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• November 17, 2009 7:03 p.m.

  Hi, I'm a student at Metro State of Denver. I'm researching a new product possibility; the product would be a "Quit Smoking" aide that offers a stepping down approach. I am a former smoker myself but I'm addicted to Commit lozenges and they contain nicotine. I would still buy them if they had zero mg of nicotine but they don't offer that. I would like to market a product that does. Anyways, I made this survey for my research project and it would really help me if anyone could take it [smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers are all welcome] Thanks so much. -- Casey Here's the link to the survey. http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/206243/r2zgt

  - Casey

• August 28, 2009 5:17 p.m.

  When I first thought about quitting, I made a doctor's appointment. A week or two leading up to the appointment and the week after the appointment, I had started to change my habits involving smoking. I stopped taking smoking breaks at work (I was all ready down to 3 a day) and on the way to the car. The first week I took Chantix, I smoked a few cigarettes in the AM and one after I got home from work. The second week on Chantix I just smoked in the mornings getting ready for work. The third week, I just stopped. I am committed more than ever not to start up again. Changing your habits from when you smoked really helps. I've already developed different habits when getting ready for work and when I get home - I knew I had to so I wouldn't break down and have a smoke!

  - CW

• July 8, 2009 11:44 p.m.

  I used Chantix 8 months ago to quit smoking after close to 29 years smoking. I was also currently taking Wellbutrin for depression. I had tried numerous methods over time, but none had worked. I think my commitment was different this time, I was more motivated. It was difficult and continues to be difficult. The urges are still there and I have to chant to myself that it is in my head, my body is not wanting it. I didn't think it would happen but I have been smoke free for almost 8 mos now and although I have some health issues, my health has improved. I encourage everyone to keep trying and use whatever works for you. This is for you, Chris R., Chantix offers phone support 24/7 for one year after registering with them. You can even request an ID Num. without purchasing the product, by stating it is needed for ins. purposes. Good luck to us all!

  - Mah

• July 1, 2009 8:08 p.m.

  I really want to quit smoking. I have a couselor (whose specialty is substance abuse) and we have been talking about this for a couple months now. I have read tons of literature. I asked my husband and son, who are both heavy smokers to smoke on our screened porch only. In the past I have tried a group program, hypnosis, chantix and acupuncture. Currently I am doing breathing exercises and other relaxation strtegies. Today was my quitting day. I was really pretty good all day, but ended up having 3 cigarettes on my porch when I got home from work at 8:30. So I decided to find a blog. I am determined to keep going. If anyone knows a good support phoneline let me know. Thank you to the non-smokers for your insights and good luck to the rest of you.

  - Chris R.

• June 23, 2009 7:37 p.m.

  I agree that keeping self promises is important. However, my approach is to increase 'no smoking' periods over a six week program, while also selecting increasingly lower nicotine content cigarettes each week. Removing the psychologically significant smoking scenarios gradually, got rid of the drive to automatically reach for a cigarette: in the car, during phone calls, after meals, while drinking alcohol. By the end of the program I found little interest in smoking the very low rated nicotine content cigarettes that were remaining to me in the program. It certainly worked for me and for others. But good luck to all who are working on quitting. It is worth the striggle.

  - Don Wright

• June 23, 2009 6:19 p.m.

  Cripes I have been clean & sober for ten years now going on eleven, but smoking lord oh mighty....I want to stop, really. I even had a heart attack for crying out loud, but I just cant kick it my son is always asking me to quit and he gets always the same answer...soon, so is x-mas right. Been smoking since I was 12 years old and I'm 52 now do the math. I give up guess I'll croak with the damn things

  - Michael

• June 23, 2009 4:19 p.m.

  I am 75 years old and can say that I am in good to excellent health. I started smoking when I entered the military in 1951 and quit smoking on my B-day on March 29, 1967. I quit cold turkey. Back then, they didn't have any nicotine patches or gels that I can remember. For me it was the nicotine withdrawal which was difficult to adjust to. Instead of the cigarette pack in my pocket, I would always carry candy or gum when the urge came along to smoke. Believe me, it was difficult but I attribute my success to will power and DETERMINATION. The withdrawal for me lasted from 3 to 6 months. After the urge had subsided, I just knew that I would get through it and I did. I have been tobacco free for 43 years and the urge never returned. I thank GOD for my success. My advice to anyone contemplating quitting smoking, I say TRY IT, YOU MAY LIKE IT

  - Stanley W. Vikla

• June 9, 2009 2:02 p.m.

  Quitting smoking is not for sissies! I tried 7 times until it worked (one day at a time). I tried willpower, the gum, wellbutrin, hynosis, acupuncture, religion... What finally helped was Smokers Anonymous. While I'm not a huge advocate of 12 Step programs, particularly for women ( i've experienced them as shaming), the only thing that really worked was a sense of a spiritual connection. Which I experience as very different from organized addiction. While I've since gone on to recovery from other addictions, smoking was by far the hardest. It's been 14 years, yet I still get triggered. The difference now is i KNOW what my triggers are, and I can make different choices. Years after I quit, my mother died of lung cancer. Of course, my smoking began at home - i WILL NOT go down her path - and I know for certain she would not want me too. One piece of advice: if your next attempt fails - be caring about it, not shaming. And try again.

  - Louise

• June 7, 2009 9:26 p.m.

  So much money is taken in taxes from cigarettes, that government does not really want people to quit. There must be an alternative where nicotine is gradually removed from tobacco and replaced by something healthy. Native Americans used lobelia in their cigarettes and that cleared phlegm etc...

  - Simone

• June 3, 2009 5:47 p.m.

  Stopping a nicotine addiction requires a total committment to go through the identitiy crisis from being a smoker to a non smoker. It involves a whole lifestyle change. Smoking habits involve more than a nicotine addiction. They mean certain friends places circumstances feelings and other substances such as coffee or alcohol or marijuana. All these factors have to be considered for a successful recovery and change of identity. At Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat Center ve been using awareness methods coupled with nutrition, vigorous exercise, yoga, meditation and counseling to help our patients move through their identity crisis. We offer a natural in patient setting near the ocean with no substitute for the nicotine addiction. www.rawdetox.org

  - Dr. Maya Baylac

• June 2, 2009 5:33 p.m.

  I tried 5 times to stop, failed, 6th time I won, I am off 11 years, what a pleasure. Jacques

  - Jacques van Donkersgoed.

• May 28, 2009 5:05 a.m.

  it is really rewarding if you've become a successful in quitting to smoke. at first it is really hard but it all pays the hard work. you should undergo to struggles before you succeed. The World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day is held every year on the 31st of May. In connection with this campaign, a free e-book will be given away to get the message out to a wider audience. The book is endorsed by prominent people, such as the Dalai Lama. According to the World Health Organization, 1 Billion people will die from smoking in this century. Check out http://www.TobaccoBook.com

  - notobaccocampaign

• May 27, 2009 6:19 a.m.

  I also stopped smoking a long time ago and it was quite hard at the very beginning, but then I was so happy I had quitted it. Now I have a healthy life!

  - Alejandro Seguros Coche

• May 26, 2009 7:50 a.m.

  As a family doc and smoking cessation specialist I appreciate your blog. Take Care and keep the good work, Dr. Don

  - Dr. Don Kennedy

• May 21, 2009 1:09 p.m.

  I quit smoking about a month ago after I had to spent 5 days in a situation where I could not smoke. I didn't find the physical symptoms much of a bother. I just have to keep reminding myself that I don't smoke when I get the urge and do something else to distract myself. Really, I am surprised that it wasn't that hard and I really should have quit years ago. I am looking forward to saving some money...

  - Billy Miner's Girl

• May 20, 2009 10:51 a.m.

  I used Chantix and a help hotline and have gone 50 days now without a cigarette! I have already cut my hypertension medication in half and no long wheeze or cough. I am less tired and also chew a LOT of gum. I use deep breathing for the times when the urge strikes and those urges are becoming further between. I consider having been a smoker my whole life, as I was raised by an entire family of chain smokersIf I can do it, you can.

  - Shirley

• May 20, 2009 1:18 a.m.

  I made a decision to quit the next time there was no Drama going on in my busy life. That was in the summer.... In mid-November, I grabbed the opportunity. Happily that was in 1976. Today I'm healthy and retired because I believed I could quit.

  - v. whitney

• May 15, 2009 11:22 p.m.

  I have recently been diagnosed with chronic lymphocidic lukemia. My research has told me it can spark other cancers. I have smoked for 35 years. I desperatly need help to quit. If anyone can help please let me know. Thanks,Julie.

  - Julie Doss