My Obnoxious Please Quit Smoking Thread.

[Fbolt]

Reds, Marlboro, aka Cowboy Killers. Been smoking them regularly for 27 years. Don't quit after you start. Nobody likes a quitter.

 

[Rack Em]

All this talk about cigarettes has convinced me to start. Can anybody recommend a good brand to try?

Get an e cigarette. You're cool if you smoke one.

 

[phillyirish]

All this talk about cigarettes has convinced me to start. Can anybody recommend a good brand to try?

You seem like a guy who would smoke Capri's or Virginia Slims

 

[irishog77]

I have no problem with the government taxing the heck out of cigarettes. The tobacco companies have artificially manipulated the addictivity of their product and specifically targeted children and teens that are at a point in their psychological development where it is essential to rebel a little and separate their identity from their parents. They suppressed and lied about all of their practices and the data that they had amassed. While continually marketing and placing the ads in movies and advertisements. It should not be okay to offer something that is as addictive as heroin to kids when you know it is not a benign product. Imagine if someone placed heroin in jelly beans, placed them in every store, then said you have to be 18 (wink wink) to buy them, would that be ok? They deserve our wrath.

People that say marijuana is the gateway drug, overlook cigarettes completely. It is a rare case where someone is addicted to a "hard" drug or alcohol and doesn't also smoke cigarettes. Even if they eventually kick the so called "hard" drug they usually still smoke long after.

I believe many food producers have followed the very successful model laid out by the tobacco companies, with the excessive use of msg and sugar. As more is learned about this, the conscious and capable will start to express their outrage at them also. However, Wooly, I would argue that truly eating healthily is expensive and time consuming two things that the average nuclear family is in short supply of. I am also a former tobacco user, I quit 15 years ago, but am chewing nicorette as I type this. I believe most people who have spent the majority of their life addicted to nicotine have tried at least once to stop, they wish that they had never begun the habit and also wish they had the fortune that they spent on it back, that is a huge price to pay for being a slightly rebellious teen. Forgive me, but painting this as government overreach into legitimate business, seems a bit contrived.

I agree with the bolded wholeheartedly. I have been a frequent tobacco user (yes, I'm an addict-- I dip) since I was 15. Not that it is any excuse, but many people truly have no idea how hard it is to give up nicotine. I was surprised, 10 or so years ago, when one of my brothers, who is an MD and never used nicotine, brought up the old saying that heroin is easier to quit than nicotine, and how he believed it. As a user of nicotine, he couldn't relate...but as a doctor, he understood the power of the drug.


As for the part about the tobacco companies, eh, I don't know. I'm not sure actual scientific studies were needed to demonstrate that smoking was bad for people. Common sense should show you that it is. Inhaling a burning substance down your lungs can't be good for you. And if anybody ever tried smoking, I'm not sure a single person would conclude, "yeah, this smoking is good for me, can't be anything wrong with it." The tobacco companies paid substantial fines. And to a degree, I'm fine with them being forced to do so. But how long must they continue to do so? At a certain point, it's still up to an individual what he or she decides to put into his or her body. Many "wrongs" have been bestowed upon people throughout time, but should the wrongdoers pay for their sins eternally?

 

[irishog77]

You seem like a guy who would smoke Capri's or Virginia Slims

I bum those from cougars quite frequently.

 

[irishog77]

Get an e cigarette. You're cool if you smoke one.

How long before there's a crackdown on these? The only people I know of that use them are hipsters and people that use them to smoke weed in public. Both should be equally dealt with accordingly.

 

[ND NYC]

NDFan4Life:
i quit after 30 years.
it CAN be done.
you CAN do it.
everyone has their own reasons, i wont go into mine here.
i can only tell you my situation and that is this: it wasnt even that hard!

i kick myself EVERYDAY for never having tried to quit earlier!
i quit the first time and was like "holy shit---are you kidding me--why didnt i do this sooner!!??"

they key thing for me was that someoen told me that, in the beginning (first couple weeks) you will have about 10 real cravings a day, and that they would last for no more than 4 minutes MAX...and that is when it will be the hardest-so you have to have a plan for those 4 min increments.
i ate skittles by the bagful, chewed gum, chomped on straws, ate pretzel rods.
those cravings wean down after about 2 months. but handling those were the KEY for me.
i did the patch, and I also quit drinking (booze) for about 6 months (for me they went together and i did them OFTEN-whenever i drank--i ate those cigs!)

i did the patch for a full 6 months (full dosage 21mg). didnt even try to do the smaller patches (cost the same and less nicotine--i figured i'd just use a scissor and cut them if need be)

one day just forgot to put it on, and was like, the hell with these things.

and that was it.

i still remember my first and last cigs like old mistresses, i have the occosional "smokers dream"...but please know that it is NOT impossible to do, and that while some (lucky) ones have done it cold turkey, i knew i would need help with some nicotine replacement (patches, nicoterette).

my backup plan was: if the patch doesnt work im doing the chantix but im glad it didnt come to that (it worries me) but i will tell you i know people who smoked longer and heavier than I who used the chantix and it worked for them and the dreams werent too bad so use very bullett in the gun if you have to.

 

[TheRealLynch51]

Let me ask all of you ex-smokers a serious question.

I've been smoking (on and off) for about 40 years. I've quit cold-turkey a couple of times. It sucked... bad. I now want to quit again, but want it to be permanent. My doctor suggested that I try Chantix, but the wife doesn't like some of the side effects. I've never tried the nicotine gum or the patches. IMO, they're too expensive.

What do you all think is the best way to stop?

I used Chantix to help me quit for a couple of months. It REALLY helped curve the cravings. However, if you or anyone in your family has a history of some sort of mental illness (I.e. depression, anxiety etc.), the side effects become VERY real. It exacerbates those bad feelings and makes them worse. I also had ridiculously vivid dreams and night terrors. Just my two cents.

 

[autry_denson]

Cheeseburgers and Cars kill way more people every year than cigarettes, but there is no where near the attack on their businesses. They certainly aren't paying for negative advertising against themselves (the Truth.com ads are paid for entirely by tobacco companies).

I guess Volvo and McDonalds just have better marketing people. lol

True, and alcohol too. Smoking is terrible for you, but very few smokers die of lung cancer. Doesn't mean we should stop attacking cigarette companies - it's been one of the most effective public health campaigns in history. But we shouldn't just focus on smoking - drinkers like myself should feel some of the same pangs of guilt when we order the next round, b/c it's just as damaging o ourselves and more damaging to society.

 

[Fbolt]

I used Chantix 1 time, the day Kerry Wood struck out 21 against the Astros. Next day I assumed I could quit whenever-haven't wanted to quit so....

I also recalled life lessons Uncle Micky taught me. Nobody likes a quitter and apologies are a sign of weakness. Haven't stopped smoking or uttered an apology since.

 

[Woneone]

It's ironic that I saw this thread a few days ago, as I've been trying to muster up the strength to quit for quite some time.

I purchased the lozenges today, started cleaning up the house to remove all the things that could remind me of cigarettes, and set my quit date for tomorrow (no time like the present).

As a new father, an asthmatic, and generally out of shape since college, the thought of not being around for my daughter scares the living crap out of me. My breathing has gotten worse and worse over the last month, and it's time for a change.

I've actually lost 20'ish pounds over the last month and a half (had some dental surgery, so that helped. Easy to loose weight when all you can eat is yogurt and slim-fast shakes). Also, anyone looking for a good workout plan, I highly suggest the "You Are Your Own Gym" line from Mark Lauren, especially the iPhone/iPad apps. Amazing stuff.

From a family standpoint, I can't bare the idea of not seeing my daughter at her first ND game, first Prom, Wedding (hopefully I don't have to qualify that with "first"), ect.

From a selfish standpoint, I want to run a 5k. Heck, I want to walk a flight of stairs without being tired at the end. I want to go to a beach and not have to keep my shirt on. Even just walk a round of golf without HAVING to take a cart.

It's a terrible (and expensive) habit.

 

[Woneone]

Oh, and Chantix. My story on it a few years ago. The only side effect I had was the vivid dreams, but they would get so real I would wake up in a panic.

The most vivid was that I was late to my Best Friend's wedding. I woke in a panic, got dressed (Suit/Tie and all) as fast as possible. My room at the time was in a basement. I ran outside. It was pitch black. It was literally 3am. My friend was not getting married (he wasn't even dating at the time), and it was snowing outside. But the dream was so vivid it seemed real.

 

[irish1958]

True, and alcohol too. Smoking is terrible for you, but very few smokers die of lung cancer. Doesn't mean we should stop attacking cigarette companies - it's been one of the most effective public health campaigns in history. But we shouldn't just focus on smoking - drinkers like myself should feel some of the same pangs of guilt when we order the next round, b/c it's just as damaging o ourselves and more damaging to society.

There is no safe limit on the use of tobacco for the user or his second hand victims (usually a spouse, a child or a co-worker/employee) and no benefit except for the pure pleasure to the perpetrator of this evil.
On the other hand, alcohol forms, while the source of massive misery when misused, have beneficial effects both psychological and healthful when used properly, and has the approval of Jesus Christ.

 

[BGIF]

There is no safe limit on the use of tobacco for the user or his second hand victims (usually a spouse, a child or a co-worker/employee) and no benefit except for the pure pleasure to the perpetrator of this evil.
On the other hand, alcohol forms, while the source of massive misery when misused, have beneficial effects both psychological and healthful when used properly, and has the approval of Jesus Christ.

Name dropper!

 

[BobD]

It's ironic that I saw this thread a few days ago, as I've been trying to muster up the strength to quit for quite some time.

I purchased the lozenges today, started cleaning up the house to remove all the things that could remind me of cigarettes, and set my quit date for tomorrow (no time like the present).

As a new father, an asthmatic, and generally out of shape since college, the thought of not being around for my daughter scares the living crap out of me. My breathing has gotten worse and worse over the last month, and it's time for a change.

I've actually lost 20'ish pounds over the last month and a half (had some dental surgery, so that helped. Easy to loose weight when all you can eat is yogurt and slim-fast shakes). Also, anyone looking for a good workout plan, I highly suggest the "You Are Your Own Gym" line from Mark Lauren, especially the iPhone/iPad apps. Amazing stuff.

From a family standpoint, I can't bare the idea of not seeing my daughter at her first ND game, first Prom, Wedding (hopefully I don't have to qualify that with "first"), ect.

From a selfish standpoint, I want to run a 5k. Heck, I want to walk a flight of stairs without being tired at the end. I want to go to a beach and not have to keep my shirt on. Even just walk a round of golf without HAVING to take a cart.

It's a terrible (and expensive) habit.

That's awesome. Good luck and let is know how it's going!

 

[rikkitikki08]

I quit using dip about a month ago. I was dipping a can of grizzly wintergreen a day, i quit cold turkey and it was awful for a few short fussed days but overall its been incredibly easy since. I legitimately feel better every day, tobacco just is not worth it

 

[Monk]

I quit using dip about a month ago. I was dipping a can of grizzly wintergreen a day, i quit cold turkey and it was awful for a few short fussed days but overall its been incredibly easy since. I legitimately feel better every day, tobacco just is not worth it

Good for you. I saw first hand on my first ever construction site what chew could do to a man. Lets just say he clearly had cancer in his gums and it was no longer there.

 

[rikkitikki08]

Good for you. I saw first hand on my first ever construction site what chew could do to a man. Lets just say he clearly had cancer in his gums and it was no longer there.

Thanks man,and yes i never want to be that guy.

 

[Corry]

Real men Dip, smoking is for chicks.

 

[autry_denson]

There is no safe limit on the use of tobacco for the user or his second hand victims (usually a spouse, a child or a co-worker/employee) and no benefit except for the pure pleasure to the perpetrator of this evil.
On the other hand, alcohol forms, while the source of massive misery when misused, have beneficial effects both psychological and healthful when used properly, and has the approval of Jesus Christ.

I assume you're kidding, but I'm not quite sure. If not, this is all very, very wrong.

Although if you want an excuse to drink I like the strategy of pointing upstairs and toasting! Anyway I am a drinker myself and understand full well the positives of alcohol, but in terms of health and social costs it's just shockingly damaging.

 

[GoIrish41]

How long before there's a crackdown on these? The only people I know of that use them are hipsters and people that use them to smoke weed in public. Both should be equally dealt with accordingly.

how does that work?

 

[irishfan]

Real men Dip, smoking is for chicks.

Terrible college story about dipping. Long story short, I'm ending my night with a dip in at like 3 a.m., and our suite got raided by our campus police and RAs cause they thought they smelled weed. So, they're grilling all of us for like 20 minutes and I completely am hammered and just forget I have a dip in for a majority of this time and am slowly swallowing the whole time. Right as they're all about to leave, I start puking uncontrollably and they tried calling an ambulance for me cause they thought I like needed my stomach pumped or something. It was a complete spaz move on my part, luckily I stopped puking after like 2 mins and was able to talk them out of the ambulance.

 

[Cackalacky]

Real men Dip, smoking is for chicks.

The only time I ever dipped was playing baseball in HS. I roped one for a single and made the turn to 2nd base. I had to dive back getting back to first and swallowed the dip. I ended up throwing up on 1st base and got suspended for using tobacco products at "school."

Of course it was bullshit because our coach did it and others did too and I was just the unlucky kid to ruin it for everyone else.

 

[Jackalope1977]

I've thought about hypnosis, but I know that could be expensive also. I'm going to ask my doctor about Chantix at my next appointment. My wife is mainly concerned about the mood swings and nightmares. My feeling is that if I start getting weird, I'll stop and talk to the doctor.

I started a new job a few months ago, and none of the people I work with smoke. Now may be as good time as any to quit.

I quit using Chantix and it really helped a lot. As somebody else said it just about eliminates the cravings. I didn't get any dreams or mood swings, it did hurt my stomach if I took it on an empty stomach but I think a lot of drugs do that. Another thing I'm sure most people who've quit can attest to is that the first maybe 3 or 4 days are super hard but then it gets much easier. And once you quit for a while don't think you can have even one, I made that mistake about half a dozen times. You will NEVER be able to keep it under control. Good luck.

 

[GoIrish41]

The only time I ever dipped was playing baseball in HS. I roped one for a single and made the turn to 2nd base. I had to dive back getting back to first and swallowed the dip. I ended up throwing up on 1st base and got suspended for using tobacco products at "school."

Of course it was bullshit because our coach did it and others did too and I was just the unlucky kid to ruin it for everyone else.

Did that make the not top 10?

 

[ACamp1900]

Reds, Marlboro, aka Cowboy Killers. Been smoking them regularly for 27 years. Don't quit after you start. Nobody likes a quitter.

This was my style... until I became a quitter.....

<bows head in shame>

 

[peoriairish]

I'll address this more when I get home onto a computer, but the reprecussions of smoking are drastically more than just lung cancer. It attacks and affects every inch of your body.

And to address the taxing of fat people. Many organizations and businesses, especially those in the medical field, are putting a 'tax' on unhealthy lifestyles. They are giving those who have HDL and LDL at a certain level or can show proof of exercising 150 minutes a week a break on their health insurance. The level 1 trauma hospital in Peoria no longer hires people who smoke. There is a tax there for unhealthy behaviors, just not in the traditional sense.

 

[ACamp1900]

I'll address this more when I get home onto a computer, but the reprecussions of smoking are drastically more than just lung cancer. It attacks and affects every inch of your body.

And to address the taxing of fat people. Many organizations and businesses, especially those in the medical field, are putting a 'tax' on unhealthy lifestyles. They are giving those who have HDL and LDL at a certain level or can show proof of exercising 150 minutes a week a break on their health insurance. The level 1 trauma hospital in Peoria no longer hires people who smoke. There is a tax there for unhealthy behaviors, just not in the traditional sense.

I think there should be a 'stupid tax' for people whose stupidity ruins life for the rest of us... we could set up a collection booth at the entrance of the Democrat primary for example....

 

[NDFan4Life]

The wife and I both have decided to quit smoking. We're going to go the electric cigarette route first. She doesn't want to use drugs to quit, but I'm going to try Chantix. We both agreed that it's costing us way too much money, and our clothes stink to high heaven.

Wish us luck, everyone!

 

[BobD]

The wife and I both have decided to quit smoking. We're going to go the electric cigarette route first. She doesn't want to use drugs to quit, but I'm going to try Chantix. We both agreed that it's costing us way too much money, and our clothes stink to high heaven.

Wish us luck, everyone!

Wishing you all the luck! You can doooooo it!