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Miranda Frum

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Up in Smoke: The Road Ahead

Posted: 02/20/2012 12:36 am

As an addict, every day is a single step towards a smoke-free goal. Being human, I've made mistakes (honestly, its near impossible to not smoke when one is drinking), but on that same note I'm completely driven to quit. With all the encouragement I have received from my readers and my family and friends, the only way is forward into a non-smoking future.

I finally decided to go the cold turkey route. My brother, who so thoughtfully and kindly purchased an e-cigarette for me, was the catalyst in this movement. I tried to use my e-cigarette, but I see the reason why these things have never caught on: they are just the most inconvenient form of nicotine. Charging batteries every couple of hours just for three puffs ? My e-cigarette must have been a lemon, because it never seemed to work when I tried to use it (then again, my brother seemed to have the magic touch and got it to work every time).

When I first mentioned quitting smoking to my grandmother (an ex-smoker herself) and my plan to simply reduce my intake, or to try an e-cigarette, she firmly and adamantly shook her little white head and insisted, "The only way is cold turkey." She was right. Although, it is the hardest thing I have ever done. There are days where I slip up, but for the most part I've been doing well.

I haven't bought a single pack of cigarettes, and I plan on never purchasing them again. Just the notion of how much money I'm saving is enough to keep me from buying any more cigarettes. And this blogging process has been the most therapeutic element of the whole process -- I feel as if my HuffPo readers are my support system, one which I vehemently don't want to let down.

So, wish me luck. Like any addiction my willpower will be tested at every moment of every day. I like to think I'm strong, and so this will only be a welcomed challenge.

Thank you, thank you, for all the support, readers.

 

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02:04 AM on 02/21/2012
I said to myself; "Either tobacco is the boss or I am the boss." After that it was easy. I quit drinking coffee for a couple of years since I always smoked when I had coffee but other than that the only thing that changed was how muc I saved and how eventually I came to realize how incredibly awful the smell of cigarettes is. For about three months my lips would tingle but that passed. The third day is hard. After that it is a bad habit..
01:06 AM on 02/21/2012
well here goes , nothing ventured
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
ljkcan
I don't let geographical borders limit my thinking
05:12 PM on 02/20/2012
Good for you. I quit cold turkey over 24 years ago and never went back.
03:19 PM on 02/20/2012
It will be 4 years for me soon. I quite cold turkey, but replaced smoking with snacking. I've been a good 20 lbs heavier since and now have to work on that. Black licorice (the kind that comes in a brown paper bag) helped me with the cravings when i first stopped. I found that it gave me that same tingle in the mouth. Someone gave me a cigarette a few months ago when I was in a less than sober state, but I had to put it out after two puffs. I guess I'm really over it. Just wish I could stop eating now :)
01:49 PM on 02/20/2012
Great life choice. I quit 6 years ago and feel wonderful. The money not spent on cigs never did seem to accumulate like I hoped but a good decision anyway. My wife, children and grandchildren are all a happpy bunch. Rmember, "Quitting smoking is tough BUT ...I'm tougher.
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cinemaven
Follow me on Twitter :)
01:29 PM on 02/20/2012
Good luck Miranda!
12:24 PM on 02/20/2012
I tell myself I am going to quit every night and every day. I have slowed down to less thna a pack. I'm going to follow this blog and live vicariously through you. Thanks for writing it.
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rickthaluddite
What noisy cats are we
11:49 AM on 02/20/2012
Good luck Miranda. When you go from counting smoke-free days to smoke free weeks and then months, before you know it'll be a year. I'm up to 22 years now and I'm no longer a nicotine addict-- not a recovering nicotine addict. I'm recovered. The only time I think about cigarettes is when I see people buying smokes at ten bucks a pack.
10:36 AM on 02/20/2012
Here's how it happened...
Two years ago I had $15.00 in my pocket. I had no cigarettes and my 1 year old daughter was out of milk. I started to panic, to rationalize, to bargain with myself, and guess what I chose to do. I bought my smokes and spent the night trying to find the money for my baby's formula. I felt so guilty. At that moment I realized that I wasn't in control. I quit cold turkey that very day. There really is no easy way to do it either. Cold turkey is the ONLY way !
I was a pack a day smoker and I expected three days of withdrawal. Most people will say it is hell and yes it is tough but I found it fascinating as well. I literally witnessed my body repairing itself.
After 20 years I decided to take charge. I hated being suckered and that's exactly what my fellow smokers are - suckers - like it or not. Three days of withdrawal is better than a lifetime of being used.
With all that is known about smoking I finally figured out that I am too smart to be smoker. If that sounds arrogant forgive me but I hope like hell that the smokers out there also adapt this attitude. Be "too smart" for these guys. The cigarette companies will hate you but you'll feel empowered.
If only habitual smokers could find that "moment of clarity" like I did.
05:57 PM on 02/20/2012
That's a great story! I'm going to post it to my Facebook. Hopefully it inspires the smokers I know to quit.
10:16 AM on 02/20/2012
Alan Carr's "Quit the Easy Way"
Read it!!
05:21 AM on 02/20/2012
hi, im on e cigs also, yes they are a problem, but so far so good, good luck to you
04:06 AM on 02/20/2012
I am 11 months smoke free now. I think my lungs are starting to turn pink again.
30 years of smoking was expensive, but quitting is priceless!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
ljkcan
I don't let geographical borders limit my thinking
05:16 PM on 02/20/2012
Good for you.