I am smoking more than ever.

[Roxann]

Mike and I realized last night that I am smoking 2 packs of Salem Lights a day!! Sometimes more!! *GASP* What is happening? I have been smoking since I was 12 or 13. I'm now 35. I can only wonder what my lungs look like.


I am thinking of participating in a Smokers group study at the Univeristy of Pittsburgh. It pays $346 to try to quit using the patch, and they pay for the patches. I would have to go and have some tests done once a week for 2 months. I would do it for nothing as I think it's worth just to get the patches.

I have quit several times before, but only a couple times for any signifigant time. Once cold turkey for 9 months, and once for 6 months with the patch.
The study starts in July. I'm going to call today and set it up. I can not keep smoking like this.

[historyteach]

Roxann;
I can relate to your story. I am smoking so much right now! Not as much as I once was, many years ago, but, still - almost two packs a day! Years ago, I was under so much stress. My son is a heroin addict, and I was only beginning to understand it. I was trying to make him stop. I didn't know I had no control over his addiction, then, so I was attempting the impossible. At the same time, I was going through a divorce. I was in a major depression. Needless to say, I was smoking up a storm. I was smoking three packs, sometimes more, a day!
I've quit a few time. The longest was only 3 1/2 months in duration though. I want to quit so bad! Like you, I started young - 14. I honestly believe I was hooked immediately!
I want to quit. Once again, I am under so much stress. I know smoking doesn't end stress. But, quitting IS stressful! I honestly can't take another thing right now!
I'm taking two classes; working full time; my son is in jail - again; the police put a no contact order on heand I, and the judge refused to lift it when I spoke to him; we've had two harrowing incidences at school - one a gun threat the other a riot with knives and brass knuckles; I'm trying to decide whether I should sell my house or not...
I just don't think that now is the best time....
But, I wonder if the best time will ever come, sometimes???

Good luck on your quit. Go for the study. I am sending you prayers that you will succeed in this struggle. I'll be thinking of you!
Shalom!

[CarolD]

Yes...the study sounds interesting. Are you planning to keep smoking until then?

I hope you keep trying...I am working on #5 quit myself!

[fencepost]

Get paid to Quit? Too cool... what's to think about....eh? Best to ya

[Roxann]

I plan on smoking right up til I get there Carol.

Teach, it's the hardets thing I ever tried to do but I'm telling ya I am heading for a heart attack if I don't slow down drastically!.
Thanks for the well wishes everyone!

[Cutty]

Wow! The patches are expensive....sounds like a good thing to do! I'm now on my third time quitting..... About 10 years ago, I quit cold turkey, for 5 years. Hardest thing I ever did in my life...thought I was going to go nuts the first couple of weeks. In the middle of a divorce I was out with some friends having a drink and started back. Could have kicked my own butt for that one. Then.....November of 03 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had to have a masectomy...surgeon was not the type to preach at you about smoking, but said the surgery would go much better if I would quit 10 days before and 10 days afterwards. So I did...used the patch for the first few days; I lasted about 4 months total then started back. I think the deal then was that "I" wasn't really ready to quit....it was for the surgery. Know what I mean? Well.... January 1 of this year began my third try at this. I used the patches for about 3 weeks...and I'm on Wellbutrin....it really does help with the cravings...AND it helps me not eat like a pig as well. So far so good..... I've also been through a lot of personal S*** since the beginning of the year; and didn't start back. So that is good. Anyway....... you know the saying....three times a charm? Thats gona be it for me. You hang in there....eventually you'll make it!

[Time2Surrender]

Im smoking pretty heavy lately too.Marlboros are 6 bucks up here! I get them for $3.50 in Oregon.I have set May 18th as my quit date.We'll see what happens.

[comfortablynumb]

I joined a support forum to stop smoking. I read so many of their stories that after awhile it becomes urgent to quit.
When you hear about those that you actually begin to get to know (kind of like here) being diagnosed with cancer, emphysema and heart disease, it occurred to me that I am not going to escape. Part of what kept me addicted is thinking that I couldn't quit. Some think quitting means you will automatically be healed. NOT the case..you only increase your probablities. So it became apparent, that I can only hope that by quitting now I might have at least a better quality of life, even if I do become ill. Some have quit too late, and when you get to know these people, it becomes very personal.
Smoking is such a lie....and the tobacco companies are merely opportunistic predators. When I really think about nicotine, I realize now that what I thought was *enjoying smoking* was really about *relief.* That is, relieving a falling nicotine level. As always, the truth shall set you free and I am enjoying my freedom....Day 59 now..NOT ONE PUFF EVER (N.O.P.E.)
Anyone can quit...millions and millions have......they are no different from me or you.

[wantneeda]

I love smoking and i hate smoking....sigh.
In all the years i've smoked i've never quit....well one day...once....i was such a biotch i couldn't stand myself....I started when i was ten...i'm 38. Wow t2s 3.50????
Packs of smokes here in canada are 10 bucks!!!! And in the bars...in the machines they're like $16.oo....thank God i;m not going in a bar today to buy a pack!!!
When i was in treatment we could only smoke outside..it really seemed to make a difference in how i felt, not to mention the amount i smoked.
Anyways i know its killing me....i do think more and more about quiting...that seems to just lead me to havin a smoke....
Crap

[comfortablynumb]

Originally Posted by wantneeda

I love smoking and i hate smoking....sigh.
In all the years i've smoked i've never quit....well one day...once....i was such a biotch i couldn't stand myself....I started when i was ten...i'm 38. Wow t2s 3.50????
Packs of smokes here in canada are 10 bucks!!!! And in the bars...in the machines they're like $16.oo....thank God i;m not going in a bar today to buy a pack!!!
When i was in treatment we could only smoke outside..it really seemed to make a difference in how i felt, not to mention the amount i smoked.
Anyways i know its killing me....i do think more and more about quiting...that seems to just lead me to havin a smoke....
Crap

and those, with *your* attitude are not only destined to fail but are destined to die,
sorry but we choose our fate, and it is obvious that you have chosen yours...
I choose life because of those I love and those who love me ...
YOu have those same choices..I hope you will choose well


D59>>>>>NOT ONE PUFF.........enjoying the most freedom I have in over 30 years and knowing the LIES, hateful, killing lies that we believe when we are entrenched in addiction...accepting brutal and inevitable early death, instead of life.........tell your family now....

[fraankie]

hi
first time on this site and it's interesting the first post i read is a Salem lights person, me,too
anyway, i've been smoking a lot, too due to family problems but went to see a friend who just had surgery, smoking relate, boy, the scar on his neck was a trip and what did me and Charles do-----go down for a smoke
it's hard but lots of people do it and the hospital had a booklet. smoking cessation, as they call it, is mapped out so get the info, support
someone i know even had accupuncture and it worked

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!111