This is a post which is mean for those who seriously want to quit smoking, whether they have already tried and failed or not even bothered to try.
As we all know, smoking is bad and if one did get into it, it is advisable to quit after some time, specially when one gets married, has kids etc.
As for me, been there, done that and quit! About 24 years ago! I want to share how I did it.
When I was puffing a fag, our cool lingo at that time, it was very cool and enjoyable. I really enjoyed my 'fags' Marlbolo toasted tobacco. In fact in college and a few years thereafter, I was a cool dude 6ft tall, long hair and had my green Amby. Cars were few in college in those days, I was just lucky in that none at home drove the car and I could sneak it to college. Today there may be parking issues in colleges.
Back to the subject. When I finally decided to stop, it still took me almost 1 year to do something concrete. I decided one day, with inspiration from nowhere, that the crux of the problem is not to light up the first cigi of the day. This was easily concluded, but could not be done, so I deferred the first cigi to 5.30PM. I was working in our factory and 5.30 was closing time, so I would be faster than the workers and go up to my room to light up after 5.30PM. Then, till I went to bed, I may have had even 20 pcs, but next day none till 5.30PM. By this method, I managed to learn to control the urge, and still know in the back of my mind that I can do it after 5.30. I did this for 3 months, then one day decided to stop completely.
When I stopped, it was a Sunday and I went home in the evening. I had my last cigi's at 11PM on Saturday, not even my brand, went to the terrace and destroyed the 2/3sticks in my pocket. And uttered, 'so God help me". I managed to abstain that Sunday, so day 1 was over. Then I told everyone that I have stopped. Ofcourse no one believed, clothes were still smelly but I was sure. And for 1 week I did not go to the factory, I sat at home, went to office with dad as I could never smoke near him. So that was added pressure. But most important was to tell everybody, so that if you started again you could be considered as a Eunach, no strenght to withstand. After only 3 days our representative was in town, we went to have dinner with beers. First thing I told him that I had stopped smoking, when he lit up he offered one to me as a test. I passed that test. Just like AA, one day at a time, I took one day at a time for a week, then decided to be clean for one month and after a month just stopped counting. So here I am, not smoked for 24 years.
There are 4 effects one notices after some time.
First, you get to smell cleaner air. It does make a difference.
Then you suddenly have some more money at your disposal, a daily expense has been cut.
But, the power of the cigi is also very strong. After a few days, it started coming in my dreams, and in the dream one cigi is lit and you awake just like when having a nightmare, and the first thought is " Oh s***, now I have to start from all over again. This is a nightmare just like one dreams of being involved in an accident, or whatever. This nightmare does reoccur a number of times, but decreases. The last one I had was after 5 years or so.
Lastly, you will see that your cough or spitting of mucus from lungs increases and then gradually tapers off. This is because when you start to smoke, a mucus is formed in your lungs. This is now not required, the body has to readjust. If you see your chest X-ray, as I saw in the presense of my mom, doctor clearly explained dark the shaddow on the lungs.
I went through all the posts on this thread before writing. I am glad that some have kicked the habit, in their own way. But a word of caution to those who want someone to give up, please do not nag them. No amount of pressure will do. It has to come from within and then the pressure to support has to come from within too. Say if you have a 16 hour flight, you are compelled not to smoke, it is an external pressure. But when you yourself tell the world that you have stopped, then it internal pressure created by you. And you have practiced to withstand the crave by 'fasting'. So you have to decide and act, generally you cannot be forced. Just see how many light up as soon as they exit the airport terminal building. i was offerd money, threats, had nicotine gum lying in my cupboard, articles were stuck near my study table etc.
To those who want to keep up smoking, that is fine, go ahead and do it. But do not tell others that as far as you are concerned, you will keep on doing it. There are weaker souls who want to stop and then try to console themselves by clutching onto such statements and say, see, even he is hooked.
I am proud of my achievement, though it was a long while ago. Anyone has questions, I shall reply, and I tried to be as detailed as possible.
Best of Luck on your endeavour, whoever want to follow. And all the best to those who have started this journey. |