I decided recently that I should really try to do this and so enrolled at the local Smoking Cessation Clinic. Went along a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it.

It runs over 7 weeks and it isn't, as you might expect, some sort of Smokers Anonymous but more a self-help group.

Anyway one of the things they want you to do is to set a "quit date" and I chose Sunday 14 October at 22.30 as I had run out!

Went and had a shower and put on one of the prescribed 24 hour patches and I was away. I didn't mention it on here as I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself but now, after 15 days, it is becoming really easy and i think I may have cracked it!

I also downloaded a little program onto my desktop called Quitkeeper which highlights notable dates on your path to freedom. I have been putting the money I would normally spend on cigarettes to one side each day and after only two weeks I already have more than £80! Next milestone is 2nd November when I will have saved £100.

I'll keep you posted as to how it's all going.

A year at £5.50/pack/day equates to just over £2000. That'd pay for my Council Tax and a holiday!

well done johnno,you dont hava quitw*nking kit do you no wonder im only 3foot 8

Great going Mr Lip. Sure if I didn't manage to keep getting duty frees I'd consider it.

I do though, so not yet tempted.

well done so far anyway

Gave up for New Year and managed to stay off them. Stay strong and it can be done !

Well done you! Now whens that Edinburgh marathon again?

Will you still stand outside with me when I have my monthly cigar at EMXX?

Congrats lip and good luck although you won't need it

Good on you lip.

On a date mid-August a friend of mine had a heart attack. Possibly two. He smoked about 30-40 a day. He was 30 yrs old. I quit that day, from 10-15 a day, cold turkey. Not one since. Stay Strong Lip, We all love cigarettes, but they aint no good for you.

Well done, Bfm!
Well done, thelip!

I smoked fags for twenty-odd years but quit in 2000 and so pleased I did!

Can't help thinking of the lyric, 'Killing me softly with his song' when I think of smoking now. It's the slowest form of suicide, really. More power to you both!

31 days.

£170 better off.

Well done bud

Are you still finding it quite easy or is it a good day, bad day thing? Suppose it means you'll have more drinking time on Sunday as well

It's been relatively easy. I've had a couple of weak moments but haven't succumbed.

I am using Niquitin CQ patches and benefiting greatly from going to the smoking cessation clinic.

good work, there are ups and downs but you're going great by the sound of it

You'll be a bit lonely on sunday then, won't you Ledge?

Incidentally, my BP and resting pulse have both dropped significantly since I stopped.

EMXX was a smoke free day for all

Smoking is not big and it's not clever.

Give up smoking?

Pfft its easy, I’ve done it 100’s of times!!!!

Great stuff. Takes real will power.

Could i just register that the NHS is doing a pretty good job for you too?

Congrats Lip. Keep it up. You're saving money and getting healthier. just be careful about your weight.

Well done lip, hope you managed to keep off the cigarettes

I'm about to embark on a course of 'Champix', apparently it works even more effectively than patches, but of course will-power will need to come into play (which you obviously have!)

Anyone else tried the 'Champix' and if so how did you get on?

EDIT: Blimey, just noticed the last post here was from 3 years ago!!!!!!!! Must be either a lot of none-smokers here or nobody else wanted to quit!

Aye

smoking-advice-t49075.html

It helps to remove the physical craving, the rest as they say is up to you.

Good luck fella

I stopped smoking 11 years ago through will power but the craving never leaves,you just think about them less and less.

Yep same method for me - 4yrs free now

Incidently, my Mrs was a heavy smoker and tried allsorts, but hypnotism worked for her - she's 3.5yrs free now.

Thanks guys, great replies there, and very well done!, your words make me feel i can actually really do this.

I tried to pack up last year managed a week then a friend of mine passed away as soon as I got the news i sparked up again. Anyway trying again now not had a fag since last Saturday and have been ok up till now, big test this afternoon as I am playing golf which is when I usually smoke most.

You can do it (again).

Managed ok today no golf for a couple of weeks which will help.