smoking) and I never looked back. May 31st will be one year nicotine free. No vapes, patches, anything. Probably my biggest accomplishment. You can do it!  

Answer 40

My husband locked himself in our bedroom on Friday until Monday morning! And quit for good!  

Answer 41

Real life answer and it's gross: Binge smoke all weekend. One rule, use the same ashtray. Everywhere. Take it with you. Then, on sunday night. Dump the butts . . And lick the bottom of the tray. 100% disgusting 100% never smoking again. Created by me.  

Answer 42

Finish all of your cigarettes, no matter what. Than make sure you sleep through the first 8 hour craving. I was a hard core 30 year smoker. Its been almost 2 and a half years and I haven't smoked again. Just make sure you sleep through the first 8 hous craving. By that point you should be good.  

Answer 43

My dad did cold turkey and bought small candies to chew so it kept his hands busy.  

Answer 44

My husband was prescribed Wellbutrin. It’s for anxiety. He quit Ina week. 10 years ago

Answer 45

I was lucky enough to quit cold turkey 6 years ago after smoking for over 20 years. I wish you lots of luck!  

Answer 46

I quit cold turkey on 1/6/93 after trying numerous times over many years. What spurred me on was being scared about a possible medical issue (which ended up being nothing. ) I finally made the decision and in that moment I was a ‘non-smoker’. No desire, no questions. I had what I called ‘squirrel brain’ for about a week. Basically that was a fuzzy brain while I cleared my head. It’s been almost 30 years and not once have I had ANY desire to smoke. I had smoked about 12 years before I quit - pack a day, sometimes more. For me - once I really decided - it’s like a switch flicked in my brain. Stay hydrated, do a lot of self-care, take walks, be prepared with Jolly Rogers candy and things to redirect your attention. You can do it! This is - without a doubt - the best thing I’ve ever done for MYSELF. I love my husband and my children - but I don’t know if I would be alive if I hadn’t quit smoking,  

Answer 47

So I've never smoked but I have another bad habit I'm trying to break, and I found these rings on Amazon they're like a fidget toy. When I go to do the action the ring catches my attention and redirects. Maybe that could help you.  

Answer 48

Not a smoker but an ex-bf of mine smoked a pack a day. He didn't quit cold-turkey but allowed his body to wean off of the nicotine slowly by throwing away 1 cigarette from the pack per week (ie. 1 week he may smoke 8 a day, the next week just only 7 a day, etc. ) It made him actually plan out his smokes "I have 4 cigs left for the day, when should I get to enjoy them? At breakfast, lunch, dinner and 1 left for when.? etc. " His hardest one to give up was the morning one, right after waking up. But he did it.  

Answer 49

When I was trying to quit I would think about my little baby’s. What did mommy smell like. what did it smell like when I hugged them. I didn’t want them to smell an ashtray i wanted them to smell their mom. It might sound really weird but it helped me. I haven’t smoked in 12 years.  

Answer 50

I know you said you want to do it naturally but I couldn’t have quit without the patches. They helped the irritation & I was so scared I’d have a stroke if I snuck a cigarette that I never cheated while on the program  Good luck—it is so hard but definitely doable! Been cigarette free for 18 years now

Answer 51

You can do this! I quit 7 years ago on Dec 4th. To date it is the hardest thing I’ve done with the most significant monetary reward. I used the nicorette inhaler and whenever I had a craving I did 3 things: 1 - I asked myself if what I wanted was possible to achieve if I kept smoking (answer was always no ) 2 - I drank a glass of water 3 - I took up to 3 puffs of the nicorette inhaler. I stopped using the inhaler completely after about 3 months. Remember to drink lots of water to flush your system as fast as possible to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Good luck!  

Answer 52

I quit cold turkey, twice. I started again because I was working with a lot of smokers, so lots of smoke breaks. I quit the job and tried to stay away from people who smoked. When I see/smell one I just remember the headaches and how sick I feel when I haven’t smoked for a while. My last cigarette was July 2017!  

Answer 53

Following! It messes up my budget so badly

Answer 54

Ultimately I used the patch for a few days (like 3 days) just to get over the "hump" ice water THROUGH A STRAW was super helpful! I did dum dums (lolipops) and gummi bears (but lets be real there are much healthier snack options LOL) HOWEVER it is a temp measure so I didn't mind the extra at the time HAHA. (veggie sticks are great ><) I picked up crochet again, and just kept busy! I was told one woman brushed her teeth more because she didn't want to smoke after having minty breath. Regular gum can help too with the minty feel, The biggest issue I had was TIME, you may not realize how much time you spend smoking, one craving at a time is great and all, until you have battled 5 and it is only 10AM UGH I just found ANYTHING to do until it passed! SOME people also have luck with reading "The Easy Way To Quit Smoking" I read it a bit after I quit but he recommends not doing that, that book goes into some psychology of why we smoke, that old friend that is ALWAYS there for you. but is actually a leech! It took me YEARS to get it to stick but now I'm 12+ years smoke free!  

Answer 55

My mom stopped smoking ( smoked for 20+ yrs) because I wouldn't let her hold my daughter when she was a new born. She had to change clothes, wash her hands, and she brushed her teeth( she chose that part) before getting to hold her. She got tired of having to go through that but she understood why I wanted it that way. So she stopped smoking. First few weeks were hard but she did it. You got this! You will feel so much better after stopping.  

Answer 56

The first week just meditate and put your mindset to committing to not smoking. Then the next week just go in full force. I ate peppermints and breath mints to have that burning sensation on my tongue every time I had the urge to smoke. now 20 years later still smoke free. (start an exercise routine as well)And drink lots of water

Answer 57

I cut back before I got PG and it was easier once PG, but I would still Do it the same way now. (I did this 3 times before finally giving up for good 15 yrs ago. My hubs didn’t quit until recently so it was harder for me to stay smoke free but after the last quit the smell alone makes me sick to my stomach) I kept a tally of my daily cigarettes and then tried to reduce by 1 each day. It became a game. Every time I craved one I’d time myself to go 10 mins longer, then 20, then 30 and so on to see how long I could push it off. I changed my habits of smoking so I broke my routine (my hubs didn’t take this advice from me and he still struggles some times because he is in situations where he would have smoked and still wants one then). Find new coping mechanisms for situations to replace when you would smoke. The biggest thing is to break your smoking routine. You don’t realize how much is muscle memory and how hard that is to break. Maybe set up some goals and rewards for being smoke free(and saving all that money). The best for me was when I was smoke free 13 months and my life insurance premium went down. It was like an added reward to my hard work.  

Comments

I found this site a while back and it has some good tips and info  
https://women.smokefree.gov/

Answer 58

Quit Now app. Also, I was ready. You have to be ready.