I assume if you are sucessful that Craven and I can expect a present of some sort?
Hooker and bottle of tequila for me please....
You're going into severe withdrawal Bill and yes, the middle of the first week is the toughest time. It takes awhile for nicotine to clear your system and your body is just now beginning to seriously feel it. The severe physical symptoms only last a couple of days. You can do it.
Just think about not having to go out into the rain in 35 degree weather for a cig when you go see Aunt Attica.
(Edited to change systems to symptoms, though systems almost works.
)
Not just fruits, but also nuts. I ate A LOT of almonds when I quit.
Oh and I almost forgot. Take a lot of Vitamin C - at least 1000 units, 2000 would be better for the next week or so.
Bi-Polar Bear wrote:I assume if you are sucessful that Craven and I can expect a present of some sort?
Hooker and bottle of tequila for me please....
A tobacco gift basket for me.
Dinna know they could make BASKETS from tobacco.
You learn something on A2k most days.
Just spoke to squinney in the land that time forgot. She had 2 cigarettes on Friday and three on Saturday but hasn't slipped up since and she is getting ready to go to bed to keep her mind off cigarettes. She says she's over it. I hope so.
Last night one of my karaoke singers, knowing how unhappy I am currently being alone and all, gave me a giant doobie. I'm going to get fvcked up and watch Deadwood and Six Feet Under.
BPB and Craven; in the infamous words of Judge Smails: Youuuuuu'll get nothing and like it. Enjoy your doobs though. I won't even do that for the time being.
Foxfire, you're statement is consistent with my experience. Today is 5 times worse than yesterday or the day before. 20 years of smoking, no cough. 2 days, 20 hours and 43 minutes of not smoking and I seem to have developed a cough. This sucks. I sure wish I hadn't started. I wonder how long before it gets easier. No worries. No amount of discomfort will alter my course. Thanks some more, for the moral support.
Hope you're doing well Squinney...
Goooo Squinney!
Im coming out. 3 weeks for me. That's it. Don't want to discuss it. One word. Wellbutrin.
It's not easy quitting, but it's worth it.
Setanta's been smoking for over 40 years. He now coughs every morning until he has his first cigarette. The cigarette sooths the nasty perma-tickle. Frightening to know where that's going.
Keep fighting the good fight, O'Bill. It is soooooooo worth it.
DAY 3 complete. Sucked... but complete.
OB
OB, congratulations! Your lungs thank you!
BBB
Facts about Nicotine
American Lung Association of Georgia® --- East Central Region
Facts about Nicotine
What is the link between cigarettes and nicotine?
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of substances. One of the most important is nicotine. It is a natural part of the tobacco leaf - the only place nicotine has ever been found. Nicotine is an addictive drug. Smokers who crave it find it hard to go without having a cigarette. People who are under stress or feel nervous or bored often are at more risk of becoming addicted to nicotine.
Is nicotine the only reason people smoke cigarettes?
No. Smokers get hooked on the taste, smell and feel of cigarettes. Also, they link smoking with many activities. Some people like to smoke when they are talking on the telephone with friends or when they are having a cup of coffee after dinner. Other people like to smoke at parties or when they are relaxing at home. The combination of nicotine addiction and these kinds of strong mental links makes smoking a tough habit to break.
How does nicotine work?
Nicotine works on the brain and other parts of the nervous system. While a person is smoking, nicotine reaches the brain faster than drugs that enter the body directly through the veins. (For example, the brain feels the effects of nicotine faster than it feels the effects of a shot of heroin in the arm.) When smokers breathe in smoke, they draw nicotine into their lungs. Then, their bloodstream picks it up and it is quickly pumped by the heart right to the brain. Within just seven seconds the nicotine reaches the brain. This sudden burst of nicotine causes an instant "high." Some nicotine goes to other parts of the body. And if a woman is pregnant, this burst of nicotine also reaches the fetus through connecting blood vessels.
What are the effects of nicotine?
In large amounts, addictive drugs like nicotine, heroin and cocaine are poisons. For example, nicotine has been used to kill insects. Nicotine makes the heart beat faster. This, in turn, increases the breathing rate and causes the body to use more oxygen. Nicotine causes other changes in the circulatory system, too. For example, blood vessels narrow and the blood travels through them more slowly. This can increase blood pressure. Nicotine also appears to increase the tendency of the blood to clot and has been linked to diseases of the blood vessels and heart.
Why does smoking help people relax?
Nicotine can have different effects. It can act as an "upper" and speed up many body reactions. Or it can act as a "downer" and affect moods. How it works depends on several things-the amount of nicotine in the body, the time passed since the last cigarette, stress level and even the time of day. Early in the day nicotine acts as a stimulant to many people. Later in the day, it seems to act more as a sedative and helps people to relax.
Why aren't smokers satisfied with one or two cigarettes a day?
When people smoke cigarettes for the first time, the nicotine may make them feel sick to their stomach and dizzy. As they smoke more cigarettes, the unpleasant feelings go away, and they get used to the nicotine and like its "upper" effects. Smokers often find they need a second cigarette- and another and another-in order to get the same feelings. After awhile, they find the number of cigarettes that keeps them satisfied. At that point, the person is physically addicted and will only feel comfortable when nicotine is in his or her system.
Why should cigarette smoker's think about quitting?
One in four smokers dies early because of their smoking. They die of heart disease, cancer and emphysema. At one time smoking seemed "cool," but it has become less and less desirable. What's more, research shows that secondhand smoke- the smoke from other people's cigarettes-can harm the health of nonsmokers. Breathing in another person's smoke can cause many breathing problems in children and cancer and heart disease in adults. The trend now is for public places and workplaces to go smoke free. This should help smokers make the move to quit and keep everyone's lungs healthier. Cigarettes are so much a part of the American scene that many people think of them as normal." They are easy to buy and inexpensive compared to other drugs. But cigarettes aren't normal They are very addictive and cause sickness and death. They are illegal to use in many places and it is illegal for minors to buy them in most parts of the U.S.
What are some tips for smokers who decide to quit?
Join a stop-smoking program like Freedom From Smoking from the American Lung Association (ALA). The program gives lots of ideas on how to quit and stay quit. Groups are a way to meet other people who want to stop smoking.
Look into the different kinds of self-help options available to smokers. These include Freedom From Smoking guidebooks, videotapes and audiotapes. All of these materials are also available from ALA.
Pick a good time to quit. Don't try to quit when you're under a lot of stress or around a holiday.
Be aware that smokers have different experiences when they quit. They may feel sleepy ,very excited, lighthearted, nervous or irritable. Or they might crave tobacco or sweets or have headaches.
Be sure to get some exercise every day. For example, walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting. Exercise is a big boost toward feeling better, improving spirits, and keeping trim.
Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water.
Ask family, friends and co-workers to help. Having someone to take a walk with or just listen can give a needed boost.
How long do withdrawal symptoms last?
Withdrawal symptoms last longer with some former smokers than with others. For most people, withdrawal is at its worst during the first few days. Then it tapers off over the next few weeks. But getting used to life without cigarettes can take some time-even months.
What about smokers who quit time and time again?
Most smokers need to "practice" quitting several times before they make it for good. The best advice is to keep living! Practice helps smokers plan what to do the next time they get the urge to smoke. Quitting smoking may seem almost impossible, but it can be done. Don't give up! More than 43 million Americans have quit. Many of them tried several times before they were able to quit. They made it and quit for good. Other smokers can, too.
Can the nicotine patch help?
The nicotine patch is not a "magic" answer, but it does ease the withdrawal symptoms and reduce nicotine "cravings." This helps heavy smokers take control of their addiction. The patch supplies a steady amount of nicotine to the body right through the skin. It is available only by prescription from a doctor or dentist. Since the patch keeps the level of nicotine in the body fairly even, smokers don't get the bursts of nicotine that they got by smoking cigarettes. This makes the patch safer and less addictive than cigarettes. Nicotine patches also don't have any of the tars and poisonous gases that are in cigarettes.
How is the nicotine patch used?
The patch is easy to use. Every day, quitters put a patch on some part of their body where it is comfortable to them, usually an arm. it stays on even during a shower or a bath. Fresh patches are applied each day to different areas of the body. Patches come with different amounts or doses of nicotine. Doctors usually start people off with larger-dose patches which deliver more nicotine. Doctors prescribe lower-dose patches when they think people can get along with less nicotine. Tapering off too fast or going off the patches too soon can quickly lead to relapse. Remember: Do not smoke a cigarette while using the nicotine patch. And keep all patches out of the reach of children and pets.
Are there side effects to the nicotine patch?
Some people get a headache, upset stomach or feel dizzy. others have diarrhea, feel weak or notice blurry vision. Strange dreams have also been reported as an occasional side effect. Any burning or itching of the skin commonly disappears in an hour or when the patch is moved to another place. Smokers should decide together with a doctor if using the patch is right for them.
Can nicotine chewing gum help?
Like the patch, nicotine chewing gum releases small ainounts of nicotine into the body. This cuts down on withdrawal symptoms and makes it easier to break the smoking habit. Nicotine gum is available only by prescription from a doctor or dentist.
How much nicotine gum do quitters chew?
Usually 10 to 15 pieces of gum a day. Chewing each piece of nicotine gum for about a half hour gives time for the nicotine to be taken into the body through the thin lining of the mouth. Drinks such as coffee or soda may block the effect of the nicotine in the gum so it's important to avoid these types of drinks before, during, and after use of the gum. Remember: Both the nicotine patch and gum work best when used with a solid behavior program such as Freedom From Smoking, from your American Lung Association.
What's a good way to help a cigarette smoker quit?
The first move has to come from the smoker. People who really want to quit smoking stand a better chance of sticking to their decision, Letting a person know you care and that you are "there for them" can be a big help. Ask a smoker, "How can I help?" If the person can't come up with ideas right away, wait until you get some clues. Most smokers would like to be free of cigarettes.
Is ALA involved in research efforts to understand smoking behavior?
ALA supports research and other efforts to better understand why smokers are addicted and how to help them. New smoking findings show that support from family and friends-and positive messages from doctors and stopsmoking programs-may be the most important factors in helping ex-smokers stay quit.
What do former smokers say about the benefits of quitting?
People who quit smoking are proud of themselves for breaking the addiction. By quitting, smokers get many health benefits. They cut down on their risk of having lung disease, a heartattack or getting cancer. Former smokers are glad to be rid of cigarette stains on their fingers, hacking coughs and the smell of stale cigarette smoke on their clothing. Other pleasing "side effects" of quitting are an improved sense of smell and taste.
The American Lung Association can help with programs for smokers and for their families and friends. Give your local ALA a call today at 1-800-LUNG-USA. Ask about self-help guides, audiotapes, videotapes and group clinics. We need your support to fight lung disease, the third leading cause of death in the US. Contact vour local American Lung Association to find out how you can help. Call 1-800-LUNG-USA When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters!
Interesting read BBB. I'm still looking forward to the part where it gradually tapers off. For now; stubbornness is the only reason I don't light up. I think my senses may be starting to improve because more things stink today than usual. No worries. I'll not be told what to do by a drug.
Congrats, OC. It really does begin to taper off after a few months.
How I wish Dys would quit, but a life-long habit is one of the toughest things to halt.
It lasts a lifetime, it can be halted in a second.....Then, that lasts a longer lifetime
"First few days are the worst"... you've already gotten through that! You can do it!
OB
OB, I agree with you that your stubbornness will be the key to kicking the habit. There is no doubt about that as your stubbornness is well-documented here, as you admit. This may be the one time stubbornness will be your ally.
BBB
3 friggin weeks? THAT sucks.
