I QUIT!

[cmdan]

Found out my cigs are going from 49 to almost 65 a carton, with the new Obama tax and our new state tax. Decided I'm not paying those taxes and quit smoking last night. I actually thought about moving, but I'd still have to pay the Obamamama tax.

I keep heading out side to have a smoke. Good thing I ran out yesterday. Been munching on some of my last batch of jerky......coffee and jerky, I'll bet a man could live off that alone.

Anyone else quit using something, do to the high taxes? This is my first. I can afford the cigs, but just don't want to give them anymore money!

[Anon001]

Congrats!!!!

I quit on September 12, 2002...... If I can do it, anyone can.

Keep it up and don't look back.
Paul

[cmdan]

Thanks.

Last time I quit was from 97 to the end of 2001.

[cmdan]

Did you gain any weight? Last time I gained 30 lbs. I'll have to get some thing going to keep busy in my off time.

[crafty2002]

I can't believe what gigs cost in other places. I would have already quit if they were 49 a carton here. I smoke the Cheyenne Little Cigars which is really just a cigarette with a wraper made from a paper made from tobacco but they are just 1.25 a pack or 11.99 a carton.
I wish you well on the quiting.
Dennis

[harvester]

I quit useing the commit losenges. I had to have something because my previous attempts at quitting cold turkey had almost resulted in a repeat of the amityville horror! I had no cravings, and no weight gain and no attitude problems.

[Buck]

Anyone else quit using something, do to the high taxes? This is my first. I can afford the cigs, but just don't want to give them anymore money!

No, I didn't and I don't have to. You see I enjoy a pipe and pipe tobacco
isn't really affected (only a tiny amount of extra tax) by the schips tax
increase.

As an adult if you wish to enjoy tobacco I recommend the pipe to you for
a whole host of reason that no cigarette can ever offer. *8)

Please see this thread I added for you........

http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/yabb/forum.pl?board=fin-frugal-living;action=display;num=1237227235

[cmdan]

Well, I made it though the night with out (I work the night shift). I kept heading to the door to go have a smoke and had to remind myself, I didn't have any cigs and wasn't going to smoke. Now it is time for bed, so won't have to think about it till this afternoon, when I get up.

Buck, are you using cigar tobacco or cig tobacco? I would think cigar tobacco would be best, it is not as addicting. No, I'm not smoking either, just wont to get though the first 3 or 4 days. Thanks though.

[Buck]

Buck, are you using cigar tobacco or cig tobacco? I would think cigar tobacco would be best, it is not as addicting. No, I'm not smoking either, just wont to get though the first 3 or 4 days. Thanks though.

What in the world would give you that idea? Pipe smokers consume PIPE
TOBACCO only!! With all the flavor/blend variety in pipe tobacco whatever
reason would any pipe smoker even want to smoke nasty cigarette or cheap
cigar tobacco?

[cmdan]

I woke up and no big craving, so this afternoon is starting out ok. Eating some more of the jerky I made, seems to help some. I did start to head outside again, when I got out of bed, but not having any cigs helped stop that. I think the habit of always doing the same thing is giving me more problems the really wanting a cig.

Buck, I did'nt know there was such thing as just pipe tobacco. Thought it was just one or the other.

What's with the God is a Republican?

[Buck]

Buck, I did'nt know there was such thing as just pipe tobacco. Thought it was just one or the other.

What's with the God is a Republican?

Yep, now ya know what pipe smokers smoke and it ain't 'pot'! ;D

Unless you visit the Politics board here never mind about the "God" thing. *8)

P.S. Good luck on your escape from nasty cigarettes!

[cmdan]

I quit useing the commit losenges. I had to have something because my previous attempts at quitting cold turkey had almost resulted in a repeat of the amityville horror! I had no cravings, and no weight gain and no attitude problems.

Nice to hear this, I am hoping for the some of the same. I found yesterday at work, I did get a little irritated, but I managed to keep it to myself. We'll see how tonight goes.

[cmdan]

I can't believe what gigs cost in other places. I would have already quit if they were 49 a carton here. I smoke the Cheyenne Little Cigars which is really just a cigarette with a wraper made from a paper made from tobacco but they are just 1.25 a pack or 11.99 a carton.
I wish you well on the quiting.
Dennis

The state of WA put a huge tax on cigs about 6 or 7 years ago, said it was money for the schools. They keep upping it every few years and with the Obama .65 tax per pack going into effect April 1, it is just crazy. I like smoking, but I hate taxes and this tax is just crazy. I wonder how he'll (Obama) survive with millions of people who can't afford to buy cigs.......when the cravings and irritation sets in. We'll see.

[cmdan]

Made it though one more night of work. I'm done with work for the week, I'll have to see how I do over the weekend.

[JeffColorado]

I think tobacco prices are going to get hit by more than just taxes, seems I remember the tobacco subsidy went bye bye – no more government underwriting, it’s going to have to stand on it’s own as far as the producers are concerned now.

[Buck]

I think tobacco prices are going to get hit by more than just taxes, seems I remember the tobacco subsidy went bye bye – no more government underwriting, it’s going to have to stand on it’s own as far as the producers are concerned now.

No, not true. The tobacco subsidy's still exist and are active.

http://farm.ewg.org/farm/progdetail.php?fips=00000&progcode=tobacco

[Love_in_Christ]

I quit approx. 3 years ago and I had been a long time smoker and had quit a lot of times before of course I alway started back smoking within a few weeks. BUT, this last time I just remembered each time that I got that almost overwhelming craving for a foot long cig. that "This WILL pass" and each time in a few min. I would have my mind on something else and was amazed that it would pass. At first the cravings come very, very often but the longer I kept enduring it w/o smoking gradually the cravings came fewer and fewer as time went on and if you press on and endure you will feel sooooo much better will be sooooo happy when ya realize "Hey I DID IT!!!" I am so very glad I quit. I use to LOVE those things (chain smoker). You will be healther. I have been quit approx. 3 years. When I first quit I gained approx. 45 lb.'s the first year but have leveled off and have started excercising more now and am loosing. I am going to get my weight back down. I was glad when I finally leveled out. Good luck and just remember press through each craving "They will pass" and it will get fewer and fewer as time goes by. You will be much happier w/yourself for it later to (more than you really realize now). I'm pulling for any quiting.

[cwatson]

I quit June 21st of '08 ;D I had smoked for almost 30 years, quiting only while pregnant with my boys because they made me sick. Pretty bad huh? The prices here in Texas kept going up with what we called the sin tax. I finally got sick of spending all that money on something I had nothing so show for except yellow teeth and weak lungs.

I used the Walgreens version of the Commit Lozange. I didn't even have to finish the first pack I bought. I disliked the taste so much it help curb that problem fast. My FIL quit 20 years ago and warned me that even after all these years he still occassionally gets a craving but it passes fast. I just kept thinking do I really want to deal with cravings 20 years down the road. Well it is a craving either way you look at it but one you have control of not our Nanny Government. I will confess that even after all these months I still occassionally dream about smoking and when I wake up I think I am supposed to go out and smoke one but as soon as I come fully awake it passes. I have gained a little weight but I don't think it is from the quiting. I didn't start gaining it until about 2 - 3 months ago and I believe it is from being more seditary during the cold months and nothing to supress my appetite :)

Just what ever you do stick with it. You will feel so much better soon. I remember the first time I got a really good breath and it was surprising how deep a breath it was. I now take 2 - 3 mile walks when time permits and I could really keep going :)

Good Luck

[Faye]

I quit 18 years ago after smoking for 25 years. I had "tried" so many times to quit. What finally helped me was not being able to breathe. I would stop breathing at night and wake gasping for air. I made the decision to quit and after smoking the last cigarette I had I put on a nicotine patch and have never smoked another cigarette. I did not use the patch very long because I had a feeling I didn't need them. Sure enough I quit using them and had no craving. I believe it is when you actually make the decision to quit instead of saying I'm trying to quit that makes the difference. Once I quit I ask for God's help and He must have given it because I don't have cravings for cigarettes at all and cannot stand (and will not be) to be around anyone smoking. When I smell someone who smokes it is awful thinking I smelled like that for 25 years. It is nice to be able to breath.

[gwhilikerz]

I quit smoking when the price went to 30 cents a pack in vending machines. That extra nickel was the last straw.

[cmdan]

Hey! one more night without. Last night was rough though, every time I thought about it, I just visualized the 7 plus bucks per pack, over 2 in taxes and I said no! I'm not paying it. Now to make it though the day....haven't been to bed yet and have a full day ahead of me.....did I say I'm starting to hate grave yard! >:(

[Love_in_Christ]

I quit 18 years ago after smoking for 25 years. *I had "tried" so many times to quit. *What finally helped me was not being able to breathe. *I would stop breathing at night and wake gasping for air. *I made the decision to quit and after smoking the last cigarette I had I put on a nicotine patch and have never smoked another cigarette. *I did not use the patch very long because I had a feeling I didn't need them. *Sure enough I quit using them and had no craving. *I believe it is when you actually make the decision to quit instead of saying I'm trying to quit that makes the difference. *Once I quit I ask for God's help and He must have given it because I don't have cravings for cigarettes at all and cannot stand (and will not be) to be around anyone smoking. *When I smell someone who smokes it is awful thinking I smelled like that for 25 years. *It is nice to be able to breath.

Hey!!
Great testimony!!! I'm so happy for ya.
With us quitting the Rock stood between us and the hard place!!!
:) GOD IS GREAT (Ps. 86:10) and GOD IS GOOD (1 Chr. 16:34). :)

[Love_in_Christ]

Hey! one more night without. Last night was rough though, every time I thought about it, I just visualized the 7 plus bucks per pack, over 2 in taxes and I said no! I'm not paying it. Now to make it though the day....haven't been to bed yet and have a full day ahead of me.....did I say I'm starting to hate grave yard! *>:(

I'm believeing in ya!! Happy for you!!
You will feel soooo much better later. Just keep pressing on.

[cmdan]

Thanks everyone, so far so good. Ran out of jerky, so I went down and bought some peperoni http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink002.gif

[Buck]

Thanks everyone, so far so good. Ran out of jerky, so I went down and bought some peperoni http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink002.gif

One thing to remember while quitting.......FIGHT ONE BATTLE AT A TIME!

I say that because many people stop and start to gain weight, panic, start
back up then quit again, gain weight,panic, then start back up etc in
a awful circle that just wrecks your health.

Nicotine is an appetite suppressant and you body will whipsaw for a awhile
until the nicotine is out of your system. It's IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
that you must stop those things that go hand in hand with nicotine like
ANTHING that has caffeine in it (except tea). NO coffee, NO cola's NO
chocolate!! Drink barrels of water to flush your system free of the toxins
and nicotine while you quit.

Stop first... THEN start to eat better and excersice to get control of the
weight gain.

[Anon001]

Buck, that is excellent advice. When I stopped smoking in Sept 2002, I gained almost 50 pounds and it seemed like overnight. I have lost 20 of it so far... so, yeah... don't let eating habits go to heck in a handbasket.....

[cmdan]

WOW! This morning, I didn't even think of stepping out side for a smoke. Can't believe it! Still on track, and thanks for the advice on eating, I have been munching more. Normally don't eat breakfast or lunch, just supper. Lately I've been eating all and snacking. I'll have to make plans to start doing some walking or something. Thanks again.

[Buck]

WOW! This morning, I didn't even think of stepping out side for a smoke. Can't believe it! Still on track, and thanks for the advice on eating, I have been munching more. Normally don't eat breakfast or lunch, just supper. Lately I've been eating all and snacking. I'll have to make plans to start doing some walking or something. Thanks again.

Another trick you can use that works well for those "tough" moments.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH A LOT!!

The brushing activity replaces the hand movements of smoking and the
mint in the toothpaste helps purge the nicotine that leaches out of your
mouth tissues during the detox period. Brushing also helps repair the gum
tissue damaged by the heat and chemical acids of cigarette smoke.

[cwatson]

Keep up the good work! You have made excellent progress :) Just think how much more time you will have now also since you won't have to go outside and feed your bad habit now.

[johnny]

I have noticed that some foods that I used to like taste different now and its only been 18 months since I quit.

I havent gained any weight really as I always run between 210--220 so thats the same and I snack as I always did and eat basically the same. Coffee--2 cups in the morning with diet coke filling in the rest of the day or night. I do water also but prefer my diet cokes. 10-20 pounds over my high school weight so I like it.

At the cost of those cigs you can now afford that new car or truck or perhaps a bass boat with the saved amount.

[johnny]

Hey--remember--its so easy to quit but its a wooly-booger to stop.

I am fortunate in that I have a head thats harder than most cement blocks so quitting was simply puttin a time and date to it and voila--DONE!

Many quit several times but really never 'stop'!

[Buck]

I havent gained any weight really as I always run between 210--220 so thats the same and I snack as I always did and eat basically the same. *Coffee--2 cups in the morning with diet coke filling in the rest of the day or night. *I do water also but prefer my diet cokes. *10-20 pounds over my high school weight so I like it.



Remember, johnny's caffeine experience is his alone and not recommended
for the average person. AVOID caffeine while you stop smoking...it's a fact!

[cmdan]

"Avoid caffeine"?? I may as well go in a hole and die. I live off the stuff....coffee that is. *;D

[cwatson]

I still drink coffee and tea. I don't do sodas. I was afraid if I stopped the coffee and cigs at the same time I would die from withdrawal. ;D I did slow down on the coffee and made sure I had breakfast before I drank a cup (that was recommended in some book I read so I did it)

[EarthMama]

Good for you, cmdan. I'm in your corner too!!! :D

[cmdan]

Thanks EarthMama, I'm still hanging in there. Not as bad, but does hit me once in a while.

cwatson, ya, noway I'm giving up coffee, been drinking so much for so long, I might die without it and I don't want to take that chance. ;D

I guess I could try a cup of "decaf" and see how that goes, but.......I'll think about it. I need to drink more water though....I normally don't drink much water, I'll have to work on that too.

Thanks again everyone. It's nice to hear encouragement about it, believe it or not, I'm not getting any here. Go figure.

[Buck]

I guess I could try a cup of "decaf" and see how that goes, but.......I'll think about it. I need to drink more water though....I normally don't drink much water, I'll have to work on that too.

Thanks again everyone. It's nice to hear encouragement about it, believe it or not, I'm not getting any here. Go figure.

Decaf is fine if you cut back on the amount a bit. As far as encouragment
goes one thing to always remember......YOU have to live with the man
in the mirror so always make him happy no matter what others think.

[cwatson]

We will provide you with all the encouragement you need all day long for as long as you need it.

[farmmilkmama]

This is a great discussion with lots of good tips. Hubby came home the other night and said he's quitting because cigs are going up to $6 a pack. Said so far that quitting isn't too bad, but he works nights as a cop and says that he's bored to death driving around with nothing to do....I guess cigs filled the boredom? (I don't know, never was a smoker myself.) In any event, good luck with the quitting...keep us posted!

[cmdan]

Made it another morning, this was the easiest morning yet. We'll see how the day go. Thanks again for all the encouragement. I've gained five pounds in the last week, I'll have to work on that. Not use to eating 2 or 3 meals a day. Normally just eat supper and some meat and cheese snacks at night during work. Had eggs Sausage and toast, first time in a long time. MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm! ;)

[RobertRogers]

Imagine the REAL cost of smoking...then quit.

[DM]

Imagine the REAL cost of smoking...then quit.

The REAL cost for my mother was HER LIFE! I can still see my mother crying as she told me, "if only i had known what smokeing would do to my family, i wouldn't have ever smoked". She was on oxygen for more than 10 years, as her lungs wouldn't work well enough for her to get enough oxygen to even take care of herself!

The REAL cost for my brother was HIS LIFE! My brother even had most of one lung removed, and he still smoked right up untill the day he died!

DM

[cmdan]

Still holding out, thought after a week I would have any problems, but still find myself wanting one, just not as often.

[cmdan]

Man! come Tues, it will be two weeks and I still find myself wanting a smoke. The craving has got to end before too long.

[Love_in_Christ]

cmdan.

Good hanging in there I see.

The reason you are now feeling like that it because IT'S
FINALLY HAPPENING your body is experienceing the transition from being chained to something to being set free.

When I use to smoke my husband use to tell me "Well, at least you know what you'r gonna die from." It was mean but he said it because he loves me and was trying to make me really think about what I was doing.

The cigeratte companies take the smokers money and laugh all the way to the bank. They don't care what it is doing to the people. The money in the bank to them is the BOTTOM LINE.

I remember when I was quiting that fact really drove home w/me when I seen a cartoon of a cigeratte w/a face and hands and legs and it was laughing and pointing at the person that was trying to quit. Pretty sobering.

Think about it.

I am sooooo happy for you that you are quiting for sooo many different reasons. Don't be the cig. co.'s bottom line: MONEY.

Truly Love in Christ

[cmdan]

Still here, even with everything else going on, I've managed to stay off the sticks. I do still keep reaching for them when I am driving......irritating! Good thing I don't have any :)

[cmdan]

Well, tomorrow will be two weeks and I think I'm ok. Still kind of looking for a cig while driving, but I don't have any and I don't ask the wife for her's so I'm getting though it. Glad to see there are quite a few who have gotten off the sticks......It still smells good though. Uhg!

[johnny]

Hang in there--2 weeks doesnt mean you are thru with em but it does mean that ya got a good start.

Hey--if I can quit cold turkey after 52 years then hell--you can make it.

Dont give up the ship and remember--you are the captain so it goes how and where you choose--right?
MORE new taxes coming they just said so that also is another reason.

[daphodil]

Congratulations!
Cigarettes--the rich man's vice. . . right up there with good looking women ;)

[cmdan]

Congratulations!
Cigarettes--the rich man's vice. . . *right up there with good looking women ;)

Both can be dangerous at times! ;D

[cmdan]

I am still battling it every time I drive anywhere, but it is getting less. I do have problems sometimes, when I get fustrated a little, I can't just step outside for a smoke and think things over.
I think one thing that would help, is if I get rid of this job! I work grave yard and hate it, but it pays real well.....I probably won't be able to get another with similar pay. Will most likely end up with about 10 hr less........

[cmdan]

I'm still hanging in there, but still keeping my guard up, don't want to slip, then all this would be for nothing. I think I'll be ok though.

Can't remember if I mentioned it, but thanks, everyone, for the kind words.

[Global_Gal]

cmdan, glad to hear your still clean. I am glad for you and for people like me that have astham.

I never smoked but was around smokers and the doctors think that is what caused my asthma. My lungs are 1/4 full of crap.

Keep up the resolve to not smoke anymore. We're rootin for you bud.

[SPIKE]

Five weeks ago I smoked what I hope was my last cigarette.

I have not been telling anyone for fear of failure (and I do not fear much).
Smoked for 34 years except for quiting for a year once and starting back.
My cough had gotten real bad and for the last year or so, I had started coughing up what I believe to be lung lining. I have not been to a doctor to confirm this, but have shown family members in the medical field who spoke to doctors they work for or with.
No regular job means no insurance which means no doctor.
I still can breath really well and have good lung capacity. So I would not go to a doctor anyway. LOL

The stuff I was expelling was dark gray specks and then it became small globs. YUCK
After 5 weeks of not smoking it has become less in volume, which I take to be a good sign.

DO NOT TELL ME YOU ARE SORRY FOR ME! I DID THIS TO MYSELF AND AM NOT LOOKING FOR SIMPATHY.

Just thought this may help others.
Sure it was and still is a challenge. When I got up on December 15, 2009 I decided I would not smoke that day. It was my birthday present to myself. And at first it was just get through one day at a time. And look where I am now!
I am a real stubborn and hardheaded. YOU JUST HAVE TO GET YOUR MIND SET FOR THE CHALLENGE!
And at 2 packs a day, I now am saving about $60 a week which is great when you are not working full time.

SPIKE

[Anon001]

Spike,

Good for you!... That's the best birthday present you could have given yourself.

I stopped cold turkey on September 12, 2002.

My doctor told me that if someone will quit smoking before the age of 40, the lungs will basically heal themselves of the damage.

Keep it up. To this day, once in a blue moon, I think it would be nice to have a smoke. But, the urge isn't much and is meager enough to put out of my mind.

Paul