I quit 10 years ago using patches. They really helped take the edge off while I broke the habit.

There’s a few different options and I think it’s all up to the individual to find what works for them

My partner has tried several times to quit. He was most successful this year getting himself in good physical health for an operation. But as soon as he returned to work, he was back smoking. My son has invested in things called vapes. They seem to be working, although to me it seems like swapping one addiction for another, albeit a healthier one to smoking

I used patches and used the money I used to spend on smoking in the beginning to reward myself. go to the hairdresser, get your nails done, get a massage, buy a new outfit or in my case I bought beautiful wool to knit. I found knitting and crocheting at that time most upbuilding, it helped me to do something with my hands, creating something was constructive, it distracted me from my desire to smoke, I spent the money what I normally used for fags for most beautiful wool (for which otherwise I wouldn’t have money), and the clothes I knitted for my kids and myself where absolutely gorgeous and cute. Of course it doesn’t have to be knitting but can be anything you like doing or making.

I’ve read the moment that you decide you want to quit you have won the battle; it is motivating yourself enough to know you really want to quit that seems to be the answer for most… Try and find lots of reasons to quit. Is it just money? (chances are if you won $1,000,000 then you’d go straight back) but if it has something to do with the damage you’re doing to your body you might have more motivation to stop your self- harm (read something like ‘How not to Die’ by Dr Greger). Or perhaps think of the selfish way you are polluting the world for other people (not just the secondhand smoke you force on people and the butts etc. but the actual cost to the environment from the manufacture, packing etc. of the product). Think about the tax burden (smokers get chronic degenerative diseases earlier and more severely than anyone else) and other reasons – like shortening your life and depriving loved ones and the rest of the world (eg mouths of moms!) the chance to know you. It’s not just about money. Try and find your motivation and I think you’ll do it. I’ve also read the first attempt is unsuccessful with many people, but the second time you’ll get it, if you have that motivational key.

Smoking has never been a problem for me. My partner smokes, has for many years,mand I’ve watched him give up and resume many times over the years. He still smokes. If you come up with a magic quit programme that works, please pass it on

Patches are effective and the strips you put under your tongue are good.

Occupy your time & your hands.
Feel like a cigarette? Have a lollipop!
Each time you don’t cave treat yourself to a chocolate.
There are so many reasons to quit smoking, stick post it notes around your house reminding yourself why you should quit. Get rid of any ashtrays, put up no smoking signs & tell family & friends your home is now a No Smoking Zone.
Good luck!

I gave up cold turkey over 10 years ago but it was the reason i gave up that made me strong enough to get through the first couple of months. My dad was in theatre having his 3rd heart valve transplant, we were told he wasnt going to make it. I prayed that day, if he were to make it out of theatre, i would give up smoking. So there began my journey. Dad lived for 10 years and 4 months, passing away last month.

Hypnotherapy worked really well for me – only took 2 sessions. Very relaxing experience

I had given up smoking when i moved to Japan and at $2 a packet i started up again pretty fast! When i eventually came back to Australia i struggled and smoked on and off. Eventually i met my now husband who hated that i smoked occasionally (so did i). I decided that if i couldn’t do it for me i would do it for him and the children we would have. I lit up a smoke on his birthday and promised him it would be the last i ever had. That was 8 years ago and i haven’t touched one since. I found that i just needed a reason good enough to make me WANT to quit. After the first week or 2 the physical cravings are gone and it’s just a mental thing. Is not going to be easy but you just need to find your reason to quit. Good luck.

I found going cold turkey was best.
I still get the cravings and I get very moody, but each day that goes past, the easier it is to handle
It has helped financially as well.
Good luck!

I found out i was pregnant … never smoked again

I did it cold turkey. I was smoking for about 7 years I think and decided enough was enough. I don’t think I ever had a real chemical addiction though and it was actually quite easy. You can try patches or Nicorette if you feel that you are craving.

I gave up nearly 17 years ago and still crave a cigarette occasionally. I quit cold turkey (after I tired many times before) when we decided to try for a baby. 6 months later I was pregnant which I’m sure helped me not “go back” and now my son is nearly 16.

I have been hypnotised to help deal with grief, and found it worked for me (when nothing else would) and would have tried it for smoking had I not been successful.

Good luck – it’s SO worth it!

you can get from your local library a paul mckenna quit smoking CD which is hypnotism and I don’t know if it works but a friend of mine has done his weight loss one and it really helped. It is free as it is from the library so may be worth a try. good luck as it is not easy to give up a habit.

I tried most of the aids to give up over the years but surprisingly I decided to go cold turkey 5 years ago when my 1st grandchild was born & I haven’t had a smoke since.

There are patches and gum available to help you out. Also maybe talk to your GP as their are programs to help also. All the best!

I really have wanted to try hypnosis, although, if you do try it please let me know. With a combination or the inhaler and the patch it does make a huge difference, just remember to put it on!

also congrats on wanting to give up. It is hard to do but trust me. it is worth it. Do you like writing? Maybe start a journal or an online blog and write about your feelings etc. Maybe talk to a doc to help sort out a plan for you. Good Luck