About Frank G Expertise I certainly can identify with a moderate to heavy smoker and can answer questions about what tools you will need to succeed. What is worth trying and some that are not. I smoked steadily for 33 years, pipes, cigars and cigarettes. Between 1-4 pks daily. All kinds
Experience Iam experienced in loving tobacco. Just loved it and had to have it.
There was no way possible I would ever consider quitting. Have tried many times during the years when I thought that I really should for health reasons but always failed. That is until year 2000. Now, Iam free, free at last and am breathing just fine.--Maybe I can help you, that depends on one thing...YOU!
Question I have been smoking for just about 10 years now. I have tried the gum with no success. I chewed one piece and smoked a cigarette immediately afterwards. I also tried Zyban, with no success. I did, however, experience dizziness and nausea from the drug. I do enjoy smoking - but I do not enjoy smoking as much as I do. I smoke at least a pack a day - first thing in the morning, smoke breaks at work, before my shower, after my shower, before bed, and with drinks (socially) - I'm practically chain-smoking while drinking. My question is: What do you recommend I use/do to quit? I know that I still want to smoke but I do not want to increase my nicotine intake anymore than I already have and I do not want to smoke as much as I do per day...Do you recommend herbal drugs? I've heard these are good because they're natural and because smoking while taking them will not hurt you like other stop-smoking products can?
Answer
Hi Tina,
Its good that you are concerned about your smoking and want to do something about it. However, from what you have said it seems you are conflicted as to whether you really WANT to quit. In my opinion, you are not committed to making the necessary adjustments in making such a drastic life-style change. It really is NOT a matter of finding some alternative drug or gum or whatever. It IS a matter that you must deal with from within. There are ways to make the transistion easier but the ultimate goal can only be achieved if you yourself have the dicipline and resolve to do this thing right.
Just as it took years to get to this stage of addiction, so shall it take to conquer it. Unfortunately, it will much more difficult to achieve this goal than it was to become addicted.
I had to come to the realization that it was not ME in control but rather the drug, nicotine. Secondly I had to know that it was not JUST the drug but also the habit, the behavior, if you will. Years upon years of doing something I had felt compelled to do was not going to go gracefully away just because I was willing to put forth my best effort. I had to constantly tell myself several times a day how much I hated the smell and the mess cigarettes made. How disgusting the whole thing was and mostly how much I hated NOT being in control. IT had the control and I felt powerless to do anything about it. I learned to hate and despise everything about it and in the process I found that I really had hated myself too for being so weak and submissive to a frigging plant. I knew from past attempts what I did wrong and why I could not attain my goal. So I began to experiment by alternating the times and reasons I smoked. For instance try practicing putting off having that smoke for a few minutes and soon you will be able to skip the 'after shower' smoke and wait until the next urge before you light up. There are many things you can do to 'trick' yourself. If you are interested in knowing some more of the things I did then write to me again.
Not smoking when you are drinking seems like an undaunting prospect but just remember that these are just some of the rules you have always abided by because YOU made them up. Begin by being more aware of each time you light up. Again, practice saying no to yourself and wait it out. If you typically smoke an average of 10 cigarettes in a drinking session then only place 5 in front of you and vow not to smoke anymore until you absolutely have to. Get into the habit of NOT giving into yourself just because you want something like a cigarette. Begin to take control, limit your smoking and get into the habit of smoking less per day before you make the final committment to quit. Of course this assuming that you have failed in your last attempt to stop. If your still not smoking and I mean NOT, no cheating with sneaking just one or two, then by all means keep up the good work.
Okay so I guess I better get to answering your questions before this letter reaches epic proportions.
I recommend mind games, practicing some of the things I mentioned, and staying away from those things that seems to instigate smoking whether it be friends, drinking other smokers etc.. I have no experience with herbal drugs but I recommend almost ANYTHING that works for you to end this addiction. If it is a plecebo effect then so be it, Iam all for it.
Good luck Tina, sorry it took me so long to respond. Please write again if you have anymore questions or to just tell me how you are doing.
