I gave up..............

[Alan]

..............smoking last night! :)

Started again this morning though! :doh

Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:)

[fred]

I did pretty damned well for around two weeks..Did about ten packets of Niccorette though..Found it much cheaper to smoke!!

[Sim11UK]

You need to suck 'Olde English' Spangles :Hellooo:

[jonnijon]

I caught pnumonia,that stopped me :omg:

[Leo]

you have got to have willpower I smoked very heavy got up one mornining and said no more that was 15 months ago I still crave for a smoke but just say no to my self you will do it Alan if you want to

[sars_notd_virus]

getting pregnant stops me from smoking....
.....uhmm ok ok i only smoke 'fatter joints' when im pregnant lol

[aromulus]

A heart attack sorted that one out for me.....:omg:

[Doc Alan]

..............smoking last night! :)



Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:)

Yes, many people have succeeded, and you need only "Google" smoking to find the best ways to give up. It's not easy, but just remember that "healthy living" ( regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake, good diet etc) is of limited value if you continue to smoke. I didn't join this Forum expecting to give advice about health, but trust me, I'm a doctor, it's worth giving up smoking by whatever means and however long you have been a smoker.

[Alan]

You need to suck 'Olde English' Spangles :Hellooo:

WOW!!! If only I could still find those!!!!

Al.:)

[Alan]

you have got to have willpower I smoked very heavy got up one mornining and said no more that was 15 months ago I still crave for a smoke but just say no to my self you will do it Alan if you want to

I know Leo! Unfortunately, some of us are very 'weak-willed.' (Or is it just me??:Erm:)

Al.:)

[Alan]

getting pregnant stops me from smoking....
.....uhmm ok ok i only smoke 'fatter joints' when im pregnant lol

Hmmm...........I think I'm a bit old for getting pregnant now! :Erm:

Al.:)

[Alan]

A heart attack sorted that one out for me.....:omg:

What can I say? Same for my mum - but here I am - still being stupid!

Al.:)

[Alan]

Yes, many people have succeeded, and you need only "Google" smoking to find the best ways to give up. It's not easy, but just remember that "healthy living" ( regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake, good diet etc) is of limited value if you continue to smoke. I didn't join this Forum expecting to give advice about health, but trust me, I'm a doctor, it's worth giving up smoking by whatever means and however long you have been a smoker.

I appreciate that Alan!

Al.:)

[nigel]

A hypnotherapy "Stop Smoking" cassette/CD worked on me, (I listened to it all day everyday for a whole week though!)

I think it's important to remember that giving up the poisenous sticks makes you feel fantastic! :BouncyHappy:

Your not giving up a luxury, your saying goodbye to a toxic drudgery!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

You might aswell figure out how much money your going to save and plan a nice prezzie for yourself! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Just think how goooooooooood it's going to make you feel!:BouncyHappy:

[IainBusby]

I know Leo! Unfortunately, some of us are very 'weak-willed.' (Or is it just me??:Erm:)

Al.:)

No it's not just you Al, I'm just the same.

[somebody]

A hypnotherapy "Stop Smoking" cassette/CD worked on me, (I listened to it all day everyday for a whole week though!)

I think it's important to remember that giving up the poisenous sticks makes you feel fantastic! :BouncyHappy:

Your not giving up a luxury, your saying goodbye to a toxic drudgery!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

You might aswell figure out how much money your going to save and plan a nice prezzie for yourself! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Just think how goooooooooood it's going to make you feel!:BouncyHappy:

Have to say Nigel you hit it on the head. Its a lot to do with will power and getting the mind to say no. The money factor helps inthe UK but im guessing not so much of an issue in Pinas. Also charts like the one shown with this site

http://www.stop-smoking-easy-way.com/health-benefits-quit-smoking/

http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/afterquitting/a/2weeks3months.htm

Luckily when i did smoke when younger, strangely I would never smoke at home and although i might go crazy with them when out with Mates chain smoking. I found it was the rountine i missed the opening of a new fag packet and the lighting up. It was also something to do when waiting around. I think many people now subsitute their mobile, music player to fiddle with when they have that waiting around time..


I used the cd's while having a nap like nigel did and read a book mind gym which had a good section where you need to find the reasons why you dont wanna smoke and use those as inner arguments (ie if your mind says why the hell you doing this your half way there at least for me)

Also exercise but jogging in Phill may not be so easy as it is in the UK as when I have done it as well as the heat and humidty the strange looks you get and beggar kids running after you does put you off a touch:D

[Gavanddal]

Each time you fancy a fag, tell yourself...

Smoking's a mugs game.
What idiot fills his lungs with poison just for fun?
Smokers stink.
I'm too intelligent to smoke.
Smokers die a horrible death.

That'll help

[belfast_dude]

will helped me stop smoking....he was great...his second name was power.....a great help was willpower...lol................seriously....i stopped 8 years ago...at one go...and never looked back....i did read a book....i can remember the title...." how to stop amoking and stayed stopped"...but cannot remember the writer....i think it was a famale doctor....but it was a great help.......good luck y'all

[Doc Alan]

I'm thankful no one has disputed the fact that smoking is bad for you. Clearly there are many ways for individuals to give up. Scare tactics don't work with everyone, but it's of interest (and alarming) that well over 100,000 deaths (over a fifth) a year in the UK are attributed to smoking , with a similar number in the Philippines (accurate figures are impossible to obtain). As I understand it, advertising is not banned by the Philippines Government Health Department (although health risk advice must be given), there are no national laws prohibiting minors from smoking, many vendors of cigarettes are children, and smoking is not banned in public places (with exceptions like Makati).

[somebody]

I'm thankful no one has disputed the fact that smoking is bad for you. Clearly there are many ways for individuals to give up. Scare tactics don't work with everyone, but it's of interest (and alarming) that well over 100,000 deaths (over a fifth) a year in the UK are attributed to smoking , with a similar number in the Philippines (accurate figures are impossible to obtain). As I understand it, advertising is not banned by the Philippines Government Health Department (although health risk advice must be given), there are no national laws prohibiting minors from smoking, many vendors of cigarettes are children, and smoking is not banned in public places (with exceptions like Makati).

I found it amazing in phill that a tiny kid could be sent up the road to the sari sari to buy a few sticks and often the person selling them was a kid themsleves:rolleyes:

[Northerner]

My mother was a heavy smoker. 30 plus a day!

She died in 2004 after having cancer for almost 2 years.. Smoking related, as it was lung cancer that also spread to her stomach:doh My father also died of cancer when I was a small child. He too was a heavy smoker, but I think he smoked a lot more than my mother.

I grew up with smoke all around me, something I attribute to my life as a none smoker. Two of my sisters still continue to smoke despite seeing first hand the downsides to it, I guess it is just too difficult for them.

All I can say Alan, is keep trying. If at first you don't succeed. Try, and try again!

[South-east boy]

My mother was a heavy smoker. 30 plus a day!

She died in 2004 after having cancer for almost 2 years.. Smoking related, as it was lung cancer that also spread to her stomach:doh My father also died of cancer when I was a small child. He too was a heavy smoker, but I think he smoked a lot more than my mother.

I grew up with smoke all around me, something I attribute to my life as a none smoker. Two of my sisters still continue to smoke despite seeing first hand the downsides to it, I guess it is just too difficult for them.

All I can say Alan, is keep trying. If at first you don't succeed. Try, and try again!


Sorry to hear that you lost parents at such a young age-must have been pretty hard. Cancer affects so many people. I can never understand how when people have seen what it can do close-hand can still continue.

My best friend and his mum smoke and whenever I go round, I either put older clothes on and ones that I'll be putting in the wash soon as I don't like getting my new best/clean on clothes all smokey. Everything that was white in their kitchen is now light beige whereas my white paintwork is pure white even though it was painted less recently than the white in their kitchen. All that beige tobacco (but much worse as theirs years & years of it) is coating all their insides.

[scottishbride]

..............smoking last night! :)

Started again this morning though! :doh

Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:) I used to be a chain smoker, then my Bf, who is now my husband asked me if I can stop... I just stop! But it was hard though because I craved for sweets. :D Now, I can live without nicotine.:)

[Arthur Little]

:ARsurrender: Well, I'm a dedicated pipe-smoker ... it's part of my life! But it has also long been my wont to enjoy one fag a day. Yes, ONE - honestly! [After my main meal!]. And, for all that, I remain healthy ... and have NO real desire to quit, although I CAN easily do without for many hours (when away from my computer, that is!).

Whilst in the Phils, however, I couldn't find pipe tobacco "for love nor money" :NoNo: and had to resort to buying 'Hope' cigarettes ( far better quality than the crap sold in the UK - and infinitely cheaper too!!) being none too keen on cigars.

[Doc Alan]

[QUOTE=Arthur Little;199345]:ARsurrender: Well, I'm a dedicated pipe-smoker ... it's part of my life! But it has also long been my wont to enjoy one fag a day. Yes, ONE - honestly! [After my main meal!]. And, for all that, I remain healthy ..

Arthur, I'm happy for you, and long may your good health last ! Smoking pipes or cigars is less damaging to health than cigarettes, but all forms of tobacco smoking are harmful . I rest my case !

[JimOttley]

I quit overnight in March 1986, I used to smoke 40 a day and up to 60 at weekends, would often run out of money and end up smoking roll ups the rest of the week.

I had stopped and started a few times during the 10 years I smoked, the waste of money was, in the end, the biggest motivator for me but of course tobacco is not taxed so heavily in the Phils and hence it's much more affordable.

Best thing I ever did, after a few weeks it's only habit and association that get you back into it.

One thing is never kid yourself that you can try one after a few months and stop again very few people can pull off that trick.

Break the associations between events in your daily routine and the times you smoke.

Always keep an eye open for old associations like meeting an old friend that you used to share a smoke with, sudden craving months later, it always lasts only a short time.

Also do your best to break any association with drinking as your self control is obviously impaired at that point.

Finally an important one is not to tell the whole world you have stopped, you are only setting yourself up for failure, you are not doing it for them you are doing it for yourself and I think it is easier to just do it and politely refuse offers of smokes and try not to get drawn into conversations about smoking.

Good luck Alan, hope you succeed.

Jim

[Florge]

i was a smoker too... just woke up one day not wanting to smoke anymore... then after that, i discoverd i got diabetes... that made me stop smoking totally... hehehe...

[Doc Alan]

i was a smoker too... just woke up one day not wanting to smoke anymore... then after that, i discoverd i got diabetes... that made me stop smoking totally... hehehe...

Well done for giving up smoking ! Smokers are at increased risk for "Type 2 diabetes" (the usual type), because of increased insulin resistance. If you put on weight after stopping smoking there's also a risk of diabetes, but the health benefits of giving up smoking outweigh that risk. It's becoming commoner in the UK and Philippines (and elsewhere), mainly related to diet, lack of exercise and weight gain.

[Arthur Little]

Based on the number of EX-smokers, in particular, who've already contributed to this thread ... I guess those of us puffing away merrily would, doubtless, find ourselves in the minority :cwm24: ... were a "survey" to be conducted amongst forum members.

Smoking is a habit ... we ALL know that! Moreover, it's an extremely addictive habit. And like ALL addictions, it is hardly conduicive to healthy living; indeed there's no disputing the fact that ... like EVERY other habit-forming "drug" ... tobacco is highly toxic and detrimental to physical wellbeing - IF indulged-in to excess.

In reiterating what I've said previously on the subject, I do not wish to come across as complacent :NoNo: when saying I'M lucky in that ... for some inexplicable reason ... I AM able to control my intake of the "noxious weed". Sadly, :bigcry: there are many, many more, for whom 'moderation in all things' is virtually impossible. Those are the people who NEED to give up. For them, total abstinence is the only way forward.

Generally speaking, I tend to confine my pipesmoking *enjoyment [and I DO *relish it - otherwise I wouldn't continue!] to my middle bedroom ... that I now use purely as an "office" ... wherein my computer is located. This ensures no one else is affected by the reek.

By contrast, this very afternoon, I was a passenger on the upper level of a double-deck bus. A few rows behind me. "sat" a bunch of unruly youths ... whose previous "port of call" had obviously been a pub, from the :censored: racket they were making - not to mention their "flowery" language. Thankfully, the journey from the town centre to the outskirts - where I reside - is a comparatively short one. But I really felt sorry for the other folk on board. The point I'm making here IS that, to MY mind, over-imbibing in alcohol consumption is a far bigger menace to society than smoking ever WAS or ever WILL be. Yet the advertising of strong liquor is allowed to persist ... while smokers (who are [usually] harming nobody but themselves - especially nowadays, with the draconian laws/breach of civil liberties imposed by the present government) are frequently treated as "lepers" and lambasted at almost every opportunity.

[Doc Alan]

Arthur, you ARE lucky ! What I have said about smoking (and diabetes) is "evidence based" and not just my opinion. I'm only qualified to talk about health, not politics. But you're right, we do seem to have a problem with alcohol which seems unique to the UK. Britons are now drinking three times as much as fifty years ago, and booze causes many thousands of deaths with rates of alcoholic liver disease soaring. It's easier for me as a (retired) health professional to give the facts, far more difficult to suggest a solution when our Commons Health Committee admits the drinks industry and supermarkets hold more power over government alcohol policies than expert health professionals !
The Philippines does not have such a problem with alcohol, to my knowledge. At New Year my filipina girlfriend had one glass of wine with relatives in Manila.

[Arthur Little]

Arthur, you ARE lucky ! What I have said about smoking (and diabetes) is "evidence based" and not just my opinion. I'm only qualified to talk about health, not politics. But you're right, we do seem to have a problem with alcohol which seems unique to the UK. Britons are now drinking three times as much as fifty years ago, and booze causes many thousands of deaths with rates of alcoholic liver disease soaring. It's easier for me as a (retired) health professional to give the facts, far more difficult to suggest a solution when our Commons Health Committee admits the drinks industry and supermarkets hold more power over government alcohol policies than expert health professionals !
The Philippines does not have such a problem with alcohol, to my knowledge. At New Year my filipina girlfriend had one glass of wine with relatives in Manila.

Alan, I concede that my "luck" is probably due to the fact that I seem to have inherited the genes of my maternal grandfather, who ... in spite of having contracted pneumonia twice during his lifetime ... smoked a pipe all his days and lived to be 97 - ultimately dying of apparently natural causes in 1979. Unlike many of my father's family [including my dad himself] who suffered bronchitic ailments for much of THEIR lives - rarely surviving beyond their mid-70s! So, perhaps at MY stage in life - being an "infant" pensioner - I really OUGHT to heed *your wise counsel as a *health professional! Thank you, my friend ... I honestly appreciate your concern for the wellbeing of others.

Conversely, my first wife ... who NEVER smoked ... died at the age of 52 from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - having been on steroid treatment for many years to treat severe Rheumatoid Arthritis [not Arth(u)ritis I hasten to add!] :)

Actually, I fairly recently discovered that I'm a "borderline" diabetic ... and have been advised to curtail my intake of fizzy - even diet - soft drinks. Also, I've to take Simvistatin every night now, following surgery two years ago to remove a build up of plaque from my left carotid artery. As a result I have since been forced to cut back drastically on fatty foods ... in order to stabilise my cholesterol levels. So, I really SHOULD quit smoking altogether.

I reckon my earlier "tirade" stemmed from suppressed :cwm23: about the behaviour of these yobos on the bus. And :iagree: that something (God knows what!) needs to be done to curb binge drinking - particularly among the young. :gp:

[keithAngel]

Where you live and work Al it might be more healthy to give up breathing :icon_lol:

[Peanutz]

I smoke like the minority on this thread. I smoke after meals and stay on 3-4 cigarettes a day and none on weekends. I avoid to smoke when I'm with my husband as sign of respect as he doesn't like the smell of cigarettes, I know that one day he will ask me to stop definitely.

I would like to call myself as a pleasure smoker instead of heavy-manic-nervous smoker. When I lit a cigarette I do enjoy every puff not to mention the orgasm effect of cigarette after coffee :D. I like that private moment where I am with myself enjoying a puff.

As Arthur has mentioned on his previous post, there's a lot more things out there that are more hazardous to our health anything that is indulged in to excess is harmful. Food-alcohol-medicines are just few to mention.

I keep myself fit this includes cycling for 30 miles on weekends and walking to work and gym sessions (starting next week), I eat a healthy diet, fresh fruits and yoghurt smoothie first thing in the morning and lots of veggie and fruits during the day to compensate my smoking and I do an overall health check up every year.

After a long mind boggling thoughts on whether to stop or not I reached a compromise with myself, I will enjoy every pleasure in this life but I will hold myself to be responsible to control any desire of excess. :D
At the moment all I can say is that I'm a happy pleasure smoker:rolleyes:

[Arthur Little]

I smoke like the minority on this thread. I smoke after meals and stay on 3-4 cigarettes a day and none on weekends. I avoid to smoke when I'm with my husband as sign of respect as he doesn't like the smell of cigarettes, I know that one day he will ask me to stop definitely.

I would like to call myself as a pleasure smoker instead of heavy-manic-nervous smoker. When I lit a cigarette I do enjoy every puff not to mention the orgasm effect of cigarette after coffee :D. I like that private moment where I am with myself enjoying a puff.

As Arthur has mentioned on his previous post, there's a lot more things out there that are more hazardous to our health anything that is indulged in to excess is harmful. Food-alcohol-medicines are just few to mention.

I keep myself fit this includes cycling for 30 miles on weekends and walking to work and gym sessions (starting next week), I eat a healthy diet, fresh fruits and yoghurt smoothie first thing in the morning and lots of veggie and fruits during the day to compensate my smoking and I do an overall health check up every year.

After a long mind boggling thoughts on whether to stop or not I reached a compromise with myself, I will enjoy every pleasure in this life but I will hold myself to be responsible to control any desire of excess. :D
At the moment all I can say is that I'm a happy pleasure smoker:rolleyes:

:xxgrinning--00xx3: Good girl ... that's what I like to hear ... all things pleasurable, in moderation!

[Alfred_Kin]

I gave up smoking a few months before. I stopped smoking by taking a hypnosis treatment from yadada they guided me in a better way. They provided many good tips and the best treatments to stop smoking. The tips given by them was more helpful for me. After following their treatment i was completely recovered from smoking. I became a non-smoker now and i feel mentally and physically fit.

[pennybarry]

..............smoking last night! :)

Started again this morning though! :doh

Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:)

It's only a matter of discipline sir.:D

I know how to smoke. If you give me menthol cigarettes, I can smoke.:D
I don't know but I only smoke if someone gives me. :icon_lol:
I disciplined myself not to BUY!:Rasp:
But never I drink alcohol. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

But never I drink alcohol. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:icon_lol: ... That's the "spirit", Pen! Seriously, though, hard liquor is much more damaging [particularly in so far as its effect on others is concerned] when indulged in to excess (as it all too often IS, nowadays!). But then, I much prefer the taste :Rasp: of soft drinks, myself! And Myrna never touches alcohol. :NoNo: So possibly I'm biased!

[aromulus]

, But then, I much prefer the taste :Rasp: of soft drinks, myself! And Myrna never touches alcohol. :NoNo: So possibly I'm biased!

For Something made in Scotland from "Girrrrddderrrrs"...?:omg:

[Arthur Little]

For Something made in Scotland from "Girrrrddderrrrs"...?:omg:

Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrect ... Barr's Irn Bru ... :Kilt:land's ither famous drink ... beats Scotch Whisky "doon the hatch", :party-smiley-012: any day! Cheers!

[Sim11UK]

Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrect ... Barr's Irn Bru ... :Kilt:land's ither famous drink ... beats Scotch Whisky "doon the hatch", :party-smiley-012: any day! Cheers!

I thought you all drank Buckfast up there Arthur. :D :40__s:

[aromulus]

I thought you all drank Buckfast up there Arthur. :D :40__s:

That stuff is "murrrderrrr"....:doh

[Doc Alan]

..............smoking last night! :)

Started again this morning though! :doh

Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:)

I'm maybe losing the thread (or plot, or sense of humour) but I understood this was a serious attempt to stop smoking. It's bad for you .... fact. It affects others (secondary smoking) ... fact. It costs more in personal ill health, and the health service (whether NHS, Philippines, or any other country than alcohol misuse ... fact. I assumed my namesake recognised this in asking how to give up smoking. With respect, few Filipinos have heard of Barr's Irn Bru ... there's no clinical trial to my knowledge which proves it's a cure for smoking addiction.
I'm sorry, but this is a serious matter and I hope my namesake, Alan, has gained some useful advice. I wish you well Alan.

[Arthur Little]

I'm maybe losing the thread (or plot, or sense of humour) but I understood this was a serious attempt to stop smoking. It's bad for you .... fact. It affects others (secondary smoking) ... fact. It costs more in personal ill health, and the health service (whether NHS, Philippines, or any other country than alcohol misuse ... fact. I assumed my namesake recognised this in asking how to give up smoking. With respect, few Filipinos have heard of Barr's Irn Bru ... there's no clinical trial to my knowledge which proves it's a cure for smoking addiction.
I'm sorry, but this is a serious matter and I hope my namesake, Alan, has gained some useful advice. I wish you well Alan.

:iagree: that there has been some *digression ... and that 'Barr's Irn Bru' is one *such example. But, to be fair, Alan, smoking has become such a contentious issue, over the past 4/5 decades, that people ... not only on this forum, but in general ... just want a bit of [even seemingly inane] :icon_offtopic: banter, for the sake of "lightening up" an otherwise serious debate.

[KeithD]

The best way to stop is before each drag dip the filter in dog poo.....

[Doc Alan]

:iagree: that there has been some *digression ... and that 'Barr's Irn Bru' is one *such example. But, to be fair, Alan, smoking has become such a contentious issue.... meaning causing disagreement or controversy ??? Really ??? I will leave the lightening up and jokes to others. If people wish to continue smoking despite the risks which are proven beyond doubt, despite the suffering it causes, despite the pain and sorrow of losing a dear friend or relative from smoking ( 1 in 5 deaths in the UK), then let them carry on. Alan, my namesake, wanted help and I repeat my good wishes to you, Alan.

[aromulus]

When ever has one of Alans posts caused controversy...???:Erm:

He wants to stop smoking..... He cannot according to him...

At least he is trying.:rolleyes:

Yeah... Very, very trying....:omg:

I tried to stop many times over the years, I did even do an 11 month stretch without a single smoke, but somehow cirscumstances made me start again.:doh

After my recent heart attack, which smoking may or may not have contributed to , I decided to put the time spent in hospital to good use and go cold turkey.

None of them namby-pamby faggoty gums, tic-tac stuff or patches for me again.

After nearly three months, I still kind of miss it, but I know that I can easily live without it.
I don't know if I am any happier, as I am piling on the weight, but I feel slightly healthier in a strange sort of way...

[vis-a-vis]

Hi Alan, champix is worth a try, it worked for me for four months although i was silly and started smoking again.
Main issue with champix was disrupted sleep but compared to damage of smoking was a small price.

Your right Arthur, serious issues need some light more than light-hearted ones.

Irn-Bru only ever helps with hangovers but it did help me quit for a few months because it wasn't tea or coffee, so i used it as an alternative.
As for Buckfast, i would give that a miss during the first few weeks of quitting, even when i quit there was a few nights when i smoked a few after drinking a bottle but same goes for any alcohol.
Dont be too hard on yourself if this happens, main thing is your not smoking day-to-day

good luck

[aromulus]

And the simple fact that Ciggies in Phil cost less than 30 pence for 20......:omg:

Doesn't help...!!!!:doh

[Doc Alan]

When ever has one of Alans posts caused controversy...???:Erm:


After nearly three months, I still kind of miss it, but I know that I can easily live without it.
I don't know if I am any happier, as I am piling on the weight, but I feel slightly healthier in a strange sort of way...

I can tell you Dom, without meeting you or examining you (!) you ARE healthier, even if you gain weight.
I would rightly lose any reps I might have or be banned from this Forum, and by the General Medical Council (but I'm retired anyway) if I ever joked about smoking.

[vis-a-vis]

the cheapness of the fortunes was a nightmare,

I quit partly for my girlfriend.For about 4 months prior to us meeting i gave up and then in the last week before i flew over there i started again.

the stress of meeting a girl you think you might love but have never met, and the workload beforehand so that my bosses would give me the time off work never helped.
I am really scared of flying so was bricking it also he.
The worst bit of this was trying to appear sincere when explaining that i had quit but started again just before we met :Brick:

[KeithD]

.....
I don't know if I am any happier, as I am piling on the weight...
Never noticed, I thought you'd always had a big :erotic4: :cwm24:

[Arthur Little]

[SIZE=4][SIZE=4]I tried to stop many times over the years, I did even do an 11 month stretch without a single smoke, but somehow cirscumstances made me start again.:doh

After my recent heart attack, which smoking may or may not have contributed to , I decided to put the time spent in hospital to good use and go cold turkey.

None of them namby-pamby faggoty gums, tic-tac stuff or patches for me again.

After nearly three months, I still kind of miss it, but I know that I can easily live without it.
I don't know if I am any happier, as I am piling on the weight, but I feel slightly healthier in a strange sort of way...

Like you, Dom, I tried breaking the habit several times ... [in MY case] without really wanting to; on each occasion, I was simply testing my willpower. Then, on Father's Day, 2005, I seriously decided to quit ... at my family's insistence ... and remained "smokeless" for nearly 4 months - without any "ill- effects" - before starting again when I visited China, because tobacco products were a lot cheaper in the Orient.

I stopped *once again when the Scottish Parliament implemented the Ban on :Smokin: in Public Places ... and *THIS time, managed to abstain for seven months - with even less difficulty than before!

It's too long a tale to recount HERE, why I resumed the "love affair" with my pipe. Suffice to say, it seemed a suitable means of combatting the anxiety I suffered during the long waiting period when my daughter was having her first child delivered by caesarean section.

Thus, I have continued ever since. But I would reiterate ... in moderation! Unlike Dom, I cannot imagine living the rest of my life WITHOUT being able to enjoy a smoke now and then. And, likewise, I differ from "Cebu Alan" in that I honestly have NO wish to give up. To say otherwise, I would be being less than truthful ... and that simply ISN'T ME! :NoNo:

[triple5]

Another smoker here :beatnik2: I've had a few attempts at quitting over the past 20 years, usually whenever I travel abroad I'll set off with the attention to quit, doesn't always last long though, its usually when I'm back in the UK, same routine and habits, I'll start up again. Depends on the company you keep also. I keep relatively fit, but do sometimes feel tight chested if I over do it. Set myself a target to stop before I'm 40, hopefully long before then.

[bornatbirth]

i have had 1 puff in all my life and :Erm:, wonder why anyone would start smoking but i can't stop playing games..:D

[aromulus]

but do sometimes feel tight chested if I over do it. .

That's how my heart attack started.....:omg:

[aromulus]

i have had 1 puff in all my life


Admissions at long last.....:rolleyes:

[Doc Alan]

So far, less than a third views and replies on this topic than South East Boy's "text messages" topic .....I give up !

[aromulus]

So far, less than a third views and replies on this topic than South East Boy's "text messages" topic .....I give up !


:icon_lol:

[bornatbirth]

So far, less than a third views and replies on this topic than South East Boy's "text messages" topic .....I give up !

not many filipinas smoke but they do like juicy gossip :icon_lol:

and you will notice some thread's are men only :Erm:

[IainBusby]

I really must stop smoking and now that my brand (ones that come in a gold packet and the manufacturer's name has the initials B & H..... just making sure I can't be accused of advertising without permission) has reached the ridiculous price of £5.98 even in a supermarket, I have devised a cunning plan that even Baldrick would be proud of.

I'm going buy all of my ciggies with a credit card and I'm going to use one of my credit cards exclusively for the purchase ciggies in the hope that when I get the credit card statement in for that card, I'll be so disgusted with myself for wasting all that money and my lack of willpower, I'll stop smoking the stupid things forever.

Iain.

[KeithD]

Or you could just stop! :Erm:

[triple5]

£5.98 for a pack of B & H, is that what it is now? I remember saying I'd quit before it reaches a fiver a pack, but I just swapped to a cheaper brand.

[Northerner]

Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrect ... Barr's Irn Bru ... :Kilt:land's ither famous drink ... beats Scotch Whisky "doon the hatch", :party-smiley-012: any day! Cheers!

Enjoy it while the taste is the same.. As the colouring could be illegal soon:doh Apparently the colouring in Irn Bru is soon to be banned throughout the EU, just like it is in the USA..

[KeithD]

Enjoy it while the taste is the same.. As the colouring could be illegal soon:doh Apparently the colouring in Irn Bru is soon to be banned throughout the EU, just like it is in the USA..
They can ban Pee! :Erm:

[Doc Alan]

..............smoking last night! :)

Started again this morning though! :doh

Has anybody ever succeeded in this enterprise and, if so, how did you do it?

Al.:)

Alan, can we please have follow up ? Have you stopped smoking ? You started it (the thread) !:doh

[Alan]

Alan, can we please have follow up ? Have you stopped smoking ? You started it (the thread) !:doh

Of course Alan. As I stated on another forum, since resuming my work after the Christmas break I have been working (almost) all day and (almost) every day. I am absolutely shattered!! Just arrived home after a self-imposed early Friday finish. It is now 3.30 p.m. and I intend to recharge my batteries this weekend.

Whenever I fancy a cigarette now I say to myself, "Do I really want this one?" If the answer is 'No' then I decline. I suppose a rough approximation would be that I have 'cut down' from a pack a day to about 10. Still 'not good' in your eyes, I know - but bloody good for me!!!

Now, where's that bottle of brandy?? :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Al.:)

[fred]

I say that to myself Al and it works...
The problem is the brandy..It tells me I need a fag!

[Doc Alan]

Now, where's that bottle of brandy?? :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Al.:)

Well done Al :)
So I can light up now :doh I meant lighten up:)

[IainBusby]

I say that to myself Al and it works...
The problem is the brandy..It tells me I need a fag!

:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[Arthur Little]

I gave up smoking a few months before. I stopped smoking by taking a hypnosis treatment from yadada they guided me in a better way. They provided many good tips and the best treatments to stop smoking. The tips given by them was more helpful for me. After following their treatment i was completely recovered from smoking. I became a non-smoker now and i feel mentally and physically fit.

:wiggle: What's it all about, Alfie? ... the hypnosis treatment, I mean! :blahblah::blahblah: :Hellooo: :welcomex: :sport-smiley-003:

[Fitzy]

I say that to myself Al and it works...
The problem is the brandy..It tells me I need a fag!

You have a good point there Fred.
The booze really wasn't doing me any favours in many ways:cwm24:
I won't go into it in detail, but alcohol certainly increases ones desire to light up.
Am happy to announce that I have finally quit, and feel much better for it, not to mention the 2 grand a year better off aspect:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Sim11UK]

You have a good point there Fred.
The booze really wasn't doing me any favours in many ways:cwm24:
I won't go into it in detail, but alcohol certainly increases ones desire to light up.
Am happy to announce that I have finally quit, and feel much better for it, not to mention the 2 grand a year better off aspect:xxgrinning--00xx3:

There's your money for your vehicle Phil...Money much better spent. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Fitzy]

There's your money for your vehicle Phil...Money much better spent. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Indeed so Simon.
I feel a damm sight better for it also.
With the drink, it's 3 grand a year easy:)
Guess what???
If all goes well with Emma, as it currently is, there will most likely be a wedding this year:D

Ooops!

Just let the cat out of the bag hhehheheheehhe:icon_lol::icon_lol:

[jaygraham]

:wiggle: What's it all about, Alfie? ... the hypnosis treatment, I mean! :blahblah::blahblah: :Hellooo: :welcomex: :sport-smiley-003:

My boyfriend quit smoking approximately 10 months ago after seeing a hypnotherapist in Sydney.

Josh didn't really want to quit and only went to the hypnotherapist because his mother paid for all her children to go. The hypnotherapist asked Josh to come to the first session with a list of things that triggered him to want to smoke and a list of reasons why he wanted to quit.

Josh showed little to no interest in compiling a list and I ended up googling some lists for him.

I did not expect it to work. Somehow it did.

Josh's brother, an even bigger smoker, was successful as well. The hypnotherapist has a pretty high success rate (according to his website). We thought that it was going to go down after seeing these boys.

None of them have even wanted a cigarette, even thought about smoking and can easily socialise with their friends, who all smoke. They also didn't get any withdrawal side effects or started eating heaps etc.

[Sim11UK]

Indeed so Simon.
I feel a damm sight better for it also.
With the drink, it's 3 grand a year easy:)
Guess what???
If all goes well with Emma, as it currently is, there will most likely be a wedding this year:D

Ooops!

Just let the cat out of the bag hhehheheheehhe:icon_lol::icon_lol:

Tell us where & when & we'll all be there. :)

I used to smoke, when I was younger...You have to really want to give it up, to be able to.
Fitzy's post puts it in to perspective, from the financial aspect....Smokers look so sad, in this country, all huddled together outside in the cold. :BlacklistThumbdown0

[Arthur Little]

You have to really want to give it up, to be able to. Fitzy's post puts it in to perspective, from the financial aspect....

:Erm: ... I hate to SAY this [again!] ... and the anti/non-smoking lobbyists may even dislike ME for daring to ... but ... apart from the obvious hefty financial considerations, I actually relish the enjoyment I derive from my (very moderate) pipesmoking ... and honestly DON'T WANT to give it up! :NoNo:

[Sim11UK]

:Erm: ... I hate to SAY this [again!] ... and the anti/non-smoking lobbyists may even dislike ME for daring to ... but ... apart from the obvious hefty financial considerations, I actually relish the enjoyment I derive from my (very moderate) pipesmoking ... and honestly DON'T WANT to give it up! :NoNo:

I'm not Anti-smoking, if you enjoy it carry on...I know I used to.
But I know lots of people are desperate, to give up, but can't.

I'll vote for you, for pipe smoker of the year Arthur. :xxgrinning--00xx3: :icon_win:

[Doc Alan]

:Erm: ... I hate to SAY this [again!] ... and the anti/non-smoking lobbyists may even dislike ME for daring to ... but ... apart from the obvious hefty financial considerations, I actually relish the enjoyment I derive from my (very moderate) pipesmoking ... and honestly DON'T WANT to give it up! :NoNo:

Arthur I have to say right now ...I respect you, I most certainly don't dislike you, I've felt it my duty to remind those reading this thread of the risks of smoking. I respect all other smokers, many do want to give up ; for others. like you, moderation gives you enjoyment. Really that's my conscience clear on this matter. I wish I could say I respect all binge drinkers, but that's another matter.

[Arthur Little]

...Smokers look so sad, in this country, all huddled together outside in the cold. :BlacklistThumbdown0

Yes, :iagree:, they DO! And whilst I seldom NEED to be in THEIR position ... I nevertheless feel that legislation first introduced in Ireland in the early 2000s, "copied" by the Scottish Parliament ... and ultimately adopted by the rest of the UK ... amounts to nothing less than a Breach of Civil Liberties. To MY mind, it would've been MUCH fairer ALL ROUND if, ... instead of a blanket ban on :Smokin:g in Public Places being implemented ... pubs, clubs and similar establishments were cordoned-off into SEPARATE AREAS to cater for people who WISH to smoke, and those who DON'T. A goodly proportion of the revenue collected from tobacco sales would, I'm sure, offset conversion costs for these premises in the form of grants made available for the purpose.

But DID our "esteemed" Parliamentarians [WHO, I might add, are more than willing ... and hypocritical enough ... to collect the "ill-gotten gains" derived from the very habit they purport to discourage :rolleyes:] acquiesce to such perfectly REASONABLE solutions? No, :NoNo: they DID NOT!

[Doc Alan]

... our "esteemed" Parliamentarians ...are more than willing ... and hypocritical enough ... to collect the "ill-gotten gains" derived from the very habit they purport to discourage

Yes they are hypocrites ! Apart from the issue of civil liberties they would never attempt to ban smoking outright in view of its risks to health because they "need" those "ill-gotten gains".
The thread started as a discussion on giving up smoking, but increasingly there's a realization of the cost of alcohol abuse. It may cost the NHS less than smoking, but the overall cost to society in this country of alcohol abuse is far greater. To quote Alice Thomson from today's "Times" , "Labour has no cure for its binge hangover". Alcohol is of course a problem only for for one half of the FilipinoUK Forum.

[Fitzy]

Yes they are hypocrites ! Apart from the issue of civil liberties they would never attempt to ban smoking outright in view of its risks to health because they "need" those "ill-gotten gains".
The thread started as a discussion on giving up smoking, but increasingly there's a realization of the cost of alcohol abuse. It may cost the NHS less than smoking, but the overall cost to society in this country of alcohol abuse is far greater. To quote Alice Thomson from today's "Times" , "Labour has no cure for its binge hangover". Alcohol is of course a problem only for for one half of the FilipinoUK Forum.
:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Fitzy]

Tell us where & when & we'll all be there. :)

I used to smoke, when I was younger...You have to really want to give it up, to be able to.
Fitzy's post puts it in to perspective, from the financial aspect....Smokers look so sad, in this country, all huddled together outside in the cold. :BlacklistThumbdown0

Imagine how nice that wd be Si:D:D

Thanks for you comments mate:)

Another thing to mention, is the fact that my breathing is an awful lot better now also!!
I notice this when I do my Cardio workouts at the Gym:Hellooo::Hellooo:

[Fitzy]

£5.98 for a pack of B & H, is that what it is now? I remember saying I'd quit before it reaches a fiver a pack, but I just swapped to a cheaper brand.

I found myself doing that also mate.

Was choking the **** out of me:omg::D:D

[Arthur Little]

Yes they are hypocrites ! Apart from the issue of civil liberties they would never attempt to ban smoking outright in view of its risks to health because they "need" those "ill-gotten gains".
The thread started as a discussion on giving up smoking, but increasingly there's a realization of the cost of alcohol abuse. It may cost the NHS less than smoking, but the overall cost to society in this country of alcohol abuse is far greater. To quote Alice Thomson from today's "Times" , "Labour has no cure for its binge hangover". Alcohol is of course a problem only for for one half of the FilipinoUK Forum.

Ohh ... absolutely! I'm in full agreement with all of the sentiments expressed.

As regards binge drinking, one of my best friends of long-standing [our late wives grew up together in the same street, funnily enough!] gave up his beloved cigars (never touched cigarettes) many years ago and yet, at the time the Smoking Ban was imposed in Scotland, Brian said to me: "It would've been an even BETTER idea :rolleyes: if the consumption of alcohol was prohibited (or at least restricted) in social environments as well ... in favour of [healthy] soft drinks, tea and/or coffee, &c. ... then, if people were so-inclined towards getting 'stoned', they'd be forced to do so - either *at home, or some place where they were less likely to be a nuisance to others!". Mind you, I don't imagine *the neighbours would be too overwhelmed at such a prospect! :NoNo:

[Arthur Little]

Am happy to announce that I have finally quit, and feel much better for it, not to mention the 2 grand a year better off aspect:xxgrinning--00xx3:


I feel a damm sight better for it also.
With the drink, it's 3 grand a year easy:)

Your willpower is to be commended, Philip ... Congratulations, mate ... and very well done on eschewing [not chewing,:icon_lol:] both the noxious weed AND the booze!! :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3: Emma WILL, indeed, be REALLY proud of her man!

[Arthur Little]

My boyfriend quit smoking approximately 10 months ago after seeing a hypnotherapist in Sydney.

Josh didn't really want to quit and only went to the hypnotherapist because his mother paid for all her children to go. The hypnotherapist asked Josh to come to the first session with a list of things that triggered him to want to smoke and a list of reasons why he wanted to quit.

Josh showed little to no interest in compiling a list and I ended up googling some lists for him.

I did not expect it to work. Somehow it did.

Josh's brother, an even bigger smoker, was successful as well. The hypnotherapist has a pretty high success rate (according to his website). We thought that it was going to go down after seeing these boys.

None of them have even wanted a cigarette, even thought about smoking and can easily socialise with their friends, who all smoke. They also didn't get any withdrawal side effects or started eating heaps etc.

... and well done too, to the menfolk in YOUR life! :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Fitzy]

Your willpower is to be commended, Philip ... Congratulations, mate ... and very well done on eschewing [not chewing,:icon_lol:] both the noxious weed AND the booze!! :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3: Emma WILL, indeed, be REALLY proud of her man!

Thank you Arthur again for your kind words.
Emma is a rare bird to be sure, and I intend to look after her, but have to also look after myself, and be responsible from now on.
To be truthful, reading this thread also helped me come to the final decision:)
One piece of advice that I can offer to people is that, if you don't buy them, you can't smoke them:D
Also, use NiQuitin.
They have been fantastic:)

[Alan]

I tried all the patches, gum, tablets, fake cigarettes etc. etc. all to no avail.

Al Clegg - Filipinouk forum - Mandaue City - freezing cold - still puffing away - handing back to the studio.

Al.:)

[Doc Alan]

I tried all the patches, gum, tablets, fake cigarettes etc. etc. all to no avail.



Al.:)

At least you tried Al :)
You've also been honest :)
You have my respect:)

[aromulus]

I tried all the patches,
Al.:)

Real buggers to light up, them things....:doh

[JimOttley]

I really must stop smoking and now that my brand (ones that come in a gold packet and the manufacturer's name has the initials B & H..... just making sure I can't be accused of advertising without permission) has reached the ridiculous price of £5.98 even in a supermarket, I have devised a cunning plan that even Baldrick would be proud of.

I'm going buy all of my ciggies with a credit card and I'm going to use one of my credit cards exclusively for the purchase ciggies in the hope that when I get the credit card statement in for that card, I'll be so disgusted with myself for wasting all that money and my lack of willpower, I'll stop smoking the stupid things forever.

Iain.

30 pence each :yikes:

I know a pub in Las Pinas where I can get a beer for that price!

I'd much rather have a beer although I seem to be giving up beer as well these days :)

Jim