How to get started?

[AngusGT]

Any advice on how to quit?

I've read the board for a few months, it seems that all of the quitters are able to do so out of nowhere.

I've gone cold turkey before, just didn't stick. I've also weened myself off of the can with a mint snuff/skoal mixture, I gradually decreased my nicotine levels until I was off of it. That worked for a year, 12 months without before life kicked my ass and I instantly put myself back where I started. I hate the social stigma that my disgusting habit puts me in. If that's not enough, my doctor recently told me that my habit has put my blood pressure levels far above what should be expected, scary thing to hear at the age of 26.

In your experience, how does one go about handling the initial endeavor? Quit slowly or abruptly?

Chewie hit the nail on the head... there are so many different ways to quit.

For me, it took several failed attempts, some self loathing (for allowing this to control me), and finally coming to the realization that if I didn't quit when I did, I would be a dead man. This stuff is killing you as we speak (err... type).

It still has control over me. I'm coming up on a year and there are still times when I get a crave. The difference is now they are far and few between, and aren't much of a fight anymore. Plus this place keeps me on the straight and narrow.

I've seen success stories from both sides of the coin (weaning off vs cold turkey). I did it cold turkey. My suggestion for your quit? Accountability. Make some friends here that are willing to fight it out with you. Give yourself no room for rationalizations. Our group decided early on that we weren't allowed to cave unless we got permission from another quit member. Wanna guess how many of us gave that permission? There are a lot of people here who have my number, and they all know they're more than welcome to use it any time. I give that much because it also helps keep me accountable. Who would want to talk to a guy who can't stay clean himself?

Whatever whenever and however you decide to quit is entirely up to you. I just pray that it's not too late when you realize how important it is.

[Franpro]

Stop Lurking and just quit!!! You can do it, we are living proof...

[Franpro]

Hey Flows, you can do this!!!!

[030507]

Any advice on how to quit?

I've read the board for a few months, it seems that all of the quitters are able to do so out of nowhere.

I've gone cold turkey before, just didn't stick.  I've also weened myself off of the can with a mint snuff/skoal mixture, I gradually decreased my nicotine levels until I was off of it.  That worked for a year, 12 months without before life kicked my ass and I instantly put myself back where I started.  I hate the social stigma that my disgusting habit puts me in.  If that's not enough, my doctor recently told me that my habit has put my blood pressure levels far above what should be expected, scary thing to hear at the age of 26.

In your experience, how does one go about handling the initial endeavor?  Quit slowly or abruptly?

ask this question 100 different times and you're going to get 100 different answers... BUT, i'll give you my opinion...

get started right now - today!

the bottom line is there is nothing that we or anyone else is going to do to make quitting EASY on you. it's going to suck. it's going to suck balls and it's not going to be fun. but you ARE going to gain your freedom and it's going to be TOTALLY worth it in the end.

if you've been reading the boards for a couple of months then you know what we do and why we do it. the first week or so is going to be pretty terrible. the sooner you get on the quitting train the sooner you're going to be done with it.

ask questions, read everything you can and buckle in for a rough time. we'll be here for ya every step of the way!

chewie

actually, it can be fun- if it wasnt, this board would never have succeeded. it does suck, but I think it can be fun though. Just look at bff....

[chewie]

Any advice on how to quit?

I've read the board for a few months, it seems that all of the quitters are able to do so out of nowhere.

I've gone cold turkey before, just didn't stick. I've also weened myself off of the can with a mint snuff/skoal mixture, I gradually decreased my nicotine levels until I was off of it. That worked for a year, 12 months without before life kicked my ass and I instantly put myself back where I started. I hate the social stigma that my disgusting habit puts me in. If that's not enough, my doctor recently told me that my habit has put my blood pressure levels far above what should be expected, scary thing to hear at the age of 26.

In your experience, how does one go about handling the initial endeavor? Quit slowly or abruptly?

oooh... almost forgot... head on over to november 2007 and introduce yourself to your quit brothers... they are in same boat that you are.

in case you don't know, the hall of fame groups are based on when you'll hit the hall of fame (100 days clean)... if you quit today, your 100th day will be in november.

chewie

[chewie]

Any advice on how to quit?

I've read the board for a few months, it seems that all of the quitters are able to do so out of nowhere.

I've gone cold turkey before, just didn't stick. I've also weened myself off of the can with a mint snuff/skoal mixture, I gradually decreased my nicotine levels until I was off of it. That worked for a year, 12 months without before life kicked my ass and I instantly put myself back where I started. I hate the social stigma that my disgusting habit puts me in. If that's not enough, my doctor recently told me that my habit has put my blood pressure levels far above what should be expected, scary thing to hear at the age of 26.

In your experience, how does one go about handling the initial endeavor? Quit slowly or abruptly?

ask this question 100 different times and you're going to get 100 different answers... BUT, i'll give you my opinion...

get started right now - today!

the bottom line is there is nothing that we or anyone else is going to do to make quitting EASY on you. it's going to suck. it's going to suck balls and it's not going to be fun. but you ARE going to gain your freedom and it's going to be TOTALLY worth it in the end.

if you've been reading the boards for a couple of months then you know what we do and why we do it. the first week or so is going to be pretty terrible. the sooner you get on the quitting train the sooner you're going to be done with it.

ask questions, read everything you can and buckle in for a rough time. we'll be here for ya every step of the way!

chewie

[skronz]

Any advice on how to quit?

I've read the board for a few months, it seems that all of the quitters are able to do so out of nowhere.

I've gone cold turkey before, just didn't stick. I've also weened myself off of the can with a mint snuff/skoal mixture, I gradually decreased my nicotine levels until I was off of it. That worked for a year, 12 months without before life kicked my ass and I instantly put myself back where I started. I hate the social stigma that my disgusting habit puts me in. If that's not enough, my doctor recently told me that my habit has put my blood pressure levels far above what should be expected, scary thing to hear at the age of 26.

In your experience, how does one go about handling the initial endeavor? Quit slowly or abruptly?