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2/14/13 11:03 A

Coffee Queen,
Good for you! How true, that the commitment has to be firm. From there all this support and all these tools become available. I would add up the times I'd say NO to the thought of using to strengthen my resolve. Keep up the good work and do know that I'm here for you, too.

current weight: 150.0

176 168.25 160.5 152.75

145

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2/13/13 6:46 P

This is the first time I've quit without being pregnant. It was easy to quit when I had a baby to think of! This time was rough. I'm still afraid of failing and struggle daily. I've put on 10 pounds and I've been tempted to throw in the towel, but I try not to think that way. That's the addict in me talking. I think quitting once and for all takes a 100% commitment. You have to stop "trying to quit" and just quit. But you have to really want it.

Good luck to you!

171 Days since:  I Quit Smoking!

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200

SparkPoints: (56,052)
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2/13/13 8:22 A

PappaDaddy,

People put a voluntary contribution of a couple dollars in if they have it but the program costs nothing. That's another part of its' beauty.

current weight: 150.0

176 168.25 160.5 152.75

145

SparkPoints: (4,465)
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Posts: 17
2/13/13 8:18 A

Thank you for your comments and advice. I will look into NicA. First question: Is there a charge for NicA? Must go to work (part-time). Thanks again. I hope we can chat soon.

SparkPoints: (56,052)
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2/12/13 4:01 P

I quit a dozen times in my life, from a couple of weeks up to 4 1/2 years. But I'd pick up again. After a decade went by I was introduced to Nicotine Anonymous. It's a 12 step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. I made the commitment that I'd never abandon myself again, thus pledging to go to any lengths to support my future quit. That also meant knowing that I couldn't do it alone, and so I decided it was time to use a system of support which works for thousands of people.

That intro to NicA paid off. I didn't quit the first year, but prepared by going to meetings every week. When I found one wasn't enough, I started a second meeting in my area. I never stopped being involved in the program. I use all the tools (even today) and find living nic free to be SO MUCH more rewarding than I could have imagined.

I have been clean for 13 years and three months! Life is so much better with NicA than with nicotine, I can't even begin to tell you. Just feel free to contact me if I can be of any further support. If there are no meetings within an hour of your location, there are online and phone meetings as a second choice. In person is the best.

nicotine-anonymous.org
nicamar.homestead.com (This one is for my region, which links to the national site as well.)

current weight: 150.0

176 168.25 160.5 152.75

145

SparkPoints: (4,465)
Fitness Minutes: (825)
Posts: 17
2/11/13 7:15 P

Two years. Yet started again. Dang! Gastric bypass surgery has a tendency to make a person susceptible to going back to old habits and smoking is the one I chose. I live with two smokers. We have the nasty habit of having a smoke when we chat and talk over family business.

I am looking to quit again soon. I'm down to five cigarettes per day smoking half at a time. I must make the jump soon. My lungs are starting to suffer and I'm starting to wheeze again. That was the tell-tale sign that made me quit the last time. It is sooooo difficult!

I remember telling my Dad that I could quit anytime I liked. He spoke the truth when he sarcastically said, "Sure you can."

Good luck to you and keep in touch if you like.

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2/11/13 5:10 P

I have quit smoking several times only to start smoking (longest 4 months). What's the longest you have quit and how do you stay quit?