Help Me Quit Smoking

[Kamaikia]

I was wondering if anyone can offer any advice on ways to quit smoking. I've tried cold turkey and it didn't work - the craving are too strong for me to go without. I tried accupuncture and that too didn't work. Next was patches - I had an allergic reaction to these and was told by the doctor to steer cleer of patches and gums in the future.
WHAT DO I TRY NEXT. Someone suggest zyoban (not sure if thats spelt right) - but I was told there were some serious side effects for some people. What else is there to do. I can't do anything that will make me sleepy of sick - I am a single mum so I can't afford to drop.
I hope someone has some great suggestion for me

[Peaceangels]

Have you considered trying hypnotherapy? It is not for everyone, but it does have pretty high success rates. I saw a hypnotherapist for different reasons, but the results were amazing.
Hypnotherapy works on the sub-conscience mind and I found the whole experience very relaxing as you are in the sub-conscience state just before sleep (you are aware of movement and voices around you, but deeply relaxed).
Oh, and don't worry about those silly shows on TV where they hypnotise people, its nothing like that if you see an acreddited hynotherapist.

[Mischief]

Hey there,

I have never smoked, but my dad gave up a pack a day habit cold turkey....

The trick (and you might have already tried this....) was that he replaced the habit of smoking with another one.

When he felt like he needed a ciggy he would have a few nuts or some dried fruits.....he chewed gum almost constantly at first too.

He said that the hardest thing to give up was having something to do with your hands and mouth....when the smoking craving hit, he would nibble and thus felt like the craving was satisfied.

If you have tried this, I'm not judging you!!!! Belive me, I know ALOT of people who have tried to quit cold turkey and have been unable too. Its a very hard habit to ditch. Dad HAD too, he had cancer and they wouldnt opperate on him until he quit (he was 65 at the time).

You are already making steps in the right direction and its obvious you WANT to quit....so good luck with it all! You deserve all the support you can get!

Oh...have you tried contacting QUIT australia? They have a pack they send out with information and goodies to help.....

Kat :)

[nemosmum]

Have you considered trying hypnotherapy? .

Sorry this is so off the topic but I am very interested in hypnotherapy and would love to hear more about your experiences so please start a hypnotherapy thread or PM me to chat peaceangels, thanks :)

To Kamikia, good on you for trying so damned hard to quit such a terrible addiction I wish you all the best in finding a way that feels right for you (sorry I cant offer any advice as the only thing I've been addicted to is chocolates :p and unfortunatley I still am LOL :D )

[rynosmum]

Kamaikia, well done for taking the first steps !

I have never smoked so unfortunately can't provide any advice. My husband went cold turkey but he had tried about 4 times before as well using different methods so decided to just give it away. He was definitely not himself for the first week but since then has done brilliantly well (it must be about a year now).

A friend of mine tried Zyoban (sp?) but had heart palpitations and major headaches. THe Dr took her off them almost straight away and said that there were quite a few side effects so do be careful if you choose to try them.

Best of luck in your goal to quit !! :)

[littlepickle]

Congratulations on taking the first step of giving up!
Just wanting to give up is a good start, as mentioned in previous posts, you have to want to give up in order to succeed.
It is a shame that you are allergic to the patches as these can be really helpfull. However, NRT products should not be used when ttc or when pregnant apparently.
Xyban I think is the name of a drug that can be used to help people to stop smoking. It works by taking away the pleasure from smoking. I have a friend who was successful in giving up using Xyban. You actually start taking it while still smoking, and you gradually cut down the cigarettes which is apparently easier as you dont get any pleasure or stimulation from them anyway because of the drug. Xyban is not for everyone. I was unable to use xyban because I fractured my scull when I was young and you cant use it if you have ever had a head trauma because it can cause siezures and strokes which have been linked to sudden deaths. When taking xyban doctors usually ask you to become part of a support group so that you can be monitored.
I personally wouldnt want to take the drug even if I could because I would be worried about the possible risks, but as I said, a friend of mine was successful and had no side effects, so it does work. Have you spoken to your doctor about xyban? They will hae a good look at your medical history and will know whay is best for you.

Hope this helps

[jaydensmum]

Im really sorry to disappoint you but I really cant offer any other advice then what's been given. When I quit I did by cold turkey! It was hard, but I had to do it for the sake of my then unborn child. All I can say is that I'm here if you need someone to talk to and give you some support.

jaydensmum. :)

[Kamaikia]

I looked into hypnosis awhile ago as my mother did this about 12 years ago and hasn't had a smoke since. The 2 places I rang were so expensive. I was looking at a certain number of sessions - overall the price was sitting at around $1000 - way out of my reach. Maybe someone else knows of somewhere cheaper.
My biggest concern is that I don't want my son seeing me smoke as he gets older. I don't want him thinking that smoking is alright. I want him to learn that its a disgusting filthy habit

[Peaceangels]

how much does smoking cost you? maybe the cost of hypnosis would be worth it -Once you have spent the $1000, thats it, it's all over - just a thought!

[Kamaikia]

I thought someone would say that after my last post. My smoking costs me about $50 a week - alot of money. I don't have $1000 to my name to try hypnosis. I don't even have half that.
It would take me a long time to be able to save this much - a real long time. Its hard.
I have thought of all the money I would save if I just quit but this addiction is too strong. I guess I need something a bit cheaper - I don't even have a credit card I could max out to stop smoking. Trust me if I did I would have done it 12 months ago.
I really wish I could turn back time and knock back that first smoke someone gave me. I already say - if my son ever picks up a smoke I will personally break all of his fingers to make sure he doesn't have another one.
You know I find it amazing - at one time I battled a drug addiction and won (please don't judge me as I have worked hard to turn my life around) :) - but quiting smoking seems 10 times harder

[Peaceangels]

I really wish I could turn back time and knock back that first smoke someone gave me. I already say - if my son ever picks up a smoke I will personally break all of his fingers to make sure he doesn't have another one.
You know I find it amazing - at one time I battled a drug addiction and won (please don't judge me as I have worked hard to turn my life around) :) - but quiting smoking seems 10 times harder

When my DH's father caught him smoking after a night out drinking, he made him sit up at the table then and there and smoke a whole packet, needless to say he has never smoked another one since :eek:
No judgements here, good on you for admitting about your previous addiction (that must have been hard) and congratulations on winning that battle! (you should be proud)....................may you find something that works for you for smoking :)