How to Stop Smoking

One cigarette contains: Nicotine (found in insecticide) Stearic acid (candle wax) Toluene (industrial cleaner) Ammonia (toilet cleaner) Methanol (rocket fuel) carbon monoxide Arsenic (poison) Methane (sewer gas) Acetic Acid (vinegar) Cadmium (batteries) The above list should be enough to deter anyone from smoking. But, like all smokers, when I did smoke I somehow thought I was immune to those pollutants every time I inhaled. But I did give up smoking and after three years I rarely give it a thought and then only to help someone else kick the habit. well for me. I used Nicotine patches to help me give up Others swear by different methods. Choose whatever you think would work for you. Everyone is different.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Smoking cessation aid (e.g. patches or gum
• Determination to succeed
• Supportive family & friends

1. Smoking is expensive! Decide why you are giving up smoking. Health issues? Financial? Both? For me it was financial and my goal was to save enough for an air ticket to see my son in Australia. I could hardly moan I didn't have the money for the fare if I was smoking over $50 worth of cigarettes a week (or up to $180 a month), could I?
2. Seek professional help! Make an appointment to see a professional about giving up smoking. In my case it was the practice nurse at my Health Center. Like all smoking cessation supporters, she is trained and is sympathetic and non-judgemental. I was informed of the different kinds of aids to stopping smoking and I chose the patch, simply because a friend had been successful with it.
3. Read the instructions! Remember! Using cease-smoking aids is not a magic, overnight cure.
   Listen carefully to what your practice nurse or doctor tells you and read the instructions on the medication you are given. You want to ensure you will succeed.
4. Set yourself a goal! Choose a day to stop smoking - and try to stick to it. If it helps, when I decided to give up smoking I picked a day and called it 'The Day I started my Australia Fund' I chose to look upon the positive rather than the negative.
5. Kill the thoughts! Giving up smoking can feel like a bereavement, so dependent upon those little bullies have we been. Think hard about what kind of smoker you were (note the past tense): Only when out and socializing? As a reward? In the early stages, a pang of 'loss' did assault me occasionally (that's the only way I can describe it) but I think that's because my smoking was usually of the 'reward' kind. Having just finished housework or the ironing, I'd reward myself with a cigarette. Or, working at the computer, and needing a kick to the creative juices - what better than to have a quiet, contemplative cigarette? These moments of 'loss' were fleeting and these days I never think about having a cigarette no matter what stressful situation I find myself in.
6. Let your friends help! Be prepared for some wobbly times, particularly in the early stages. The nicotine patches will certainly cut down your cravings to a manageable degree but you mustn't rely totally on the patch having magic powers. You are going to have to exercise a little willpower and determination. Join a support group if necessary, although personally I doubted such a thing would work for me as once I'd decided to stop smoking I didn't want to talk about it all the time. It's a bit like dieting, keeping talking about food long enough and the diet goes out the window... However, I did tell a couple of non-smoking friends (one was my boss) who although not unsympathetic to my struggle, I felt I would have let them down if I succumbed and started to smoke again. Each day without a cigarette was a step nearer to never smoking again.
7. Step back from the cookie jar! Don't replace cigarettes with food: You may experience a nasty taste in your mouth. This is the layer of skin which your body has built up in your mouth to protect itself from the poisons you were inhaling. I discovered that chewing sugar-free gum helped. The nasty taste will go away eventually. Be strong and leave the cookies alone. If you start piling on the pounds your resolve may weaken and decide to start smoking again. Don't let even a couple of days of your hard work be for nothing.
8. Remember your goal! Finally, never forget why you have decided to stop smoking. If you are giving up smoking because you can't afford it, I heartily recommend visiting the website: www.quitnet.com where there is a handy ready-reckoner for you to note how much you smoke each day and how much your cigarettes cost you. This reckoner will show you how much you will save over a period of time and, this is the good bit, you will get regular emails to update you on your savings. As of today, I have saved over $6,758 - and I will be flying to Oz in October!

Tips & Warnings

• Join www.quitnet.com where you will get friendly support and the use of an inspiring QuitDateWizard to add up how much you are saving - both in money and how many days you've added to your life.
• Throw away that 'secret' stash of emergency cigarettes. You have made the decision to quit - and you mean it, don't you?
• If you choose to use Nicotine patches: keep a pair of scissors by your box of patches. The sachets can only be opened with scissors. I put my patches and scissors into a special wash bag so they are always together. This is also useful if you have children in the house as it is important that the patches, like all medicines, be kept away from children.
• Always see a medical professional for your cease-smoking medication. DON'T be tempted to try and get cheap 'deals' over the Internet. These medications contain substances which may be harmful to people with certain medical conditions and only your doctor or practice nurse can advise you whether or not it is safe for you to use them.