Operation Nobacco has begun. (Or: NuclearDem tries to kick a nasty habit)

[NuclearDem]

Right, I've had it.

The cigarettes are too damn expensive. I've got burn holes on my car's cloth seats. I'm tired of smelling like a walking ashtray.

I'm up to a pack a day right now, and I'm going to quit. Thing is, I don't have the discipline or self-control to do it alone. So from now until I finally smoke my last cigarette, I'm going to provide updates here on my progress.

I need your help, fellow DUers. I need accountability and direction on this.

I've bought what I hope will be my last carton. I'm two packs in. Starting today, I'm going to start weening myself off, fewer cigarettes each week until I'm done with it.

Here we go.

[Wounded Bear]

1. That's a tough way to go...

'tapering off' almost never works, but hey, what do I know?

I quit many years ago (during the Carter administration if you must know). It took me three tries, but once I finally put them down I made it, as they say, Cold Turkey. Don't dip, or chew, or smoke pipes or cigars because you think "It's something I can't do all the time so what can it hurt?" It's a bit like non-alcoholic beer. It's for non-alcoholics. Any source of nicotine should be avoided, especially in the first few crucial months. The first two times I relapsed on cigs it was cigars and pipes that got me hooked back. Having said all that, patches, gums, and some new medications have been known to help in some cases.

You'll probably need a more intimate support group than just here. Explore options in 12 step program and other 'self help' (I kind of hate that term) organizations. Make sure all your IRL friends know about this and support you in it. If they don't, dump them-at least temporarily. If they care so little about you to not support you in this, they're not really friends. It's true. Trust me on that. Many, many addicts of all stripes have been thwarted by their closest intimates. Certainly be very wary of spending time with any heavy smokers.

Many insurance companies and employers have avenues in smoking cessation treatment. At least give it a look.

Best of luck! You can do it!

Oh, on edit: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1153

[NuclearDem]

2. Oh, wow, didnt know that group existed.

Thanks for the link!

[applegrove]

3. I quit. Took me six months of work. Then no effort at all to be quit. PM me if you want to

know the details.

[Fridays Child]

4. Here are some things that may help.

Consider cigarette replacements: hard candy, soda straws, coffee stirrers, gum, sunflower seeds, and so on.
Try slowly eating some 70% or greater dark chocolate when you get an urge to smoke.
Increase your water and fresh fruits and veggies.
Keep your mind and your hands busy.
If you smoke and drive, start throwing your cigs in the back (or the trunk), whenever you get in the car.
If you smoke after meals, get up from the table right away and go do something else for a few minutes.
If you smoke when you wake up, try pushing back that first cig by 5 or 10 minutes a day.
Let the people close to you know you're trying to quit and to not take it personally, if you're grouchy.
If you have a "smart phone," look for free smoking cessation apps.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for resources in your state. You may be able to get some phone coaching.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. Quitting is hard work. If you slip up, don't get too upset. Just try again.