Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2

MNHQ

Stoptober - Your top tips on giving up smoking

34 replies

RebeccaMumsnet · 02/10/2013 10:30

Hi all,

As Stoptober is now in full force, we wanted to help encourage those taking part by sharing advice and tips on how to give up smoking.

According the NHS Stopober site, last Stoptober over 160,000 people stopped smoking for 28 days.

So have you found that gum or patches have helped?
Did you go it alone or with a friend?
Was it sheer willpower or did nicotine replacements help you?

Please do share any tips that you have for quitting below and best of luck to all of those taking part.

OP posts:

ginmakesitallok · 02/10/2013 10:31

The only thing which worked for me is my ecig, it's fabulous!

zorione · 02/10/2013 10:42

My recommendation is to take a look a good hard look at yourself smoking in the mirror. I looked less like Marlene Dietrich and a lot like Pat from East Enders. Worked for me anyway.

FrightRider · 02/10/2013 11:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HerrenaHarridan · 02/10/2013 12:17

I cut down over the course of a couple of weeks, then caught swine flu and physically couldn't smoke. Then I just carried on from there.

My tips would be;

Have a hand busy activity ready for key times after meals etc

For me always having tobacco was important I just threw away my giving up pouch after 3 years

A money pot that requires a tin opener and putting all your fag money in there (keep a tally) and treat yourself to something you have been telling yourself you can't afford

In those stressful times when you just want to take yourself off out for a fag, make a cup of tea (or whatever your drink if preference is) and go and sit outside and drink it

Good luck

PoshPenny · 02/10/2013 12:35

Nicotine patches plus support from my gp surgery. I had to go down for a one on one chat with a practice nurse weekly/fortnightly and then she would prescribe the next set of patches. that started 2 February 2010 and I have to say apart from the first time i reached for the mid morning fag to light up and then remembered I'd given up, I have never missed it. I smoked 20+ a day for over 30 years, so hardly a lightweight

I cannot believe how easy it was and I would recommend this way to anyone. I really didn't expect to succeed.

PoshPenny · 02/10/2013 12:39

Oh silly me pressed the post button too soon. Make sure that you spend some of the money you are no longer spending on tobacco on something for yourself you have struggled to justify. for me, I get my hair cut and coloured every 6 weeks without fail. I was au naturel (a dirty grey) up until then...

Shellywelly1973 · 02/10/2013 13:51

One day at a time...that's how I did it.

I still crave a cigarette but choose not to smoke...difference is I choose not to smoke now.

Leviticus · 02/10/2013 13:57

Allen Carr. Almost 14 years a non smoker now.

Princessdivaaa · 02/10/2013 14:03

E cig for me.. Been a non smoker for a few months now..

Leviticus · 02/10/2013 14:04

Also I don't get cravings just the odd rare wave of nostalgia but it never makes me want to smoke again.

The key is being glad you no longer smoke rather than feeling that you've 'given up' something precious.

kingbeat23 · 02/10/2013 14:08

An e-cig was fantastic. The only way I've been able to do it, stick to it and not put on a stone and a half in weight.

Slothlorien · 02/10/2013 15:04

I used tiger balm (get from chemist). Every time I had a craving I massaged it into my temples/forehead. There are pressure points there which helped relax me and made the moment pass. The first three days are shit. But if u can do that u can do it all, and the benefits to your lungs/brain/blood is immediate.

VJsmom · 02/10/2013 15:15

When I found out I was pregnant I quit straight away. Having smoked approx 15 a day for 15 years I found it quite easy but then again I felt as if I had no choice. Ds now 5 months old and still no ciggy!!!

Jux · 02/10/2013 15:27

My friend stopped over 25 years ago now. She says she hasn't stopped, she just hasn't had the next one yet.

Chopchopbusybusy · 02/10/2013 15:29

I'd stopped numerous times int the past. Currently stopped for over two years which is the longest period. Used Champix this time. I had my reservations about it but it was great. Wasn't really that hard.
I occasionally have a fleeting thought about cigarettes but I don't think I'll ever smoke again.

Orchidlady · 02/10/2013 16:34

E cig for me. Gave up in Feb

doublemuvver · 02/10/2013 20:36

I had hypnotherapy 6 weeks ago and have not smoked since. I think about smoking but haven't acted on it. Feels great and so I'm happy that smoking is no longer ruling my life.

BadSeedsAddict · 02/10/2013 20:59

Allen Carr, amazing. Been stopped around five years and no cravings ever. Nobody believes me that it works, the fools!

shootfromthehip · 02/10/2013 21:08

You really have to know that you hate it enough to stop. I had tried several times but it wasn't until I was really horrified at my continual self abuse that I was really ready to stop. I went on Champix- filthy, vile, hideous tablets but super effective. I also accepted that it was going to be hell. You can't fight how horrible it is. But every one you don't have is a victory. I too kept busy and ate some crap when I wanted too- you can worry about eating well after you've beaten it. Don't be guilty about eating when you give up, it's better than smoking! And stay away from other smokers- they want you to fail!

AthelstaneTheUnready · 02/10/2013 21:22

Allen Carr. I stopped over a month ago, and smoking doesn't cross my mind at all now. It was a funny old two weeks to start with, but now I've just about forgotten I ever used to do it - wonderful stuff.

FrameyMcFrame · 02/10/2013 21:37

Cold turkey is my best tip.

NRT doesn't work.

FrameyMcFrame · 02/10/2013 21:38

Why Quit website and Joel Spitzer videos.

FuckyNell · 02/10/2013 21:40

Yy to Allen Carr. 3.5 years ago. Never looked back. Stopped drinking using the same method too.

Seriously, if you are ready to stop read the book.

FunnysInLaJardin · 02/10/2013 22:27

I am a hardened smoker of 5 fags a day max for the last 30 years and have been trying to stop for 30 years. I have tried NRT (patches, gum, inhalator and nasal spray), cold turkey, alan carr, champix. I am now on ecigs and a tiny dose of Champix and so far I have cut down to 2 fags a day. I'm on day 2 and can see that fairly soon I'll be on no fags thanks to the ecig. I do think that this is finally the answer! I am very psychologically addicted

Showtime · 02/10/2013 22:51

I stopped the first time I tried to, from 50 a day, about eight years ago. NHS system of weekly meetings and own choice of any NRT (I chose patches). Smoking was too expensive and inconvenient then, so I plan to stay stopped, but what helped most was the info given on the course, including the fact that cravings would only last 2/3 minutes. Best wishes to anyone giving up - you can do it!

Flip

1 2