Need Advice from EX-smokers

[Giaour]

I'm trying AGAIN to quit smoking.

I could use som advice from EX-smokers on how they beat the habit.

Please don't lecture me on the "evils" of smoking.

I just want some helpful hints like chewing gum etc....

[ayin jade]

Im not a smoker or an ex smoker. Gia I wont lecture lol. I have heard that there is a good program in setting captives free on how to stop smoking from a Christian perspective. Please check this link out.

http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/home/our_courses.php

[tah]

I kind of have an odd answer for you...

I smoked for several years and then one day I was sitting on the front porch and I was smoking a cigarette and the Lord spoke to me and said "Don't do that?"

If I were to tell a little child to not pick up a "cow pie" and eat it then that would be the way the Lord spoke it...

I never picked up another one and it has been about 30 years....I could not refuse Him...

[Giaour]

Thank you Jade but I'm afraid that the link you posted was a lecture. LOL

It didn't give helpful hints only judgement.

I don't think shaming me and calling me an idolater is going to help me quit.

I know you are trying to help sweetie but I don't think the link was helpful.

[Giaour]

tah,

Well God hasn't yelled at me yet.

Still waiting.

[tah]

He didn't yell at me either..just made me want to please Him...

Bless you...

I do not know what it is like to not be able to give it up..

I feel very blessed that I was able to just do it....

And I am sorry it is so hard for you...

[Giaour]

I appreciate the advice, I really do.

I have the motivation.

I have the support.

I pray about it.

What I don't have is the hints for curbing the actual physical craving and withdrawl symptoms.

I have smoked for 27 years, there is an actual physical addiction here.

[Spunky]

Giaour,

As I am also in a back and forth struggle with smoking

I can only give you the tips that kept me from smoking the longest

for I am still struggling and have only smoked two months out of the

past two years and I had been smoking for more than 16 years.

Accepting help is key!

I myself have been using a prescription my doctor gave me to help

in my goal to become smoke free it is called "Wellbutrin" and its

worked wonders for me.

Along with that I entered a smokers group at the hospital meeting

together weekly I drew strength from others that smoked longer

than I and were also willing to accept help for their addiction.

Some use the niccoteen Patch others the Wellbutrin and a few used

the gum I saw the most progress being made by those using the

first two, and yes some did it cold turkey but I admit I have not the

will power to do it that way!

Along with my prescription I found going for walks immediately after

each meal helps, anything that keeps you occupied-also visiting places

in which I knew I could not smoke helped alot. Refrain from drinking

too much caffeine as it will increase nervousness and your need to smoke.

Drink plenty of water as it will help flush the nicoteen from your system.

Within 2 weeks of not smoking you will see a big change in your

breathing,skin complextion, and even how foods taste they suddenly

have more flavor that our cigarettes had masked.

Remember you have to really want to quit for it to be successful,and a few

relapses is no excuse not to keep tryin it is well worth it.

Good Luck to you!(and trust in the Lord help you through it)

God Bless!

(p.s. I also always have a sugar free lolipop in my mouth too)

[Guest Museed]

Stay away from Caffeine, Alcohol, and too much sugar and salt.

Don't be around people when they are smoking.

Change your way of doing things throughout the day. If you smoked after meals, or watching tv, etc, change that routine for new ones. Keep your mind, and hands busy on something that requires full concentration, like bicycling, weight lifting, or other mental & physical challenging stuff.

It would do quite well for you to stay away from stressful situations for at least a few weeks, as stress is the prime motivator for smoking.

Drink lots of water, and make sure you get your daily full supply of vits, lacking certain vitamins or minerals can be defeating in trying to stop smoking.

God Bless!

[Openly Curious]

Hello Giaour,

I started smoking when I was nine year old and got hooked. So I know firsthand what it is to be addicted to cigerettes. I do not condemn those who smoke at all but I know G-d will help you with this addiction. Most people don't realize that nicotine is a drug and it is extremely addictive and I might get a lot of flax for saying that but it is true.

It was out of conviction on my part that I wanted to get rid of the habit because I felt personally on the inside of my heart that it was displeasing to the Spirit of G-d. So it was for that reason I sought to lay it to the side. I tried on my own to stop and I would make it a couple of days then fall back into it then I'd try again and make it a week but fall back into it again then I got as far as two weeks and that is as far as I could get and I fell into again.

The cravings are so strong that you have to battle through. All through this battle I would pray and repent and stay away but would always fall into it again it seemed a never ending cycle. But I found out that as i was faithful to talk to G-d about it faithfully that He was faithful to me and literally took the desire for cigerettes away from me. As He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts and it was my sincere desire to give up smoking.

I could not do it own my own but I know he will take that desire out of your heart if you continue to talk to G-d about. You will find Him faithful to you. I know that Jesus wouldn't smoke and I know the Spirit of G-d doesn't smoke. Smoking is very harmful I have a cousin who has got lung cancer right know and they had to take part of his lung out and they were not able to get it all and he doesn't have long to live. And I don't say that because I am trying to scare anyone but smoking is a bad thing. There is pleasure in puffing on them for sure as I can still remeber the pleasure of them especially after a good meal. I just know G-d has the power to take this desire and addiction away from you. It didn't get better for me until this happened and I don't crave or have the desire for them anymore. I hope I have helped in someway that will help you get rid of the habit which you so desire to do. blessings

Openly Curious