If you have decided to quit smoking but are not sure how to go about it, here are some tips from those who successfully quit smoking. Don't miss the benefits of stopping smoking. And how to handle withdrawal symptoms.
The reasons to quit may vary. As people have shared in their experiences, they tried to quit multiple times and eventually succeeded when their health got affected - either a heart attack or COPD. In some cases it was for family reasons - either due to the wife being pregnant, or a child making an emotional appeal.
Gavin's incentive to stop smoking
Around that time we discovered that my wife was pregnant! That served as a second incentive to STOP. I just woke up one day and decided I won't smoke any more. And never did. I remember being extremely irritable initially, getting headaches that lasted for a few months, and being hungry all the time. These too passed with time.
Anar's Advice to smokers:
No one can push or coerce a smoker to stop smoking. It has to be strongly felt and desired by the person herself/himself. All addictions are difficult to quit, but not impossible. I would strongly recommend a cessation programme to all. It helps bolster willpower, and makes the journey easier. Today, even if am surrounded by friends, all of whom are smoking, there is not a flicker of desire even for a single puff. I am happy!
A heart attack shook the life out of Ramesh Koppikar
Once again, I started this whole exercise of wanting to quit. But soon realised that quitting could be tough. It was difficult to break the addiction, manage the cravings, and kick the habit for good.
The best part of the Cessation Therapy is that you have to taper down smoking, not quit overnight. This helps you deal with withdrawal symptoms better. Within a week, the urge to smoke reduced. The number of cigarettes came down. Yet, I was not getting withdrawal symptom like before.
Anu's experience of quitting smoking
I did have a few (very few) bad days. Stressful situations made me crave a cigarette. However, I did not touch a cigarette after that quit date.
I did start chewing Nicotex gum and I also used e-cigarettes for about two months.
Quitting is a decision that you first take in your head. Then take physical action. Use quitting aids like gum. And do NOT ever touch a damn cigarette again.
Nilakanta Siva - The Smoke Rings Are Not Worth It
Nevertheless, the fear of passive smoking, the effects it can have on my wife and children, and the possibility of my children falling prey to the same addiction made me quit the habit. It was a tough thing to kick the addiction, fighting with myself for “just this one please”. Luckily, I had a very supporting wife who saw me through the entire withdrawal trauma.
Take the NO TOBACCO PLEDGE to quit smoking
Here are some of the Benefits of Quitting Smoking
- My cough has completely gone.
- My appetite has improved. I have gained 5 kgs since I quit.
- I look healthier now.
- I sleep better.
- I see a change in my complexion. I used to look haggard.
- I don’t have dark circles under my eyes.
- My stamina has increased substantially. I play tennis. In less than 2 months I could see the change. Earlier, I would start panting and puffing in 20 minutes. Now I can play for 40 minutes at a stretch without running out of breath. And it continues to improve.
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And finally what withdrawal tips you can expect and tips on how to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
