Stopping smoking

[timey]

The thing is, AB, how many did you smoke before an have you gone down to nothing completely? I seriously do think that if it's going to cause all these effects, then stopping completely is not a good idea, at least not to start with. I actually think it does more harm than good to cut out something that you are used to just like that, when all that is needed is to cut down.

[A_B]

The thing is, AB, how many did you smoke before an have you gone down to nothing completely? I seriously do think that if it's going to cause all these effects, then stopping completely is not a good idea, at least not to start with. I actually think it does more harm than good to cut out something that you are used to just like that, when all that is needed is to cut down.

I smoked about 15 and yes I've gone cold turkey. I know what you're saying and that's one of the things that worries me, but I've started now so I'm gonna see it through. Supposedly the symptoms only last for up to three weeks and people who go cold turkey with no help (patches etc) are supposed to be more successful long term.

I'll be clear of nicotine within a couple of hours, so I'm hoping things will start to improve tomorrow.

[timey]

OK, no problem. Sounds like you are up for toughing it out. I wish you success.

[syl1]

Did you get the hunger, syl1? If you did, what helped for you?

I did. I have always had a sweet tooth, and that went out of control. I put 2 stone on, and eventually started smoking again, just to get the weight off. A couple of years later, I did it all again, same method. This time, even though I put weight on, I was prepared, and just went with it. When the craving for cigs stopped completely, I concentrated on getting the weight off, which I did. My theory is, you only have so much will power, so concentrate on one thing at a time. Giving up smoking, is the best thing I ever did.

[A_B]

How long did it take for the craving to go completely?

I don't think my body could cope with an extra 2 stone. I weigh under eight stone, so could do with some extra weight but too much would cause me problems.

[Ernest Rants]

How long did it take for the craving to go completely?

I don't think my body could cope with an extra 2 stone. I weigh under eight stone, so could do with some extra weight but too much would cause me problems.

try walking the dog as soon as you feel a bit off, might benefit you both or my other idea of running round the neighbourhood naked, shouting I'm a loony, might take your mind off things.

[Ck]

I did a bit of a google and apparently the hunger pangs when you quit the fags arn't always hunger pangs.

They use the acronym thing H.A.L.T. which means, hunger, anger, lonely (bored), tired. And it could be any one of those four that gives you the same feeling which you're interpreting as just hunger.

This is the source

[A_B]

Thanks, Ck. I've not had anything yet today - I've just been drinking water (and coffee) instead to try to suppress it a bit.

We don't usually have any snacks in the cupboards, but we bought some to help with withdrawals. The thing is, my husband got about 6 bars of family size chocolate and they've all gone already ( ), so I have to do without today anyway. I really don't want to start snacking because it spoils my meals, so I'm gonna see how I go with just water today (and obviously my main meals as well ).

[syl1]

I think what ck says, is right. I dont think they are hunger pangs. With me, it was habit. The worst was going out, drinking and eating=smoking. So I tried to change my habits a bit. Also, keep busy. Its the times when you would automatically reach for a cig, you need to distract yourself. For some, chewing gum helps.

[A_B]

The hunger has been okay today, so I'm hoping it was just temporary. I'm fine now - just normal (minus the cigs), but giving up can't be as easy as this, can it?

I'm sorta scared there's more to come, but the cravings have more or less gone now and when I do get them they're very slight, so nothing to worry about at all.

...just looking at my lovely clean red tongue will make me determined not to start again.