Quitting cold turkey CAN be done.

[voddiekeepsmesane]

Just want to give a big call out to those who are wanting to quit cold turkey and say it CAN be done no matter how long you have been smoking. I smoked between 20 and 30 a day for 30 years and as little as 8 months ago would have sworn there was no giving up for me. I got really ill with sinus, ear and chest infections between October and January just gone. 14 WEEKS!! So many times I went to the doctors and I don't think I was ever really taken seriously when I wanted further tests, was always referred back to smoking being the cause. I swore that never again if I got that ill would I be fobbed off with smoking being the issue. I went cold turkey 18th January the first 2 weeks were a little rough but my mindset was in the right mode so didn't seem all that bad. Almost 7 months on and all is good. I really do feel that anyone can get to their own point of realisation but only your own mind is holding you back. I hope this story may help someone own their own path.

• almost 8 months 😊

Wow u give me hope!

I have just completed the NHS 28 day smoke free app. Also done cold turkey

I did it 6yrs ago I still crave a cigarette every now and again. Especially when sitting outside a coffee shop on a cold day watching the world go by honestly it was my zen!!! Iv still not found anything that calms my nerves the way that did .

Suggestions welcome.

I’m on day one of cold turkey. I keep tidying to occupy myself.

I'm on 15 months cold turkey!! I still have the off day where I think about it especially when I'm a bit overwhelmed and drinking a coffee but just keep being strong. Keep going guys

I’m on day 6 of cold turkey. I don’t know what happened I just got up last Tuesday and said “I’ve quit” and I’ve quit a lot in the past but somehow this time I feel successful. Previously I’ve said “I’m stopping” and this time I just said “I’ve quit” sometimes replacing cigarettes with nicotine spray, gum or patches just doesn’t help as I was still a nicotine addict, this time I know I’m already nicotine free.
My tip for going cold turkey would be 1. Have a last fag, go to bed and when you get up the next day, that is you getting up as a non smoker, if you can do 8hours of smoke free night, then the next day you’re already almost half way there. 2. Remember you have quit, you’re not quitting. Stay positive. 3. Cravings may come, but I just said “it’s only for today, only for today” and they go after a few minutes. I really only had to use that mantra on Tuesday (day 1)

cold turkey is probably the easiest I’ve ever had it when compared to previous failed attempts.

I'm 4 weeks tomorrow cold turkey. I found out I was pregnant and stopped. I don't think I could have done it otherwise.

Well done everyone

Just resurrecting this thread because it has inspired me. Well done everyone. I'm going to go cold turkey too, after zillions of failed attempts with patches, lozenges etc (which just seem to perpetuate the problem cos I'm still addicted), not today, but very soon. I think it's the only way. I'll pop back when the day comes and post here how it's going.

I gave up on Christmas Eve. Failed and had a few yesterday. Started again. I feel positive that my head wants to quit, the decision is made which they say is the main thing. It's tough though. Tips are welcome.

Well done, Loveache. I wish I could say I was winning with you but it's not true.

Difficult situation at home making it feel impossible at the moment but I do still intend to stop asap. Good luck with your wonderful new life of freedom!

First day smoke free Monday which was fine. Caved and had 2 today with my smoker friend but I won't see her for a while now so I will be good and not have any now without the temptation. I know I am stronger than a little white stick FFS!

Can I join in with this? Haven't smoked since new years Day, I have given up before for 6 months or so cold turkey, KNOW I can do it for good!

Just popped over to encourage. It's a tricky time of year but can be done. One day after trying on and off for years to quit, i went outside for a cigarette when I'd put dd2 for a nap and installed dd1 in front of postman pat. Dd1 slipped off sofa and hurt herself - not badly but I felt very reluctant to comfort her because I knew I must stink of smoke. It caused me to have an epiphany- i realised this just wasn't me any more. I was no longer a cool art student having a coffee and cigarette outside a cafe. I was a mother of 2 beautiful girls and I didn't want them to grow up with a mother who stank of smoke. That was nearly 5 years ago. Haven't touched one since. Thought about it, occasionally missed it, but always just reminded myself: it's just not who I am or want to be any more. Good luck all!

I quit on the 30th November as didn't want the stress of it being a new year thing. First week was very hard, but got easier very quickly. Still fancy one but don't have that strong craving. I'm still early days but feel really positive.

Thank you everyone for your encouraging stories. After countless failed attempts over 40 odd years, I have made a plan.

This afternoon I'm going away for 6 days on my own to stay in a simple self catering hut on a small holding in the countryside where I will walk off the cold turkey. I will be back on Saturday, fitter, leaner and a non-smoker.

I don't think there's wi-fi there but if I have internet at all I will pop in and let you know how it's going. Wish me luck!

Another one popping on here to say it is possible. I stopped 6 years ago.

My tips:
You are stopping not quitting. To stop is a positive choice, which puts you in a stronger position. If you quit mentally clinging on until your will power gives out. It also means you make the decision once...if you start again that is your choice.

Find something to do to replace the reward of taking a break.

Work out your triggers - mine were leaving the supermarket, finishing work, getting to a train station. So as I left the supermarket I would open a drink...it is impossible to drink and drive and smoke all at once. I changed my work start and finish so I was rushing for the train to get to places just on time. I didn't then have enough time to smoke.

Find something to do with you hands - I learned how to knit and did a lot of cupboard cleaning.

Tell people you are stopping - you will have a couple smoking buddies who will try to tempt you. Ignore them and reward yourself for doing so. Everybody else will be rooting for you.

Thank you, unescorted. Knitting is a great idea. I wish I'd thought of that in advance as I could while away my evenings knitting but it's too late to buy the wool etc for this week away. I will make that my priority when I get back. I actually learned to knit when I gave up years ago when I was pregnant. Stupidly I started again and the knitting was abandoned.

I am stopping for the last time. I quit for over 2 years but stupidly started again and have now been smoking 20 a day for 2 years.

I have a 2 year old who told her nursery that mummy goes for fags. That is my motivation. She shouldn't even know what a cigarette is.

I had my last cigarette at midnight Thursday and I have gone cold turkey since. It's tough but i know it will get easier.

A week away alone sounds great, good luck. I have found exercise a help as feel the difference alittle in my lungs already and feeling good about getting fit helps keep me away from the cigs. Good luck

Sarah you are doing brilliantly to be at the end of day three, they say the first 72 hours are the worst and you are nearly through them. Keep going, I am just 2 1/2 days behind.

Kitkat thank you, i am here and very happy with the simple accommodation in the countryside. I spotted some footpaths nearby so I will be out walking tomorrow rain or shine.

Thank you starbright. Today has been awful. But not once have I thought about buying some cigarettes. Suprised my self as usually I have no will power.

I went cold turkey eight years ago after billions of previous failed attempts. For me it was when I noticed my health seriously suffering. I didn't want that for myself especially as I was only mid twenties. That realisation suddenly made it not cool anymore, plus the fear of more serious health problems down the line became real. I miss it sometimes but not enough to sacrifice the lightness that comes from not having health worries at the back of my mind all the time.

I quit cold turkey 3 years ago now 😃

Sarahlux well done, I read somewhere that Just one more cigarette won't stop you wanting one - which is so true and I think that every time I'm tempted to have just one.