Quitting Smoking Question

Flannel Shirt

Do you think its possible to quit smoking by cutting down you daily amount over time untill you eventually quit? You know, down to half pack from one pack, then quarter, etc?

Or, do you think you will eventually be back where you were?

Rygar

I think your addiction won't lighten up with lighter loads over time, so it's more likely to be able to quit cold turkey.

markymark550

I tried to quit smoking that way, but it didn't work for me. I tried that a few times and cut back to about 6 cigarettes a day. Then for whatever reason, and the reason was different each time, I would eventually get back to the old level (a pack a day). For me, as long as my body had the nicotine addiction, I would always eventually wind up smoking more. I finally quit cold turkey a couple of years ago and after the initial cravings, it wasn't bad at all.

lalalalaaaaaaaa

Flannel Shirt wrote:

Do you think its possible to quit smoking by cutting down you daily amount over time untill you eventually quit? You know, down to half pack from one pack, then quarter, etc?

Or, do you think you will eventually be back where you were?

Def possible...that's how I did it a while back. Start smokin' ultra lights, and just reduce the number little by little over whatever period feels right.

sponger

If you are smoking 2-3 packs a day, then I would say that it's a good idea to taper down your habit. Otherwise the withdrawal could be a bit too extreme.

I've heard of people quitting cold turkey with a 3 pack/day habit and experiencing some pretty heavy withdrawal symptoms.

Personally, I recommend the patch. It worked for me.

reeferchief

Top 4 threads all about drugs, this really is the all encompasing trip today.:)

riffrandall

Flannel Shirt wrote:

Do you think its possible to quit smoking by cutting down you daily amount over time untill you eventually quit? You know, down to half pack from one pack, then quarter, etc?

Or, do you think you will eventually be back where you were?

I smoked for YEARS, and most of it was 4 cigarettes a day, 2 in the car on the way to work, 2 on the way home, plus a 1/2 pack or so when I'd go out drinking.
I did the cutting down thing, the smoking ultra lights (worst idea ever) thing, all of that. I think I even tried the gum.
The only way to quit successfully is to convince yourself that your ready, find a strategy (like not going out to your favorite bar for a few wks or switching to tea if you smoke w/ your coffee) and then just walk away from it.
When you're really ready to quit, it's very easy to.

Nevermind

reeferchief wrote:

Top 4 threads all about drugs, this really is the all encompasing trip today.:)

I know. Its way too early for massive amounts of drugs.

Bathgate66

once youve reached the point of really honestly wanting to quit

just do it

cold turkey.

weening yourself slowly will make it more difficult.

the physical dependancy only stays for like 3 days, but the psychological grip it strangles you with is a lifetime struggle.


but it is definitely do-able.

best of luck .

decides2dream

as to the initial Q, i say, anything is possible. if you think it may make it easier for you, try it! nothing to lose and all to gain! even if it doesn't work, lesson learned and you will find a better approach.


me, i stopped smoking entirely, but i took wellbutrin (same as zyban) two weeks prior and continued i think for a total of 6 weeks, and also used the nicoderm patchy. for ME, they helped enormously, and i will celebrate 5 years smoke-free this december.

Bathgate66 wrote:

once youve reached the point of really honestly wanting to quit

just do it

cold turkey.

weening yourself slowly will make it more difficult.

the physical dependancy only stays for like 3 days, but the psychological grip it strangles you with is a lifetime struggle.


but it is definitely do-able.

best of luck .

overall, i agree....but the part i bolded, speak for yourself. seriously, i was a die-hard smoker, loved it, loved it, loved it! i thought for sure i would always *want* to smoke and how horrible it would be to live the rest of my life denying myself something i want - i am none too good with self-restraint - but it was not the case at ALL for me! i have ZERO desire to smoke! in fact, it mostly repulses me now, very much so. i am not saying every once in a while a desire doesn't come up...but it is oh so weak, and my repulsion overall so much stronger, it is gone in an instant. i feel NO psychological struggle/grip, at ALL. i will never smoke again.

purple_chick79

I used Chantix and it worked for me. BUT, I thought I was all set with only 2 months and had to get a refill, so do it for at least 3 months if you get it. What you do is, set a quit date, then a week before, start with the starter month prescription. You can still smoke the first week even on the pills. After the first month, I didn't feel the urge to smoke, but like I said I didn't do it long enough.

And don't be like me, smoke if you have a drink.....that doesn't work at all!