I just cant give up

[Nikos100]

I have been addicted to smoking for over 2 years now, I mainly started because of the stress of exams but it mainly developed as a sort of Social thing when I am relaxing with friends at the Pub I simply have to have a cigarette. I recently decided to try and give up (I have not gone a day without a cigarette for over a year - and smoke around 30 a day), but there is a lot of stress with examinations e.t.c. at the moment. So it is very hard for me, also I dont want to make excuses but a lot of the pressure from education comes from the fact my brother is the ultimate success story (First in BSc Economics from Warwick, MSc in European Economics from LSE, served in Cypriot National Guard when he went to live there e.t.c.), and I am always expected to live up to this, which I do most of the time but around things like examination time I simply have to be smoking all the time because of all this pressure.

What should I do?

 

[jenniferstell]

There aren't any magic words that will make it easier for you. I can tell you, though, that the longer you wait to quit smoking, the tougher it will be. I smoked for nearly 20 years, but have been smoke-free for a year now. It takes will power. You have to tell yourself NO and divert your attention from the craving. Believe me, I know temptation. My entire family smokes, so I have to be around the smell and the sight of them smoking, unless I just give up seeing them at all. Just try to think of something else, or do something else until the craving goes away - and it WILL go away if you ignore it!!

 

[jdw4jesus]

Your title says why you cant give up smoking....you said "I just cant give it up" and that is exactly why you cannot...you have to say "I can give it up". Think positively and you will succeed!

 

[e=mv^2]

You need a plan my friend.

REASONS THAT NIKOS SMOKES:

1 Stress
2 Social outlet

Here are some reasons that I smoked:

1) It is an enjoyable activity after you get past the initial physical reaction to it.
2) It is social. You make new friends if you smoke.
3) Nicotine is a preasureable drug to use.
4) It give you a reason to go take a break.
5) It gives you something to do when you are bored.
6) It is neat to be able to feel yourself breathing smoke in. The sensation is enjoyable (see #1)

Give me more reasons that you smoke and I will try to help you overcome them.

Plan:

Step 1 - do not try to quit during exams.
Step 2 - identify the least stressful period of the year for yourself and tell me what that is.
Step 3 - identify the reasons you smoke. Make a list - Reasons that NIKOS smokes.
Step 4 - come back and post.

 

[Nikos100]

Well I have not given up smoking but I have given up drinking beer, not that I drunk a lot anyway, when I was out I would have an average of 2 beers a night probably. And to be honest I have found out that when I go out on a big night out I only drink for one reason, to get drunk, so I realized it was kind of pointless.

Smoking though is another issue, I have finished my exams now and the stress levels are starting to go down, I am looking forward to going on holiday and other things so i am going to make a real effort to begin cutting down.

 

[e=mv^2]

Drinking makes quitting harder. Lots harder. I do not think I will ever again in my life have a martini. I simply do not think it is possible to drink one and not smoke.

Smoking though is another issue, I have finished my exams now and the stress levels are starting to go down, I am looking forward to going on holiday and other things so i am going to make a real effort to begin cutting down.

Yes, smoking is an entirely different beast. Much easier to quit drinking than smoking. Easier to quit walking than smoking....

Glad to hear your stress levels are dropping, I am still waiting for your list of reasons you smoke. You need to start planning NOW so that you will be ready when the time is right.

 

[djpandioras]

Ella re file. Ti kaneis;
Im also trying to Quit smoking. When i was in Greece for the Army i smoked close to 2 packs a day. It's quite shocking!!! Back in Australia im slowly cutting down. I know what you mean though, with exmas etc...It's tough. Dont quit "cold-turkey". One step at a time. It seems to be working for me. Sort of. Kali Tyxh.

Have a Good Holiday!
Ade Geia.
Dimitrios

 

[aalona]

I too have tried to quit and was successful for a little while...but i feel kinda like a hypocrite when someone asks me if I smoke and I say no (in my mind I'm thinking:technically I'm not cause I don't do it that often) but I know that it still has its appeal. I became a Christian about a year ago and I truly thank God for his free gift and I feel guilty after I smoke and I feel like a bad Christian. I have changed my life in a lot of ways but I guess I'm a work in progress.

 

[all things through Christ]

Just listen to your taste buds.