Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I Quit Smoking - Day 10

Well, I'm now ten days into my non-smoking journey. It has had it's ups and downs, that's for certain. I still don't know if I'm ready to do this. Everyone says that you really have to want to quit in order for it to work. I guess I'm not really sure that I do want to quit. These are 2 things that I know for sure:

1. I have been feeling much better since I quit.
2. It has become very expensive to be a smoker.

On the other hand...
1. I really enjoy smoking.

Hmmm...yep, that's all I've got. There are numerous other reasons why I should continue quitting besides the two I have mentioned. Those are just the top 2 for me. However, the one reason to smoke, is the only reason I can think of.

I have taken 4 drags of other people's cigarettes since I have quit. The first 3 were off the same cigarette. I tricked one of my friends to give me a couple (he didn't know I've been trying to quit). It actually gave me such a buzz that I felt sick. It really didn't taste good at all. It kind of grossed me out actually. But it felt sooo good!
That's what's so terrible about these things! There is nothing good about them! They smell gross, they taste gross, they make you feel gross, they make your insides look gross, they make your bank account look gross, they make other people think you're gross, and the list goes on and on... But...they make me comfortable. And it feels terribly uncomfortable to not have them in my life anymore.

I'm very thankful that the nicotine patches work as well as they do. I'm dealing with enough of an emotional termoil right now, I don't need the physical habit to contend with as well. I can deal with that part 7 weeks from now when I'm suppose to stop using the patch. Hopefully, my emotions will be more in check at that time. Only time will tell. In the meantime, here's a funny little cartoon from the Toothpaste for Dinner website:

134 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% with everything you said. I love to smoke, it's social, it makes me happy, but it's fu*&ing too expensive now, and I'm tired of being a social pariah, SO, I'm on Day 10 now. I did notice last night when I made dinner, people have always raved about my cooking, but I'm a damn good cook! I couldn't believe how tasty the dinner I whipped up was.

wedding luck said...

I am also on day 10 now. The cravings are at a point where I can resist them. The intensity has dropped off. But its the emotional turmoil that has been difficult. It certainly has been the hardest thing to deal with. I have felt very agitated and moody. It is very extreme and at some points can be quite scary. The NRT lozenges have helped. Good luck on your journey. I think its worth going through all this pain. The alternative will be far worse. We will also be stronger people for quitting. Hang in there... they say it gets better.

Anonymous said...

Day ten......still not cool.....but wayyyyyyy better then day 2,3,4 or 5! Stay away from bars if you can still smoke in them, that's been my toughest.

Anonymous said...

It's been day 10 since I've quit smoking. This was the best decision I've ever made. It was very easy! I have no regret. But for those that still want to smoke or are sneaking drags off cigarettes, let me tell you that you have not sacrificed anything. Do not resist the temptations. Accept them and observe them when you get them. Whatever you resist...persists. Just go with the flow. Urges are like clouds in the sky.{ they come and go fast } or waves at the beach. Good luck. Make sure your ready to quit. Screw the pills or the other subs cuz you don't need them. Do it cold turkey. No fear.

Anonymous said...

I am on day 10 of not smoking after 51 yrs. I am much better that I thought I would be. When I get the urge I tell myself that I am no longer a smoker and get over it. I also wear a rubber band on my wrist which I snap when I get the craving. The original post was a few years ago - are you still not smoking?

Jill said...

Yes, I still am not smoking. I didn't succeed on the Day 10 post, I started back on cigarettes shortly after that. However about a year later I tried again using the Chantix pills and that was amazing. If you check my blog page you'll see a new one I wrote up last July. This April 13th will be my 2 year non-smoking anniversary! Best of luck to everyone quitting that awful habit!

Nick T said...

I'm on day 10 and it really is a great decision. DO NOT USE THE PATCH< LOZENGE, PILL, or ANY other sub. JUST stop smoking, it truly is that easy...ALl the withdrawl symptoms are gone for me now and I;m so surprised. I've smoked for 8 years straight. Using those subs just keeps the addiction alive. Please do it cold turkey and just hide for 2 weeks fromt he world....I feel amazing. Smoking is simply a reaction to negative thoughts for the most part, it's a coping mechanism. Just do it, dont fight so much...a little pain wont kill you..i promise

Anonymous said...

Day 10 of No Smoking!!! I feel much better and can tell that I'm breathing better, working out harder and sense of smell is definitely stronger. Was at basketball game last night -- Go Mavs -- and couldn't believe how strong the smell was of the people who had sneaked out for a quick smoke!! That was me for the last 25 years and didn't even realize how bad I smelled!!!!! I am taking Wellbutrin, and it really helps with the cravings. I do notice that I am extremely tired. Hopefully that will go away soon. Would love to know if anyone else is experiencing that. Good luck to all of you!!! This is such a huge accomplishment. Pat yourselves on the back and stick with it!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I too am on day 10 of non smoking :) I did start using champix BUT the side effects for me where to great and they turned me into one very tired zombi, so I have pretty much gone it alone, cant say I feel any different yet but I am loving not having to spend money on them, not having to face our winter out side weather just to get my fix, and that I dont smell like a smoker

Anonymous said...

I am just barely 24 hrs into it -- and prob 10 other times I have tried to quit. I AM GOING TO DO IT THIS TIME. I swear my sense of smell is so much better already -- I can SMELL THE STINK of the cigarettes in my apartment -- HOW GROSS. I will start a blog on my SUCCESS.

Anonymous said...

YOU CAN DO THIS! I loved smoking and am 10 days smoke free. Things get easier everyday and I can't wait until I am completely off of this horrible poison. I will be a slave to these horrible companies no longer!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm on day 10 and it really has gotten easier by the day... Still craving but i'm not going to give in! .. they travel in packs!

Anonymous said...

I too am on day 10 now of what is going to be my final quit. (prev tried 1000ish times!) I had the strangest dream last night that i did smoke and woke this morning feelin so upset. When I realised it was just a dream I was so relieved. It is such an incentive now to know how I would feel if I did smoke which is disgusted with myself and sort of a failure. I'm also loving the little changes that I can see now like being able to smell properly (who knew the scent of your perfume was supposed to last the whole of a night out!!!) having money in my pocket (a big bonus seeing as i'm unemployed) and last but not least the satisfaction that i'm hopefully adding years onto my life and having such a better quality of life. Good luck to everyone on your quit. If i can do it anybody can.

nojokesouthside said...

im quiting cold turkey as well im on day 10. i still crave but not as bad as day 1-5.hopefully i can keep my emotions in check in the upcoming days.

Anonymous said...

i am on day 10. i was a smoker for 19 years and have tried to quit several times. i am pretty sure this is it. i love the way i feel now. my senses seem to be sharper (smell, taste, etc.). i am not useing any nicotine subs, i did it cold turkey. i found that a multivitamin and cranberry juice seemed to speed up the detox part. days 3-5 were the worst for me. i am not having strong cravings anymore. i think i had 2-3 small cravings yesterday. all i have to do is think about how i felt on days 3-5 and the thought of smoking is out the window. i dont ever want to feel that way again. it only takes 1 drag to mess up all of your hard work.... good luck

Anonymous said...

Day 10...No subs, cold turkey.Anyone reading this should know it gets easier after day 5. Ive been a 7 year heavy smoker and this is my first and hopefully final attempt to quit smoking. Ive noticed a major improvement in breathing and my physical cravings' are completly gone. I feel like a million bucks every morning whereas feeling like shit and coughing when i smoked.
"If you are going through hell, keep going," Winston Churchill

Brian R. said...

Im also on day 10 of not smoking. After 22 years. I am 39 years old and am doing it cold turkey as well. I just keep telling myself, If i did it yesterday, today, Theres no reason i cant do it tomorrow. Yes its been hard and your mind plays tricks on you to try and make you go get smokes. But i continue to say NO! i want to live, i like having the 6.00 a day back in my pocket instead of at the smoke shop. Just seeing my dad at age 63 with animea, copd, pneumonia and not being able to walk up 3 flights of stairs without dying for a breath is enough of a reason for me to quit.And as of right now he's still smoking. I dont want to be like that its scarey to see that with him. so good luck to all and i hope we all prevail.

Anonymous said...

I just came across this blog- and it is so helpful, as are ALL of the comments.
I am on day 10, and while I felt like it was getting easier for a couple of days, today feels like hell. Given that I already suffer from some pretty persistent anxiety issues, (and today was a really, really BAD day- my nerves are shot) I realize how dependant I was on smoking. It was certainly my 'crutch', and I miss it today, terribly.
I almost smoked...I came SO close- but then I came across this blog and it stopped me, momentarily.
I appreciate knowing that I am not all alone in this struggle (and it IS a struggle, of epic proportions!)

I hope I can do this- like it was said earlier, I can't bear the thought of going through days 2-5 again- complete hell.

Love and best to everyone!

Anonymous said...

I am also on day 10. I have been smoking for 21 years and quit smoking cold turkey. I feel so much better. I have had a few cravings from time to time, but nothing I can't handle. The worse part is giving up the alcohol too. I know that I don't have the will power to have a beer yet. When my co-workers come in from a smoke, they reek. I am never going back.

Anonymous said...

Hi to whoever reads this.

Its been 10 days now since i stopped smoking. It wasnt really my intention to stop, more a case of lets cut down and see. Yet having set myself a target of getting through one day without, i thought "ok, lets do another day, and another" until i find myself here, day 10 without a smoke.

Ive given up before, so i am under now illusions, but this time...it really does feel different. I think i am mentally ready, wheras in the past its always been a case of...hiding the crafty smoke from the mrs, or the mates...so as not to look like a failure, but knowing i had no real intention of stopping. This time its only me that i will let down & i really dont want to do that.

I havent used any patches, chewing gum or nicotine replacements, just willpower. My biggest test was just the other night when i got together for drinks and poker with my friends, who all smoke. In those hours with them, i did think of asking for a toke or quick lug...but didnt want to say...."i gave up smoking 30 seconds ago" i wanted to say it was 7 days. I am everyso proud of myself for doing this and i intent to make myself proud tomorrow, the day after and so on and so on.

I hope that someone will read this and it will give them the confidence to "make themselves proud".

chrissy said...

....I to am end day 10, have tried eighty million times before but i feel this time is it. to everyone still trying, kudos to us!!!! stay strong and just keep in mind you will live longer,smell better ,look better,feel better and save money!!! woohoo to that!!

Anonymous said...

Day 10 of NS Cold Turkey. I have felt exhausted the past two days, perhaps my body needs more sleep after all this abuse by the cigs. I usually sleep 6 hours per night. My throat is still slightly sore. Was craving food big time over the past 5 days especially. Fighting the urge to pig out. Taking mega vitamins and drinking a ton of fluids. Walking my German Shepherd Pony PUP to stay busy as I work online and have to force the exercise since I started this job.
Stopped drinking 15 days before the smoking, knew I would not be able to stay off the cigs if I were having a few pops at night. Also broke up with my BF 2 months ago. So, the BF went, then the drinking, then the cigs, just keeping busy. It was all connected because the cigs and the alcohol were making it easier to live in denial over the "not the one" relationship and so I took to drinking a bit at night, smoking more, and "pretending" that the relationship was going to get better. He has tried half heartedly to contact me. NOT INTERESTED, staying off the cigs is 100X's more important to me than listening to what he has to say and risking smoking again because he brings out the worst in me. So yes, for me and many the smoking can be a "smokescreen" to other issue's. FACE and DEAL with those issue's and the smoking becomes "easier" to let go of. Not easy; just easier than when the source of your anxiety is looking you right in the face.

God bless and many prayers being sent your way to aid you in your new smokefreelife!!!

David said...

Next month would have been 39 years of smoking. Instead, today marks 10 days of not smoking.

I'm breathing better today than I have in decades. I feel better about myself. I don't pay $7 a day anymore for a habit I'd grown to hate.

Cold turkey was my chosen path. But I did pick up all kinds of ginger candy from the local Asian store. Fiery stuff that's good for my health.

Here's to another 10 days.

Anonymous said...

Well I see this post was from 2008 so I am hoping that you continued on your Smoke free journey.

I have just hit the 10 day mark. I have not had even 1 puff in the past 10 days, but it has been very hard. This is going to be a lifelong battle which, I am sure, will get easier in time. I have just come to realize, that I can NEVER have another cigarette, because one always leads to another.

I found this article very helpful, and honestly, I really related to what this man was saying. He made me look at this from a different perspective. I hope you find it just as helpful =)

http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/misc/smoke.htm

Anonymous said...

I am 18 years old, i've been smoke free for 10 days. This is the tirth time i've tried to quit ( although this is not a try, its a fact ). I HIGHLY recommend allen's carr book/audiotape to quit smoking; whenever I tried to quit in the past, i always thought i was ''sacrificing'' something, even if i had all the correct data ( benefits,etc...). That's until I listened to allen's carr 6 hour speech ( 40 chapters ), after chapter 37 called ''last cigarette'' ( you actually smoke while listening to this ) i made up my mind it was going to be MY LAST ONE. Good luck to all of you, you are giving yourself THE BEST GIFT POSSIBLE.

Anonymous said...

I realize that all of these posts are very old, so I'm hoping someone sees this and reads it. I am on day 10 today of no smoking. I'm 52 yrs. old and had smoked for approx. 39 yrs. I LOVED smoking and admit I still miss it, but after the 1st 2 days of cold turkey and horrendous mood swings I got the patch, and what a Godsend! I hardly ever get the cravings anymore and when I do they're very brief, I can smell so much better, (people that come in from smoking REEK!I smelled like that?) my breathing is a ton better, I don't cough 24-7 anymore and my over-all attitude is so much better. My husband pointed that out to me which I hadn't noticed but then I realized it must be because I am so proud of myself and feel so much better. I have lots of grandkids and a new little grand baby that all mean the world to me, seeing them grow up is so much more important than a rotten nasty stinky expensive habit. AND I have more money to shop for things I want that couldn't afford before. I'm also not as tired all the time cuz I'm sleeping better at night instead of coughing all night! To all of you out there going through this, stick with it, if you're having a big problem and have no aids I highly recommend the patch, trust me, it works!

Anonymous said...

I realize that all of these posts are very old, so I'm hoping someone sees this and reads it. I am on day 10 today of no smoking. I'm 52 yrs. old and had smoked for approx. 39 yrs. I LOVED smoking and admit I still miss it, but after the 1st 2 days of cold turkey and horrendous mood swings I got the patch, and what a Godsend! I hardly ever get the cravings anymore and when I do they're very brief, I can smell so much better, (people that come in from smoking REEK!I smelled like that?) my breathing is a ton better, I don't cough 24-7 anymore and my over-all attitude is so much better. My husband pointed that out to me which I hadn't noticed but then I realized it must be because I am so proud of myself and feel so much better. I have lots of grandkids and a new little grand baby that all mean the world to me, seeing them grow up is so much more important than a rotten nasty stinky expensive habit. AND I have more money to shop for things I want that couldn't afford before. I'm also not as tired all the time cuz I'm sleeping better at night instead of coughing all night! To all of you out there going through this, stick with it, if you're having a big problem and have no aids I highly recommend the patch, trust me, it works!

Anonymous said...

I'm on day 10 too...I haven't used any patches or anything but I did use the website whyquit.com which I read a bit of every day. I found it quite amazing. I printed off chapters of the free e-books and took home to read at night. Now, on day 10, I'm actually not getting cravings, just thoughts of smoking when I forget that I've stopped. I smoked for 22 years, I am 37 this year and it is time for me to stop. Other times I've been unsuccessful felt different, I wasn't mentally ready. That website (whyquit.com) actually helped prepare me for that part of it. Anyway, everyone's different so different things work for different people. Good luck everyone, and good work! :)

Anonymous said...

Ray,

Hi all I;m on day 10. The biggest hurdle for me is that I get depressed and lonely. I live alone with no children. I do date and go out and dance but while trying to quit its difficult. My mood swings are intense. I,m not gaining too much weight as I'm an exercise demon. Gravings are manageable. Anyone else get really depress?

Anonymous said...

Helio everyone
I'm now into day 11 and it continues to be a struggle mainly because every day for 42 yrs I have smoked so this new to me...... I was a child when I started so don't remember really if I felt well at all in my life ! I can say though I'm not wheezing or coughing now so that's a bonus..... Hope I can crack this and good luck to everyone who is quitting x

Anonymous said...

Smoke free for 10 days now. Cold turkey. 17 year smoker. This post documents all of the struggle that I feel everyday. Its nice to know that we are not alone in this struggle to quit. I would like to thank my friends and family for the motivation to want to quit.

But really, there are two people that came into my life that I attribute my need to succeed to. These are the most random of people. The first was a guy who sat behind me at an Eric Clapton concert, and the second is an acquaintance that I don't quite care so much for. Not sure why I attribute my strong desire to quit to these people.

I have been tested several times over the past 10 days. On day 3, I find out my unemployment benefits were being denied. On day 7, I have to take my youngest son into the ER due to a fall from the toilet. On day 8 and 9 I had to deal with hell from my ex-wife.

Its day 10 and I feel fine right now. However, I have terrible cravings all time and the journey has been very difficult. I have had a lot of irritability, anger and anxiety. Every time I get a craving I just close my eyes and take several deep breaths. Really, I have found similar pleasure in deep breathing to a nice throat hit off a cig.

I feel like I have committed to this quit for the rest of my life. But the emotional part has been very hard for me. I just tell myself one day at a time. This seems to have worked for me so far.

I have seen a lot of illness and death related to tobacco use. My great-grandmother smoked until she was 95 while on oxygen dying from emphysema. My grandmother who just passed quit cold turkey 15 years before she got lung cancer and 20 years before she got emphysema. My dad has just quit after decades of smoking. My brother's mother-in-law has been battling blood cancer for nearly two years after decades of smoking. My grandfather is having sever problems with his throat despite having quit cigar 35+ years ago. The list goes on.

I know I will feel happier as time goes on. It must get better. I do see many positive side effects of not smoking already. Stay strong and breath deep.

May-the-force-be-with-you.

Adrian said...

I am also on day 10, I was on my 7th day when I really felt the worst urge to start smoking again but then I thought of my wife and daughter and how I would like to be with them longer... I started taking deep breaths and a wonderful thing happened, I also felt similar pleasure of breathing deeply rather than having a smoke. We can do this!!! I already tried a hundred times but I really feel this time this is it! Feel so much better... I am posting this because like you, I was searching on this 10th days since I am having a big urge and this site really helped me a lot...thank you!

Anonymous said...

Today is Day 10 for me as well. It's been difficult at times, the worst being my short fuse. I find I get very agitated and snap at my husband a lot. He has been very patient though for which I am lucky. Working in an office has made the days pretty easy without wanting to smoke, it's the evenings that are more difficult. I smoked for 20 years and have tried to quit several times. I am on Zyban and hopefully this will be it. I have started exercising a lot which is helping because I think overall this really is a lifestyle change. I realized I had to quit smoking when I heard wheezing in my chest. I am 37!

Best of luck to everyone!

Anonymous said...

Hey all you fellow Day 10 quitters...way to go!!! wow..who knew 10 days could feel like 10 months? I agree days 3 - 5 were probably the worst for me as well although I got pretty discouraged on day 7 wondering if the cravings were ever going to end. I have felt the best today of any day so far..had a few triggers set off a couple of cravings but nothing to severe. Absolute best part for me today is the feeling that I am getting my sense of humor back. Carry on, friends and never take another drag.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh people, WE ARE DOING IT!!! We are kicking butts (literally) and takin names. This has been one of the most difficult things to overcome in my life and there is no way I am goin back to that filthy, nasty habit that had such a hold on me it dictated where I could go, what I could do all based on how I would be able to smoke my next cigarette when I got the craving. I have such great admiration for everyone sticking with the quit..kudos to you all. Don't give up..don't give in. We can do this and be free.

Theresa said...

Well it looks like I found the 10 dayer club here so Ill add my self to this fine line of people. I too am on day 10. Ill be 50 in June and have smoked since age 13. I have run the gammut of patches, gums and medications to help me quit and over and over they all failed me. Maybe it wasnt them, maybe it was me that failed myself.My dad had a 4 pk a day habit and quit cold turkey at 52 because his lungs were so full of tar- it was quit or die. Until he passed in 1999 at age 79- he still enjoyed the smell of a cigarette and once in a while would hold one while it burned to smell it. I am in the same boat. Im on the patch again- ( the big medication tablet thats out there gave me every severre side effect possible- even suicide) so I was taken off that and went back to smoking- until 10 days ago. On a whim- I found out my insurnace company offered the patch for free and figured- why not. There are things I dont miss- the cough and other physical things but i do miss the smell- not knowing what to do with my hands when I drive, sit and talk to others, sitting with coffee on the patio...Ive tried other things to replace it but nothings worked. I wont smoke- I have come this far but I sadly am one of the few that miss the smell, taste, feel of a cig at trigger points in my day

Anonymous said...

This is Brian R. again. i posted back in jan on my 10th day. I just wanted to update fellow posters that im still 100% smoke free since Jan 2. Not even one drag or nothing since quitting cold turkey im still batteling this and as you can sread you can do it to. GOOD LUCK

Anonymous said...

I too am on day 10 and I have to say this has been so far the most difficult day. I feel utterly depressed ever since I woke up this morning, I have put on 3lbs in weight, feel tired and the weather is awful.... but if today is the worst I will feel then that means tomorrow can only get better... I will hold on till then and keep breathing all that fresh air.

Howard said...

I didnt expect to find anything on the website relating to Day 10 but here you all are ! I hope those of you who had quit have still quit. I too am on Day 10 and finding it the hardest day today and chewed 3 biros and shouted at 4 staff. I have smoked for 29 years and I am 45 years old. I watched my Dad die of smoke related illnesses but even that didnt stop me at the time. I hated having to hide the fact that I was a smoker and going off to some far off corner when it was pouring with rain because I was so dependent on the pesky things. But they did make me feel good, never answered me back and were reliable. I gave up because I hated relying on them and at 40 pence each - I could do so much more with the money. I was also suffering from terrible gum disease and some of my teeth were quite lose. My dentist couldnt do anything or wouldnt do anything all the time I was smoking. In 10 days I can honestly say that none of my teeth are lose now and I think ive done the best thing ever. Breathing is fantastic and the coughing has gone (didnt even realise I did cough I was so used to it). The other best thing is that my singing voice is so much better too and this is better for people listening.

Good luck fellow people who used to smoke. Its worth it.

Anonymous said...

I have been a smoker for over 40 years. I am 69 years of age and I finally feel like it's time to quit. I am on day 10 today and it feels great. I breath better and I don't need to go to the store every other day to pick up a pack of SMOKES. I became a closet smoker later in life as I was so ashamed that people would think that I smoke. I got so sick and tired of hiding and paying all that money out for this bad habit and wanted to change finally. Tired of making sure I had enough smokes for the next day etc.
This time it's for good. NO MORE SMOKING. I am on the patch which works great. The urges aren't that severe now and I haven't told my family what I am accomplishing, only because I failed in the past and would like to surprise them. It is nice to see that I am not alone. Good luck to all of you. We will succeed this time.

Anonymous said...

Thank you all! I am on day 10 cold turkey ,a secret shameful habit for over 25 years. Today is my hardest day,even mad because my husband didn't call me back in time to get me a pack...thank god. I am good for tomorrow and hope everyone else is too! Unbelievable such a little thing is so addictive ,need to shield our children and grandchildren from this terrible habit

Anonymous said...

Hi all.. Thank you for all the posts...... Whenever I have a craving I come online and read these posts.
I am on day 10 & god I can hardly beleive it...... I am a software profesional.... And everyone told me..... One day you will have a worst day in ofice... Lot of work.... And that day you wil smoke again...
Well I had a rough day at work ..... My eyeys were red ... Face swollen.. Stressed out... My body automatically telling me to go and have a fag.... Without my knowledge my feet kept moving to a shop to buy fag.....but then suddenly I realise nope.....never I wanna smoke....
my co worker looking at my pathetic situation...offered me to have a smoke and he would inform no one...... I know how hard it was to say no...........
But good decision are sometimes hard.....

I am hapy today at end of day 10 that I have continued a non smoker....and I wish you all the very best.... Good good life

Anonymous said...

Hi, my names Zoe i am 22 with 2 gorgeous little girls, i have smoked since i was 14/15.. i smoked around 15 a day.

I am on day 10 of no smoking.. I decided a few weeks ago that i wanted to quit smoking.. I didnt quit a few weeks ago as we had a girly night weekend out in cardiff & i knew if i quite before that id just fail come that weekend. On the Tues after that weekend i decided to quit, didnt tell anyone.. Went into work & everyone was shocked that id called it a day on the fags. I have to be honest, i have found it fairly easy to quit as its something i wanted to do, rather than something i was told i had to do. I find in my job that the only time we really get a 5min break is if you smoke, the first day i stayed inside while everyone went out to smoke, i did find that kind of difficult & i felt like just smoking to get them extra 5mins here and there, but insted i just went outside with everyone but didnt smoke- if i started smoking the only person id be letting down is myself..

Tonight has been quite hard for me, im not to sure why tho??

The only thing i miss about smoking is its 'something to do' something to pass 10mins away, something to do while driving to work etc.. I dont really know what to do with my hands.

Ill come back soon & let you all know how its going xxxx good luck to u all xxx

Anonymous said...

Guess this is where you go when you are on Day 10 and wondering how others are dealing or have dealt with their quit up to now. I am 51 and have quit a million and one times. I guess the benefit to that is I know exactly what to expect now when going cold turkey. Day 1 I will keep arguing with myself that 'maybe we should start tomorrow instead.' Day 2 I will start getting irritable and become gassy (why quitting on a weekend is imperative). Day 3 I appreciate the extra energy and better breathing already. As the days go on I know to expect to be tired, have insomnia, crave sweets, and be depressed/emotional. Strange that I can be SO committed to quitting one minute, but then HAVE to have a cigarette the next. I have failed many quits just by wanting/needing that ONE smoke. So I know...even though I am really having some cravings today....don't do it...appreciate how good you are feeling....remember - it just isn't an option anymore!

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me as well. Using E cigs now. Love not smelling like stale cigs. Threw out all my ash trays and butts I had in various potted plant containers. I'm telling you on day 1 I kept looking for butts not all the way smoked! Then realized how pathetic I really was. Never knew how strong this addiction really was. I always said I could quit if I wanted, but man this is a challenge. Before starting e cigs I decided every time i wanted a cig I would have to do 5 push ups, well day 2 I could barely raise my arms to wash my hair, so I had to think of something else to take my mind off of smoking. There really isn't anything to take your mind off of it. I think I will think of this as a scar that maybe in time will heal, but as of day 10 I have not smoked . Just taking it day by day and reading how bad smoking is to keep from even thinking of lighting up ever again. Good luck to all of us on day 10 we can do it.

Chalmster73 said...

Finding this blog on my day 10 was Gold. I've smoked for 20 yrs and tried to give up a few times unsuccessfully. Each time I started up again I felt even more guilty and stupid door smoking than before. I enjoyed the cigs less and less but felt I needed to smoke more and more. Expensive, stinky, filthy things...but why do we want them? Anyway, my cuzzie and best buddy bridesmaid and I decided we would quit together this time, cold turkey. We smoked our last cigs together on Thursday night, and spent our first smoke free day together EVER on the Friday. Tis wasn't too hard. The next 3 days were tricky and moody and strange, and out husbands both copped some rudeness and abuse. Having each other to call daily and give each other a boost or be heard and understood was really really good and helped us both arrive here at day 10 feeling great about this decision, We decided that hard stuff will always come up in life and using these situations as an excuse to keep smoking will mean that we will never stop smoking and shorten our lives. So if we can do it... So can you and you and you. Although the 'we' helped in kick starting this mission, I know its only up to me to Be good to myself and my body. Save money, don't stink and don't miss something you thought you enjoyed... You are not a drug addict any more. You are free. Yipeeee !!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi all

I'm 25. Have smoked for 6 Yeats , 15 a day and now I am coming to the end of day 10 of quiting. I decided to quit after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

It's been so hard and I couldn't believe how strong the cravings are. Every now and then the craving will sweep over me and I just have to clench my fists and put my head down until it passes. Tjus was a lot easier once I read a craving only lasts 3 minutes. I keep thinking that if I can last x amount of days already then i can last that many more as u have already abstained for that long.

I feel a lot better already though. My skin is clearing up and my sense of smell and taste are coming back. Only bad part is that my lungs have been cleaning themselves out do I've been coughing a bit. Hopefully I will stick to this and get to day 1000

Anonymous said...

I am 27 years old and i started smoking at 19 and smoked through the last 9 years and on an average 10 sticks a day.

Today i am on the 10th day of my no smoking life. it is very easy to quit if you have a strong will power, the only thing you need to avoid is the most craving times spend with some non smoker friend or over a phone or over internet to divert your mind. thats all and YOU WILL LEAD A HEALTHIER AND WEALTHIER LIFE than you are heading when you are a smoker. happy living :-)

Anonymous said...

This blog was started in 2009 and the latest post is 2012. Lot's of folks here with some good advice. I'm actually not on day 10 but day 13. For me, going cold turkey is a pride thing. I want to think that I can do this on my own, without more drugs. For me, it's not about the cravings, it's about how I can rationalize them. It's how ya i never smoked very much to begin with. It's I can smoke just 1 or 2 when I'm drinking and it'll be fine. I remember I had a dream last night, and I was smoking in it, and how I felt defeated in myself from that dream. It is frustrating. I don't like to apologize to my wife when she want's my attention and I'm so aggravated that I blow up. I enjoyed smoking. I felt that smoking added to my own personal character, and I feel that I'm less interesting now that I don't smoke. Another kicker is that I'm bitching here and I know that countless folks have kicked that habit, but it doesn't make it any easier. I just hope that maybe I can drop in in 3 years and read this post and write one that says, no worries guys, you got this...

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me. Quit Cold Turkey with help of Allen Carr's book. Book a big help and I'm constantly telling myself I'm a NONSMOKER, yipppeeee. I am having a few cravings, but not as bad as a few days ago. Never want to do those screaming/crying first days again, so breathing deep and staying the course. We can all do it. We can all be free.

Anonymous said...

Hi all. I'm actually on day 8 cold turkey. 42 yr old male, been smoking for 25 yrs. This is THE single biggest decision we will all make in our lives. It was mentioned in an earlier post about avoiding alcohol for a couple of weeks until we get this under control. I totally agree and think that is the key to a successful quit. My skin is so much better and the black circles have gone from under my eyes! What a fantastic decision we have all made. Nobody finds smoking attractive. Its filthy so dont go back. Love john

Cathy said...

Today is day 9 for me. Like 4 years ago, I have decided to go cold turkey. The last quit was 57 days and I started puffing from friend's cigarettes and then before I knew it, I was a full on smoker again. Just like every smoker I know, I LOVE smoking too. The problem is, smoking DOES NOT love me! What am I doing with a ciggie in my left hand and my asthma pump not far from my right?!! This time seems easier though. I've just turned 49 and it's time to be sensible. I have been with my smoking friends every day of my quit and for some strange reason, I do not have the urge to sneak a puff or to ask for 'just one'. I am also starting to see that my view that "smokers have more fun than non-smokers" was rather distorted. I am still having fun. My breathing has become so much easier. The tightness in my chest is 90% better and that cough that I told myself was another cold, has just about gone! I do believe that the urge to smoke never really leaves you and that an ex-smoker can light up even after years and years of quitting. That does not deter me though. I am DONE with this terribly smelly, harmful, expensive habit. I'm doing it one day at a time. Each morning I say to myself: "today I am not smoking". Good Luck everyone!

Anonymous said...

Wow. There are 9 months of day 10 quitters here! I can't believe my luck in finding this. Today has been the hardest day ever. Cried the majority of the day. Decided to "screw it" and just smoke because clearly I'm not up for this "right now" (how many times have I said this?!) and walked to the liquor store. I walked in went to the back to get a soda, because I can't smoke without something flavored to drink. And then I just walked out and went back home to cry some more! Didn't buy any, didn't smoke! Yippee! I really thought that after the nicotine left my body ( which was supposed to be after 72 hours)the cravings wouldn't be so bad, but they are! have Allen Carr's book and am just trying to read that and remind myself of all the things I gain by not being a smoker anymore. Ugh. This is a hell of a drug. I have been sober for almost 3 1/2 years off drugs and alcohol, but this is a whole other ballgame! Thank you all for your posts, really helps to not feel alone in this. Good Luck Everyone! We can do this one day ( one hour, 10 minutes) at a time :) xo

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me now too. What a great freakin day. Good job to all of you who find this site on your tenth day. I truly do believe we've made it thru the hardest part.

I feel like a new person today. Lots of air and energy no groggy, headachy, crappy feeling from smoking. So much better than day 5 when I found myself in the drug store crying over pet sympathy cards. lmao.

And to the big tabacco companies, F@#% YOU, you won't own me again.

42 yr old Mother of 3, grandmother of 1.
28 yr smoker @ a pack a day.

Anonymous said...

Yep, day 10 for me, too. I've quit many times, been a closet smoker (or so I thought) for many years. I'm 49 years old, and started as a child in a smoking household. I honestly can't remember how it felt to do anything without thinking about smoking. I remember being in school and needing to get home to get a fix.It isn't a physical craving now, it is just that every single thing I do I think about smoking. It's like I don't know how to do anything without them. I hope I make it this time. I hope I can re-train myself to think like a non-smoker. Every time I want to go smoke I remind myself that since now I'm a non-smoker it wouldn't make any sense to smoke. I don't want to go through days 1-5 again. Worst headache ever and couldn't stay awake (a blessing, really). Didn't plan to quit, just ran out and decided, hey, I think I'll give quitting a try. Almost can't believe I've made it this far.

Anonymous said...

Day ten smoke free after 16 years I am 31years old I have two beautiful daughters I wanna live..if I have quit cold turkey so can you a pack a day no more..god bless us all.stay strong day by day..

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone !!! I'm on day 10!!! Yay!!! I started smoking when I was a little girl, my mom died when I was around 9-10 and that's when I started smoking.! My sister and I were adopted by our aunt and we were brought here to America , our relationship with step parents didn't go well and that made me smoke even more. I'm 25 now, happily married, have wonderful child. My family is everything to me!!!!! I want my child to have mommy.

I'm soooooooo proud of us guys !!!!!!
We can do it !!!!!!
:-)

Brian R. said...

This is Brian R. again i just wanted to update fellow quitters that im still 100% smoke free and jan 2 2013 will be 1 year !!!!!!!!!!! yes, i have gained 30 pounds since but hey atleast im not smoking and im working on losing the weight now. You all can do this! im so pround to be 15 days away from my 1 year.

Anonymous said...

Hello whoever reads this!

Today is my 10th Day cig free :D. I used a patch for the first 6 days (i lost one lol), then decided to just continue without the patch. I'm not saying the patch didnt work, because it is super effective, but it does make me rash and itch, and makes the muscle where i place it very sore. Ok anyway, the first 2 days i thought where pretty easy, but days 3-5 i had strong flu like symptoms and its those 2 days i tried to remember the most. I told myself i'm never smoking another cig becasue this is the worse feeling ever! So after 6 years of smoking, i'm finally clean, and its a good feeling. Whenever i have the urge to smoke, i just look online to help me cope and remember im not alone through this, and if i still have doubts, i read what the people who JUST quit have to say and it makes me stronger. Hang in there guys, we can do it :)

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me too. Cold Turkey.And I am/was close to 2 packs a day.
First off, I'm shocked that I've made it ten days. There was no 'plan,' no 'date,'--ten days ago instead of buying more I said "Enough." For the first week I just didn't feel 'complete.' Driving, eating a meal, taking a break at work. Without thinking, my hands will still reach for a lighter that isn't there. I miss it. Today I realized that the pain of not smoking is stronger for me than the desire to smoke. If that makes any sense. It's not that I want to smoke. I just want to stop the pain of 'not smoking.' What's helped me is to plan a vacation in a few months (I can easily afford one it this keeps up.) I substitute cigarettes with Charms Blow Pops and Lipton Diet Green Tea (bitter leafy aftertaste.) And when I feel I'm at my lowest I say, "Don't blow this. You already know how it feels to go back to smoking after trying to quit. Yeah it's great for about five minutes, but then it passes and you're no further ahead than you were. Don't stop now for five minutes." Do the unexpected. Go to the unfamiliar place.

Anonymous said...

I'm on day 10 too! Have had a love /hate relationship with cigs for many years now! Am 50 in a few weeks so decided - no more! It's not been easy going cold turkey - but the substitutes seem pointless to me - but good luck if they help you! I loved smoking and I do miss it - but it is a nasty, smelly habit that shortens your life! We all have something to be proud of...I started smoking again nearly two and a half years ago, after not smoking for 13 years - how stupid was that! I have started to feel better, although I could have seriously given in yesterday after a stressful time at work - but I didn't. Food is becoming a bit of an issue and I'm feeling fatter ( put on a few pondsl already) and more uncomfortable, as soon as the tiredness passes I'm starting some form of exercise plan. I do feel very emotional and tired - I don't remember that from last time I quit! So all this negative stuff can be put in the bin with the cigs and let's look at the positives... here's to day 11 for us all. love to all x

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone...

I'm also on day 10 and its been tough. I'm not brave enough to drink alcohol yet as they go hand in hand for me. I've always enjoyed smoking but hated the hold its had over me for a number of years. Good luck to you all x

Anonymous said...

Im on day 10 of quitting. It all happened on new year's eve. i didnt plan it. it wasnt a resolution. i just decided to have my last puff 5 mins before the new year started bcuz ive always hated the way it made me feel physically but i did enjoy lighting it up. That was the last headache from ciggies, the last feeling of being short of breath, the last feeling to smell stinky and buying expensive perfume to spray it off...everytime i miss it i look at smokers and feel pity that i was once on that side of the fence ..and i keep thinking of my brain which feels like sponge...how much i abused it and it makes me sad and then i think i am not going to smoke bcuz i love smelling like i just stepped out of the shower...it's sexy! Sometimes i just go eat this way i shock my taste buds and my senses and suddenly i dont feel like smoking. just keep finding excuses not to smoke and it works...it's like finding excuses not to call an ex lover ...sometimes i reward myself by having ice cream when i feel like smoking :) it works. replace an old habit with a new one. go to the gym for example which is also what i do and it feels great cuz gym makes u feel and look sexy and its hard to workout if u smoke.

Anonymous said...

I'm also on day 10! I have tried and failed 6 previous times. I had tried cold turkey, the patch, the gum, Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR and this time Wellbutrin XL. This has been hands down the smoothest first week that I have ever experienced. Those on medications, it IS a bit of crap shoot. The SR version of Wellbutrin left me bonkers and I had to drop it and I heard enough negative effects from Champix to bother trying. I think no matter the measure one takes, being whole-heartily ready to be a non-smoker (as opposed to guilt, shame etc.) makes all the difference. I'm excited. This is the first time that I've had a craving and not even entertaining giving into it.

Good luck to all!

Vinod said...

Practice YOGA to increase your chances of success…Best in the morning but can be done in the evening.
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/sunsalutation.asp

Vinod said...

practice yoga for better chances of success, best in the morning but can be done in the evening.
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/sunsalutation.asp

Anonymous said...

10 days down cold turkey, we got this.
Thanks for everybody's comments helped through the bad times. Honestly, don't even have one puff. That's the key.
Happy, healthier life.

Anonymous said...

Thanks all for posting. Only on Day 7, but smoker for 41 years and looking forward to Day 10 and celebrating year 1 etc., Smoke Free! Bottom line, mind over matter, but hard when mind feels like mush, ha ha. I like the rubber band on wrist and snapping it suggestion. Get sleep, lots of exercise and lots of fluids, and fight the urge. Breathing better and food is better, loving life more each day!

Anonymous said...

Came across this blog and the comments two days ago when I was struggling on Day 8 of my cold turkey. Reading other people's struggles really helped, so decided to return on my own Day 10 to wish anyone reading this all the very best in getting free of this filth.

Anonymous said...

Well done everybody.I am 38 have been smoking 20 a day since i was 16. I am on day 10 of being a non smoker, yesterday was the worst day for me, very irritable, shouty , moody dont know how i got through it, today feel fine though, i love not smelling like an ashtray. breathing easier and thinking about all the money i am saving, (my daughter will be 17 in 6 months time so i am going to buy her a car with the money i will have saved) i wont let her down and i wont let myself down. I WILL DO THIS.

Anonymous said...

This is great to rad through the history here. I'm on Day myself and to be honest - it's not too bad at all. Been a light but persistent smoker (5 - 7 per day) but been smoking for 26 years, I have 2 kids that are 14 and I need to be there for them when they grow up AND I WANT TO PLAY WITH GRANDKIDS. So that was my motivation to stop. My daughter when she was only 4 made a beautiful little picture that says "Daddy It's Good Not To Smoke" and I kept it all these years. I have it now and God willing, this will be it for me and the awful addiction. Good luck to you all for Day 11 and thousands more

Anonymous said...

Great find! A Day 10 Quitters club. Yes, I am here and the drive home from work tonight was the worst Yet. All the way home, (30 minutes) in the house, glass of water, jumping jacks, still high anxiety and craving badly. I will not give in. Did this cold turkey, no substitutes, no pills and yes day 2 through 5 were awful but TODAY is a longer, episode of anxiety than anything prior. Why today?? ARrggghhh. Going to go to bed REally Early and get past this. I have smoked for 37 years. Started at 17 and quit 10 days ago at 53. This was about my 10th quit attempt and yes, I have learned the lesson, not one more puff, not ever. And so it shall be but damn.....today is Hard. I do know that this too shall pass. Good Luck to All!

Brian R. said...

Im still 100% smoke free jan 2 2013 was one year. If i can do it so can all of you... and if you slip then try again. My best wishes for all of us for even trying let alone quitting..

Anonymous said...

The comments on this blog from people going through the same thing have been very helpful. Day 10 - it ended about 7 minutes ago - was the most difficult day for me. I woke up with the urge to smoke and it seemed like the craving didn't go away for most of the day. I muscled through it and am pleased to report that I didn't have a smoke. Thanks for the help to all who posted.

vanilla lala said...

Hi fellow 'day 10' people! This is also my day 10. Day 3 was probably hardest, but now it's totally fine. Sometimes I remember I used to smoke and already it seems like so long ago. What was I thinking?! I read Allen Carr's book, and it was brilliant. We are not giving up smoking. We are quitting the fags and gaining a better life. Peace, love and good health to you. You've come this far reader, you owe it to yourself to power through to YEAR 10, let alone Day 10! X

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me and today has been my hardest.I'm using 24hr patches and cools nicorette lozenges,only used a few of the lozenges as they have given me ulcers. Very painfull. I've shocked myself can not believe I've not had 1. When lm out walking I feel so much better not out of breath and things around me smell much better oops lol I smell much better. Good luck everyone to a healthier,richer,longer life xx

Anonymous said...

Day 10 not smoking!!! I quit after 25 years of smoking. I quit cold turkey and it wasn't a scheduled event. I woke up on day one and decided I was going to try to go all day without one. That day went fairly easy, the next four days were the roughest with severe mood swings. Thankfully my husband and children understand and are fully supportive. Today I feel great and the mood swings are less intense and the cravings have pretty much ceased. When I do think about it I use lifesavers to put in my mouth and that curbs the craving. I believe we can all do it if we put ourselves in the right mind set. I have tried several times in the past and failed. But never give up and try again. The one piece of advice I can give you from my own past experience is don't have just one or a drag off of someone's be stronger than that and the urge will pass. Quitting this time has been stressful but I have been successful I was rear ended on day 5 and had a major urge to smoke but I took a deep breath and dealt with it and it felt good not having a smoke claiming "I need it to help me with stress" that use to be what I thought, but now I know I can handle things differently. Walking has really helped with stress or focus on cleaning in the house. I am proud of my ten days and look forward to counting years smoke free.

Anonymous said...

I have been smoke free for 10 days! Yesterday and today are really rough - but I won't smoke. I quit cold turkey after 50 years of smoking 12-15 cigs a day - the last 15 years as a closet smoker. I haven't noticed any difference in breathing and I never did have a cough. Food does taste better and I'm quite sure I smell better. Here's to a smoke free life! Good luck everyone!

Anonymous said...

Was nice to find this - Im on day 9no smoking after a pack a day for 25 years (i'm 42). Started with Champix and stopped taking the pills after the first few days. 9 days feels like a long time!! Im having a really rough time with exhausition and feeling cloudy - I have a non nicotine e-cig which helps with craving.. I just cant wait until the energy comes back and the cloudiness lifts...Reading this blog helped - I have no intention of having another cigarette - the journey has been too difficult to just throw away
- Good luck everyone!!! the farther away from your last cigarette the better you will be!

Anonymous said...

Well I guess I'm not the only one who googled "10 days no smoking" haha.
I miss smoking! I love smoking, its just the way it is. And people can say what they want, a drink always taste better with a cig, starting a conversation with others (obv smokers) is easier, and it makes you feel less full and bloated after a massive meal. But my son informs me that he will be very cross indeed if I die, and I will,so it was time to quit again. I can't even remember how many times I've tried. In a few minutes it will be day 11.. that must be pretty good going, right?
Problem I suppose is really that I never coughed, I am never sick, i have a good sense of taste and smell etc. In short I've none of the things that make me feel better when I quit as on day ten I am feeling exactly the same, apart from being annoyed I can't have a cigarette. The only difference is that my stamina is improving. But this is probably also because I associate being out walking with smoking, so I am now running everywhere haha.

Well anyway,enough moaning from me. It's been a great help to read everyones posts so thanks for them. This time we will all do it! :)

Anonymous said...

Im on day 10 today and has definatly been the hardest. I did nearly buckle in the middle of a challenging night shift but managed to walk away with my inhaltor stick. No one else would have known if i had snuck a cigarette from a collegues drawer as i was lone working but i would have known so defo proud of myself walking away. However today is the day my chest has felt tightest and loose. Noone else here seems to have had this so is it unlucky coincedence?

Unknown said...

I am on my tenth day of not using tobacco products (menthol cigars and smokeless wintergreen tobacco). Like every time I quite tobacco before, it was always cold turkey. I wanted the withdrawls to be a reminder to me that smoking is not worth it. Also, I would only be satisfied if I quit on my own, with God giving me strength. I see nothing wrong with patches, gum, etcetera, but I wanted to quite without that help. Also, I always had to have hot coffee with every smoke. Needless to say, I drank pots per day. My kidneys hurt so much that when I went to the doctor's, they put me on morphine. Between my excess coffee intake and hours of spitting, I was extremely dehydrated. I am happy to say that my urine is no longer dark orange, but working toward an almost pleasant clear consistancy. Fortunately, after the third day of withdrawls it got much easier for me. Until the third day, though, it was like I was coming down off of a heavy drug. In my withdrawls, I slept plenty. And for the short time that I was up, day and night, I did things around the house. I found that I woke up throughout the night, but I am not certain why. Perhaps, it was because I constantly had nightmares and woke up with my hand held to my lips as if holding a cigarette; in my dreams I was smoking, and when I woke up, I really thought that I was smoking. I remember looking at my fingers where the cigarette would have been and wondering where my smoke went. I looked on the floor, but to no avail. I got nervous that I would burn the house down in my sleep. But I knew prior to quitting to discard everything affiliated with tobacco; cigarettes, can of dip, ashtray, any cigarette butts left laying around, and lighters. Fortunately, I planned quitting tobacco on Friday, which was my last day of work before my weekend, and I would be off Saturday and Sunday. This, I knew, would be sufficient time for the nicotine to leave my system. Now, I just have to wait for my new non-smoking lifestyle to form into a habit. I knew that this would come when I begin to wake up forgetting about having that first smoke with that hot cup of coffee. I quit driking alcohol sometime back, so this was one problem checked off. What really bothered me was that I realized that by the rate I was going, between smoking and dipping, I certainly would have wound up getting something. And it always bothered me that tobacco kept me from God. I quit many a times. I stopped for years, but allowed myself to again, pick up those: soul clinching, chest tightening, lungs-filled of fluids and always coughing, living in a smoker's pleasurable moment, nasty odor always lingering, cigars and dip. Now, I do not have to be living in guilt with a lifestyle of sin...I am free. Woo hoo. If we all endure but for a brief time, we shall have quality and quantity of days ahead. Lord's will.

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me too! I'm 39 & have been smoking since I was 12! The last 20 years I've been smoking more than 20 a day and I thought i'd never be able to quit. I have "quit" more times than I can remember but usually last somewhere from 6-36 hours. I was reading through these blogs and a few other sites I have taken some of the advice on board and can tell you IT WORKS! it aint easy but it does get easier I promise. If I can do it ANYONE can. I've been cold turkey for 10 days now and the first 5 were real hard but its getting easier. I have pretty much hidden from the world since I quit to avoid temptation. Keeping my emotions in check has been real tough, I was made redundant in June and haven't found another job yet so im skint, worried sick about money and have endured an emotional battering "mostly from myself".

IF YOU WANT TO SUCEED then change everything in your day. AVOID familiarity! What I mean is if you get up at 06:00 each day then go to the toilet, walk the dog then have a coffee. Try getting up 10/15 mins earlier or later, start your day with a large glass of water and try changing your first coffee of the day for a fruit tea. It may sound harder changing lots instead of just changing your smoking habit. But I have found that by making dozens of very small changes to my routine, I miss smoking less. Today I went to visit friends and we sat on their patio drinking coffee and they were smoking and at first I really wanted one, then when I could smell theirs, I just wanted to leave It was disgusting! (which was great!) I was chuffed that I hated the smell. Still only day 10 today, I'll check in on day 30 & let you know if I have made it!

Good luck all
Andy

Unknown said...

10 days in nicoderm cq has been working for me.I have had one bad day it was day 7 other than that it has been good I feel so much better just after 10 days I do get tired a lot sleep more

Unknown said...

good luck everyone I am day 10 feeling so much better I struggled on day 7 but made it through I use nicoderm patch it works well for me

Anonymous said...

I am quitting cold turkey, I've tried to quit several times before many different ways. I read this blog on day 10 when I was having a hard time. I am on day 12 and I feel like I'm losing it, but I'm proud of myself for not giving in. I just keep thinking if you smoke you just have to do this all over again. My first week was easy now I really have to fight the urge and the mood swings are awful. I can't wait till I get to my year and am able to say I made it. Maybe help someone else.
You not alone.

Mixalis said...

ivjdre2aThis is my Day 10 of no smoking after 30 years of 1 pack per day addiction. I am 54 years old and at last dare to think positively about the future. This is my inspiration. I have gone cold turkey after previously trying everything, acupuncture, hypnosis, gums, patches and dummy fags. I am acutely aware that I have to be strict with myself but I am never going to smoke again. My toxic past is now history and here's to a breath of fresh air for the future.

Saqib said...

It is not as difficult as it seems to be to a smoker. It is always the element of fear that keeps you from quitting. You need to incorporate exercise and intake of healthy liquid. To counter the mouth fixation buy some sugar free chewing gum. Thats the gear you need you dont have to be an extra ordinary person to quit . I quit im normal and so are all of those people who have quit.

Anonymous said...

day 10 cold turkey after about 20 years off and on trying. i usually get thru 6 months a year and then back. the good news is i wont stop trying i want to stop. so much illness in my family from it. for me prayer and trusting god more and my flesh less is what helps control my mind and body. his holy spirit in me and not what my natural self would do.

Anonymous said...

Day 10, not sure how I got this far but I'm here and it's not that bad. I used nicotine gum for 8 days and gave those up too. I have lifted weights half and hour a day six on one off and this ,I think, helped out immensely. I have been eating pretty much anything that tastes good, that seems to help also. I will cut down on the food soon. I feel good but a bit foggy and detached which is what I expected. Day 3-5 sucked but the gum made it almost not suck. In less that two weeks I now look down at smokers and they sicken me , haha. Yay for all of us!

bethielivinglife said...

Today is also day 10 for me!! Went cold turkey and I'm feeling good. No more heart palpitations. No more stinky hands and mouth. My face actually looks younger already! Today as a present to myself I'm going to take that 60 plus dollars that would have been spent on slowly Killing myself and get my fresh smelling hands a pretty pink manicure and maybe even a delicious desert treat that tastes so much better now! We can do this!!! Stay strong people!

Marie said...

I am so glad I found this site. This is the worst day for me. I am going to pull my hair out. The anxiety is so strong today, if I didn't come across this site I think I would have started to smoke again. I am on day 10 of quitting smoking better know as changing the rest if my life for the better. I cry all day long letting my best friend get away from me. Nice friend who is killing me slowly that will never be there in the end for me. I have started to eat breakfast which is a first for me since quitting. I am changing my whole daily routine for the better. I will never smoke again. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. So folks enjoy life without the smoke.

Anonymous said...

Day 10.
13 year smoker. 10 a day. No patch or pills. Cold turkey.
Very thankful for this blog. However. Have not read a single post that accurately relates to my struggle. This has been so hard. Maybe I am just a pussy. Day 1 -4 I had the most stagnant headache from hell. It would not subside at all. At day 4 I began feeling sick. Sore throat and flu like symptoms. Then day 5 brought the emotional rants. Today, I am a jot mess. I am actually sick now with some viral bug going around. My emotions are at an all time worse. Im crying every chance I get. Eating alot of candy. Headache is back. I don't really want to smoke though. I just want to feel normal again. This is a rollercoaster. When will I stop feeling so friggin moody?

Best luck to all. Xoxo

Marie said...

Hi all just wanted to update and let you know I am feeling fantastic. This is day 21 for me. Can't even imagine I blog 11 days ago on here, thinking that I wanted to smoke again on day 10. I am so greatful I came across this blog earlier. Now I am feeling the freedom of being smoke free. Can't even remember what it was like. The freedom to not worry when I could smoke again. I started to eat, exercise more and just feeling really good about myself. If I can quit smoking then there is hope for everyone. So enjoy life without the smoke.

Anonymous said...

Wow. I thought this day would be easier. Today was actually my worst day and I stopped by the store and bought a pack and lit one.. I had like 4 puffs. taste was awful and it bombed my head to the point I just want to sleep...work is totally going to suck the rest of the day ....

Marie said...

I finally did it. This is my 1 month since I quit smoking. I can't even remember what is was like. I am so glad I conquored this battle. I swear to myself I will never smoke again. I even started to lose weight since I eat healthier and exercise. So enjoy life without the smoke.

Anonymous said...

I also was about to smoke today on my day 10th but instead i took two puffs of weed which i usually dont smoke and my anxiety and cravings are gone the good thing that weed is natural and not addicting:-)

Marie said...

Wanted to update. This marks the day of being smoke free for 6 weeks. It was a battle and emotional roller coaster ride but one I am so thankful I went through it. My life as changed for the better. No longer in the struggle of an addiction the runs my life. Finally I have the freedom to do anything I want. So enjoy life without the smoke.

Anonymous said...

Lots of us on day 10! It's so nice to hear from other people in the same position. I am using an e-cig when the cravings are really bad, and hoping to reduce the use of this with time. It has really helped, it also helps hearing all the success stories on here. I don't want to have to go through this again, one more cigarette will always be one too many. Nice to be free, no wondering about when my next cigarette will be.

Anonymous said...

Dude U are the champ..I was wondering how come everyone here is in 10th day of quitting..But eventually it turned out out that as soon as a person reaches his 10th day(double digits) he starts searching net..So did I.

I left smoking on 24th of April , 2014. Cravings were strong. I had dip(khaini) for few days. Now I am at home and whenever I feel like smoking, I eat something or another. I know after four years of smoking, my life became hell due to nicotine dependency. I want to be free. I want to live again. Moreover I saw some symptoms in my body which were alarming. 4 days back I had a party. We got wasted but I didnt have a single puff. This is so good. I am alive again. I pray to god that he empowers me with will power to quit this malice effortlessly..:)

Anonymous said...

I am on day 10 of not smoking. I have smoked for 18 years straight the only time i did not smoke was the 3 times i was pregnant and it wasnt because of willpower i just cant tolerate the smell during pregnancy, but the day after giving birth i light up. So I said that to say this, I am so suprised at my ability to not to smoke, I am using the nicotine patch and I can say that it helps the cravings really well, I dont believe I would have been able to do it without them and praying to God to help me and deep breathing exercises. Although it feels like I lost a best friend or something I feel so much better, I can laugh without getting choked up also I can run on the treadmill for 5 min. without stopping I smell so much better, Im no longer afraid to get close to people because of the cigarette smoke smell. I actually feel way more relaxed than ive felt in years. So for everyone that has made it 10 days kudos to all of us, were getting the job done and in it all i havent gained a pound of weight. Im so happy I found this blog and will post again when Im one month in because I am gonna do this!

Anonymous said...

I am also on day 10 of quitting cold turkey - having a much better day today. Sense of smell and taste are back and it is wonderful..... I have read all of the posts and each one has given me hope. I truly hope all of the quitters from a few years ago are still not smoking. Have had a few cocktails over the last few days and had a few cravings but they did not stay long. This is my last time quitting - cause I now consider myself a non-smoker - never to take another puff!!!! stay strong everyone!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Having another bad day, that makes about 8 of 10 since i quit smoking and not really bad days just bad moments i guess they are still cravings. reading this blog helps and i am doing so great so i will not smoke I just want to soo bad

Anonymous said...

Day 10 is coming to an end for me. I have smoked for 20yrs and I enjoyed smoking a lot. It was my only stress reliever. I quit cold turkey, I just chew some regular chewing gum now and then. I have noticed when I get cravings that if I take a breath as deep as I can it almost gives me a sensation like pulling off a cig. Also, reading online searches like "what happens when you quit smoking?" has helped me track my progress and kept me on track to reaching the next step. You all should be proud of yourselves, you are nonsmokers now! Stay strong!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to everyone. I'm struggling right now at the end of my tenth day!!! This has been a really hard day. I loved finding this blog and so proud of everyone! I really want to quit and hope for strength. I am 40 and have been close to a pack a day for over 20 years having my first smoke at age 12.... here's to a smoke free life.

Anonymous said...

10 days into it...days 1-7 were actually the easiest because I was on holiday. Now I'm back to my stressful city life and I keep thinking cigarettes are just waiting there to help me through everything. Trying to hold on to the fact that I can definitely breathe deeper and my voice doesn't catch anymore. 20 year smoker. Let's do this. Go team!

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me. Smoked a pack a day for 30 yrs. Stopped cold turkey. My Dad has copd and can barely get around. I have two children and I want to be around as long as possible. I finally realized smoking is self inflicted torture to your body. It's been one of the hardest things I needed to do. I's kinda like saying goodbye to your best friend. But it's getting better everyday. Good luck to all of you that have made the choice to stop this horrible habit.

Anonymous said...

35yo, 15 cigs a day for the last 20 years, and now 10 days cold turkey. Whilst i have had huge anxiety attacks since age 17, and cigarettes were my 'relaxers'.
And God do i miss cigarettes. But it's not as bad as i thought it would be... there are lots of cravings, especially the first days. Bu that's it's for me... just intense cravings ( going from 15 times a day, to 3 a day now ). No emotional rollercoasters, no stress, ...
On the other hand i also do not feel the improvements everyone else here is talking about... i've always had a good sense of smell and taste.

but the idea of never being able to touch a cigarette again is killing me. I don't know how to deal with that. There's nothing in the world that gives me that "Ahhhh". All i do is eat peanuts... and by God, it's not the same!

I do take it one day at a time. I tell my friends i didn't quit smoking, i'm just testing how long i can go without.

I miss cigarettes. :(
But hey, it's not as hard as i thought it would be.

Bari said...

It is nice to see the post from a lot of people who are also trying/succeeding to quit smoking,
I am also on day 10 of quitiitng, still got the ocasional cravings but I hold in and after 5-10 min I already forget that I wanted a cigarete.
I am going cold turkey, first 5 days kept away from bars/alcohol but after that started going out, was hard at the begining but I learned to feel god without the smokes (even in the company of smokers)
I also workout every day aprox 1h, it helped me alot in quittting.

Everybody stay strong! It definitely worts it!

Anonymous said...

I am also on day 10. I'm 30 years old and I have three beautiful young kids. My oldest is four. I have to keep going because I don't ever want her to remember me as a smoker. I've smoked since I was 13...with a million short term quits and one year-long quit thrown in. In the last two years I've tried to quit at least 2 dozen times cold turkey. I just couldn't make it stick!! Finally said screw it, bought strong patches and gum...and I've kind of breezed through these days. I really,really needed to get some time betwwen me and the last cig andI'm finally getting it.I'm so happy. I can breathe! I don't have a little whistly wheeze at night. I have enough breath to sing long sweet lullabies to my babies. I can hold ny non-smoker husband close without a thought of how much i stink.it's fall here, and the cool crisp air feels sooooo good on my lungs!! I don't crave a cig. I just feel a mild sadness, but i kbow this is temporary. Smoking cigarettes has NOTHING to do with livinga happy life, no matter what our nessed up addiction tells us. Lets keep going.

Anonymous said...

Im a 52yr female been smoking for 34 years and after dozens of failed attempts I finally reached day 10. Congrats to all those who choose cold turkey, but I am using patches,as well as a piece of nicotine gum during rough spots. Its been easy for me this time around I guess because I actually see the effects of shortness of breath, dizziness, wheezing, and wrinkles. I use everything I can to be successful this time around. This blog is therapy for me and often search for sites that are inspiring and motivating. I think it does help to drink lots of water, deep breaths, multiple vitamins, and keeping busy.

After I am done with patches I will try new things to keep me smoke free, such as continue educating myself on the effects of cigarettes, buy myself little rewards gifts with the money I saves, and probably purchase Carr's book that helped many. This is my time I can feel it, my husband still smokes and tries to smoke outside to support me, but I can tell he is surprized at my success and will probably join me when he is ready, this if for me, it's about me and my health.

Good luck to everyone,it can be done no matter how long you been smoking.

Anonymous said...

After 35 years of smoking pretty well everyday, I am now on day 10 smoke free. Cold turkey. I washed all of my clothes on day 5 and 6 because everything smelled like stale cigarettes. I am feeling good, starting to clear my lungs and my daily walks are much easier, I am not running out of breath. I miss smoking, but I am not willing to put myself through the self arguing about buying a pack of smokes, although it still happens but not as frequently as the first few days. I have been putting the money I would have spent on smokes into a separate account and now have almost 100 bucks saved. Not sure what I'll do with the extra money but it's encouraging to see it adding up knowing that its not hurting me.

Anonymous said...

JUST IN CASE ANYONE THINKS I AM TOO POSITIVE I WAKE UP TWICE A NIGHT, PATIENCE HAS NOT FULLY RETURNED AND WRESTLING TO KEEP DIET IN ORDER BUT HERE IS MY STORY AND ADVICE:

I am on day 10, what has worked for me is every day reading as much quit smoking diaries as possible. It allows me to realise that my situation is not so different. Some are dealing with it better and some worse but the journey is the same. Scientifically we have just beat the chemical addiction and now it is emotional.

I cannot quite smoking for ever but I can hit goals. So my Initial goal was day 3 where 90% of nicotine leave body, second goal was a week because it is a yardstick and I know I would have to face booze and my third goal was 10 days because that is metabolites converted from nicotine completely leave body so I see it as a big bench mark.

My next goal is two weeks which is only 4 days away as I sea each week as a bench mark.

Apparently after 3 weeks the average ex smoker has hit 90% habit smoking situations 3 times (With Coffee, first one in morning, with drinks, after success/stress at work. Beating a habit three times is breaking a habit. When I am 3 weeks in I will push on to 4 weeks and then push through the month. I am confident a month free from smoking will beat it(as long as I don't get cocky!)

So if like me you were a 20-25 a day smoker, don't try to crush the big habit crush the 25 small ones and during the quitting stages don't try to quite forever but set goals 3-4 days long that have meaning behind them.
Donal Reddington

Anonymous said...

Hi folks,

Thanks for all your threads. Its amazing how a blog started in 2008 is still relevant in 2015! Anyhow, I'm on Day 10. I'm using the gum which really helps with avoiding the cravings. And now my brain is 'coming back' and I don't need to nap in the afternoons. And my smell is improved and so is my self-confidence.

We can totally do this! Let's stick it to the nasty tobacco companies!!!

V.

Anonymous said...

After smoking for 10 years, then quitting for 10 years while I had children, and then went through a nasty divorce, took the habit back (it was a matter of Hey, can I have a puff of your cigarette? to the next day, I was buying a pack and went right back to the level that I was 10 years prior) and smoking ever since. It's 20 years now, and I am 55 years old and it does feel like I have left a best friend behind, my drinking buddy, my sit out on the porch buddy, my break buddy. That is my addicted mind playing games on me. Nicotine was not my friend at all. It was my crutch and my low self esteem fed on how weak and addicted that I actually was. Denial of what I was doing to myself, my body, my worth. I am on Day 10 of my journey and what a blessing to find this long list of other folks that are experiencing just what I am feeling and facing. A new lifestyle, a new way of life, a new life. Last night, day 9, was pretty rough, but had a good cry and went to bed early. I have consistently used nicotine replacement gum which has helped tremendously. I would not have made it this far without the gum. And God. I pray for my strength to get through each day and I know realize that I am not "giving up" anything, I am ESCAPING the clutches of a demon, with God's help. And to give in to the craving, the temptation, will not make the temptation go away. It would only feed the beast and the beast is always hungry and looking for someone to devour. Blessings and abundance to all of us that are making our escape One Day At A Time. Amen.

Anonymous said...

It's 2016!! I am on my 10th day and doing it cold turkey. I'm 57 and have smoked for 40 years. I just don't want it anymore, but like many, there are somethings about smoking that I will miss. Smoking buddies are cool people too! I have been reading as much as I can about the subject which helps a great deal. I too am enjoying reading various blogs, I don't feel as alone.

The good news is I'm starting to feel better!!!

Anonymous said...

Day 10 of cold turkey for me & I must admit I am struggling today.... but I will persist. I am 37 & I have been smoking since I was 14. I have given up twice before using patches but I must admit, this was only because I was pregnant & I simply couldn't wait to have a cuppa & a ciggie!! I am not expecting a miracle, I am just taking it one minute at a time & seeing as that attitude has taken me to 10 smoke free days, I am extremely hopeful. Good luck everyone ��

Anonymous said...

I quit on Christmas day. I didn't smoke a lot (2-3 a day, sometimes more)but I smoked for 30 years...I can tell that my body is feeling better. Just in case, I avoid anything that can trigger the urge though! let's see how it goes, but so far so good...

Anonymous said...

Day 10. 30 years smoking 50 a day cold turkey quit. Feelng ok, I have passed this habit to my children I regret that. Started walking. Good luck everyone. Stay strong.

Unknown said...

I am on day 10 smoke free after quitting 1000 times already. I did make it smoke free for almost 3 year and unfortunately gave in and smoked for 2 year until now. Days 7-8 have been the hardest so far. I'm trying to stay positive by my mood has been bleak. I cry over nothing and am quite angry. My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy, lol. Hopefully that will improve soon. I read these everyday and it really helps me to stay motivated. Since I quit I got an horrible cold that turned into bronchitis. I am getting better now so hopefully I can get back to exercise since all I want to do is eat.
Good luck everyone and thank you for the daily motivation!

Anonymous said...

I am on day 10. It wasn't very difficult. But on day 2, 3 and 4, I was feeling very depressed. It made me feel as if life without a cigarette is not worth living. Luckily, now I am out of that phase :).

Anonymous said...

Day 10 for me! YIPPPEEEE, I am a non-smoker for the first time in 40 years. It has been so much easier than I thought it would be. Just to think I never quit before because of the FEAR! I was the last of the smokers among my friends. I hated it, I was embarrassed by it, I stunk from it, it controlled my life... but not any more because I beat it and I will continue to beat it as I am a NON-SMOKER! I killed the nicotine monster that was inside of me and I refuse to feed it and bring it back to life. Day 10 of the rest of my life as a non-smoker!!!! And I feel great!

Unknown said...

I've smoked 29 years and now I have quit cold turkey no pills or patches and at day 10 I'm very proud .I agree with your comment.

Anonymous said...

Awesome stuff!!

Anonymous said...

I am also on day 10. Feeling so good after quitting. No more exhaustive feelings. More confident about myself that i can fight with any kind of addiction.Nicotine is powerful so i am also. I will not lose this battle against nicotine.

Smokeless in Seattle said...

This is my post from 5 years ago. Today is my 5 year anniversary since I quit. That day was the hardest day, these blogs of others going through the same thing kept me on track so thank you to everyone who contributed. If you have just quit, hang in there, it is so worth it and you will never regret quitting. Stay strong.

Smokeless in Seattle said...

I found this blog 5 years ago on my day 10, hardest day for me. Today us 5 years without smoking and it's hard to believe that I was ever a smoker. Hang in there, you can do it and will never regret it! These blogs and encouragement kept me going, along with eucalyptus shower bombs...I took a lot of steamy eucalyptus showers. Good luck! You can do it!

Anonymous said...

I vowed not to smoke from the first day off 2018 - Cold turkey. Its now my 11th day smoke free. The first week was somewhat ok - emotions running high and switching so frequently i was left confused most of it. Day 9 & 10 evenings have been the worse and I'm not looking forward to day 11 evening. I couldn't function properly, couldnt focus or find a task to distract myself. Ended up taking sleeping tablets which helped. I am trying to convince myself that there are good reasons to smoke like the social aspect or anti-stress, maybe the fact i like it. But I have to remember I didn't like it if I kept wishing to give up. I feel alot less stressed when I'm going about my day and at work, and I have noticed I'm more sociable especially at work to collegues and customers - its the nights out I worry about. I want to come back to this post in a few years to support this post and say I did it. Just hope I'm bad at convincing myself there are positives about smoking.

Anonymous said...

It's all in your head now... At day 11 you are no longer addicted to nicotine.. What you're remembering as "enjoyable" and "satisfying" was an illusion and an effect of the drug that was in you. If you smoked now, you wouldn't even enjoy it - and you would regret doing it because you'd have to start all over again. Whenever you get those cravings just tell yourself "It's all in my head, and I don't need it or want it" The drug has brainwashed you - so you need to brainwash yourself back to normal... I highly recommend reading Allen Carr's book. It will reinforce your desire to quit and explain what is going on in your brain... There are no positives about smoking. That's a fact. There isn't one smoker out there that is glad that he/she started. I'm on day 12 and I've tried before. This time, I know I can do it because of that book.. Other times I felt like I was missing out by quitting. This time I know I'm only gaining... Gaining my life back.

Anonymous said...

It's 2018!!! I am on my 10th day of choosing not to smoke and it us starting to get a lot easier. My worse days were 3,5,7th but I survived lol and here I am.
I smoked for 32 years, all of my adult life and tried quitting before and never made it past the first day. I'm proud of me!! I am vaping and it is helping immensely. Don't give up, you can do this!!

Muhammad robart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Muhammad robart said...

1 popular way to stop smoking is with hypnosis or hypnotherapy. You can find more details on Stop Smoking Aids on the site.

Anonymous said...

2019 !!

Reading this thread has helped me get through a chunk of Day 10 which has been hard with anxiety and sadness.

Proud of myself, cold turkey after 30 plus years (don't want to count exactly!)
Crying today was part grieving the loss. And rightly so as smoking has been woven into my life.
Not sure quitting at same time hot flushes the best idea !! But hey... Surfing the discomfort, deep breaths, screaming into pillows, swimming and sauna (new activity)...
And great to read other's stories thank you...
Be kind to yourself, be very supportive and proud. Every time we survive a craving we are rewriting our experience, we are learning to be resilient !

Sugar Spun Sister said...

Hi, I switched to the iBreathe Xero vape 10 days ago and haven't looked back. I look, feel and smell much nicer. I can't imagine smoking a cigarette ever again.

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