Does Life ever get better after you quit smoking?
 

I'm twenty one days in and counting.... made it through 4 days in smokie Vegas but man it isn't getting much easier for me. Any quiters out there that feel good and happy again after quiting? How long is it going to take?

It will probably take a couple months depending on how long and how much you smoked

When you realise you don't stink of smoke and have more money to spend on other shit... :2 cents:

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit (good or bad). You are there! You should feel good about that :thumbsup

I quit last year, after smoking since I was fifteen or so. I feel better, I breath better, I smell better, and food tastes better.

"i do not sniff the coke i only smoke sensimilla"

It must be really hard in the beginning...

nah, i quit for 3 years, it sucked, so i started again. I'm much happier now!

:1orglaugh

Dude I'm with ya. I'm a week in. Stay strong.

Stay strong man, its not easy but think of the benefits once you've kicked it completly.

At the weirdest times I almost reach for a smoke still for no reason. It's not like an urge, it's just the stupid habit of doing a thing that always used to be accompanied by smoking. I even had a dream recently in which I was smoking for some reason.

I started when I was about 12 and I'm 44 now and I've had 1 heart attack so far. So keep it up and good luck.

Hmm... money saved... improved health... no more stinking like smoke. Yeah I'd say life gets a LOT better.

I quit Oct 4 1998 after smoking on and off for 13 years. Best decision I ever made and yeah... I still get the urge but very rarely.

Sadly.. it's going to take a long time to fully get over it. You just gotta DO IT.

Pickup drinking and you'll think less about smoking, lol.
WG

This is my big problem right here :(

I heard that you can bang chicks longer as a non smoker too. Keep that in mind. ;)

Whenever you feel like a cigarette, substitute the need with anything else. Fruits, gum, candy, a soda, whatever. That worked for me. :2 cents:

Anyone use nicorette?

Good stuff AJ, I know it's hard man!

8 Months here. It DOES get easier!!!!

it gets better when you start again

According to the American Cancer Society
these are the changes that take place in your body once you stop smoking.

Within 20 minutes:
- Body temperature of feet and hands increases to normal
- Pulse rate drops to normal rate
- Blood pressure drops to normal

After 12 hours:
- Pulse rate will slow and skin temperature increases
- Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
- Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

After 24 hours:
- Chance of heart attack decreases due to improved cardiac function
- Fine motor coordination will improve

After 48 hours:
- Nerve endings start re growing
- Ability to taste and smell is enhanced

After 72 hours:
- Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier
- Lung capacity increases
- Circulation improves, walking becomes easier, stamina and vigor increase

Within 2 weeks to 3 months
- Circulation, stamina and walking improve
- Lung function increases up to 30%

1 to 9 months:
- Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease.
- Cillia re grow in the lungs increasing ability to handle mucus and infections
- Body's overall energy increases

1 year
- Risk of heart disease decreases 90%
- Heart will have returned to nearly normal condition

10-15 years
- Risk of lung, tongue and throat cancer will be roughly the same as if you had never smoked.

I think a great thing is to keep a dumbell handy. If you find yourself making that "reach" for a non-existant smoke.. pick up the dumbbell and pump it until you're sore (the dumbbell). Releases some of those good magical thingies in the brain, endorphins or whatever. Not to mention the slight workout every once in a while.

I quit over 4 years ago and yes, it does get easier. The smell of smoke makes me ill now.

I quit over 4 years ago and yes, it does get easier. The smell of smoke makes me ill now.

Actually, I hear that's not true. I read somewhere a while back that the two fuel each other with some similar triggers in the brain. It's not just that you are more open to suggestion when drinking and therefore want to smoke, but that there's actually a chemical link.

So...dunno. I'm trying to quit myself, so I'm right there with you guys.

-HeavyB

Aj Im so proud of you !

2 months cold turkey after 3 packs a day.

Ive had urges and dreams but my will to quit is too strong now.
Every day gets easier. I have lolipops and gum. so far so good
I took my life back

You're doing so well, AJ!!

Day #2 for me, I sure hope it gets better :Oh crap

I've gone a week so far, but keep slipping between 1-2 weeks. Arghhhh.

I quit almost 6 weeks ago and yeah it does get easier but, I have my moments.
What's with those dreams though?? I wake up and could swear that I smoked! I feel guilty and even question rather I really smoked or not...it's so weird.

Around 2 months... Keep it up, you won't regret it!

you can do this AJ, you know you can. mind over matter!! you are a strong person and i watched you push through in Vegas. if you can do that, you can say no to it on any other occasion that you feel the weakness. you have tons of cheerleaders and you will be making friends, family and colleagues extremely happy by securing your future health. use the force Luke!

you can do it too babe! what are you using to help quit? the patch seems to be helping AJ resist temptation.

Man just hearing someone else is on day 2 makes me feel better! I feel for you man. Don't drink any booze, coffee, or fatty foods. That will help. All those things make you want to smoke bad!

febr. 1st I wanna stop again too, but it's SO hard. It's not quiting smoking but the side effects it has with me:
I do hate the sweaty nightmares and the aggresive/angry temper I get when I quit smoking

well, your health will appreciate it for sure

April will be 1 year for me!! I miss it so much still, but it is easier when urges happen, which don't happen much... I swear i was much happier smoking lol but then again I have NOT had a asthma attack since I quit.. Food taste so much better but now I can't see my um... toes YEA thats it lol I will be going back to the gym starting this Monday so who knows! Good luck

This thread motivates me... I think I just might give it a go starting now.

I dunno about longer but i can guarantee you "Harder".
I quit 11 months ago, i smoked for for 20 years, it was the best thing i ever did in all my life. I feel great now.

Keep up the good work :thumbsup