Stoptober - Your top tips on giving up smoking

[RebeccaMumsnet]

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.

[zookeeper]

another Allen Carr fan here; 8 years without a fag. And things in terms of what you're gaining rather than what you're giving up.

[nosleeptilever]

I quit.seven years ago using zyban from my doc and the mantra "I'm okay just now, I'll have one later" I said that to myself for 4 months all the while having a pack of cigarettes in my bag. It made it feel like it was always my choice and therefore I never felt like I was being denied or punished. Putting it off each time tricked my brain into calming down and the zyban helped with the depression I always got when quitting before.

[MirandaGoshawk]

I gave up by cutting down gradually. I set myself 'rules' to suit me, e.g no smoking after 9pm etc., not before 10am, and gradually expanded them to not before midday. I also put it off - "I'll have one in ten minutes' time" and kept doing that.

Took ages but got it down to 1 per day. One every other day was bloody hard! But keep at it. If idiots like me I can do it, anyone can. Have been smoke free apart from one about 15 years ago for over 20 years now! It's great not to have that urge/guilt/expense.

[magimedi]

e-cig - given up for a nearly a year (less 16 days ) Had been a smoker for 40+ years.

Feel amazing & haven't gained wieght.

[ep1977]

I gave up on the 22nd September. Nearly 2 weeks now. I use an e cig. I keep busy and do not miss having to stand outside in the dark, damp and cold in the winter evenings.

[HaveAGoodDay]

I've got a really really sore throat ( had it about a week, although really took hold yesterday) so far I haven't had a cig since around yesterday lunchtime. Throat is absolutely killing me now! Can't say i'm wanting a cig anytime soon, so I guess I'd be a fool to start up again once i'm feeling better, but easier said than done I bet.

[ThatVikRinA22]

I had stopped for 11 years, then had one 2 months ago to try and get my.ds to stop...he did. I did nt but I stopped again 2 days ago. cold turkey. to flipping expensive! I. managing. just.

[Jettsboy]

I had been smoking for over 40 years ( 2 ounces rolling baccy per week), did stop a couple of times but always went back. This time I got in touch with my Doctor and he got me an appointment with the Surgery Stop Smoking Nurse. I was given Champix and I had a start date of 6th October so I had a 1/2 miligram course for 10 days before my start date. I have not had a cigarette since my start date and hope this time to never restart. The Champix course lasts 12 weeks and so far I find it does work even though the thought of a cigarette does not leave your mind and sometimes could really fancy one. I have an E-Cig if I was really tempted but so far not used it. As for the side effects I have not had too many, never felt sick as I do take tablets after food, one or two funny dreams and the worst is not being able to sleep some nights. I think this is part of the effects. However I think without Champix I wouldnt be succeeding. I recommend anyone thinking of giving up smoking to try Champix and also see their Surgery Nurse because this way you get weekly support as well whichis fantastic. My wife also supports me having been on to me to do this for years.

[jodywood]

I was 14, when I started to smoke. I smoke two packs a day. I am on Chantix and no longer smoking now. You can also try this. See what others feel about Chantix here forum.internationaldrugmart.com/drug-information-f5/chantix-reviews-anyone-sucessfully-quit-smoking-t5980.html