Come on... tell me to quit smoking!

[ItsPrettyObvious]

I really, really need to quit. I used to smoke 4/5 per day up until the end of last year, now usually down to 5 per week on a Saturday night with some wine. But I've smoked more this week because I'm been off work so have had more wine. There are MANY times since the age of 15 where I've smoked like a chimney when I've been "out out" if you like. But I'm nearly 38 now so it's time to get serious. Is it too late?! Every morning after I've smoked I feel so so guilty, I even cried the other day. I'm so worried about the damage I'm doing, I do care about my health and this awful habit is my biggest regret ever. I've got quite nice skin still and dont look my age apparently, but it wont stay that way if I carry on with this vile habit. If I could go even one month without a fag I'd be so bloody chuffed. I'm constantly googling lung cancer or worrying that I'll cough up blood. I practically start measuring myself up for a coffin, it's costing me a lot of money to worry this much!!

I know you're thinking "well just stop then?" It's not that easy unfortunately. Any help, tips or advice? I don't want Champix as I think I'm a bit too fragile for them.

It's definitely not too late. Better today than tomorrow though!

I was reading a thread yesterday about a woman who had stopped smoking after finding out she was pregnant, and she said that every time she got the urge for a cigarette, she'd take a sip of sparkling water.

Is there anything that you could have as a treat with your wine instead of a smoke? Favourite snack or drink that you bring out every time you feel the urge to smoke?

I actually have a fake fag. Not a vape, an actual bit of plastic that's just a toy but with a hole in that feels like you're sucking in air. I think I'll give that a bash, I'll even sit on the doorstep so it feels like a proper fag break. Honestly I wish I had never, ever started this shit. Kids - don't do drugs 🤦🏼‍♀️

I'm also wondering if there's any way to have a test? Like a lung function test? To see what damage I have done 😔

Get yourself a little disposable vape. Elf bars are great. I switched from 10 cigs a day to them in January and haven’t looked back. Smoking seems old fashioned to me now and smelly! I have saved a fortune too.

I tried all the ways - Champix was grim and like you I was more of a smoking when drinking type for years.

Hii @ItsPrettyObvious hope your well. How are you getting on?
I know exactly how you feel I really want to quit too. 35 years old been smoking since I was 16. I smoke 10/15 a day sometimes 20. (So ashamed). I can go without for hours on end but will then have 2/3 together to make up for it. Oh and the Toilet break is the worst for me
. I've not been to docs but feel my breathing getting heavy everytime I do something a little more than usual ie taking ds to up to bed earlier whilst he was sleeping and I was panting like a thirsty dog.
I am really starting to feel it. I really need help and don't know where to start. In the past I have tried all the nicorette/smoking cessation stuff. Did champix for two months which did help but gave me severe constipation leaving me stood on the doorstep waiting for someone to give me cig so I could go the loo. And then I was back to square one.
My willpower is 0 when it's comes to smoking and I somehow always manage to make an excuse to myself. I'm really fed up and I hate it. DP does not smoke and advises me to stop but would rather have me smoking and happy then a non smoking moody bitch.
Please help.

My dad smoked for 50 years before one day he finished a pack and just didn't buy another one, went cold turkey. Like you he said the worst thing he's ever done was start smoking. Previously he had tried gum and patches etc but to no avail. After he quit for good, he said the hardest part is at the start when all he could think about was having a smoke, but after a week or so of not giving in, it became much easier.

It's definitely not too late for you! The less time you smoke, the less damage is done. You can do it! 🚭🙌🏻