Stop Smoking Today
Smoking is a habit that is hard to break no matter how hard you try. The good news is that it is possible to break the habit if you are committed to living a healthier life and are willing to accept help to quit. While some people like to go cold turkey, there are other ways to stop smoking that will allow you to gradually cut down the number of cigarettes that you smoke. The first thing that you can do is set a quit date a week or two in the future. This gives you time to enjoy your habit before you have to give it up for good. As you approach your quit date, you should reduce the number of cigarettes that you have each day. For example, you can go from two packs a day when you decide to quit to a pack a day the next week until you finally stop smoking altogether. Beating smoking is possible with the help of patches, gum and the support of your friends and family. Support groups are available if you don’t have any friends or family members to turn to as you attempt to get past your smoking addiction.
I quit smoking April 29, 2003. I am 53 years old. I started smoking at age couple here and there when I could bum a cigarette. I never bought a pack of my own until I was 17. I hid it from my parents although in think they knew. I didn’t smoke in front of them until I was 21.
Over the years I tried quiting. It was hard to do. I would quit for a few months then start up again. In the 90’s I quit for 3 yesrs the longest period of time up to that point. Then the company I worked for closed down and the new place I went to work for was very high stressed and it seemed like everyone smoked so I gave in to temptation. All it took was one. That was 1996 I was hooked again.
I haven’t mentioned this yet but I had developed a bad smokers cough plus I have allergies and smoking didn’t help.
Fast forward to March 2003. I got new roommates. My then boyfriend (my now husband of 9years) and his 4 dogs and 1 cat.
I had gone to a allergist and got on allergy meds to help with having the new pets around. At first they helped but the combination of his smoke my smoke the dogs the cats and springtime molds and pollen my respiratory system just could not handle it.
When I woke up on April 29, 2003 I literally could not breath. I was turning blue. The love of my life helped me dress and rushed me to the hospital. Thank goodness it was only a few miles away.
So after 5 breathing treatments I could finally breath to where my oxygen levels were back to normal.
While all this was going on in my mind all I could picture was me with an oxygen tube in my nose and the oxygen tank by my side for the rest of my life. A scary picture.
That was the day I quit smoking. I will never smoke again. Oh and after a couple months my allergies got better and today I am off the allergy meds. Plus look at all the money save over the 11 years this month. You can do the math yourself. I was pack a day smoker.
If you want to stop picture yourself carrying around a oxygen tank. That just might do it.
This is my story. If it helps one person it was worth it.
Good for you!!! How scary that must have been. I know it’s hard but it’s the best gift you can give your loved ones !