Question:
been there… done that… never again… when ya think about doing any of those again, remember that night… works for me! good luck to ya mate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Response:
Tough way to learn that lesson Eric! But glad you did… Nothing worse than spending your night in the bathroom thinking that dying would actually be preferable to what you are going through… Post when you need to…we’ll be here Paula
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Response:
2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Response:
. I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Ya really gotta watch those little slip ups they can be killers (GRIN) as long as we learn fro our mistakes we will do better next time…. dont give up get back into ur quitting mode and hang in there]] Feequin
Response:
Eric: Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker.
All right! Congratulations on your decision to quit 
… There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale.
Yes, I romanticized and glamorized sickarettes a lot, too, before I quit. After you get some smober time under your belt, I’ll bet you’ll view this particular ritual a bit differently. … I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone.
Eeek…I think steveb already mentioned this, but you aren’t supposed to use the nicotine gum while you are still smoking! You can overdose on nicotine that way (not a pretty thing at all). … When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up.
… Where in the hell did this doctor train? Quack University? That’s absolutely not true! For instance, just one cigarette destroy the cilia in your lungs and it can take up to *nine* *months* for them to regrow. Also, if you don’t quit now, there’s no guarantee you would stay at your current consumption of cigarettes. I believe I read that the longer you smoke, the more you smoke…or it becomes a possibility, anyway. Good luck with your quit, Eric. What works for me (and a lot of quitters) is coming here daily. —– Maddie, 5 months
Response:
Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh…
Nah indeed …. I doubled my caffiene intake (at least). Do what feels right for you. Welcome aboard, you just made a great decision. A few points to consider tho. The use of NRT while still smoking is against all the advice on the leaflet, and just isn’t worth doing. Besides the risk of overdose, adding to the regular nicotine intake just prior to a quit doesn’t seem logical! Basically, if you are still smoking, you shouldn’t be using Nicotine REPLACEMENT Therapy! NRT in most forms isn’t reccomended anyway for those who smoke 10 cigs a day or less. The possible exception to this would be Gum, but use it sparingly if you can, or you may actually increase the amount of nicotine, over what you had as a smoker. No biggie, just takes longer to get off it is all. Your doctor was wrong! Good luck with your quit, read and post here often. Grab a meter and watch it grow. steveb
Response:
Good for you Eric! Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between.
You’re an addict as much as the person who smokes three packs a day. The number of cigs really doesn’t matter…the same way someone who has one drink a day is as much an alcoholic as the guy who only binge drinks once a week… There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children.
Give yourself some time to change that mindset. Because it will change. I was a happy smoker for quite some time, and only quit at first because I thought I should. Now…I truly do understand what a nasty and destructive habit it was… When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen.
What a pile of bullshit. Just one cigarette will do you damage. How do you know that "one" you smoke is not the one that will cause a cell in your body to mutate and eventually become cancer? I would bet that your doctor is either a smoker, or an ex smoker. You say you were surprised to hear that – I am completely aghast. Please…don’t use his false advice as a reason to blow your quit. I can give you the names of 20 other doctors who will totally disagree with him. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh…
Nah! Just be aware though, that if caffeine is a huge trigger (it was for me) to be careful and make sure you have the gum with you. Also, I drank a LOT of coffee and found that replacing every second cup with a herbal tea made me much less anxious and hyper… Best wishes to you! Post often…we love to hear how newbies are getting on! Paula
Response:
Wise choice Eric on deciding to quit the butts. You know the old saying,"1 is to many….100 is not enough". As for what the doctor said, that is crap!!! I can’t believe a doc would tell you that, but then he probably hacks the butts to. Just go with your plan to quit and your body will love you for it. Stick with the gum because it will help. Good luck and come here often, it helps. stever 9M+
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Keep the caffeine Eric… at least for now. And don’t romanticize that late night smoke too much. It may have felt nice, but you can indeed get along without it and maybe even find something else just as wonderful to enjoy. If the addiction isn’t so hard to break, be aware of how hard it may be to break the habit. It might take some major reconditioning to get past the emptiness that use to be called routine. I hope you have been reading and picking up tips on how to deal with those battles. www.quitbuddies.org http://www.bluethunder.org/quitterhome.html You post tugged at me just a bit. You see, my youngest son is turning "the tender age of 13" on Monday. I sure hope he doesn’t make the same mistake you did.. the same mistake i did… his dad.. his grandmothers… <sigh ~August OF+
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
Good shooting !! I’m in the same boat…. cigs & drinks Best O’ luck 15 hours, 25 minutes and 48 seconds. 19 cigarettes not smoked, saving $4.82. Life saved: 1 hour, 35 minutes. — Facta Non Verba
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
I dunno Austin, I think I would do one at a time. The cravings from smoking withdrawal are bad enough to endure. I can’t imagine both at the same time. I’ve heard of people who have but most of them woke up that way in an I.C.U. BTW, Welcome -Tom
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
Thanks, By the way what is the translation of "Facta Non Verba"? just curiours.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good shooting !! I’m in the same boat…. cigs & drinks Best O’ luck 15 hours, 25 minutes and 48 seconds. 19 cigarettes not smoked, saving $4.82. Life saved: 1 hour, 35 minutes. — Facta Non Verba Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
The logic is that my cigarette cravings are greatly intensified when I’m drinking, also when I’m drinking I dont think as clearly as I do when I’m not and would be more likely to self justify having "Just one smoke". So the way I see it, both habits have to go a once. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno Austin, I think I would do one at a time. The cravings from smoking withdrawal are bad enough to endure. I can’t imagine both at the same time. I’ve heard of people who have but most of them woke up that way in an I.C.U. BTW, Welcome -Tom Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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Post all you want. And when the going gets tough….post some more!! Good to have you here. Chris 2weeks 1day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
Good for you Austin. I hope you have some help from Zyban, or other nicotine replacement therapy. i.e. nicotine gum or patches. Cold turkey from two packs a day is tough without some help. Post here often and read the stories of those who have gone before you; I find that they strengthen my resolve. Cheers, Bruce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
And I would like to add to Bruce’s comment. I have a friend that drinks way too much. She feels bad about it and has tried to cut back or quit a few times. She has told me that she finds Welbutrin (Zyban), which was prescribed for mild depression, to drastically cut down on her alcohol intake. What Wellbutrin or Zyban originally did for Cocaine addicts, and is now doing for nicotine addicts apparently also helps alcohol addicts. So, I second Bruce’s thought that if you are not on Zyban or Wellbutrin, you might think seriously about calling your doctor tomorrow for a prescription. BinnieBee Three weeks, three days, 17 hours, 38 minutes and 37 seconds. 742 cigarettes not smoked, saving $122.07. Life saved: 2 days, 13 hours, 50 minutes.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good for you Austin. I hope you have some help from Zyban, or other nicotine replacement therapy. i.e. nicotine gum or patches. Cold turkey from two packs a day is tough without some help. Post here often and read the stories of those who have gone before you; I find that they strengthen my resolve. Cheers, Bruce Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
Response:
In alt.support.stop-smoking, on 26 Nov 2001, Austin House announced: …I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like.
Congratulations on quitting Austin. Definately feel free to post your progress and let us know how you’re going. And you’re certianly encouraged to read everyone’s posts and see how everyone else is doing and read the material that’s available such as the junkie thinking and the FAQ. Welcome and congratulations once again. Regards OgO — my Quitting smoking page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quit.html Quit Stats home page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quitstats.html -=- Current version 0.9.3 – released 22/11/2001 -=- Feel free to ICQ me. My ICQ #: 12889482 I left my Glasses in my email – you better take them out! wun – 3QOF+ – f3as3 – asdfg (ok, I made that last one up I have not smoked for: 10 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 11 hours, 36 minutes and 9 seconds. 6,594 cigarettes not smoked, $2,198.00 saved, life saved 3W 1D 21:29:60.
Response:
Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Keep the caffeine Eric… at least for now. And don’t romanticize that late night smoke too much. It may have felt nice, but you can indeed get along without it and maybe even find something else just as wonderful to enjoy. If the addiction isn’t so hard to break, be aware of how hard it may be to break the habit. It might take some major reconditioning to get past the emptiness that use to be called routine. I hope you have been reading and picking up tips on how to deal with those battles. www.quitbuddies.org http://www.bluethunder.org/quitterhome.html You post tugged at me just a bit. You see, my youngest son is turning "the tender age of 13" on Monday. I sure hope he doesn’t make the same mistake you did.. the same mistake i did… his dad.. his grandmothers… <sigh ~August OF+
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Wise choice Eric on deciding to quit the butts. You know the old saying,"1 is to many….100 is not enough". As for what the doctor said, that is crap!!! I can’t believe a doc would tell you that, but then he probably hacks the butts to. Just go with your plan to quit and your body will love you for it. Stick with the gum because it will help. Good luck and come here often, it helps. stever 9M+
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between. There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children. I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone. I must say that tingling sensation from the gum is quite pleasant…if it wasn’t so outrageously expensive I might get addicted to that. When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh… Eric
Response:
Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh…
Nah indeed …. I doubled my caffiene intake (at least). Do what feels right for you. Welcome aboard, you just made a great decision. A few points to consider tho. The use of NRT while still smoking is against all the advice on the leaflet, and just isn’t worth doing. Besides the risk of overdose, adding to the regular nicotine intake just prior to a quit doesn’t seem logical! Basically, if you are still smoking, you shouldn’t be using Nicotine REPLACEMENT Therapy! NRT in most forms isn’t reccomended anyway for those who smoke 10 cigs a day or less. The possible exception to this would be Gum, but use it sparingly if you can, or you may actually increase the amount of nicotine, over what you had as a smoker. No biggie, just takes longer to get off it is all. Your doctor was wrong! Good luck with your quit, read and post here often. Grab a meter and watch it grow. steveb
Response:
Good for you Eric! Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker. I’m 26 now and I’ve been smoking about 6-10 cigarrettes a day for most of my life. Not a heavy smoker, but certainly addicted, and very much on a schedule. One on the way to work, two at lunch, one on the way home, one after supper, one at 8pm, one before bed. Sometimes more in-between.
You’re an addict as much as the person who smokes three packs a day. The number of cigs really doesn’t matter…the same way someone who has one drink a day is as much an alcoholic as the guy who only binge drinks once a week… There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale. I will only experience that one more time…tonight. I really will miss smoking, but I must quit for the sake of my wife and two children.
Give yourself some time to change that mindset. Because it will change. I was a happy smoker for quite some time, and only quit at first because I thought I should. Now…I truly do understand what a nasty and destructive habit it was… When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up. I was surprised to hear that from a doctor, and it will make it that much harder to quit. But oh well, here I go reluctantly into a way of life I haven’t known since I was a preteen.
What a pile of bullshit. Just one cigarette will do you damage. How do you know that "one" you smoke is not the one that will cause a cell in your body to mutate and eventually become cancer? I would bet that your doctor is either a smoker, or an ex smoker. You say you were surprised to hear that – I am completely aghast. Please…don’t use his false advice as a reason to blow your quit. I can give you the names of 20 other doctors who will totally disagree with him. Now if I can just give up caffeine! Nahhhh…
Nah! Just be aware though, that if caffeine is a huge trigger (it was for me) to be careful and make sure you have the gum with you. Also, I drank a LOT of coffee and found that replacing every second cup with a herbal tea made me much less anxious and hyper… Best wishes to you! Post often…we love to hear how newbies are getting on! Paula
Response:
Eric: Well, after smoking since the tender age of 13, today will be my last day as a smoker.
All right! Congratulations on your decision to quit … There’s not much I enjoy more than the last cigarrette of the day…standing outside in the silent darkness gazing at the stars and subconsciously listening to the way the burning tobacco crackles as I inhale.
Yes, I romanticized and glamorized sickarettes a lot, too, before I quit. After you get some smober time under your belt, I’ll bet you’ll view this particular ritual a bit differently. … I started Nicorette gum two days ago and and plan to use that until the package is gone.
Eeek…I think steveb already mentioned this, but you aren’t supposed to use the nicotine gum while you are still smoking! You can overdose on nicotine that way (not a pretty thing at all). … When I saw my physician last year, I told him that I was a smoker and he asked how much, and I said 6-10 a day. He said smoking that few cigarrettes a day is probably benign and that my body has enough time between smokes to clean out the toxins, so they don’t build up.
… Where in the hell did this doctor train? Quack University? That’s absolutely not true! For instance, just one cigarette destroy the cilia in your lungs and it can take up to *nine* *months* for them to regrow. Also, if you don’t quit now, there’s no guarantee you would stay at your current consumption of cigarettes. I believe I read that the longer you smoke, the more you smoke…or it becomes a possibility, anyway. Good luck with your quit, Eric. What works for me (and a lot of quitters) is coming here daily. —– Maddie, 5 months
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2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Response:
. I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
Ya really gotta watch those little slip ups they can be killers (GRIN) as long as we learn fro our mistakes we will do better next time…. dont give up get back into ur quitting mode and hang in there]] Feequin
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Tough way to learn that lesson Eric! But glad you did… Nothing worse than spending your night in the bathroom thinking that dying would actually be preferable to what you are going through… Post when you need to…we’ll be here Paula
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
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been there… done that… never again… when ya think about doing any of those again, remember that night… works for me! good luck to ya mate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 2 or 3 cigarettes and didn’t really enjoy any of them. The gum is really helping. I think I may have overdosed this weekend, though. I was chewing the gum, I had too much to drink (I drink alcohol once a year, at most, so my tolerance is VERY low), I was talked into some chronic (another once-per-year-or-so indulgence), and then I smoked a cigarrette. I found myself in the bathroom puking for two hours and I seriously thought "I am going to die". I’ve never been that sick in my life. Alcohol, THC, and super-high levels of nicotine. I think that was enough for me, I’m taking the straight and narrow path from this point on. I’ll post another update in a week or so. Eric.
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Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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Good shooting !! I’m in the same boat…. cigs & drinks Best O’ luck 15 hours, 25 minutes and 48 seconds. 19 cigarettes not smoked, saving $4.82. Life saved: 1 hour, 35 minutes. — Facta Non Verba
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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I dunno Austin, I think I would do one at a time. The cravings from smoking withdrawal are bad enough to endure. I can’t imagine both at the same time. I’ve heard of people who have but most of them woke up that way in an I.C.U. BTW, Welcome -Tom
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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Thanks, By the way what is the translation of "Facta Non Verba"? just curiours.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good shooting !! I’m in the same boat…. cigs & drinks Best O’ luck 15 hours, 25 minutes and 48 seconds. 19 cigarettes not smoked, saving $4.82. Life saved: 1 hour, 35 minutes. — Facta Non Verba Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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The logic is that my cigarette cravings are greatly intensified when I’m drinking, also when I’m drinking I dont think as clearly as I do when I’m not and would be more likely to self justify having "Just one smoke". So the way I see it, both habits have to go a once. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno Austin, I think I would do one at a time. The cravings from smoking withdrawal are bad enough to endure. I can’t imagine both at the same time. I’ve heard of people who have but most of them woke up that way in an I.C.U. BTW, Welcome -Tom Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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Post all you want. And when the going gets tough….post some more!! Good to have you here. Chris 2weeks 1day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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Good for you Austin. I hope you have some help from Zyban, or other nicotine replacement therapy. i.e. nicotine gum or patches. Cold turkey from two packs a day is tough without some help. Post here often and read the stories of those who have gone before you; I find that they strengthen my resolve. Cheers, Bruce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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And I would like to add to Bruce’s comment. I have a friend that drinks way too much. She feels bad about it and has tried to cut back or quit a few times. She has told me that she finds Welbutrin (Zyban), which was prescribed for mild depression, to drastically cut down on her alcohol intake. What Wellbutrin or Zyban originally did for Cocaine addicts, and is now doing for nicotine addicts apparently also helps alcohol addicts. So, I second Bruce’s thought that if you are not on Zyban or Wellbutrin, you might think seriously about calling your doctor tomorrow for a prescription. BinnieBee Three weeks, three days, 17 hours, 38 minutes and 37 seconds. 742 cigarettes not smoked, saving $122.07. Life saved: 2 days, 13 hours, 50 minutes.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good for you Austin. I hope you have some help from Zyban, or other nicotine replacement therapy. i.e. nicotine gum or patches. Cold turkey from two packs a day is tough without some help. Post here often and read the stories of those who have gone before you; I find that they strengthen my resolve. Cheers, Bruce Sunday, November 25, 2001, 6:00pm. This is my chosen quit time. I’m giving up cigarettes and alcohol. I’ve been smoking about 2 packs a day for 15 years and drinking almost every day for the last 10 years. I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like. Sincerely Austin (aka POE)
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In alt.support.stop-smoking, on 26 Nov 2001, Austin House announced: …I will post on my progress from time to time if the group would like.
Congratulations on quitting Austin. Definately feel free to post your progress and let us know how you’re going. And you’re certianly encouraged to read everyone’s posts and see how everyone else is doing and read the material that’s available such as the junkie thinking and the FAQ. Welcome and congratulations once again. Regards OgO — my Quitting smoking page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quit.html Quit Stats home page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quitstats.html -=- Current version 0.9.3 – released 22/11/2001 -=- Feel free to ICQ me. My ICQ #: 12889482 I left my Glasses in my email – you better take them out! wun – 3QOF+ – f3as3 – asdfg (ok, I made that last one up I have not smoked for: 10 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 11 hours, 36 minutes and 9 seconds. 6,594 cigarettes not smoked, $2,198.00 saved, life saved 3W 1D 21:29:60.
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Categories: Cocaine Addicts | 
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Pharmacokinetics General pharmacokinetic properties of nicotine The volume of distribution following i.v. administration of nicotine is about 2 to 3 L/kg. Plasma protein binding of nicotine is <5%. Therefore, changes in nicotine binding from use of concomitant drugs or alterations of plasma proteins by disease states would not be expected to have significant effects on nicotine kinetics. The average plasma clearance following intravenous administration of nicotine is about 70 L/hour and the terminal half-life approximately 2 hours. The major eliminating organ is the liver, but the kidney and lung also metabolise nicotine. There is no significant skin metabolism of nicotine. More than 20 metabolites of nicotine have been identified, all of which are believed to be less active than the parent compound. The primary metabolite of nicotine in plasma, cotinine, has a half-life of 15 to 20 hours and concentrations exceed nicotine by 10-fold. The primary urinary metabolites are cotinine (15% of the dose) and trans-3-hydroxycotinine (45% of the dose). About 10% of nicotine is excreted unchanged in the urine, but as much as 30% may be excreted unchanged in urine with high flow rates and acidification of the urine below pH 5. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/n/Nicorettegum.htm We now know that the component of a drug of abuse that we get addicted to is the metabolite of the drug, not the drug itself. This is a terribly important concept. In other words, heroin is converted to morphine in less than 120 seconds after it hits the bloodstream. We don’t really have heroin addicts, we have morphine addicts. We don’t really have cocaine addicts, we have benzoylecgonine addicts. Even alcohol has a metabolite. Nicotine has a metabolite called cotinine. Marijuana has two primary metabolites. It is the metabolite that supports the addiction. **It is the metabolite that gets stored in the body fat, and to some extent it is the metabolite that gives you some of the signs of drug influence.*** Certainly the long-term effects of the drugs derive from the metabolites. http://www.holisticwebs.com/program/narconon3.html Tobacco smoking results in the absorption of nicotine through the lung and buccal/nasal epithelium, after which nicotine is metabolized into about 20 metabolites excreted in urine. Cotinine, a major metabolite, accumulates in the body with regular smoking. It is reported that cotinine is stable in body fluids and has a relatively long half life of approximately 17 hours. Therefore, the detection of cotinine is less dependent on the time of sampling than that of nicotine and other metabolites. Cotinine has been widely used as a biomarker of tobacco exposure. Methods of analysis for cotinine in biological fluids include gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, HPLC, HPLC-mass spectrometry, EIA and RIA. These methods usually require special equipment and complicated operation procedures. The Smoke Check Test is a one step immunoassay that is used for the qualitative detection of cotinine in human urine. It is based on the principle of highly specific immunochemical reactions of antigens and antibodies. It is a simple and convenient test for the rapid qualitative detection of cotinine in human urine at 200 ng/ml cut-off concentration. http://www.xpressdrugtest.com/smokeCheck.html Typical drug detection/clearance times for a chronic smoker 7-14days http://www.craigmedical.com/drug_test_faq.htm 
– Steve All Hail Brak!! Stephen Farris, M2-1/2 Northwestern University Medical School