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Hello, this is my no-smoking blog!
Since last week I've been struck down with one helluva chronic cough, it's felt like broodlings are constantly crawling up and down my throat. I don't know whether it's solely down to my 5-10 a day habit the past two years but I'm trying to imprint in my mind how horribly debilitating and painful this cough is so that everytime I look at a pack of cigs I'm put off.
No matter which way you look at it its a horrific habit that severely alters your daily physiology and psychology. I'm sweaty and puffing after a small flight of stairs, cancelled my gym membership because it was pointless trying to work out.. I eat much worse now because I always feel like going out for fast food because I can smoke on the way/ after.
Any of you that don't smoke, please, never, ever smoke.
I can already foresee that it's going to be tough... It'll be hard to fill that void after a greasy filling meal, after sex, during lunch breaks at work, waiting for a train, with a pint of beer, with a morning coffee, during a midnight heart-to-heart chat with friends..
Having given it a fair thought there are a few things I feel innately addicted to akin to the effect of nicotine.
1) my beautiful, wonderful girlfriend
2) football
3) starcraft
My plan is to substitute all the times I smoke now with these activities (sorry zoe, for reducing you to an "activity")
If I stop smoking for a month then I'll be incredibly happy, it'll be something solid to build on. Wish me luck guys.
UPDATE
It's been 1 week now. And honestly I can count the number of times i actually wanted a cigarette on one hand. What I really crave is to be rid of these withdrawal symptoms that have been haunting me for the past few days. Today I'm so glad to feel much better, but for the past 3-4 days I felt really spaced-out and extremely pissed off, it was getting to me because i knew it wasnt rational how I was feeling and acting. I was so irritable I feel guilty today how snappy and disgruntled I've been to people. But happy that it's subsiding, I'm sure it will come and go over the next month at least, but nothing you cant solve with a bit of patience and solitude..
Yesterday I played football for the first time in 3-4 weeks and although my legs felt generally felt weak and feeble because I hadnt done any rigorous exercise my lungs definitely felt better, my breathing was unhindered. I felt like I was sweating because I was excercising rather than sweating the first 4-5 mins out of being completely fucked in the lungs.
So I shall push on, and see it through to the other side.
I'm moving out of home next Tuesday, which I hope will aid my quest rather than hinder. This year I really want to adopt a healthy lifestyle like I had a few years ago when everyday I was feeling good and up for a work out, feeling smug looking at myself in the mirror.
I shall update when I feel further symptoms/ signs of healing.
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Good for you dude, saves you a lot of money that you can spend on other things as well!
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Dude! If you do quit smoking consider me your fan for life! GL GG HF!
Only the strong -minded can consider quitting and only Ballers actually quit.
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I quitted smoking like 4 months agoo.
1 thing I can say is don't count on ure girlfriend 
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Damn, way to make me feel terrible FB.
But gl man! I've had a few unsuccessful tries, may you be stronger.
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Best of luck mate. Last year I managed to endure 2 entire months without any smokes. Unfortunately I got very drunk one night and there was the end of all my efforts..
Now recently I was in a hospital.. the doctors said my lungs are in a very bad condition, they told me not to smoke but I didn't listen. I hope I won't regret for this some day.
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On January 24 2011 19:32 SushilS wrote:
Dude! If you do quit smoking consider me your fan for life! GL GG HF!
Only the strong -minded can consider quitting and only Ballers actually quit.
lol i must be a baller then. 1 month 2 days 14 hours and counting and no sign of slowing down.
On topic, you have made the first step. Quitting is all about mental stamina and if you can honestly say you are done with it, it will happen.
Its totally worth it. To smell things you never really did. Taste things more distinctly. Have more energy and be able to climb a flight of stairs without having to stop at the top to have a smoke and catch your breath.
Good luck man. Stay strong.
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good luck to you sir. ive been off cigs for about 10 days now and can start feeling the congestion fading away. to be honest though i have been using an e cig for those 10 days but it beats the real deal in terms of health.
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Good luck, I really hope you can make it! 
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United States24637 Posts
On January 24 2011 20:03 Corrupt wrote:
Best of luck mate. Last year I managed to endure 2 entire months without any smokes. Unfortunately I got very drunk one night and there was the end of all my efforts..
Now recently I was in a hospital.. the doctors said my lungs are in a very bad condition, they told me not to smoke but I didn't listen. I hope I won't regret for this some day.
I don't quite understand where this idea comes from that it won't affect you... I mean if you are okay with ending your life early due to severe lung-related consequences then you probably have no reason for regrets....
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Good luck man!
My girlfriend is also working on quitting smoking, just takes the willpower and support!
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On January 24 2011 20:39 micronesia wrote:Show nested quote +On January 24 2011 20:03 Corrupt wrote:
Best of luck mate. Last year I managed to endure 2 entire months without any smokes. Unfortunately I got very drunk one night and there was the end of all my efforts..
Now recently I was in a hospital.. the doctors said my lungs are in a very bad condition, they told me not to smoke but I didn't listen. I hope I won't regret for this some day.
I don't quite understand where this idea comes from that it won't affect you... I mean if you are okay with ending your life early due to severe lung-related consequences then you probably have no reason for regrets....
I don't know either man.. I am very much considering to quit, but when I remember how hard it was I give up. I thought if I reduce the amount of smokes to minimum (a few cigaretes per day) until my lungs get better, I'll be fine. I'm up since 6:00am this morning and I haven't had a single one. My lower lip is bleeding, I'm so nervous I can't stop biting it inside my mouth.....
To be honest, what you have said is frightening me. It is like "you're trying to avoid thinking about that, which is unavoidable".
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@Corrupt. It is true that we are all going to die. But continuing smoking is definitely going to help you die faster. Of course It is extremely hard to quit (I don't have any personal experience though), so the choice is yours.
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Alright, fuck this. FB, I'm with you. Let's resist to the end!
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On January 24 2011 21:45 Corrupt wrote:Show nested quote +On January 24 2011 20:39 micronesia wrote:On January 24 2011 20:03 Corrupt wrote:
Best of luck mate. Last year I managed to endure 2 entire months without any smokes. Unfortunately I got very drunk one night and there was the end of all my efforts..
Now recently I was in a hospital.. the doctors said my lungs are in a very bad condition, they told me not to smoke but I didn't listen. I hope I won't regret for this some day.
I don't quite understand where this idea comes from that it won't affect you... I mean if you are okay with ending your life early due to severe lung-related consequences then you probably have no reason for regrets.... I don't know either man.. I am very much considering to quit, but when I remember how hard it was I give up. I thought if I reduce the amount of smokes to minimum (a few cigaretes per day) until my lungs get better, I'll be fine. I'm up since 6:00am this morning and I haven't had a single one. My lower lip is bleeding, I'm so nervous I can't stop biting it inside my mouth..... To be honest, what you have said is frightening me. It is like "you're trying to avoid thinking about that, which is unavoidable".
not to harp on you, but do you realize how silly this sounds?
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On January 24 2011 22:44 Orome wrote:
Alright, fuck this. FB, I'm with you. Let's resist to the end!
<3 orome 
Thanks for the support guys!
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On January 24 2011 22:47 SoMuchBetter wrote:Show nested quote +On January 24 2011 21:45 Corrupt wrote:On January 24 2011 20:39 micronesia wrote:On January 24 2011 20:03 Corrupt wrote:
Best of luck mate. Last year I managed to endure 2 entire months without any smokes. Unfortunately I got very drunk one night and there was the end of all my efforts..
Now recently I was in a hospital.. the doctors said my lungs are in a very bad condition, they told me not to smoke but I didn't listen. I hope I won't regret for this some day.
I don't quite understand where this idea comes from that it won't affect you... I mean if you are okay with ending your life early due to severe lung-related consequences then you probably have no reason for regrets.... I don't know either man.. I am very much considering to quit, but when I remember how hard it was I give up. I thought if I reduce the amount of smokes to minimum (a few cigaretes per day) until my lungs get better, I'll be fine. I'm up since 6:00am this morning and I haven't had a single one. My lower lip is bleeding, I'm so nervous I can't stop biting it inside my mouth..... To be honest, what you have said is frightening me. It is like "you're trying to avoid thinking about that, which is unavoidable". not to harp on you, but do you realize how silly this sounds?
It could. But you've got it wrong I think. Anyways 0 to 2, down from 20+ cigs per day is alot better for me, even with fucked up lungs.
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Canada9720 Posts
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United States2822 Posts
Grats to you, TC! Best of luck.
And I hate to hijack the topic, but @Corrupt - that's the exact wrong mentality you want to have when quitting smoking. You either quit or you don't - halfassing it by "reducing" the amount you smoke a day shows you have not enough mental fortitude in order to do so. I hate to be blunt, but if you do it the way you do, one stressful situation will get you right back into your old habits.
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I believe in you Fireblast. You can defeat Lord Nicotine.
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Smart decision 
Good luck!
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Korea (South)11575 Posts
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Good luck man. I've never smoked but I understand it can be quite difficult.
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for some, its just sheer willpower and they quit on day 1 (no one can quit on day 9)
others do have to reduce it, my girlfriend has gone from a pack a day down to a pack a week and is now trying to bring it down to a pack every 2 weeks or so
my uncle had open heart surgery where they said 'you smoke again and you're dead' and he quit that day, or was forced to
regardless of method, i wish anyone who wants to quit smoking luck, defeating any addiction takes dedication
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I've stayed clear from cigarettes for a little more than 2 months now. I used to smoke a pack a day and smoked for 5 years. 5 years might not be much for some but I just recently turned 21.
Now it's only when I get intoxicated I crave cigarettes. Must say alcohol is the worst of my personal favorites, nothing sparks up the urge like a few beers. I do dream about smoking though, every time I dream anything it's about cigarettes now. There's two versions, the first one takes place right after I've chain smoked a pack. I feel such panic and disappointment because all the self control I've had so far lead nowhere. The second one I see myself smoking a cigarette, the ember looks beautiful and every drag feels like a misty breath of awesomeness. I find both quite disturbing ._.
Point being that it's an uphill battle, a muddy hill for sure. But the more you let your lungs rest and heal the better you will feel, the easier you have to regain cardio (a few days back I played badminton and it was so much fun (and painful). First time I've done any sport in years). You will regain your sense of smell and food will taste better and you will have more energy and so on. For me the whole "AND YOU WON'T DIE" thing felt so distant that I had problems relate to it but every small thing I get back helps me reassure myself that this is the right way to go.
Best of luck!
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Never smoked myself although it runs in my family somewhat. My Grandfather used to smoke constantly but quit about 20 years ago. He's still alive because of that.
My dad has been smoking since he was a teenager off and on. He's in his mid 50s now and I worry about him T_T
Congrats on taking a step forward, and I wish you the best.
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Man....I need to do this shit...
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As a non-smoker, it may seem like I have not much advice to offer. However, I really wish my aunt (and a lot of members in my family) would stop smoking. It really adversely affects me, because 1. I know they are volunarily putting risk in their lives and 2. I can't stand second hand smoke. Second hand smoke makes it difficult for me to breathe and I often have to get out of the room.
Anyway, in my quest to change my family, I bought the Carr "Easy way to quit smoking". I took the time to read it and would recommend the following tips:
1. Smoking is addictive, as nicotine is a drug. You will definitely have withdrawal symptoms, but thankfully they are only psychological (so its not as hard of a battle as other drugs). Recognizing that it is actually a drug and built to be addictive can maybe help your fire in quitting it.
2. Try not to think of it as a "sacrifice", or "I am "giving up" smoking." Instead of getting down and thinking "well this stuff gives me cancer, etc.", think about the positives it brings to your life. Smoking doesn't actually relieve stress, what it does is it adds a void (craving) into your body that can only be filled by it (nicotine). You didn't have to feel relieved in the past by a cig before you started smoking. Think about the way smoking positively impacts your life (the benefits), and you could realize that it's not really doing any good.
That's all that comes to mind at the moment. Everyone has something that they are fighting towards (I am going to lose weight), so be strong!
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Also, gradually cutting the amount you smoke isn't a good long term solution. The book gave anecdotes (and I"m sure some of you can relate) about a woman who managed to cut it down to 1 cig a day. Her whole daily routine would revolve around that 1 cigarette (should I have it after I do the laundry? where can I have it so I can't be caught by family?) Therefore even though the habit would have been relatively safe to her health, she was never truly mentally free. In that sense she was just as strong of an addict as any other chain smoker.
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good for you man. hope you keep it up
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thanks all. 4 days and counting once this cough subsides I cant wait to get back on the treadmills and lift some weights, fortunately i really do feel that my desire to be well enough to play sports > nicotine
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I've been snusing/dipping for the past 5 years or so and have thought about quitting recently as well. This thread may have motivated me to join in the cause of good health!
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On January 25 2011 03:24 amd098 wrote:
for some, its just sheer willpower and they quit on day 1 (no one can quit on day 9)
others do have to reduce it, my girlfriend has gone from a pack a day down to a pack a week and is now trying to bring it down to a pack every 2 weeks or so
my uncle had open heart surgery where they said 'you smoke again and you're dead' and he quit that day, or was forced to
regardless of method, i wish anyone who wants to quit smoking luck, defeating any addiction takes dedication
fuck man I can't get my GF to quit. It's making me angry... I kind of want to smoke out of spite just to make her feel guilty, but all she says is "Don't smoke you are a not a smoker." Then she says she's going to quit soon, but she knows damn well I don't believe her. She just says it to make herself feel better. Got dammit... I'm dumbfounded when I see her go through almost 2 packs a day. They are really light cigarettes the 0.5 filtered ones, but it's still not healthy for her at all.
Also you guys saying quit smoking cold turkey I'm pretty sure not everyone can do that. Some medical people actually recommend still smoking, but gradually cutting back on cigarette count until you hit 0.
Anyways I never seen the need to smoke. I can't smoke in my room so if I was a smoker I'd have to go to the "smoke pit" and I'm too lazy to leave my room so that's another initiative to not smoke. Also I don't want to smell like smoke and shit.
Anyways good luck to those that are trying to quit smoking. It sucks when my GF and all her friends smoke.I mean literally ALL her friends smoke. I seriously think it's a Korean way of life or something... so many Koreans smoke where I'm from.
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On January 25 2011 08:05 exalted wrote:
1. Smoking is addictive, as nicotine is a drug. You will definitely have withdrawal symptoms, but thankfully they are only psychological (so its not as hard of a battle as other drugs). Recognizing that it is actually a drug and built to be addictive can maybe help your fire in quitting it.
!
Don't mean to be a dick here but you said it yourself, You don't smoke. You don't know what you're talking about. I've been addicted to both physical and psychological substances. To say that psychological withdrawls are not as hard as physical ones is absolutly retarded since it depends on for instance the psychological state of the person. Also depends on how likely your mind is to create addictions and habits.
Furthermore you say "Smoking is addictive, as nicotine is a drug." You're implying that all drugs are addictive which isn't true. "Drug" is a lable, very generously spread over different substances, some of which aren't addictive. LSD for instance.
Peace.
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On January 24 2011 23:52 scintilliaSD wrote:
Grats to you, TC! Best of luck.
And I hate to hijack the topic, but @Corrupt - that's the exact wrong mentality you want to have when quitting smoking. You either quit or you don't - halfassing it by "reducing" the amount you smoke a day shows you have not enough mental fortitude in order to do so. I hate to be blunt, but if you do it the way you do, one stressful situation will get you right back into your old habits.
you never smoked cigs did you? You cant just QUIT instantly its a physical addiction in the brain, you need to slowly do less and less then maybe get e-cigarettes or a patch and ease off it.
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Belgium9947 Posts
On January 26 2011 01:30 Silentness wrote:Show nested quote +On January 25 2011 03:24 amd098 wrote:
for some, its just sheer willpower and they quit on day 1 (no one can quit on day 9)
others do have to reduce it, my girlfriend has gone from a pack a day down to a pack a week and is now trying to bring it down to a pack every 2 weeks or so
my uncle had open heart surgery where they said 'you smoke again and you're dead' and he quit that day, or was forced to
regardless of method, i wish anyone who wants to quit smoking luck, defeating any addiction takes dedication fuck man I can't get my GF to quit. It's making me angry... I kind of want to smoke out of spite just to make her feel guilty, but all she says is "Don't smoke you are a not a smoker." Then she says she's going to quit soon, but she knows damn well I don't believe her. She just says it to make herself feel better. Got dammit... I'm dumbfounded when I see her go through almost 2 packs a day. They are really light cigarettes the 0.5 filtered ones, but it's still not healthy for her at all. Also you guys saying quit smoking cold turkey I'm pretty sure not everyone can do that. Some medical people actually recommend still smoking, but gradually cutting back on cigarette count until you hit 0. Anyways I never seen the need to smoke. I can't smoke in my room so if I was a smoker I'd have to go to the "smoke pit" and I'm too lazy to leave my room so that's another initiative to not smoke. Also I don't want to smell like smoke and shit. Anyways good luck to those that are trying to quit smoking. It sucks when my GF and all her friends smoke.I mean literally ALL her friends smoke. I seriously think it's a Korean way of life or something... so many Koreans smoke where I'm from.
If your GF doesn't want to stop smoking, at least get her to stop buying light cigarettes. There's a reason the tobacco companies aren't allowed to use the word light cigarettes anymore. It's not safer in any way compared to normal cigarettes, in the contrary, it gives you a much higher tar intake / nicotine intake.
It'll save her a lot of money and make smoking a bit more safer lol.
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On January 26 2011 01:30 Silentness wrote:Show nested quote +On January 25 2011 03:24 amd098 wrote:
for some, its just sheer willpower and they quit on day 1 (no one can quit on day 9)
others do have to reduce it, my girlfriend has gone from a pack a day down to a pack a week and is now trying to bring it down to a pack every 2 weeks or so
my uncle had open heart surgery where they said 'you smoke again and you're dead' and he quit that day, or was forced to
regardless of method, i wish anyone who wants to quit smoking luck, defeating any addiction takes dedication fuck man I can't get my GF to quit. It's making me angry... I kind of want to smoke out of spite just to make her feel guilty, but all she says is "Don't smoke you are a not a smoker." Then she says she's going to quit soon, but she knows damn well I don't believe her. She just says it to make herself feel better. Got dammit... I'm dumbfounded when I see her go through almost 2 packs a day. They are really light cigarettes the 0.5 filtered ones, but it's still not healthy for her at all. Also you guys saying quit smoking cold turkey I'm pretty sure not everyone can do that. Some medical people actually recommend still smoking, but gradually cutting back on cigarette count until you hit 0. Anyways I never seen the need to smoke. I can't smoke in my room so if I was a smoker I'd have to go to the "smoke pit" and I'm too lazy to leave my room so that's another initiative to not smoke. Also I don't want to smell like smoke and shit. Anyways good luck to those that are trying to quit smoking. It sucks when my GF and all her friends smoke.I mean literally ALL her friends smoke. I seriously think it's a Korean way of life or something... so many Koreans smoke where I'm from.
yea, my korean friend also just started smoking, she says its help her calm down after studying... not good as shes nearly up to half a pack a day
all her korean friends also smoke, so its not good, im her only non smoking friend
my gf has had enough of her smoking as it ruins her health and also her pets dont come near her when she smokes
i also cough alot if she smokes, so she hates that
i truely hate the smell of cigarette smoke, as a transformers collector your figures become unwanted on ebay if they smell of smoke, i got a $100 figure for about $30 shipped cuz it smelled of smoke
took 2 months to get him to stop smelling
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You can do it!!! Congrats on the first step forward.
You should count all the money you are saving by not purchasing cigs, then use that 'extra' money you now have to reward yourself for quitting.
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Hope all you encounter is success (:
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A catchphrase from one of the quit smoking campaigns here in Australia:
"Never give up giving up".
So keep at it, and best of luck.
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i hope you're doing well fireblast =]
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how you doin man? Clean? GL HF my brother!!
P.S: NIcotine Gum if you need any also try contacting some counsellor to help you pull thru!! You GOT THIS!
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EPT![[image loading]](http://d.imagehost.org/0176/smoking_timeline_2070x1530.gif)
