Quit Smoking the Easy Way

I quit smoking on August 1, 1996. I didn't quit because the cost of cigarettes were skyrocketing. I didn't quit because airlines and most businesses (including the company I worked for) were banning smoking. One day I finished a cigarette and reached for my albuterol inhaler and it hit me: I was either going to breathe or smoke. I chose breathing. At the point I decided to quit I was asthmatic and on 3 different inhalers. I was using Azmacort, Serevent, and albuterol on a daily basis.

I wasn't always asthmatic, in fact my diagnosis of asthma came around 10 years into smoking. The medications I was taking were added one at a time over a period of time. All the while my doctor urged me to quit smoking, but my addiction convinced me that I not only needed it but also enjoyed it. In reality it was killing me. The good news is that after several years of being smoke free I stopped using Azmacort and Serevent. I still have a prescription for albuterol but only need it occasionally when my hay fever acts up. The purpose of this article is to give hope to those of you reading this who want to quit.

First, you can quit smoking forever--even if you've tried on other occasions and failed. It took me 3 attempts over a 6 month period to finally quit for good. The key is finding what works best for you. If you try a a smoking cessation method and it doesn't work for you, try something else. Keep trying until you succeed. There are a lot of programs, over the counter medications (such as nicotine replacement) and prescription medications that can help. What finally worked for me was going cold turkey. I took the last 3 packs left in the carton out to the trash on collection day and left for work. The next couple of weeks were crazy. I was mean spirited, aggitated and had withdrawal symptoms-including headaches and shaky hands. I would wake up in the middle of the night craving a cigarette. It wasn't easy to quit, but each attempt taught me something and the third time was the charm. The most important thing to keep in mind is that those cravings and withdrawal symptoms were temporary and very short lived for me and they will be the same for you. Keep the big picture in mind and take it day by day you will succeed.

Second, try to get a support system of family, friends and co-workers who will encourage you. I let my family and friends know I was quitting and they were there for me, praising my efforts and keeping me on track. It's important to have positive feedback and support to meet your goal.

Third, try to avoid smoking triggers. Triggers are different for everyone and could be anything from the morning ritual of drinking coffee and lighting a cigarette to stopping at the bar for a couple of beers. During the first month it's best to avoid situations where other people will be smoking. It's just too difficult to watch them light up while you still have cravings.

Last, having a cigarette doesn't make you a failure. Smoke one, get it out of your system and move on. Start the next day fresh and renew your commitment to quitting. Most of all remember that it took practice learning to smoke and it will take practice learning to quit.