Anyways, I just smoked the last cigarette in my pack, and I'm not going to buy anymore. Ever.
I'll congratulate you in a year (if I remember). Seriously. I applaud anyone who wants to try to quit. It's a lot easier to say it than it is to do it.
However -
Some back history; I've only smoked for 2 years and I'm a 3-5 a day type person.
Honestly, if you only smoke five cigs a day and you've only been doing it for 2 years, it should be a lot easier to quit than it is for someone who smokes a lot for a long time. You almost don't smoke already. Compared to what I did. I smoked about 3 packs a day for 20 years and I did quit cold turkey last year. It was really hard. I won't lie to you.
You sound like you might be the kind of person with a lot of self control. I had none of that. I had to have someone basically take away my car keys and money and lock me in a room for two weeks. I knew that was the only way I wouldn't give up and go buy a pack when it got really bad.
After a couple of weeks, the cravings do ease up but they don't completely go away. You still need willpower and will continue to need it whenever you remember that you used to love having a smoke in this situation or that time of day or after you eat.
I had been planning to quit for awhile, but my doctor just diagnosed me with chornic bronchitis, so I decided it's really time for me to quit for good. Right now, no excuses.
That's the mindset you need but you have to really mean it. I can't tell if you really mean it or not because I'm someone else. You know in your mind if you mean it. And this is important because this will determine how successful you are. It's vital that you understand this is going to be hard. Parts of you that you didn't even know were there will try to make excuses. You need to make a place in your mind right now where you know that you're confident that you can quit and you have to get there when you get a bad craving.
A.) How long did your cravings last until they stopped? (this including nicotine withdrawal symptoms like headaches.)
I never had headaches because of it. Just anxiety, hunger cravings, nervousness, extreme irritability. That sort of thing. Like I said, they may not go completely away fast so you have to be prepared for that. That shouldn't be discouraging. Just get yourself ready for the possibility that before it's over with, every cell in your body might be screaming for a cigarette. You might get snappy with friends and loved ones. You might get into arguments for no reason. You might walk around angry and conflicted and nervous and jittery and jumpy for days on end. It's very unpleasant if your addiction is strong.
B.) Any techniques you used to help you out?
None really other than what I said. The most important thing is not to give in no matter what. You can never have "just one more". If you have another one it can only lead to another one. And so on.
Try and remember that cigarettes are not really doing anything for you that you actually need. There was a time when you didn't smoke and you got by fine without them then. The idea that you need them is all in your head and everyone who's ever been a smoker knows how strong it is and how it can seem like you really do need them.
Honestly, over a year later, I still have times when I feel there's a gaping hollow spot somewhere deep in my being and I start to crave a smoke when I realize that's that feeling I used to get when I wanted one.
Understand that you're a nicotine addict and you might be a nicotine addict for the rest of your life even if you quit. It may not ever completely go away. The best I've been able to do is suppress it. I still want to smoke. I don't think about it most of the time but it can be a bit unpleasant when a craving hits out of the blue.
Hopefully, you haven't gotten to that stage of addiction yet. Just remember if you quit, you must be vigilant and not ever go back. I quit a couple of times over the course of 20 years and I went back both times foolishly thinking that I wouldn't get addicted again. The thing is that if you've ever been addicted to it, it will get you faster and harder next time. If you do manage to quit and you give up, it's like letting it win. Your mind will see it as you giving it an order to allow itself to be completely dominated by nicotine and it will be much harder to quit the next time.
C.) Any smokers been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis? How long did it last before you got better?
I have no idea about that. I'm sure my lungs are not in the best of shape. I was having some breathing problems when I quit and I still get winded really easily. If you've only smoked 5 a day for two years, you should be fine in no time unless there's something else causing your bronchitis.
Thanks. I understand that even starting smoking was completely stupid, and I regret it.
Most people who smoke do regret it. Not all of them will say so but most smokers are perpetually planning to quit. The ones who never do will eventually die from it and it won't be pretty.
