h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As part of a new-found health enthusiasm, I'm cutting down smoking. I'm on 30+ roll-ups a day and it's getting to my chest - I have the most awful cough, and not just down to the flu.

I've had five fags today and it's 5pm. Not bad. Only, everything I do I do while not smoking. I walk to the shops while not smoking,I drive while not smoking, drink tea while not smoking. It seems more horrendous than smoking.

Help!!

I went to my s and applied to join their smoking clinic. I had my first "interview" just before Christmas last year and made a plan of how and when I was to give up.

I had my last cigarette at 11.45pm on Saturday 31st January 2004.. using patches to control my cravings. I did not cut down, I just stopped, I still had 8 left in the packet too. I was also still enjoying them when I stopped, so whether that has any bearing on my success I don't know

I had been smoking in excess of 20 cigs per day.. and even as many as 40 some years back... but I had been smoking for more that 30 years when I decided to stop. I have amazed my family and friends in doing so too.

I avoided being in areas that would make be want to smoke.. sitting in my favourite chair after a meal was out. Having a cup of coffee, anything that would stimulate the mind to remember its craving

I joined hootoo instead the PC is upstairs, a place where I never smoked anyway... Okay! I gave up one addiction for another!.. Do you think they will invent patches for hootoo too If you see any, please let me know, I might need them in 30 years time!!


lil xx

Yes, the 'habit' fags are the worst, aren't they? I've knocked out the 'first thing' fag, the 'driving' fags, the 'after dinner' fag (mostly though I lapse).... I'm not trying to give up as yet, just reduce it to a relatively healthy level in tandem with improving my diet, reducing drinking and doing more exercise. The fags are the worst. I've got gum and read a lot when I need to do something with my hands, but I seem pretty addicted.

Have had 11 today and will probably have another before I go to bed; that's one more than yesterday . Still, under ten a day is the initial target. I think I actually do want to give up, but really really enjoy a nice fag after a hard climb or while sitting on a mountaintop or with a good coffee or in the pub. Not easy, is it?

>Do you think they will invent patches for hootoo too?

I think I did better than most expected of me

I kept forgetting to change the patches. I eventually cut my course short by about a month.

I amazed hubby when we went into a pub in the summer and I moved into another area. He thought it was because of the smoky atmosphere, until I told him it was the telly that was too loud that made me move

I think you have to do whatever suits you. We reformed can only tell you what works/ed for us

Good Luck


lil xx

Suddenly realise there's a whole smoker's support group out there on h2g2 waiting to happen! Must look into it and thanx for the encouragement

You are welcome

lill xx

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F1600431?thread=541217 Blackberry Cat is trying too! Perhaps you and he (yes HE) could help each other?