smoking

[Gameboy]

anyone got any 100% bone fide, methods for giving up smoking?

[bitch one]

read -

'how to stop smoking and stay stopped for good' by gillian riley

this book cuts through all the bullshit, takes a proper psychological look at the addiction to nicotine and how to live with it. explodes a lot of the myths you hear from doctors and the like. made me think about smoking in a much clearer way - made me recognise all the little lies smokers tell themselves . and introduced some new ways of thinking about stopping based on sound psychological reasoning - like, do NOT cut down - because all you do is make cigs more pleasurable. smoke loads. and don't tell anyone when you give up. don't make a big deal of it. you are just deciding not to smoke a cigarette now. forget about next week.

etc.

read it, you won't regret it, even if you don't stop at least you'll stop bullshitting yourself so much.

[Lady E]

i stopped smoking last august - so almost a year.

recently i have had the odd one when ive been caned. i dont think that's a problem though

i wasnt addicted to nicotine though. i had been smoking for 12 years but for the last 5 of those i had stopped smoking at home and i could take it or leave it at work.
the killer was going out / alcohol. then i would chain smoke, and in a long night that could be pretty revolting quantities
my boyfriend never said anything about it until one day he said i was just kidding myself if i thought i didnt smoke that much and to sort my life out, he liked me alive.

so i just stopped. i gave myself a date, i didnt make a big deal of it, i smoked loads before hand

it helped me to concentrate on old people still smoking, it just looks horrible and realyl quite sad to be so addicted all your life.

you feel ill for at least 6 weeks though, like you have a cold. but its so worth it.anyway. GOOD LUCK.

[Django]

start smoking gras

[bitch one]

one of the most common lies smokers tell themselves is that 'they just have the odd one'. so they are not an addict.

ask yourself - why do smoke at all? do you love that red raw feeling in your throat the mornin after?
or is it the feelin of hot acrid smoke going down that you just can't get enough of?

no - it is the drug nicotine, which you unconsciously crave. alcohol lowers your defences - you smoke.

sorry to sound like some kind of evangelist. but i stopped 5 years ago. you are on a slippery slope emma.

another useful tip - invest in a good bong.

[jukka]

first of all stop drinking alcohol because if you drink some beer etc. cigarretes are tasting even more better.
you just gotta have to have the will to give it up.
*may the strength of mind be with you*
also you have to stop from one day to the other (not like "just two cigarretes today and only one more the next) and like said before don't tell anyone about.


my father stopped smoking after 25 years by visiting a non-smoker course.

[marcel]

i never started smoking and i'm really really happy about that.
but, hmm, i think i said this already in the last smokingthread on this board
i think i'm getting old

[Ruben A]

@emma, your right! Not that I have been smoking at all, but looking at old people (or peopele in general) smoking, grey in their face, making noise cause they can´t breath.. scares me a lot!
Save the money - use them on something good (records fx?) or someone you love..?

@gameboy- you can live without it! I can... emma can..my mum also quit 10 years ago.. !

[alex cortex]

this may not be very helpful but it worked (with me)

i just forgot to smoke... from one day to the other. from 30 cigarettes to zero. i didn´t plan it or whatever - it just happened.

apart from knowing about health risks try to find out more about the tobacco companies. their political orientation may not be the same as yours, so why should you support them.

[Tomoki]

I must confess that I’m a heavy non-smoker. I cannot find any reasons that are pro smoking. Cigarette smoking tastes not good and it’s very expensive (alcohol consume is expensive as well, but it tastes good, if it’s not too much).
What were the reasons for you to start smoking?
A main reason in my opinion is the belonging to a group or clique when I see 10 or 13 year old kids which are smoking in school.

My father stopped smoking when he changed his sport (from football to long distance running).
I mean, you can see many football players that are smoking, but I haven’t seen any runner who smokes.

[Loz]

If you want to give up something, then you'll have the willpower to give it up. If you go back, then obviously you didn't really want to give up in the first place.

I've never smoked (well, had a few here and there, probably less than 5, though, didn't like it, didn't do it) but I have had experience in giving up addictive things. The trick is to wake up one day and say "Today is the day I stop smoking/doing coke/pushing over old people/etc" to yourself. Then just resist all temptation.

Apparently a good thing to do if you start to crave something is to do some exercise. The adrenaline kicks in and takes over the craving. Of course, in an office situation that's not really helpful, so you just have to live with it.

Don't drink coffee or eat snack foods when you crave, since then you're replacing one addiction with another. All addiction is bad, you should try to be in control of your body at all times, not some craving for nicotine, or caffeine or something.

And if you give in once to your craving, stop kidding yourself, you've failed. Time to start again.

This public service announcment was brought to you by Loz and Self-Righteous Git Services.

[Sheridan]

smoking my demon.
I have tried to quit so many times. it is funny that this thread has started
cause I was thinking to myself today that I need to quit.
maybe we should start a no-future anti-smoking group.
where we can pair up and "sponsor" each other and give words
of encouragement for each other to quit.
my name is Ian, and I am addicted to smoking.
I am powerless to stop it.
there first step admiting I have a problem.

although how does weed help you quit smoking? everytime I pull a tube
I need a smoke right after.

[Chejai]

For my sister's birthday present last year, I paid for her to be hypnotised to give up - and it's worked like a charm (even though it cost me dearly!!). She hasn't touched one since then and, like most smokers, whilst they get cravings at times, seem to not like the sight/smell of other people smoking.........

So, if you can find one, get yerself hypno'ed up mate!!

[public]

anyone got any 100% bona fide methods for giving up smoking crack?

[MUX]

public: stop hanging out with Old Dirty Bastard & Robert Downey Junior

[V Knid esq]

One of the things that you have to deal with when you give up is the oral fixation - the nipple lust... It's very tempting to start giving yourself treats (when I gave up before I found myself drinking beer twice as fast as normal AND eating cream cakes). One solution to that is to always have fruit, or better still carrots and celery, to hand.

[public]

or nipples

[V Knid esq]

Or, as you say, nipples.

[jamyna]

But then you just get addicted to the nipples, I suppose they're healthier but one may feel rather self-conscious down the pub.
My mate (a slightly eccentric chap) made it his new-year's resolution to take up smoking one year (he thought it was funny). Trouble was, he didn't like the taste of cigarettes, so he would smoke them using his left nostril. Things came to a head one afternoon in the pub, when upon buying his round he turned from the bar, pints in hand and a tab hangin from his hooter.

[public]

actually they sell pig's nips down my boozer, instead of pork scratchings.

[020200]

This thread is very funny for me, too. (And for my throat!)

I was smoking the last 6 weeks. I just stopped (and started) smoking 10 or 15 times, so i got some experience i quitting. I had a lot of stress and working the last time, so i couldn't quit, because i knowed, that i will be sleeping 2 or 3 whole days all the time.

It's funny about, because i set the day for quitting again on today!

My useful smoke-quitting tips:
1] If you want a cigaret, just say "no, i'm a non-smoker" in your head and START BREATHING!

2] It's the hardest time if your drunk. Don't drink in the first 2-3 weeks. It's makes the heart weak. In fact, i always started smoking again after drinking some beer.

3] Drink a lot of water.

4] Go out for a walk and do some sports.

5] Even if your failed on a single evening. NEVER BUY CIGARETTES! Having this thingys at home will cause you terrible nighmare-fightings in your head.

In fact, i have some cigarettes from yesterday in my pocket and i know that i can only quit when they're away!

Have fun in changing yourself from smoker to non-smoker.

[baba]

this is brilliant, i think.

I'm a hardcore smoker with asthma which means I probably don't breathe much and my lungs ache a lot. i went to make an appointment to see a smoking nurse at the docs yesterday - so this thread is timely. But I must confess that giving up is an idea that hurts me - though smoking hurts too. i've always been oddly attracted to the very damaging aspect of smoking, I like brown things like coffee and nicotine and dirt, but its very bad. bad bad bad smoking!
I'm gonna give up in two weeks. Does anyone wanna be my addiction buddy (its more addictive than smack apparently and giving up makes me very depressed)

My boyfriend does some work for http://www.ash.org.uk
its got some good stuff on it - esp re bacco companies

[baba]

here's some shit stuff about smoking from ash site - just reading it makes me feel like giving up right now



NICOTINE & ADDICTION



Is nicotine addictive?

In February 2000, the Royal College of Physicians published a report on nicotine addiction which concluded that “Cigarettes are highly efficient nicotine delivery devices and are as addictive as drugs such as heroin or cocaine.”[1] Two years earlier, the report of the Government’s Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health stated that: “Over the past decade there has been increasing recognition that underlying smoking behaviour and its remarkable intractability to change is addiction to the drug nicotine. Nicotine has been shown to have effects on brain dopamine systems similar to those of drugs such as heroin and cocaine”.[2] Both the RCP and SCOTH reports confirmed the findings of the landmark review by the US Surgeon General in 1988 on nicotine which also concluded that cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are addicting and that nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.[3]



Despite these authoritative reviews, there has been some debate about the extent to which the smoking habit is controlled by physiological addiction. The debate has arisen because there is no universally accepted definition of addiction although the World Health Organization has defined addiction as: “A state, psychic and sometimes also physical, resulting in the interaction between a living organism and a drug, characterised by behavioural and other responses that always include a compulsion to take the drug on a continuous or periodic basis in order to experience its psychic effects, and sometimes to avoid the discomfort of its absences. Tolerance may or may not be present.” [4] On the basis of this definition, it is possible to demonstrate a scientific basis for defining nicotine as an addictive substance.



Properties of nicotine

Nicotine is a stimulant drug, but paradoxically effects of both stimulation and relaxation may be felt. The mental and physical state of the smoker, and the situation in which smoking occurs, can influence the way in which a particular cigarette will affect psychological perceptions.3 The addictive effect of nicotine is linked to its capacity to trigger the release of dopamine - a chemical in the brain that is associated with feelings of pleasure. However, recent research has suggested that in the long term, nicotine depresses the ability of the brain to experience pleasure.[5] Thus, smokers need greater amounts of the drug to achieve the same levels of satisfaction. Smoking is therefore a form of self-medication: further smoking alleviates the withdrawal symptoms which set in soon after the effects of nicotine wear off.



Difficulty in quitting

Possibly one of the strongest indicators of the effect of nicotine is the discrepancy between the desire to quit and quitting success rates. Surveys have shown that the majority of smokers (around 70 per cent) want to stop smoking[6] yet the successful quit rate remains very low. Twenty per cent or less of those who embark on a course of treatment succeed in abstaining for as long as a year, while only around 3 per cent succeed in quitting using willpower alone.[7] Most smokers take several attempts to quit before they finally succeed. The power of addiction is also demonstrated by the fact that some smokers are reluctant to stop smoking even after undergoing surgery for smoking-induced diseases. Around forty per cent of those who have had a laryngectomy try smoking soon afterwards, while about 50 per cent of lung cancer patients resume smoking after undergoing surgery.[8]



Other measures of dependence

There are a number of markers which can measure dependence on a substance. A key factor is the degree of compulsion to take the drug experienced by the user. Most smokers smoke on a daily basis. In Britain, the average self-reported consumption of cigarettes is 14 per day.[9] Fewer than 1 in 20 smokers smoke less frequently than daily. Other indicators of dependence include the time from waking to first cigarette. Among smokers of all ages, 15 per cent light up within five minutes of waking, while almost half of all smokers (46 per cent) smoke within the first half hour of the day.9 Few smokers believe that they could manage to go without smoking for a whole day, with only 16 per cent believing that it would be very easy while 33 per cent think that it would be very difficult to do so.9



Nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Another marker for addiction is the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms following cessation of drug use. For smokers, typical physical symptoms following cessation or reduction of nicotine intake include craving for nicotine, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, sleep disturbances, decreased heart rate, and increased appetite or weight gain. The fact that these symptoms can be attributed to nicotine, rather than behavioural aspects of tobacco use is shown by the finding that withdrawal symptoms are relieved by nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, etc.) but not by a placebo (i.e. products that do not contain nicotine). (For further information about using nicotine as an aid to stopping smoking see Fact Sheet No. 11 What Happens When You Stop Smoking.)



Genetic Influence

Recent research suggests that certain smokers may be predisposed to nicotine addiction through the effects of a gene responsible for metabolising nicotine.[10] Scientists have found that non-smokers are twice as likely to carry a mutation in a gene that helps to rid the body of nicotine. In addition, smokers who carry mutations in the gene, (known as CYP2A6) are likely to smoke less because nicotine is not rapidly removed from the brain and bloodstream. By contrast, smokers with the efficient version of the gene will tend to smoke more heavily to compensate for nicotine being removed more rapidly.



Tobacco industry recognition of the importance of nicotine

Tobacco industry documents dating from the 1960s have shown that tobacco companies recognised that the main reason that people continue smoking is nicotine addiction. A lawyer acting for Brown & Williamson said: “Nicotine is addictive. We are, then, in the business of selling nicotine, an addictive drug.” [11] Publicly, however, tobacco companies denied that nicotine was addictive, because such an admission would have undermined their stance that smoking is a matter of personal choice. As the US Tobacco Institute put it in 1980: “We can’t defend continued smoking as ‘free choice’ if the person was ‘addicted’.[12] The industry was also quick to realise that selling an addictive product is good for business: as a BAT memo said in 1979, “We also think that consideration should be given to the hypothesis that the high profits additionally associated with the tobacco industry are directly related to the fact that the customer is dependent on the product.”.[13] In March 1997, Liggett Group, the smallest of the five major US tobacco companies, became the first to admit that smoking is addictive as part of a deal to settle legal claims against the company.[14] More recently the tobacco companies have tried to cast doubt over the meaning of addiction by comparing smoking with other common pursuits such as shopping or eating chocolate.[15]



For further examples of the tobacco industry’s position on addiction see chapter 2 of ‘Tobacco Explained’

[View chapter] Other examples can be found in “Trust Us, We’re the Tobacco Industry” [View report]

[V Knid esq]

I had two moments in the past 4 days that made me realise how absolutely rubbish cigarettes were. One was getting into the most aggro, fear for my life situation I've ever been in (that I can remember) - my first reaction was to reach for a cigarette. I could hear my mind listening to my heart, thinking "fuckin hell, your heart's beating - you need a cigarette". Of course, the moment I sparked up that cigarette, my heart started beating a lot faster.

The second time was this morning. Thanks to an extended weekend of heavy drinking and smoking, I was fucking exhausted. I had been trekking round london trying to track down some allegedly stolen records, and, waiting for a bus in Bermondsey, was reaching the point of final exhausted shut-down. My brain said "you need a fag mate - thats the only thing left when you're as depressed as this". I had a cigarette. Actually, it did see me past the moment of absolute desolation, nicotine being a stimulant and all. However it left me far more fucked than I had been at my previous trough, and I had to sleep for 2 hours during the afternoon before I could deal with the rest of my evening (which I didn't do very well).

So - cigarettes are shit.

[baba]

I know - but like many things and people in my life i still loveem/hateem/loveem/ hate em.

Bugger!

[abi]

Baba, I know exactly how you feel with respect to a love/hate relationship with tobacco. Recently i stopped and i suppose the main reason is that i do not want my son to smoke, i stopped when i was pregnant but since his birth my ciggie consumption has stedily gone up. Like Emma, I would chain smoke tons when drinking and reach for one when stressed out. He is three and a half now and is asking me what I'm doing when I smoke, I really don't want to smoke any more will be o.k. as long as I don't drink. Good Luck to any of you trying to stop.

[Sheridan]

yo Baba,

I am in need of quitting right now, becuase of health and money concerns.
I will be your addiction buddy.
we can stop together. I know exactly what you are thinking as far as the whole
lov em hat em thing. it is a hard thing to do. anyone here who has quit can tell you.
but I think that it makes it easier if you have someone to go thorough it with.
drop me a mail and we can chat.

Ian

[gunjack]

living in chain smoking heaven (Tokyo) i am assaulted by the smell of tobbaco all day! still i have not quit!

[bitch one]

baba once more i recommend this book by gillian riley, it works.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/009180969X/qid=1027590442/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_3_2/026-1409468-0167606

[eclairfi]

Originally posted by marcel
i never started smoking and i'm really really happy about that.
but, hmm, i think i said this already in the last smokingthread on this board
i think i'm getting old

i never started either and im soooooooooo glad ! arf arf ! guffaw !





:-p

[Gameboy]

hmmm....

[eclairfi]

im sorry gameboy ...thats no help is it.

my mum has given up for over 8years....she used alan carrs 'easy way to stop smoking' book and video ....it doesnt tell you how horrible smoking is or anything its quite clever .

[020200]

ohh, people.

I'm feeling so wierd today...

[CV]

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[MUX]

hehehhehehehhehe... temptation rulez

[baba]

ick!

I feel toxic just looking at it but i'm gonna have a fag just to remind myself how disgusting it is.

[grobelaar]

About a month ago, I can't remember now, I gave up smoking ciggies, drinking caffiene (including tea), eating meat, eating dairy products and drinking beer...

As far as nicotine is concerned, its evil twin is alcohol, I'm thinking of quitting alcohol altogether as that is when I'm weakest.

As far as quitting dairy goes, your worst enemies are your friends just being damn inconsiderate wafting pizzas and lasagnes, cheesecakes and ice creams around... and then having the gaul to say oh you're just being silly a bit of cheese won't harm you...

Must find more willpower...

Although my quitting has not been totally effective on all fronts, I do feel that I've pulled myself out of the narcotic haze that most of society lives in permanently and it feels good. Good enough to be dissapointed when I slip, so I just have to bear those moments in mind the next time I'm tempted and use them to resist...

Refined Sugar - now there's something I challenge people to give up...

[baba]

yes but too much abstinence is a perverse vice in itself and can make the things you deny yourself into wierd fetishes.

forbidden fruit an all that

a little bit of what you fancy does you good

[baba]

like right now, I want a fag really really badly. Whole day without one - i feel sick, my head hurts and i hate everything even more than I usually do.
help!

[abi]

Bloody Hell, it's the hand of doom! Get thee behind thee satan, etc etc.. Seriously though, it's no help at all, just made me laugh, silly sod.

[020200]

Quit your solid ground and do something completly new!

[baba]

what?

[pille'ocheoni]

got to go cold turkey!

[baba]

yeah- I tried at the weekend but come Monday I sank to new depths of withdrawal psychosis.
Gonna try again on Thursday -

its the hardest thing - realising just how addicted i am.

Makes me wonder how smoking can possibly be legal.

[public]

easy trippple x-tactic:

get your mouth stiched!

[ElektroBabe]

The best way to do it is to just throw out your pack and say NO. I know how hard this is, but just think...burnt lungs, cancer, yellow teeth, bad breathe

I'm also in the process.

[Sheridan]

yeah but is also harder said than done. I am on my 8th day without smoke, and yes my lungs feel better, but I have gotten depressed and my hands shake. all around sad and nervous. I know that it will pass but it is very hard.

[syt]

:illin:

[baba]

well done sheridan - I couldn't get through the third day - realised three days later though that I was also experiencing pmt (which always confuses me and I never remember that that's why I'm more depressed/mad than usual). Thought withdrawal was making me suicidal/homicidal but it was just my silly ole ovaries. My POOR boyfriend how he suffered.
Anyway, good for you, I'm terribly jealous.
I have an appointment on Wednesday to see a special smoking nurse so maybe that will help and I can catch up with you.

[Sheridan]

thanks baba. yeah sometimes a specialist can help. I have just had to bite the bullet and fuckin do it. like I said it sucks!! but it will only get worse until it gets better. I just try to think of how many records I can buy with my cig money.

[7875]

i only second hand smoke so at least i'm only losing my life and not money too.