Re: The E-Cigarette
I never tried the E-Cig. but I'm considering getting one for hubby. Just so it's around when he decides it's time to quit.
I quit smoking two years ago this October past. I had a few reasons; cost, health and guilt.
I won't say the method I used is the only way or even the right way, at least not for everyone. But it worked for me. The following is what I did:
1. Started walking about half hour to an hour a day in the afternoon.
I did it about the same time each day and there was a no smoking rule during this walk (hadn't quit yet tho). Exercise, including walking creates mood enhancing hormones that help curb cravings. Walking became a turn-to tool once I actually did quit. By sticking to the walk each day, it begins a psychological commitment to quitting before you even begin.
2. About the same time I started walking, I made a doctor's appointment and got a prescription of Bupropion so I would have it when I was ready to begin.
Bupropion is an antidepressant (think Zyban, but generic) that has a high success rate for people trying to quit smoking.
3. After two weeks of walking, and two weeks before 'quit day', I started taking Bupropion.
4. Quit day I quit, to never smoke again. No tapering off or anything.
I started the patch. I went through the whole patch series, starting at my nicotine level. I went two weeks on each level except for the last one (one week). By the end of that, my prescription was over and I was done smoking. I kept one pill that I always have with me. It's my in case of emergency break glass pill.
I still have times when I want a smoke. Like before we go into a restaurant and I know they don't allow smoking in there. hehe Leftover thoughts from being a smoker. I havent had cravings but my mind sure has. Nicotine is an evil bitch.
If you think it's not bad, she's been whispering to your brain.
If you are even considering quitting smoking, just do it. It's not as scary as it seems it will be. It's gross and it's costly. Just think how much you could save for something fun like a trip or new pc toys, or even just that extra pocket cash. You only have to do it once and then you are done. Never have to quit again.
And if you need more reasons. Everyone knows that smoking can give you cancer. Besides that there are many other health risks (although it's more of a guarantee than a risk). If you get sick, every person you love will know that you were aware of the risks, and didn't care enough about the people you love to tell nicotine to get lost. Don't be weak. You are stronger than her, no matter what she's told you.
Yeah I know. The worst non smoker is always an ex-smoker.
But if it even pushes one person a little closer towards quitting, it was worth the typing.