Comments on: Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 01:11:59 +0000

Approximately 2 months ago I quit for the 4th time. I’m 63 and started smoking at 22. I identified with the “grief” part and got to the bargaining stage. I’m looking forward to quitting. All four of my siblings have also fought the dragon and it’s been decades for a couple and years for another one. One got hypnotized, one quir cold Turkey, my sister uses an Alto e cig, which has nicotine, but none of the other poisons in filtered cigs. I was using the Alto but misplq ed it so bargained with myself to buy a pack and set about to find my e cig. 2 pls later, THEN I find the e-cig… bargains were all played out and u sold myself out to cigarettes again. I’ve quit for over a year twice many years ago. When my husband passed away, I quit for 3 months and started again. It is so hard to be around others who smoke. That’s when my bargaining starts. Helps to begin to look at it as a journey or a process. Thanks, sorry so long. Di

By: Char

Char — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 20:42:47 +0000

Rick,
I have quit twice for just over 2 years each time, not counting the numerous less than a month times( I am a professional quitter). This time is different though because it’s the first time I did pray and asked God to do what I could not. He has not let me down I think your suggestion of prayer is the best advice I have seen.

By: Meabh

Meabh — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:50:37 +0000

This is the first piece of information I have read since I have gave up the cigarettes – 1 week. Thank you very much for explaining the process and journey of quiting. I have been extremely vulnerable anxious and depressed since I have gave up and I didn’t even think it was the smoking!
This makes so much sense, I feel much more relaxed and positive after reading this.

Thank you

May

By: Deanna

Deanna — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:30:37 +0000

Mattie,

I’m glad the info was helpful to you. You are correct – that little mental maneuver is indeed a function of the bargaining stage. Recognizing it does help, doesn’t it? Good luck!

By: Deanna

Deanna — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:29:04 +0000

Diann,

Good luck to you. Try to *want* to quit as much as you *need* to quit. Also, if you need some extra help, find a program with support – the American Lung Association has one (it’s free) and I have developed one called The Complete Quit System (not free, but worth every penny if it helps you). You can learn more about both of them by clicking on the resources tab at the top of this page.

Again, best of luck to you.

By: mattie

mattie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:16:04 +0000

this is my 9th day of trying to quit i have relapsed twice but i cant give up. thank you for letting me know about the stages i guess im in the bargining stage because i said to my self just one cigarette and i can start back quitting after that. but just to understand that there is a bargaining stage helps because now i know its normal just another stage to go through right? sure be glad when i get to acceptance.

By: Diann Ford

Diann Ford — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:12:35 +0000

Keep reading and hopeful for inspiration. Still looking for that
magical remedy.

I have attempted to quit smoking a dozen times- Have tried patches, gum, hypnotist, shots in the back of the ear, electronic cigarettes.
I am now very close to losing my leg. Having 2nd bypass next week.
I am on my 2nd day of trying not to smoke. It is probably the hardest thing I have ever tried to do-
I am tired of making excuses- Hopeful this is the time I make it work.

By: Cynthia Martin

Cynthia Martin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:10:31 +0000

Every pack i buy a day I say, I am going to quit after this pack. Needless to say i end up smoking. Buying a pack a day is so expensive. I ‘m losing a lot of money. Health is not great and i still can’t say No. I am worried and scared. This is not the way i want to go. I feel pressured all the time.

By: Deanna

Deanna — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:12:47 +0000

Sandra, good for you! Stay on the path. Recognizing what is going on is half the battle.

By: Deanna

Deanna — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:45 +0000

Shirley,

I’m sure you already know that he has to want to quit – you can’t do it for him. However, you may be able to help him find the motivation to quit. I’m going to write more about motivation in the next couple of weeks, but here’s a brief preview:

In my experience, there are three aspects that influence whether someone will even make an attempt to quit: 1) having a clear sense of what you gain by quitting [and lose by continuing to smoke]; 2) having a realistic sense of what cigarettes do for you, and what they don’t do; and 3) believing that you actually CAN quit.

I’m going to talk about all three of those in the next couple of weeks – if you can get your husband to tune in, he may find it helpful. You can also use the ‘ask a question’ tab above to send me a private e-mail with more detail about his situation, if you like.