Ex smokers

[Mulch]

Hello, not sure where I should post this. I quit smoking 5years ago, after a few failed attempts I finally kicked the habit using an ecig for 18months reducing dose until I went full cold turkey. It was easier to quit ecigs then actual cigs. Anywho 5years on, I still crave cigarettes. I walk past someone freshly lighting up and it smells delicious to me. I see people on tv smoking I crave it. Does it ever go?

I miss the idea of it but not the reality.

It doesn't, or so I am told. Step parent stopped 20 years ago and still wants one.

I stopped about 5 years ago too using an ecig for 2 weeks.
I fancy the idea of it when I'm drinking sometimes but find the smell revolting now.

I sometimes like the smell of cigarettes but I would never start again!
I stopped 18 months ago and use an e- CIG.

My brother stopped about 30 yes ago and he still likes the smell.

I quit over 10 years ago . I still haven't lost the 'thrill' when I smell someone elses smoke.Maybe that feeling never goes. It passes quickly though and I just accept it for what it is and move on.
Congratulations on giving up

Yes, but it takes a while. I stopped 12 years ago. After about 4/5 years I started craving them and had a few on occasion if I got really drunk.

On my proper first night out after having my son (8 years post give up) I had a couple. The next day it was vile and the cravings stopped from that day. So 4 years now and nothing.

I kind of miss it intellectually but I detest the smell, taste etc and it's only in the last 2/3 years that I'm certain I'll never smoke again.

I quit about 6 years ago. I still get that craving now and again but I tried one the other day after a few too many glasses of wine and it was rank. Bleurgh

I quit 5 years ago using vaping, now the smell of cigarettes makes me heave! I use fruit flavour / scented e-liquids and so don't associate nicotine with the tobacco smell any more?

I packed up 5 years ago.

Nope I don't crave it at al, and I was a very heavy smoker, on 40-50 a day. I cant stand the smell of it. And I certainly cant stand the waft of watermelon and mango as some half wit puffs away in a door way, or IN the pub and you have to wade through it.

soap box

Never been a heavy smoker, but used to smoke 'socially' until a year ago. I really miss having a cigarette when sitting out on the sun having a drink. Other than that I don't miss it at all.

I gave up 15 years ago. Sometimes I get a brief craving, but then I remember the hacking cough, chest infections, emptying endless stinking ashtrays etc and the craving stops. Also, thinking about the price of cigarettes makes me feel slightly faint! I couldn't afford to start again even if I wanted to.
I used to like sitting on our back step with MrZ in the evening, having a smoke and a drink and watching the sunset. It was lovely, the best part of the day. I did really want to do that again. So I tried it without the smoking part and it was just as good.

I've stopped (again) very recently and while I sometimes miss the habit l really don't miss the taste in my mouth.

My mum quit over 20 years ago and still sometimes wants one but she says it's a fleeting notion.

I tried one about a year after giving up and puked so that helped stop any residual cravings.

My dad gave up over 20 years ago, said he still gets the odd craving. I think if he actually had one (which he won't), that he would feel sick and not enjoy it at all. It's the idea rather than the reality.

Well done on quitting . I've loved the odd cigarette over the years, but really, it's a mugs game.

Grand looks like a lifetime of cravings, I couldn't have one at all or I'd be back to smoking full time again. Maybe when I'm an old lady and on deaths door

I have been suffering with a sore throat and tickly cough recently and I have had dreams that I am still smoking . My builder was 'round yesterday and I could have bummed one off him, but as I felt ill I didn't bother. I haven't smoked for 5 years.

It's been 15 years and there isn't a craving.

It's like when you've been in love. For the first little while you are heart-broken, sad, grieving and you feel a physical ache. Then, depending on the break-up, you might feel sad for months or even years. But eventually, you think fondly, you might dream about them every few years, you smile when you think of them. No ache, no 'craving' just nostalgia. For me, anyway. I would totally jump back into bed with cigarettes for a whirl if there were no consequences, though

I was a smoker for over 15 years. Got a positive pregnancy test and never even thought about smoking again. DS is 8 months and I would LOVE a smoke. Literally, would in a heartbeat (if it wasn't for all the shit that smoking brings with it.)

The smell of others smoking does make me do a deep breathe and exhale. Although it's probably also to down with the desire for just having 5 minutes to myself for myself aswell.

MrsTerryPratchett

It's like when you've been in love. For the first little while you are heart-broken, sad, grieving and you feel a physical ache. Then, depending on the break-up, you might feel sad for months or even years. But eventually, you think fondly, you might dream about them every few years, you smile when you think of them. No ache, no 'craving' just nostalgia.

Beautifully put!

It's just the idea of it that's attractive OP. I quit 4 years ago and on the two occasions I've drunkenly tried a cigarette since then the smell and taste has absolutely revolted me.

I'm going to start smoking again when I'm 75 though

This is why the Allen Carr book is so successful. He de-programmes you so you don't have that yearning anymore.

People Sat outside drinking and smoking. The one with your morning coffee, first one after work. Couldn't pick a favourite

I never quite know what to do with myself whilst waiting for the kettle to boil in the mornings