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What Happens To Your Body When You Quit Smoking

by Zach Rogers
quit smoking - cigarette on ashtray

Do you want to quit smoking?

If your answer is “yes”, you have improved health to look forward to. But you need to know what happens to your body when you quit smoking in the short term.

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker – whether 30 days or 30 years – your body CAN recover from the toxic chemicals you’ve inhaled.

You see, smoking cigarettes is one of the unhealthiest things you can do to your body. Cigarettes have been linked to lung, throat, and mouth cancer and have been proven to increase a person’s risk for heart troubles and respiratory difficulties.

quit smoking - cigarette on ashtray

Unfortunately, thanks to the addictive qualities of nicotine, stopping the habit of smoking cigarettes can be especially hard for some people.

Some lack the motivation, others easily relapse thanks to stress or other factors and then have to restart the whole quitting process again. But for the most part, many probably do not understand just how much healthier their lives would be if they learned how to stop smoking, for good.

Unfortunately, you should note that there are some setbacks that may occur when quitting, most notably these 4 effects of withdrawal.

4 Effects of Withdrawal

1. Digestive: You may experience heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually get worse before they begin to improve.

2. Respiratory: Sinus congestion, coughing, phlegm, and slight hoarseness can occur.

3. Circulatory: You may feel dizzy, stiff, or even tingling in your toes and fingers.

4. Sleep: You may experience insomnia as well.

These effects are a direct result of your body repairing the damage that smoking has caused, and starting to smoke again will only set back your plans for a healthy lifestyle. If you fight through your withdrawal stage (which should only last 3-4 weeks) you will see immediate and long-lasting health improvements.

To give you an idea of the benefits that you will experience once you quit smoking, the American Cancer Society has created a timeline that describes what you can look forward to in your new, smoke-free life.  In addition to this, it’s a great guide to discover what happens to your body once you quit smoking.

Health Benefits Once You Quit Smoking

After 20 minutes: your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.

After 8 hours: the carbon monoxide levels in your bloodstream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal

After 48 hours: your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.

After 72 hours: your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.

After 2 weeks: your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.

After 3 to 9 months: coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.

After 1 year: your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.

After 5 years: your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.

After 10 years: your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

After 15 years: your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

The Takeaway

Breaking any habit can be difficult. If you want to quit smoking you’ll have to be completely resolute in your new routine, and need to be strong when it matters most – especially when you experience strong cravings, or even if you happen to relapse. Long-time smokers will battle a stronger addiction than others, but the immediate and long-term benefits are more than worth the trouble.

Image by meddygarnet

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141 comments

ex smoker January 31, 2014 - 2:40 pm

I smoked forty cigarettes a day until nine years ago. Every so often, I attempted to quit, but my resolve usually only lasted until the following morning, when ,on my way to work, I would seek a 24 hour shop to get my crutch.
Nine years ago,I made a determined effort to stop, and went cold turkey. What surprised me was how easy it was to quit. The cravings lasted only about 2 minutes at first, and gradually diminished to nothing.
I admit that for the first year or so, I became a right nuisance with my anti-smoking attitude.
As my breathing improved along with my general health, I became less of a nuisance and a much more social animal. My wife and I are now regular dancers (4 times a week) and can enjoy the company of many people.
Thanks for reading this.

EmmA December 23, 2013 - 1:58 am

I quit cold turkey after a 24 yr habit. I didnt wanna quit but my husband who smoked a lot more than me was quitting because of my constant nagging. He smoked all the time and I figured that I would have to quit because it wouldn’t be fair on him to continue whilst he tried to quit.

We have both been smoke free for 2 and a half months now. He used the tablets “champix” which helped him a lot but meant he went through withdrawal twice. The first 11 days were the worst hell I have ever experienced but one things for sure, I won’t be smoking again.

I didn’t believe that my smoking was even an addiction because I could go all day without a cig and never got cravings. I didn’t realise until I stopped. I felt like a junkie coming off heroin. I had all the side effects, shaking, sweats, depression, it was hell.

When I hear people say that they like smoking and don’t want to stop it saddens me because it reminds me of what I used to say. I never wanted to listen to what non smokers had to say or those that successfully quit cos in my mind I liked smoking.

Doesn’t matter how a person quits, quitting is what’s important. Good luck to everyone cos they say coming off cigs is like coming off heroin.

Bad girl April 6, 2014 - 1:26 am

Good for you, I could use the positive information! Want to quit this stupid habit that has just gotten away from me! I know it’s bad, just need to fix it!

Dave May 6, 2014 - 12:43 am

I dont know if you can get it in the US but I read Allen Carrs ‘Easy Way to Stop Smoking’. No willpower, no scare tactics, just readjusting your thoughts about smoking. I quit 5 years ago, not had one craving or relapse or put on any weight. Wish I got some commission for the amount of times I recommended this book though. Good luck.

carole December 12, 2013 - 8:45 pm

As a smoker of 50 years I am now diagnosed with stage 3 chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, on oxygen minimum of 16 hours a day (WHICH CRAMPS ANYONES STYLE) I don’t smoke. I had wonderful help with Oxygen Therapy Nurses,after a 10 days in hospital. I went to a smoking Cessation Clinic every Monday for 12 weeks, I was put on Champix tablets for 12 weeks, but quit after 8 weeks, because I just didn’t want to smoke anymore. It’s now 5 months since I had a cigarette and I never want to taste one again. If I can do it anyone with the will power can do it. Go get the help, your family will love you for it. Please become Non Smokers for your kids and Grandchildren. Good Luck Carole XX

Billy S. October 30, 2013 - 3:25 pm

The best way to quit smoking? Use electronic cigarettes. Not only do they mimic the “feel” of smoking by having something in your hand that you’re inhaling from they give you all the nicotine you want without the harmful substances in tobacco cigarettes like tar, carbon monoxide etc. Will you still be addicted to nicotine? Of course but who cares? It’s not the nicotine that is killing you when you smoke tobacco cigarettes. It’s all the other terrible crap that is a byproduct of inhaling tobacco smoke. With e-cigarettes you’re not inhaling hot smoke but rather water vapor that is warm but no warmer than human body temperature. You’re vaporizing the nicotine and inhaling the water vapor. You can readily see the difference when you exhale it because unlike smoke which hangs in the air the vapor immediately dissipates.

I recommend V2 brand e-cigarettes. Blu has much more name recognition but as someone who has tried both the V2 has much longer battery life and better vapor production plus they’re actually cheaper than Blu. I got my V2 starter kit and I haven’t smoked a tobacco cigarette in a month and a half and what’s more I haven’t wanted one. E-cigarettes taste so much cleaner and smoother. I already feel my lungs repairing themselves, I have greater lung capacity than I’ve had in many years, I don’t constantly hack up phlegm, I just feel generally healthier. I cannot recommend these e-cigarettes highly enough. They are also much much cheaper than tobacco cigarettes. You can even buy the liquid and refill them yourself (with the V2, not with Blu). An added benefit is if you want to quit e-cigs eventually you can step down your nicotine dosage as there are multiple nicotine strengths, e.g. 18 mg, 12 mg, 6 mg on down to zero nicotine where you’re just getting the sensation of it without the nicotine. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Ray van Avond December 5, 2013 - 3:18 am

Swopped one addiction for another. I challenge you to give up nicotine properly

Patricia Stewart March 7, 2014 - 3:16 pm

So what if that lady has swapped one addiction for another? Nicotine is no more harmful to us than caffiene. I gave up smoking tobacco cigs 3 years ago this August after smoking for 50 years.

If I hadnt had my electronic cigarette I would have started smoking again, as three very bad things happened to me in the following months after I quit. My dear mother passed away, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and then the next year my husband was diagnosed with mouth cancer.

If I didnt have that crutch, all would have been lost, I thank God for my vapourising ciggy.

Rosalie Magistro March 13, 2014 - 7:48 pm

I have been vaping for over 2 yrs now.. I agree the Blu cig sucks !

Nathan April 22, 2014 - 2:10 pm

You have to watch with the ecigs as your putting water vapor into your lungs. You can cause pneumonia and such with putting water in your lungs.

Angie October 20, 2013 - 11:17 pm

I feel that if you have smoked many years, you would probably be better (If you can do it this way), to first cut down instead going for “Cold Turkey” …I feel that if you suddenly stop (Especially if smoking decades), that if could eventually trigger something within the body; no matter how good may feel, initially.

I am really talking for those who have smoked for many years. If I should decide to try to give them up…I will try cut down (Wean my body off them, without a sudden shock to the system), first. No matter how good you may feel (If you are lucky in that you are finding it not too hard, etc.), I still would not trust putting the body through that so suddenly after decades of the body being so used to it, even if I felt great psychologically. Psychological and physical are two different things. I just have this strong feeling that stopping all of a sudden after many years could actually trigger many things could fully manifest further down the line…And I am also talking lung cancer here. For me, anyway, the longer one has smoked, I feel they should try to slowly wean the body off them. Slowly weaning the body off them could be, for example:

A smoker of 20 a day could go straight to 10 a day for a 2-3 weeks, then down to between 5-6 for another 2-3 weeks, then down to 3-5 for around a week or two …Working to zero over the next 2-3 weeks.

All in all, around 2 months completely weaning the body off cigarettes for a long-time smoker. I am not saying all those who gave up after decades of smoking have or will trigger something if the suddenly stop, but I do feel it could with some. I really feel strongly about this. I am smoking around 40 years, now.

Angie October 20, 2013 - 11:22 pm

Sorry, about missing words, full stops and missing capitals…Typed fast while also watching TV and didn’t read through until after posting. Hope readers can still understand what I mean.

klucky1 October 11, 2013 - 4:15 pm

What happened 2 continuely cutting down the butts, switching to lite smokes,rolling your own,which still feeds your nicoteen addiction & cravings,but usually a sure-fire way to stop, as to this articles 1 method is rarity -good luck-ur going need it !

jerry o leary. October 7, 2013 - 4:10 pm

I quit about 6 yrs ago.went cold turkey never felt better. smoked first thing and last thing for forty yrs .put on a few pounds but so what.now can’nt stand the smell off smoker’s.

will October 4, 2013 - 3:18 pm

i have been anon-smoker now for 16 years and im still so pleased that “my” life is free of tabacco my home ,clothes and of course me no longer “stink”.ah yes!! the weight problem thats the hardest bit ,controlling that ! but as my doctor said many years ago ,”your better being fat and a non-smoker than thin and a smoker ” the death of a smoker is much more painful and prolonged

Ana September 25, 2013 - 9:00 pm

Everything in this article is basically telling us what we all really knew. However, one fact did catch my eye: i.e. “after giving up for 10 years, your lungs return to that of a non-smoker”? Facts from my family: my mother stopped smoking 11 years ago and now has Stage 4 lung cancer at 87; my father in-law stopped when he was 50…….died of lung cancer at 91! A good innings I think. I realise these may be exceptions, but somehow I doubt it. If you look at our soldiers during WW1 & WW11, they were given cigarettes as part of their rations. I saw a recent survey on the subject of the longevity of our veterans, 80% of them smokers, and a lifespan of 80-90. This is not to belittle anyone who suffers from cancer…..many have cancer who have never smoked. But there will always be the ‘witch-hunters’ who will argue that these people have it because of ‘passive smoking’. Right back you……then why do children get cancer? The ‘witch-hunters’ again will blame the parents, saying they subjected their kids to cigarette smoke, inside and outside the womb……and the debate will go on. So many stats have been posted on the effects of smoking causing cancer…..where are the stats of cancer in non-smoking patients – and the reasons why? Quid pro quo.

SD September 23, 2013 - 10:23 pm

I, too, quit after reading Allen Carr’s book – It was truly amazing how easy it was to quit. A few months later, I experienced a horrible ulcerative colitis flare-up (an inflammatory bowel disease). The prescription meds did not help and even if they did, the side effects of the meds did more damage to my body than the disease itself. After much research, I concluded that the flare-up was related to my quitting smoking. I now have 3-5 cigs a day and my colitis is in remission. As disappointing as it is that I resumed smoking after finally quitting, quality of life means more than quantity!

M. Redwood September 21, 2013 - 6:46 am

I gave up 18 months ago after 47 years of smoking. I didn’t buy any expensive cures but instead I ate cheap supermarket chocolate to fight any cravings. I easily gave up smoking but I have put on more weight than I intended. I cannot lose this weight even though I no longer eat the chocolate.

jessica b September 19, 2013 - 7:32 pm

i stopped smoking 47 days ago. The best thing thats worked for me is the totally wicked electric cig. Yes im still on the nicotine liquids but i am cutting down the strength of them..i started on 24mg nicotine. now on 18mg and then 16, 12, 8 and then i will have the zero nicotine liquids and be able to stop..this way is working for me real cig free for 47 days and saved £350..£50 for my electric cig kit but its well worth it..i no longer smell of smoke, my teeth are gleaming no yellow fingertips and best of all my asthma is no longer a problem.

Cardog September 20, 2013 - 9:21 pm

I’ve smoked for at least 42 years and am 52.I quit this time in July cant remember it ever being this hard. I’ve never lasted more then 9 months most the time I would last about 2 months.
As far as weight I got fat every time I quit but now I am so fat I don’t give a shit. I quit and lose the weight at the same time.
I’m using gum and got a vapor on and off. Spent $100 on a vaporizer and oils and tanks . Went most of the last 3 1/2 months just with the Nicorette gum. I not going to smoke again I’m mad it took so many times.

And I will take my time with the gum and the vapor . I’m just not want to be on gum and vapor too long either. Jobs don’t want to hire you if you smoke. If you try to rent a House or Apt they all say in Add no smoking. if you smoke in public your treated like a criminal by ex or none smokers and they cost $10 a pack . You go to Indian land there are even $5 a pack for a brand that’s horrible and gives you lip burn and dry cough. or head aches.

The worse part is you have to go out side 25 feet from and door way or get yelled at by all the control freaks. I was getting to scream outs with the anti smoking Nazi a few times a month. The stress from people in public was making me insane with anger about smoking outside the house or my car.

They would not stop bothering me no matter how far I was from the stupid Door 25 feet did not matter if I was 100 feet too many anti smoking Nazis would yell at me or order me to go away . I even had a guy attack me for smoking on patio of Starbucks when he told me to stop I said leave me alone next thing I was fighting this nut.

I wanted to throw my butts in peoples face when they would demand me to stop or leave. its horrible to smoke in public anywhere in the city of Seattle and these smoking Nazis are everywhere.
I’ve even been yelled at for vaping yesterday may still be as bad vaping as smoking.

nasto October 18, 2013 - 9:40 am

I use to smoke also and i stop jan 27 these year . Its the best thing ive done was hard but im staburn thats why i made it. I dont want to be controled by something.

William Phillips February 22, 2014 - 6:47 pm

that is exactly what i did 4 years ago.. I smoked for 16 years.. 1 pack a day for about 12 of them then 2 packs or so for the last 4 or 5 years.. finally with the birth of mu daughter. i realized I need to do something.. My bro n law turned my onto vaping..electronic cigs.. They were my savior as I would not quit otherwise.. I was addicted to the action of smoking along with the nicotine and flavor…I started out in the highest nic and worked my way down the first year.. spent 2 years on 18 now over last year i dropped it in increments down to 6 mg … which is very low.. im about to go to 3 mg. then zero.. I love vaping so much I will continue to vape when i feel like it even after all the nicotine is gone.. its fun and totally safe.. ALSO, after you switch to e cigs.. your real taste and smell will come back in a few weeks to a month or so.. That was a great thing being able to taste food again.. lastly, if this is not a motivator I don;t know what is.. I spent 11 bucks a day on cigs.. every day every month.. average 300 + dollar a month.. in 4 years of non smoking cigs. I’ve saved over 11 grand in real dollars not spent on cancer sticks.. i spend about 25 bucks a month on e juice and cartomizers ( the inserts that go into e cigs). Have a great day and remember after you quit.. the coughing and hacking up black gross morning throat snot.. all goes away in 3 or 4 weeks.. 🙂

joe sull September 19, 2013 - 5:02 pm

Enough with the physiological benefits of quitting smoking! I want to know the PSYCHOLOGICAL benefits of quitting!

I KNOW that quitting will be better for my lungs, and better for my heart, and that my skin won’t smell and that I can taste stuff better and all that noise. What I want to know, is will I be happier?

Is it like drinking, where almost all alcoholics are miserable, and when they quit, they are generally happier people? Does quitting lower stress levels? Does it enable the brain to properly release dopamine when it should, instead of just every time you have a smoke?

I could care less if my arm falls off because of smoking. I don’t give a damn if I’m going to fart out a lung in 5 years.

But tell me that quitting smoking will make playing video games more enjoyable? I’ll quit today.

Richard September 27, 2013 - 4:28 am

“But tell me that quitting smoking will make playing video games more enjoyable? I’ll quit today.”

The opposite happened to me. I decided after 12 years of smoking, I’d had enough and that I was going to quit before I turned 30. I went on the patch and took note of my psychological stressors, among which was playing video games (fighting games), and decided to walk away from them for a time, until thew could no longer trigger a “need” to de-stress or celebrate winning a round with a cigarette. I could honestly say that I was probably as addicted to gaming as I was to cigarettes.

Twelve weeks later, I was free of the addiction and thought I’d break out the ol’ Xbox and play a few rounds. To my surprise, I found I’d actually developed a distaste for gaming in general, hardly able to play for more than 20 mins or so at a time before stopping out of sheer lack of interest.

It’s been eight years since I quit and I still have unopened games waiting to be played and consoles collecting dust. Quitting smoking has destroyed my life!

Saz March 13, 2014 - 6:11 pm

Are you’s talking about fags here or joints? I used to smoke weed every day ‘wake n bake’ style. I loved playing the PS3. Gran Turismo especially. I gave up weed a good few months ago and I can’t even be bothered turning my PS on! Total different person. But wouldn’t say it’s destroyed my life. I would say it’s woken me up to reality! Rather than sit in all day playing daft games I’m out and about talking yo people, have loads more money to go do ‘real’ driving. Trust me it’s better.

As for fags.. This is day 1 for me quitting today. I’ve quit before n there was a while where I only smoked weed and wouldn’t touch a cigaret. But quitting fags in my oppinion should not put you off gaming n stuff. Fags don’t do anything to your mind. They don’t get you high. And if you look into it properly they don’t ‘chill’ you out either. They actually increase heart rate and make your body crave oxygen which actually stresses your body out. Quitting them shouldn’t put you off any of your leisures. Also if your a woman smoking can cause abnormalities of cells in your ‘lady parts’ which is a bit of a worry. It also lowers your immune system causing you to be more supcetible to colds, bugs, viruses etc.

This is my last time of quitting. I will not start again. Doing it the right way this time though by doing the 4 week program offered by the NHS where you get free patches etc rather than going cold turkey like the last few times. I do not feel like I want to kill anyone yet (haha). I didn’t realise patches were so good. Its been 1 full day and I feel great! No major cravings.

So if anyone wants some advice on quitting smoking, go see your pharmacist. The 4 week program is great. You get a weeks worth of patches at a time and must report once a week to get more and get your carbon monoxide (or dioxide can’t remember) levels checked. It’s really inspiring!

Good luck folks and well done to those who have and are managing to quit!

LostDemocracy September 10, 2013 - 3:52 am

After 35 years of being a hardened smoker (cigarettes before food) and countless attempts at quitting, acupuncture, hypnosis, herbs etc, I used patches and gave up. That was over 10 years ago.

Now, when I go away on business for 7 – 10 days a year to SE Asia, I smoke like a trooper for those few days, return home and don’t smoke again until the next year.

Weird isn’t it?

Steve September 2, 2013 - 4:54 pm

A midst all the remedies and strategies, there’s the government sitting pretty while they rake in the cash at our expense. Using visual panic tactics on the cover of packs in order to raise the anxiety levels, knowing dam well that the first thing someone will do is….light up.

It’s plane and simple really. Practice what you preach and ban the dam things.

Weed…..illegal
Heroin, crack, exstacy etc etc. Much more deadly, addictive and illegal.

But wait….Cigarettes and Liquor were once legal; and i can’t see it being much longer before you’ll be able to buy a bag of chips a pop and full syringe. Why? because they (the government) want a piece of the goldmine. Who cares about the population.

Joe123 July 16, 2013 - 10:55 am

I gave up smoking for a year, but going to bars and drinking led me back on to them, worst mistake I ever made. Now I find myself struggling daily to quit again, it’s even harder this time for some reason. I think 90% of it is mental, if you are strong mentally you can deal with the withdrawal, even cold turkey quitting, which worked for me when I did manage to quit. It was only a few weeks before I started to feel good again.

I hate smoking with a passion, it has caused me numerous health problems and I get pain in my legs and feet all the time from circulation problems from smoking. But I still do it, people who don’t smoke, cannot understand the hold these things can have over a person. People will literally have their limbs cut off and it still does not make them quit.

I think repeat quit attempts and failures makes it even harder to stop, if you do manage to stop, never smoke again, they can get you back to smoking even 10 years later, I have seen it happen.

I will quit as I have no quality of life, if I had my way they would be banned from sale, I think they are evil and have zero benefits. It’s simply drug addiction that keeps us smoking, the sense of relaxation you get from smoking is just you getting your nicotene hit that satisfies your craving. When i quit for a year i woke up never needing to smoke, and never thought about them for 90% of the week. Alcohol lead me back to them. The first time i smoked i felt extremely ill. this is the true face of smoking, the pleasure is only a addict getting his/her fix, it can be beaten, time is the healer. put time between you and smoking and everything will be ok. You will adjust, just avoid triggers like alcohol if its a problem

Ollie Paadimeister August 11, 2013 - 11:50 pm

My nightmare started in 1996 with a heart attack, of course we tried to quit immediately, but that didn’t work out and 6 heart attacks an 3 surgeries later I decided to approach the matter in a different way. I did it one day at a time, still to this day I tell people who ask “did you quit ” ? and my answer is No, I just havn’t had one for about 10 years, found that this ;put a lot less pressure on me and it was easier to stay away from cigarettes. The quadruple bypass was the real factor in my decision, knew that was the end of the line if I didn’t give them up and so far it has worked. Would still love to have a puff or two but I know I can not go down that road again. Also happy that I managed to do what I did.

Mario July 5, 2013 - 8:22 am

The day I decided to quit smoking was the best decision I ever made.
I took out the last cigarette in the box and decided that this will be the last one ever, after 8 years of smoking, sometimes a packet a day.
It wasn’t a hard decision at all as I really wanted to quit, I’ve tried before with no success, ok only because I didn’t “really” wanted to quit before.
Obviously family and friends didn’t believe me at first and said that it will be a hard battle to overcome. Actually it was the exact opposite.
One would think still consuming alcohol you would get cravings, or when the best cigarette was after or with a coffee or after lunch.
Surprisingly once you’ve made that personal choice, all that will disappear.

I made a decision to stop for good. Because I wanted to, for myself and my health.
That was all the motivation I needed to quit for good, and the reason why I never had any “cravings”.

The point I’m trying to make is, once you’re motivated and REALLY want to quit smoking. Nothing will stand in your way of quitting.

PS: September will be 4 years since I had my last cigarette 😉

Jill langan July 19, 2013 - 5:11 pm

I gave up smoking 7 years ago. With the aid of Nicorrette Inhaloters. Really good for helping one on the way.

Irene May 13, 2014 - 1:26 am

That’s exactly the same way I quit smoking.
One day I made the decision (saying it loudly for me): No cigarettes anymore!
It was in Jan. 1998. After around 25 years of smoking at least 2 packs a day.
I got disgusted when I opened the door of my car, the cold cigarette smoke was almost unbearable. That was it.
The day I ‘did not just try’ was THE ONE. I ‘tried’ to quit uncounted times before. With no success. Always after a few days I gave in again.
But this specific day changed my life, I still think saying it out loudly to myself did the trick. Without any bets with anybody else, I just did it. For me.
For the next 2 weeks I was covered in cold sweat, but my caughing attack in the morning stopped after 1 day. I woke up, took a deep breath…….and…….no caughing! Wow, that’s it, I thought. If within 1 day my situation so improves, how will it be in 1 month, or 1 year?
I opened the next business day a savings account and put every 1st of each month the approx. amount of ‘my monthly smoke money’ into this account. I did this for 2 years, and I counted at least once a week how many cigarettes I did NOT smoke.
I also read somewhere that the withdrawal of nicotine is a feeling like hunger, so I ate apples and drank water, whenever I felt hunger coming up. I did not gain one pound, my energy was unbelievable.
There is so much more to tell about this time, but, most importantly, I am still proud of myself and have convinced quite a few people TO DO IT. Just do it.
Some went right back after a few days, but most of the ‘quitters’ stayed clean, without any effort.
After around 3-4 weeks I had some cravings, since one of our business partners sometimes smoked in the office, but it made me the same time literally sick.
Anyhow, in my opinion it is a physical addiction, but the devil is in your brain. Your body does not need nicotine.
I discovered – after approx. 2 month of not smoking – Alan Carr’s ‘the easy way of not smoking’. Bingo. I still have that book, with all these little notes and marks, it will always be my reminder how much better my life is now, even I am around 16 years older.

Eleanor June 13, 2013 - 6:17 pm

My husband a heavy smoker,went to a lung Doctor,who in a few words
told him how bad his bronchial tubes are.
After leaving the surgery smoked straight away but the worry was
written all over his face.He smoked till the Sunday night,said he was
going to bed early as from he would not be smoking again.
It is 5 years since he gave up,and the C.O.P.D is no better,
but he wouldnt be here if he hadnt given up.

Dale Elliott July 11, 2013 - 12:25 am

To Eleanor:Tell your husband to check out ‘Run from the Cure’/Rick Simpson on YouTube for how to make RSO for your husbands COPD…Last december I was on 3 Pharmacutical Inhalers & they weren’t working anymore…I had to rest 2or3 times coming up the stairs that I run up now if I feel like it…I was on a maintenance dose of the RSO that I had been using since the november before(2011) when I had stomach cancer…I refused the Canadian Cancer Societies “Treatment”…I knew the Cannabis Oil (RSO) had a Broncodilator in it so I just increased my dose to 250mgs every 6 hrs & 18 hrs after starting on the oil I was able to breath much better…That’s the last time I did those hideous puffers…They were making my lungs worse…The RSO is Healing my lungs…I feel better than I did 10 years ago…A doctor Leonard Coldwell,also on YouTube says Cannabis Oil revitalizes vital organs…Lungs 8 months…Get your hubby on the Oil & see your lives improve…

i want to know? June 12, 2013 - 11:37 am

how much of these effects can we relate with smoking cannabis. because i like it and i don’t give much attention to cigarettes. I don’t want someone to say “weed is good for you, or it fights cancer, or blah blah blah.” I want to know how the act of still inhaling smoke can stop and then the results thereafter. if I smoke weed and don’t quit, should i might as well be smoking cigarettes since the smoke is still smoke?

Brent June 12, 2013 - 9:53 pm

Smoke of any kind is not good for you. But marijuana intake in any form, whether it be smoke, vapour, ingesting, etc. is not toxic enough to kill you. There are no records of deaths by marijuana that way. Don’t get me wrong, there are side effects, so you can’t say that it’s harmless, but even if you compare it to alcohol, weed wins many times over.

Dave West June 14, 2013 - 8:15 pm

When smoking marijuana your lungs are exposed to 3 times the amount of tar than they are when exposed to tobacco (on average). Tar is the main reason for smokers to develop lung cancer.

Marijuana as an ingredient in various foods is a whole different story! In this case it may even act as a cancer inhibitor – especially if the CBD levels are high compared to the THC levels.

TCH gives you the high

CBD is a possible THC-anti-psychotic agent + a possible cancer-anti-developing agent

Notsofast June 20, 2013 - 6:09 pm

Stats aren’t what they’re cut out to be ’round boy.. I’ve been puffing for over 25 years and once every three I go in for a chest xray and each time I come out clean.. Whaddaya think, maybe it’s the lifestyle people choose that makes them susceptible, maybe a gene that’s passed from one to the other.. Or how about simply abusing they’re own bodies? I’ve found that moderation is a big part of life as I smoke 8 to 10 cigarettes a day (have been for nearly 50 years).. 3 beers a week (full calorie), a couple doobies a day and no more than 2 forms of junk food a week.. I don’t exercise but am quite active and I do ingest 1/4 tsp of vaseline per meal so tell me, will I live to be 72? Too late! Been there, done that..

Snaggletooth July 15, 2013 - 9:52 pm

My father smoked for more than 60 years. My brother and I would always ask him to quit. He always said that smoking won’t kill him. 2 years ago my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. They had to remove half of my father’s right lung, where the tumor was. 3 months later the cancer came back, spreading to his brain. He went under intense radiation therapy which killed the tumor in his brain. Then the cancer spread to his spine, he went through another round of radiation therapy. It didn’t work, 9 months ago my dad died of cancer. I was also a smoker, I smoked for damn near 30 years. I tried every method of quitting smoking known to man. Then I found electronic cigarettes. Thanks to the electronic cigarettes I have been a non smoker for 8 months now. Yes I still get my nicotine from my e-cigarettes, but they keep me from smoking tobacco. My wife loves that I use e-cigarettes. They have kept her husband from dying of cancer.

Keith H June 11, 2013 - 6:33 pm

21 years old here. Began smoking cigars and Black&Mild around the age of 17. Have no idea why, it wasn’t or even felt cool, I just love smelling the smoke and making the clouds. I quit sometime in March last year and instantly my body began to feel amazing. Don’t even start the habit of smoking and if you’re smoking now, quit and help your body.

Gigantic farrrrt June 11, 2013 - 5:28 pm

I quit for 3 years a long time ago and after all that time I felt no better than I did when I was smoking,I certainly wasn’t, any better off money wise (rise in cost of petrol took care of that!).However I don’t eat crap(no fast food-EVER!-and I rarely drink-1beer a month!!!and take a 30min walk every day.Still smoking and its great!!!

steve June 6, 2013 - 3:21 pm

i gave up smoking using champix it is a brilliant medicine and the benefits of not smoking out weigh the side effects encountered whilst giving up after all it is only for twelve weeks and after years of smoking and burning my money and ruining relationships and smelling bad.
i have now turned my life around and i am a nicer person who can now sit and listen to a whole conversation or film without needing to get my fix of nicotine.
And i am delighted to say i am now married and less stressed and have more energy although i have gained weight but as i have blocked the artery in my left leg with smoking i can not exercise much and i am awaiting a arterial bypass and after recovery i will strive to become fit again so i can play with my future children.
if someone smokes near me i have to walk away now as it turns my stomach and i have spent many weeks and hours apologising to people i have smoked near in the past as i now know what the fuss was about i have also spent a fortune eradicating the smell from all things i own eg clothes bedding curtians in fact all materials.

Bill June 6, 2013 - 11:57 am

I had a massive heart attack and lived! The last cigarette I smoked was 15 minutes BEFORE the heart attack. After that quitting was easy. I guess I actually needed to die to quit. They used the paddles on me and put in a stint. Yes there were other factors that led to this, but the smoking was a major contributor.

Malcolm June 5, 2013 - 7:33 am

I enjoyed smoking for 48 years. Pipes, menthol cigarettes, ordinary cigarettes, roll ups and even weed. Over the years I tried many times to quit the habit using all the props and techniques available.
I stopped last year for good after my second heart attack. I was shown a scan photo of my heart and could clearly see the narrowed arteries. Knowing that furred arteries are permanently furred helped me quit and stay quit.
If you doubt that smoking has an effect on your heart check out a scan on your own heart but be prepared to be afraid… very afraid lol.

Tanya August 1, 2013 - 6:56 am

Hi there, am in the process of quitting, have cut down from 30 to 5 a day and will go on nicorette lozengers next week. I was on beta blockers for tachycardia and my cholesterol was 7, a year ago I became vegan (No meat or dairy products) my cholestrol is 3 and my good cholesterol is off the chart. On my blood test form is states this patient has a zero risk of cardiovascular disease or complications. Sometimes it is the diet that causes the illnesses. In 2 week of a vegan diet all the plaque (atherscolisi) blocking your arteries is gone. Previously I was told my tachycardia and high cholesterol was caused because I smoked and have thyroiditis, I proved them wrong and my GP a skeptic of the vegan diet now tells me to keep doing it. All my body fat turned to muscle and I feel fantastic.

John Lillywhite June 3, 2013 - 1:36 pm

How remarkable that after half a Century of knowing the risks of smoking, some mare so thick that they no only still take it up, they even inflict the smoke on children.

Greg June 15, 2013 - 5:23 pm

Blame the government also! They make a lot of money off the back of tax on cigarettes and they even make money from cancer!!

Rick Norman June 1, 2013 - 6:07 pm

I stopped smoking after 55 years. The last 2 years I was smoking up to 60 a day. I decided to stop because of the price. I tried all the nicotin substitutes, but no luck. So I went to see my Doctor and he sent me to the “No Smoking” Clinic. After a chat with them it was decided to put me on “CHAMPIX”. This is a 12 week course. for the first week you take a pill a day and continue to smoke. The second and following weeks you don’t smoke. To be honest I didn’t fancy a smoke after the first week and I still don’t. Well no that’s not entirely true. I get the urge now and again, but it soon passes.
Draw backs, I now have COPD and am on three kinds of inhailers. Plus I’ve also got Type 2 Diabetes. Bummer.
Oh, I also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol…….And I’ve lost ALL my teeth….
I wonder sometimes how I’m still here…..LOL

Dale Elliott July 11, 2013 - 12:50 am

At Rick Norman; Check out “Run from the Cure/Rick Simpson” on YouTube for how to make Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) Cannabis Oil to use for your COPD…It works like a hot damn…I was on 3 puffers last dec and they weren’t working anymore…I had to rest coming up the stairs 2or3 times…I run up now if I feel like it…Those puffers will wreck your lungs…Cannabis Oil will heal your lungs…60 years of cigarettes…I feel better than I did 10 years ago…

Isabel Quigg Macdougall June 1, 2013 - 7:03 am

I gave up smoking just over a year ago. 18 months ago I watched my beloved husband die of a smoking related disease. I smoked 30 a day The cost of smoking was too much on a widows pension Im glad I have given up I want to be here for my children Bringing them up alone is not easy

roger May 30, 2013 - 5:52 am

i gave up smoking 5 years ago..i thought that giving up would be great for my health..it may be good for your health but it has been hiding symptoms like high blood pressure & bad teeth. what else do i not know?

Edward June 4, 2013 - 4:09 pm

Are you trying to say that quitting did all that to you? That is probably a defense mechanism your conscious mind utilizes to hang on and remain being a smoker. You should go to a hypnotherapist and treat this “side effects”. They are obviously psychosomatic. Excuse me but otherwise, your high blood pressure & bad teeth should rather improve in reality onve you treat these leftover symptoms which are nothing but sheer fear.

BoopsyDoo June 15, 2013 - 6:51 am

Try ulcerative colitis too. Erectile dysfunction. All those years of vascular system ‘impacts’ caused by nicotine do some lasting damage.

scruffy's mom May 26, 2013 - 3:23 pm

Quitting was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Never have regretted it. I still want one all the time but have never started again.I can be around smokers but I don’t smoke. I’m pretty proud of myself. I had a heavy habit.

Herb May 24, 2013 - 11:13 am

I was married to a lovely lady for ten years. She was a heavy smoker and when I tried to tell her that she was killing herself by smoking and should try to stop, she replied that she would stop when she was ready. Sadly, cancer decided for her, and she passed away nine month after finding out she had it. As a non-smoker it did not bother me when she smoked as she was always very neat and clean about her habit. I am aware that second hand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking itself. I found it very painful to see her waste away as I looked after her until her last breath. My message is, don’t start to begin with. Do not give in to peer pressure. You will fight for the rest of your life to kick the habit once started. My step son said to me after I found out he was smoking, he had a right to try it. So now he is a heavy smoker as well as his sister, knowing, smoking killed their mother. How sad, and totally unnecessary.

Tomasz May 31, 2013 - 8:03 pm

Im very sorry to hear about your situation, and would like to say to every other person who still smokes to give up, its so not worth the future problems to carry on smoking…

steverino May 22, 2013 - 6:55 pm

The thing I miss most is having an excuse to go outside every 15 minutes and hang out with the smokers

LBC May 19, 2013 - 5:51 pm

I used to smoke, quit for 22 years and started again slow but back to I guess how I smoked before…now it’s about 4 years I’ve smoked. I kept saying I was going to stop for many reasons, not just for my health. I quit before cold turkey. I think I will find it more difficult now, but after reading these posts and the articles that led me to these posts (just by chance I saw ‘what happens when you quit smoking’), I just put ran the last few in my pack under water so I wouldn’t be tempted if they were just thrown in the garbage, and I’m stopping as of NOW!

I’m glad I came upon these articles. It costs too much in terms of money and health. I’m glad I read those articles. That was the impetus for me to stop, effective now. I’m going to pray and do my utmost to not smoke. I wish everyone health and happiness.

Simon Brewer May 26, 2013 - 12:55 pm

Mate….Stop as soon as u can….My father-in-law smoked…stopped and started again…died as he was unable to breath…not a nice way for him to go!!!

lina gill May 16, 2013 - 1:11 am

There are at least two things to qualify to be a smoker:

1. A person who smokes should be able to finance his packs of cigarettes.
2. He should be able to take care of his/her medical problems along the way.

If he/she cannot do both then he should not smoke at all because this is expensive and also hazardous to health for life.

J Bell May 20, 2013 - 10:13 am

These two things apply to most things in life – having children, drinking alcohol and eating disorders too. Why pick on smokers to preach to on this site?

Derek June 7, 2013 - 12:12 am

Smokers more than pay for their healthcare here. Smokes are 15 bucks a pack when they should be $2. Nobody else contributes anything. Especially those that are overweight and cost every bit as much.

Josephine July 14, 2013 - 6:26 pm

So true!!! Now that people are cutting down on cigarettes the government is looking for other ways of grabbing tax-money. Where I live they have even out-lawed electronic cigarettes. It’s like…we don’t want you to smoke but we can’t afford for you not to, so please smoke the ones we can tax!

john groves July 15, 2013 - 10:35 pm

It killed my mother! Her onconogist gave me his business cards and said,give them to your smoking friends,they are making me rich!!

Finos June 24, 2013 - 8:36 am

It’s 3 facts actually Lina, the 3rd one is to have ready finance for your own Funeral.

David Dunne July 19, 2013 - 4:48 pm

Why worry about the 3rd one…when your dead makes no difference who pays for your Funeral…

Dave Lloyd May 14, 2013 - 6:27 pm

Quitting smoking is the hardest thing, SMOKERS will ever do, People will tell you its easy, its only will power, trust me it isn’t, you have to find that one thing, that’s says enough is enough, I’ve tried the lot, everything that went i tried it, cost me a fortune…..
I’ve gone 3/6 even 9 months giving up but nothing lasted.
There in lies the problem, well for me it did, if it costs me more to give UP than continue, smoking why give up..
That’s until one day the shop keeper said to me, that will be £16.80 sir WHAT!!!! they where only ***** yesterday
£8+ per per pack x 2 per day, there was my enough moment, but if the truth be told, that’s the only reason i did it, not health or family but money, if they where a £1 a pack id go back tomorrow, but there not, so my 9 months and counting continue, i can even go to the gym twice a week, but its NO where near as nice a smoke after a good meal

Ben Sonnenhejes May 29, 2013 - 5:36 pm

Dude, you saying, it’s not as nice as a nice cig after a meal, well, that means you’re still hooked. People will never stop properly until they realise the “enjoyment” is nothing more than the cessation of nicotine withdrawl pangs. Seriously, you may as well go and smoke a load of cigs now, hehe. And, at least with drugs and booze you get high. What do you get with cigs? Nicotine withdrawl pang cessation? Great – “Hey what are you doing at the weekend bro?” – “Well, I’m going to go out and smoke 40 bifters. Have a good smoke…” – “Er, right! Whatever!” SMOKING – MUGS GAME

Angela Roberts October 8, 2013 - 11:23 am

Hey, Ben!! Ever heard of the word ‘supportive’???

David quit….he’s NOT hooked anymore…he was simply stating the truth how he felt AFTER he gave up. He misses having a smoke after a nice meal…..90% of ex smokers do….FACT! So just because he says that publicly you felt you had to make a personal negative contribution by telling him he may as well have smoked a whole pack of cigs because in YOUR ‘expert’ opinion, he is hooked???!!

Stop being so judgemental and self righteous and instead stretch a hand to congratulate him….

Well done David….long may it continue…and if it doesn’t….don’t beat yourself up about it….trying is the hardest part so you are t be commended for your effort. Good luck mate!

Mcuddigan May 11, 2013 - 7:16 pm

Used champix 4 years ago for 3 months. Still hard but helped kick habit. Remember 1 cigarrette will cost you €10k. Also look around at those smoking around you. Do you identify with them?

teresa church May 21, 2013 - 5:05 pm

i smoked since i was 15 and i am 56 now i really didn’t want to quit but where i live smokes are 10 dollars a pack i and my husband smokes so it was costing 400 a week …..i went on champix and by the end of the second month i was smoke free and that was 3 years ago i sit with people that smoke all the time i have no cravings or desire to ever smoke again …I quit three months before my mother was told she had stage 4 bladder cancer (and bladder cancer occurs in smokers and when you find out u have it …..it is to late she died 2 weeks later the thing is SHE WAS NEVER A SMOKER IN HER LIFE i hope this helps someone out there good luck

Megan June 27, 2013 - 4:59 pm

err can i just say that bladder cancer isnt a death sentence. i know of many people that have had it and lived.

robbie May 11, 2013 - 4:06 pm

i quit smokeing for a year and put on 60lbs and lost most of my friends ,most of my friends drank or smoked and i could not be around them or i would have smoked ,i cant drink because all i want is a smoke if i do drink.the urge to smoke during the year i quit never really went away.by the end of the year my urges were not as strong but they were still there.everytime i would eat i wanted a smoke afterwards.it was truly a miserable life i lived when i quit.needless to say i am back smokeing and i have friends again i am nolonger miserable and lost 30 of those 60 lbs i put on.i am not trying to discourage anyone from trying to quit.this is my expierence with smokeing.wish i never started.

Ashley May 19, 2013 - 2:55 pm

That’s really sad. I quit, didn’t gain anything and didn’t lose my friends.

I think you just have shitty friends and shouldn’t have over-eaten. Just sayin’.

murad May 21, 2013 - 2:28 pm

you are crazy learn to control your appetite

Catherine May 22, 2013 - 3:19 pm

I quit 9 years ago, gained 35lbs while watching what I ate and still crave a cigarette at least every other day, somedays so strong I want to start again….9 years is a long time….this is a powerful addiction, so I thoroughly get where Robbie is coming from…even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t take time out of my day to pass judgment on him.

David Dunne July 19, 2013 - 4:53 pm

1st sensible reply…

Melissa June 7, 2013 - 6:15 pm

Have you tried the e- cigs? They will help you cut down drastically and you can “smoke” them inside the pubs- you won’t put weight on and they are far healthier- in fact many people give up cigs on them.

Zack Mayo May 10, 2013 - 8:56 pm

I started patches on 2nd Nov 2012. Gave these up on 2nd Jan 2013. I had a handful of cravings but now – none at all – it’s been over 4 months and I’m loving it. I went from around 40 roll-up’s a day to a big fat zero. It can be done, just get your head in the right space and it should be fairly easy for you. Good luck everyone – but you’ll be fine.

Debra August 1, 2013 - 8:29 pm

I believe the advice that getting your mind right is the key to success. I just don’t know how to get my mind right. I’ve been smoking nearly 50 years, have tried to quit several times with only brief periods of success, have some significant health consequences including the sensation that my lungs have turned to concrete. I’m very afraid of the suffering that will surely result if I continue, yet I can still remember mornings during my quit periods when I’d wake up terrified at the prospect of spending another day without cigarettes. The expectation of craving something I can’t have every day for the rest of my life….well, you get my drift. Don’t know how to make myself want to do something that most of me just doesn’t want to do.

sooz May 8, 2013 - 8:20 am

After a couple of ‘fails’ I quit smoking 30 cigarettes per day on April 15 2013. Still on patches and an occasional fiddle with an e-cig. To hear my son’s congrats and to see his happy face when he realises I really have packed it in is reward enough, although the money saved & the lack of stink are good motivation.

alan May 7, 2013 - 1:50 pm

I got pneumonia..Rushed into hospital feeling like i had been leathered with a baseball bat.
Now i feel like i don’t ever want a cigarette again, like i used to feel like i really needed a smoke. No cold turkey, no tablets or anything. Just stopped smoking. My social life has gone seriously downhill because i stopped drinking at the same time..Am not saying if it’s a hot day i won’t have a pint of real ale sat outside a pub in the sun, but industrial strength lager i ain’t touched for over 2 yrs, just like the roll ups.

nonsmoker May 13, 2013 - 4:15 pm

if I have to choose between social life and my survival, I choose the latter. Fortunately I never smoked in my life (well one cigarette at a party as a teen I was curious to taste it it was so disgusting I threw up)

Dan May 2, 2013 - 3:05 pm

For the last while I have been buying cigarettes every Friday night. I tend to smoke uncontrollably until the pack is done about 12 a day starting with morning coffee.
My girlfriend likes to drink red wine on Fri and Sat evenings and will smoke those evenings from my pack.
If I had no girlfriend, I would buy another pack Sunday night and not quit. I do not have the will power. So I have to quit smoking every week. Monday Tuesday and Wednesday are miserable, but Thursday is ok and Friday, I almost don’t want to buy cigarettes, the craving has left me and I feel way healthier. I still buy them because I have this habit and anticipation, plus I know my girlfriend wants some, so I’m still in this cycle but I’m trying to break it.
My Point is this. The first three days are hard. When you get a craving, ignore it, and it will go away eventually. Having someone support you that you are accountable to helps as well.
3 days plus support and you can be free!
BTW it’s Thursday and I just had a 30 minute run and I feel good!

Debraq Pine April 30, 2013 - 5:20 pm

30 a day for 20 years ! After watching my mom die from lung cancer and listening to her say ..please don´t smoke anymore…..I ´gave up´ during 4 years, first using Alan Carr´s book…then patches..then gum….then e-cigs…after 4 years of nicotine replacement I went back to smoking!!! I was really frustrated as I hated smoking. Last year I used Champix and although I wouldn´t recommend this drug to my worst enemy because the side effects were really horrible. I´m quite a happy normal person and the drug made me question my own sanity, I was aggressive and moody and tearful for no reason…I only managed to stay six weeks on the 12 week course but it was enough to get me over the worst of the addiction. One year later I´m still not smoking. Smoking is a side effect too, a side effect of being addicted to Nicotine. If I talk to a smoker now I have to take a step backwards because of the smell. However you break free from this addiction, it´s the singularly best gift you can give yourself.

REDDODGER May 10, 2013 - 5:43 pm

I’ve had the very same experience as yourself but after 15 months went to Cyprus with 35 others 28 of witch were smokers and I gave in after a few beers to my kids disapproval, I have been back on champix since January and have not had a cigarette since 1st February and I am now determined to make it forever 3rd time lucky .!! if needed keep going for your goal !!!

alberto garcia June 11, 2013 - 6:22 pm

stopped smoking, last jun 2nd. was told i have bronchitis last jun 6, has i had as a child. at 45 smoking since i was 15 or 17 on a regular basis. i think will never smoke again, but no stress, one day at a time. i have felt every simptoms described in all the comments i´ve read, i still think i will ever smoke again, when i asked the doctor if there was any drugs to help the process, i was told ´´thats all in your brain´´. and i believe so. good luck to all in the same process, and the same to me, as somone said, when you feel the urge to smoke just wait, it will pass.

Carmen Wallace April 30, 2013 - 4:50 pm

I smoked for 18 yrs. Have been quit for 40 years. I used to be very athletic and had the mile down to 4 min.s Then I started goofing around with the wrong crowd and started smoking. By the time I quit, I could not run a block, and was very unmotivated. When I quit, I turned my whole life around. Became a quite successful Entrepreuner and am now comfortably retired. Walk 3 miles a day and go lift weights at the gym 3 days a week. Thank God for my health everyday.

Paul Jones April 29, 2013 - 5:26 pm

I quit cold turkey without using willpower. It was one of the easiest things Ive ever done. All that was needed was a change in my attitude towards smoking. Once I realised that it did nothing for me, I just stopped. The “addiction” was so easy to break. Allen Carrs Easyway to Quit Smoking. Its a book many of you will be able to get for free from your local library. Try it!

Catherine May 22, 2013 - 3:23 pm

I heard about Allen Carrs Easyway to Quit Smoking from so many people I thought there must be something to it, read it, found it interesting but it didn’t help me in any way to quit smoking.

Non Smoker October 1, 2013 - 7:43 pm

I could not agree more Paul. All I needed was a change in perspective. This social stigma that “its hard to quit smoking” has got to go.

Starting-Now April 29, 2013 - 5:04 am

After reading all the comments im going to give up starting from today! I smoke 20 a day for the past 14 years and hate smoking – time to say goodbye to the cancer sticks.. thanks for the info

I stopped smoking April 25, 2013 - 6:27 pm

I stopped smoking and took up using an e-cigarette. It works well for me, although many people still see it as smoking because it looks alot like it. Either way, I think it is better for me. I feel better and don’t smell. I would recommend trying it if you can’t quit cold turkey.

Carol May 4, 2013 - 6:17 am

Agrees with this. I tried many times to stop and always went back to it. I use the e-cig. I don’t think I can mention the company however they don’t look like a cigarette, though they are obviously the same shape, and use e-juice. I can make my own strength or buy ready made and have low or high in the mouth piece. Yes I know it is a substitute however it has worked for me for over a year. Often it is just a play thing. Yes some will say it is still a habit/addiction as I am still getting nicotine all be at a low rate however I feel tons better I don’t smell and I am alot better off. My Husband also bought 1 a few days after me. It cost me a weeks smoking to buy the kit I use however it has been worth every penny and paid for itself. Yes there are risks with nicotine, which are the same as drinking caffeine. I am not getting all the tar and other rubbish that was poisoning me. I did slip last September when my Hub was rushed into hospital and had a traditional cigarette off a friend. It was the best thing in a warped way that I could have done. It made me feel ill and I could feel all the poison seeping back into me. If you struggle to stop research and buy a decent e-cig. It has worked for me. I know how hyper I am. So it can work for me it can for anyone

Mike September 9, 2013 - 2:28 am

My wife and I both quit smoking for good using menthol e- cig’s with no problems at all. Neither of us crave tobacco. I smoked for 48 years and my wife for 35 years. Neither of us could quit before we used the e-cig’s. Highly recommend them.

Mark Xiao Ping April 25, 2013 - 4:31 pm

I was a smoker for the past 30 years and i learn that the best way to quit smoking is DON’T BUY ANY CIGARETTE………

billduck April 24, 2013 - 4:15 pm

I stopped smoking nearly seven years ago and although I gained a little weight then, I have gone back to my usual weight over time.
It really annoys me that, in today’s enlightened way of thinking, people still insist on referring to smoking as a “habit”.
It is most definitely NOT a HABIT. It is an addiction and needs to be treated as such. Once you realise that you have a ADDICTION, you are able to easily deal with that and stop smoking.
Tobacco companies add addictive chemicals to their products to ensure that, even if you wean off nicotine, the other additives will keep you addicted.
Research it and learn for yourself and that will make quitting easy and permanent.

Ben June 6, 2013 - 4:05 pm

Billduck is absolutely right. Its an addiction and a horrible one at that. Pure and simple.
I quit after years and years. Cold turkey. Now I suffer from mild COPD but its my fault. Still, I am fighting every day, go to the gym, take long walks, and keep a positive attitude. Thanks to my stubborn Scottish genes I’m going to see all my grandchildren grow up and make me a great grandparent. More power to all of you. Quit and don’t look back.

arrrrrgh!

Debra August 1, 2013 - 8:46 pm

Great point about the tobacco industry addicting us deliberately. If I were a young person today I’d avoid smoking simply to deny them the privilege of victimizing me. On my next quit attempt, which I hope will be soon, I will concentrate on getting myself out of victim status.

Tim April 23, 2013 - 3:57 pm

I smoked for 35 years but the army kept me fit. An office job had me smoking 40 a day, but as soon as I returned I reduced to zero. I swam 30 minutes a day and walked our dog daily. When at 58-years-old I was faced with heart by-pass surgery because of five coronary artery blockages, I proudly replied that I had given up smoking five years previously – only to be told that the fact that I had ever smoked and my age were against me! The point I wish to make is that it is never too late to stop smoking – the sooner the better….

colin nicholas April 21, 2013 - 7:44 pm

My dad had no problem quitting his forty a day habit. He quit immediately after the doctor told him he had six months to live. It was a piece of cake. But he died anyway a few months later.
He had the will power after all – and he didn’t know it. Everybody quits in the end, one way or another. When you’re scared enough quitting’s easy.

andy May 10, 2013 - 12:45 pm

great comment….

Catherine May 22, 2013 - 3:39 pm

while I appreciate where you are coming from, most people who smoke are well aware it may very well kill them and continue to smoke, just as obese people continue to eat and people with diabetes don’t take care of themselves….its a powerful addiction that some good human beings get caught up in, no amount of judgement, scorn, sarcasm, etc… is going to change that and isn’t helpful at all.

Debra August 1, 2013 - 8:49 pm

It’s still a great comment!

p hodgson April 18, 2013 - 5:50 pm

I quit smoking 30years ago and I used to smoke 40 a day, I hate anything to do with smoke now, I had put myself in the situation of passive smoking at my cousin who is a chain smoker and it cost me my health even though I have stopped. I have the start of COPD which is no joke when your lungs get infected. The people who say that it is better to smoke rather than put weight on are totally ridiculous, I would love to see smoking banned totally.

Debs April 20, 2013 - 10:10 pm

I quit smoking 23 yeas ago after smoking for 15 years. I just had a smoking flatmate move in a week ago.He has been smoking outside the window. I had a cold on the same day that has developed into my not being able to breath properly. I have had to come home from the doctor and ask him to leave as my chest is rattling like crazy a week later and I am medicated to the hilt. I wish I had never started smoking – I will have to avoid smokers from now on.Best thing I ever did – I Quit Smoking !!

M April 17, 2013 - 4:00 pm

I quit 6 days ago 🙂

lee April 15, 2013 - 4:00 pm

i quit smoking 6 months ago after 10 years of smoking. I feel no better but i know its the right thing to do. I ate more food for the first few months and put on about a stone, then just cut down on pop and junk food and now im back to slim. I still feel like a smoker and have no problem being around people smoking.

I did it cold turkey. No pointless patches or gum. All you need for the first few days and weeks is a big bag of lollies, lots of chewing gum and most importantly, will power.None of this ‘have a couple a day and cut down slowly’.

I must say, i did buy a fake cig from ebay, its basically a little tube that looks like a cig and you suck air through it. I bought that 2 weeks into quitting and used it for a few weeks. Really helped on nights out when outside with my smoking friend and stopped the cravings.

Janet Nelson April 24, 2013 - 12:55 pm

I quit 20 years ago, but I know of people that have bought the E cig. and suck on it all the time. Isn’t this supposed to help a person to quit? I would think all that nicotine would be bad for a person. Glad it is not me. When I quit I had to quit cold turkey, dr. said I would not make 10 years. And now I still get the urge, but I don’t want to smell that bad anymore.

rose April 13, 2013 - 12:29 pm

Happy to say i quit 10 years ago…

Kate Ashby April 12, 2013 - 8:08 pm

After 2 month you’ll be the size of a house and obesity will give you a heart attack

free-dom April 13, 2013 - 8:41 pm

not true, i quit 16 years ago and although gained weight it was not a lot and never had this problem. You exaggerate, perhaps out of lack of knowledge or experience.

Debra August 1, 2013 - 8:52 pm

or fear.

Brian Doove April 10, 2013 - 8:11 pm

I thought my mother would never quit smoking. Tried many times. 2 packs a day from 14 – 58yrs of age. My oldest son was born and she quit cold turkey with no help. It’s been 18 yrs. now and both of her sisters died of lung cancer from smoking and she is still going strong. She has effectively erased all that damage and has the same risks as a non-smoker. It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. Ofcourse, I tease her that I wish she quit when I was born instead. I wouldn’t have had to have lived in the clouds all my childhood. You know, that layer of smoke that stagnates like a cloud in the room. Quit smoking and you will add at least a decade or two to your life, my mom has.

Phetpeter April 10, 2013 - 12:44 pm

After my heart attack, I did as the doctor me , and quit! I was 82 kilos, over the next 3 year I went up to 97kilos, had nothing but problems, stomach, gut and tingling. I didn’t get better I looked and felt ill. 9 months ago I started smoking again…All the problem went away, my weight returned to 84 kilos, and I feel great, my last 3 check ups found all levels had returned to normal. The only difference with the smoking I do now is to puff and not to suck hard, I don’t want the smoke deep in my lungs, but I smoke like you would a good cigar. That way i get the benefit of the tobacco (Which it has) and not the tar coating my lungs and I smoke half a ciggie at a time. I agree if you inhale deeply and take no care of youself, you will lose all your teeth and create for yourself an early death, as they say a beer or glass of wine a day will do you good, but not case or bottle…same goes for smoking.

Kermit April 12, 2013 - 8:41 pm

You sir are an idiot…

Merle April 13, 2013 - 12:33 pm

I know your kind you cry about everything, obviously you do not have the will power to stay as a non smoker I quit smoking about a year ago and feel better then ever. Your just looking for excuses to not quit. Your just fooling yourself but your not fooling anyone else. Enjoy your shortened life…

free-dom April 13, 2013 - 8:42 pm

I quite agree with that assessment

Jocelyn April 15, 2013 - 8:35 pm

The only erson you’re fooling here is yourself. I quit smoking nearly 10 years ago and have never felt better. Yes there was some weight gain but I attribute it to menopause and aging. As for smoking allowing you to return to your former weight, I have one question to ask you – Who controls what goes in your mouth? Enjoy your early grave as that’s where smoking will take you.

peterj May 4, 2013 - 2:22 am

Anything in moderation. I have smoked a pack a day for more than 54 years and have never had a problem. Last two funerals I attended were for my non smoking and eat healthy friends. We are all born with that stamp……..”best before………….”. Smoke ’em if you got ’em.

nonsmoker May 13, 2013 - 4:20 pm

you know what? if it was scientifically demonstrated that smoking makes you healthy, i still wouldnt do it because it’s a disgusting habit.

Bevi August 13, 2013 - 7:37 pm

The benefit of tobacco, which it has………… What benefit does it have? Keeping mosquitoes away? My father died at age 68 of heart problems, caused by smoking. My mother and her sister died of lung cancer, both had been smokers although my mother had quit. Their brother died of pancreas cancer, he was also a champion smoker. Tobacco is radioactive. Tobacco smoke is radioactive. The tar in cigarettes causes the radioactive particles to stick to hot spots in the lungs, of which there are many because there are many “branches” in the lungs and the radioactivity and tar collect where the “branching” occurs. The radioactivity in tobacco smoke also gets inhaled by nonsmokers and that is a major reason why nonsmokers get lung cancer. It is estimated that 2 packs of cigarettes gives a smoker the equivalent of one chest x-ray. Instead of smoking 2 packs a day, go and get your daily chest x-ray. At least you will be avoiding all of the poisonous chemicals that cigarette smoke also contains. Now who in their right mind would voluntarily get a chest x-ray every day for many years? If you smoke, that is exactly what you are doing. Good luck to you all. I hope that those of you who want to quit has success.

Daniel May 4, 2013 - 2:07 pm

I agree, u are an idiot.

Derek June 7, 2013 - 12:19 am

Very high percentage of smokers in asian countries and they all live longer. Due to not being overweight. Good for you enjoy em. NIcotine alone aint bad and prevents alheimers….. tis very psycoactive.

ex smoker April 8, 2013 - 6:12 pm

quitting smoking is not hard i was a smoker for 15 years and a pack a day smoker for 7 of those…i read a book called allen carrs easy way to quit smoking and i went from 25 -30 cigarettes a day to absolutely nothing in the 1 day it took to read it was oct 3rd the day i quit and to this day i have not smoked another cigarette and i never will…quitting is not as hard as its made out to be but if you do the feeling is like being let out of a dark room into the light

Stephen Day April 13, 2013 - 11:55 am

I read this book as well, quit after reading. I did relapse after 3months.
I read the book again, and now 4 months smoke free

Smoker April 6, 2013 - 4:25 pm

I could never get it, most of the world fights smoke with billions of hard money, governments increase taxes and legislate laws that prohibit to smoke in public but they are AFRAID to ban tobbaco (ban their tax income and loose voters).

Meanwhile millions around the world burden the medical system because of malnutrition from industrial food, i.e., genetically modified food, even if you buy fresh food it probably lack of nutrients your body need, lot of people “think” that drinking mineral water from a plastic bottle is healthy…which is not.

You can get more diseases from an ATM or from the MONEY you handle than from a pack of tobbaco.

Perry April 8, 2013 - 4:51 pm

You got it all wrong buddy, those statistics you quoted are not correct. Smoking is a direct and an indirect path to an early grave, granted that we would all die some day, but better to go with ease than as a wreck.

Jimbo Abas April 4, 2013 - 5:00 am

Thanks.

PeterKiryluk September 17, 2012 - 1:51 am

What happens when you stop smoking: A) You stop sweating as much as your getting more and more oxygen in your lungs. You produce better sperm and with higher motility. Your sense of smell slowly comes back where your able to smell things like, rain. In the first 8 hours, your body has a much higher percentage of oxygen in your bloodstream. Your erection is harder and much faster in the first week. You will also notice more and more chemicals in your brain that you where low on while smoking, these include feelings of empathy ,but one draw back is your more angry, and you stay angry longer, even trying to hurt people around you, so there are benefits and not many, just more less everything in moderation, even water will kill you.

Menachem October 3, 2012 - 12:13 pm

I would rather die from smoking my pipe than to be one of these asshole nonsmokers who bitch, complain and generally think that they are better than the smokers.

Chris October 5, 2012 - 6:06 pm

My husband is having his voice box removed this month after a year of unsuccessful radiation, real pain and an initial partial laryngectomy. Have fun now, pay later. No bitching. Just fact.

alberto garcia June 11, 2013 - 7:00 pm

what is the meaning of this war? after all, we are all responsible people. smokers, non smokers, ones trying to quit, ones that wont stop even if the earth blows away. I still think my freedom to smoke ends where some others freedom to non smoke begin. So, keep responsible and decide what is better for you, but first of all don`t impose your way to anyone, and last of all don`t compare yourselves to any judge or god.

Debra August 1, 2013 - 9:03 pm

To Alberto: I’m a smoker of almost 50 years, and I agree completely that “my freedom to smoke ends where some others freedom to non smoke begins”. If we would all exercise our rights only to the extent where they do no harm to others, the world would be a much better, safer, saner, healthier place. Thanks for a good comment.

Kyana November 13, 2012 - 10:49 am

Well thats you but if you keep on smoking I dont be complaining when ur hiring almost to die when I’m over here all having fun asshole!!!!

Kyana November 13, 2012 - 10:50 am

When your HURTING

carl rego April 9, 2013 - 3:26 am

you must be a Nerd ……..just like most Pipe Smokers…..non smokers including
former smorkers realize that the tobacco industry has enslaved the dumb smokers.

Jillian April 20, 2013 - 12:38 pm

My young brother smoked a pipe until he had a short hospital stay, due to an injury. The other person in his room was there for some treatment related to his mouth cancer, which had already destroyed his inner cheeks. He could barely talk.

So my brother got to see the reality of what smoking a pipe did for this man. My brother never smoked again.

free-dom April 13, 2013 - 8:45 pm

where to Begin, Menachem?? The world cannot sustain all of these people now, so thanks for doing your part to leave it early……

The Dog April 27, 2013 - 2:50 am

Huh, thats strange, thats what my mate said and he was a pipe smoker too.
He also reckoned smoking a pipe was far better than cigarettes.
He died of mouth cancer, took him 4 years, It was horrid.

expat April 30, 2013 - 6:21 pm

Well said sir.

Comments are closed.

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