Life with tobacco is a nightmare.

I plan on fully quitting and I’m doing it cold turkey. My friends have a great incentive for me. If I can stay smoke-free for three months, they’re taking me out to dinner to a five star restaurant. Every time I cheat, they say they will change the restaurant until finally we’re eating take out!

On December 18, 2009 I had my last cigarette. I have no idea how I have quit and not looked back but I did and I have never been happier. First reason I have $1000 put away in that time that I would have spent on cigarettes, and I have no idea what I am going to use it for but at least it's there! The main reason I quit is that I watched my grandfather (who was a heavy smoker) lose his voicebox 9 years ago, then get lung cancer and beat it, and then lose his battle in 2008. Watching him waste away and watching the cancer take his life was awful and something I will never forget. I realize that I have a lot of life left to live and I don't want my life to end because of an addiction to something so toxic. Now I am running, swimming, and working out and finding that I am not out of breath like I was just 3 months ago. I never thought I would be a non-smoker and now I don't know why I ever wanted to be a smoker!

My name is April. I am 35 year old single mother of a beautiful 10 year old girl. I smoked my first cigarette when I was 17. I smoked off and on for almost 18 years. Until one day my daughter looked at me and said "Mom, if you keep smoking you are gonna die and I don’t want you to die." It broke my heart. So, I made an appointment with a doctor. She prescribed me a smoking cessation pill to help ease the cravings. I started the medication on April 13th. By April 18th, I had completely stopped smoking. And I have not picked up one ever since. I have even weaned my self off of the smoking cessation pill and I am still smoke free (DAY 26). I am very, very proud of myself. I never would have thought that I would have made it this far but I did. I think that I have gained about 10 pounds already but I told myself not to weigh myself at all. That should not play any factor at all in my quitting smoking.

I started smoking when I was 13 and have been smoking a pack a day ever since (7 years). I started this week off with cutting down to 1-3 cigarettes a day, and have not smoked for 2 days now... I know I will never smoke again. I'm not using any type of help (patch, gum, pills) so it is difficult, but I think I might stop by the dep for some gum at least since I'm having a really hard time concentrating on my studies (First year university student). I am eating a lot more, and am quite irritable. In my field of study, I learn about the lungs, the effect of smoking on the body and it has finally hit me.. Writing this message however has really helped me finalize the decision in my brain. Some early-on tips (that are helping me!): -If you smoke with your coffee, stop both... drink tea or juice instead. I find it helps plus its good to stop both because i tell my body I'm really craving the caffeine. -TV and Studying helps when you get bored, do something that consumes a lot of time per sitting. -Pistachios, almonds, walnuts and/or small fruits like grapes... they are small and can be eaten slowly throughout the day, and keep your mouth occupied. After a few days, start exercising or walking and see how much better you feel and how much further you can go! If the craving gets really bad, just sit down and wait it out. -Avoid alcohol for a while... Pretend you're on a detox to a healthier life (you actually are!!) I can't wait to get back to a healthy active lifestyle and I wish you all the luck, determination and willpower in the world in your feat against smoking :)

Not much of a story yet. I am 52 and have smoked since I was 15. Was a pack a day smoker and have tried to quit at least 6 times in the past. I am now on day 5 without a cigarette and have not had serious cravings yet. Worst day I chewed 5 pieces of 2 mg nicotine gum. Just fed up with standing outside in -40 degrees to "enjoy" a cigarette, tired of being a slave to the habit.

My Aunt had smoked for as long as I could remember. I used to call it her 'dirty habit'. As I grew older I began to understand that smoking was very bad for you, your lungs and those around you. I wished that she would stop smoking. People we knew and loved began to die, they too smoked.

As a 'grown-up' I would not tolerate being around smokers. My aunt still smoked. I graduated from university and was engaged to be married. When asked by my aunt what that something special she could get us for a wedding gift I asked that she would quite smoking forever. She was surprised but agreed. This was not an easy task and I know she had to have struggled. She sent me the 'patch' packages each time one was done to how me her progress. The day of my wedding my aunt was smoke free. I could not have asked for a better gift!

I was getting sick more often. I could be fine in the morning and by noon I wouldn't have a voice. Between that, and my family’s concern for my health, I decided it was time to quit. My quit date was February 26, 2003. After my husband’s hockey game, I told him I quit. He asked me to throw my cigarettes in the garbage and I did. That was how did it, by telling someone I loved that "I QUIT." I also told my sister Sharon. She was so proud of me. Even now that she has passed away, I won’t smoke because she was so proud and happy I had quit.

I quit smoking April 1, 2006. I wanted to quit for many reasons. But the 2 most pressing reasons was firstly, waiting for the arrival of a new grandchild who would be living in our house so I would not be able to smoke in the house any longer, and secondly my other son and his wife were in desperate need of free babysitting to free them of the enormous expense of childcare for their 3 children so they could buy a house.

I had been smoking for 37 years and was smoking at least 50 cigarettes a day. I had tried to quit unsuccessfully in the past, so I thought of the reasons I wasn’t successful in the past and decided to cover all areas. I set a time and date of quitting. I purchased nicotine patches to help with the headaches and feeling crappy from nicotine withdrawal, and I put the remainder of my cigarette pack in my purse to keep with me at all times so I wouldn’t panic thinking I was out of cigarettes. I know that must sound crazy but whenever I was without cigarettes I would panic and need to go to buy more right away.

I also cleaned the nicotine from my home, put all ash trays away and my mantra became “I am a nonsmoker.” When the date arrived, I began my battle. I visualized that the smokes were in control of me and I was not tolerating it any longer. So I developed a hate for those cigarettes and became determined to get rid of their control. At times it was 1 minute at a time, sometimes 30 minutes would go by without thinking of a smoke. It is now over 2 years and I am a non-smoker. My son and his wife bought their 1st home and my husband and I enjoy having our granddaughters here everyday.

My family all believe now that I have quit smoking but it took them awhile because I was such a heavy smoker – they had rarely seen me without a cigarette in my hand. I myself was so surprised and pleased that I was finally able to get free of those things that I still pinch myself sometimes. So for others out there thinking you can’t do it …you can!!! Just close your eyes and tell yourself you are a non-smoker, and those smokes are your enemy and you can do it too.

I quit smoking on March 3, 2009 after smoking for approx. 38 years. I smoked very little in high school but probably smoked a pack a day for more than 10 years. Back in the summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and even though there is only a 40% blockage in two heart arteries, the doctor told me to stop smoking. I was experiencing difficulty walking up a short flight of stairs. Because I was smoking less and less all the time, I decided to kick the habit with the help of the patch. I think it has worked for me because I really wanted to quit smoking. You know what? I don't have cravings and don't want to smoke a cigarette....I can't even stand the smell of them now. Anyone wanting to quit can do it if they really want to. I know I can honestly say that I'll never smoke again.

I am 40 years old and have smoked for about 20 years. I quit before, on three occasions, for one month. But each time I started again by saying to myself “this one won't hurt.” One cigarette turned into three then into ten...you know how it goes. This time it is over. Time to call it quits… FOR GOOD!

My health hasn't been a concern. Money is more of a factor. I did a more advanced calculation. I didn’t calculate the potential increase in the cost of cigarettes, but nonetheless the numbers were insane. At $8.50 a day, put into a low interest account (I think I used 4%) for 25 years (when I my retire) the amount of money I can draw off that account for 20 years until it is exhausted (assuming I'll live to 85) is $800 per month ! How's that for a pension plan?

It's been a week now and I can feel all the disgusting toxins leaving my body. I just came back from a run and noticed that my lungs are barely better. That doesn't deter me though. I have an outlook of my future without smokes, I have my goals. I used to bike 20k a week up until I was 17 and then quit because my time was taken by a small white stick I needed to have every hour or two. I'm 22 and I can't run, I love to play hockey but can't make it past 20 minutes. My breath would always stink, and i'd always cough up hardened phlegm. My clothes would have a horrible smell stained into them forever and my friends would cough from me coming near them after a smoke. I used smoking as an escape, to think and get away from other problems. I started taking to smokes after meals and while having a coffee. EVEN AFTER I WOULD PLAY HOCKEY WITH YOUNGER KIDS ON MY STREET. I always told myself I'd never get addicted. After applying for the Quitnow.ca, I found that it's really not the prizes that they have to offer, it really is a life changer. I read a couple of stories here already and I notice one thing that similar to my situation. I WILL NOT BE CONTROLLED. My physical and MENTAL health is improving by the day, and now that i've gotten this far, I'm NEVER looking back. To those who want to quit; be patient. You need to want to hate smoking, you need to know when to draw the line and KEEP yourself from crossing it. Good luck to everyone who decides to and congratulations to all that have! Once you conquer your addiction to nicotine, you seriously feel like you can conquer anything.

I am 44 years of age and have smoked since the age of 13. When I was pregnant with my children I quit both times but unfortunately restarted for a number of reasons. It wasn't until my mother passed away in October of 2007 from congestive heart failure that I began to seriously consider quitting again. After months of feeling unhealthy, I finally quit Mar.13th 2008 and am quite proud to say haven't even given it a second thought. I basically just got tired of feeling like complete crap all the time. I believe my mother would be quite proud of me if she were here today. To those who try to quit and start up again...keep trying. If you TRULY, deep down in your GUT, wish to quit...you will!!!

I'm 54 years old and have smoked since the age of 14. I quit once when I was 35 for a year, but for the wrong reason. I haven't smoked since January 1st. Quitting had nothing to do with the date. I was sitting in the garage that day having a cigarette, and all of a sudden I just got completely fed up. Tired of the effort, tired of the stink, tired of the cost and scared of the consequences. I collected all my unopened packs and all the lighters I kept in all my coat pockets; gave them to my husband and told him I was done and to throw everything away. He was really surprised but very happy. The first several days I was extremely irritable, but I have to say that it has not been as difficult as I expected it to be. This proves to me that you have to want it and be ready for it on your own terms. I quit cold turkey. I did make an appointment with my doctor so he could document it in my file and he suggested I try gum or patches. My feeling was to get the nicotine out of my system as quickly as possible. It has worked for me. Most of the people who know me never thought I would quite. I'm not sure why that is as I am not a 'dirty' smoker and over the years smoking less and less, mainly due to the inconvenience. I think most smokers who have quit will tell you that they had to want it and be ready for it. I'm really happy at this acheivement and know that this time it will stick. Good luck everyone.

I quit 3 weeks ago today after over 12 years of smoking ciggerates. Like most people, I started when I was teenager thinking I was doing the cool thing and trying to fit in. For years I smoked without ever thinking of the consequences or what I was doing to my body. Honestly, when you smoke for so long you have no idea how great it is the be a non-smoker. Your addiction traps you and you start to believe this is how life is. Shortness of breath, lack of endurance when doing physical activity, sneaking away from functions to smoke...this is not the way you where meant to live. Its only been 3 weeks and I can tell you my life has changed dramatically. Everything I do is liking doing it again for the first time. Its an absolute amazing experience. I never thought I would say this, being so addicted to smoking my entire adult life (iam only 29 and smoking since 16), but it does get easier, much easier. Just take the first step, and stick with it. Its damn hard but it does get easier and life is so much better on the other side. I have been quit for 3 Weeks, 7 hours, 50 minutes and 37 seconds (21 days). I have saved $115.16 by not smoking 255 cigarettes. I have saved 21 hours and 15 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 2010/10/18 8:00 AM

Hello. My name is Christina Dalkin and I’ve managed to successfully quit smoking after 27 years and numerous quit attempts. As a diabetic, I was greatly motivated to quit based on the health implications involved with smoking. I was known as the last person anyone would ever think of to successfully quit smoking, but I made a promise to myself to quit by the age of 40, and am proud to say that I was finally able to overcome my addiction to cigarettes once and for all.

I am a smoker. I have been for about 20 years now. That’s a long time. I’ve thought long and hard about quitting—many times. I have also quit many times, but it has never been permanently successful. I could say my willpower is not as strong as it used to be, but that would just be an excuse. I could say that I don’t smoke very much, only 7-10 per day, but that would also be an excuse. There are no excuses—all I need to do is realize that fact.

These days there are more people in the world who do not smoke than those who do. 20-30 years ago this was completely the opposite. Times are changing. Smokers are now labelled, in my eyes, as “dirty”, “smelly”, “rule breakers”, “stupid” and “insensitive”, to name a few. I am not going to bash non-smokers. They worry for their health, don’t we all? We are all human, aren’t we?

Some smokers just have a difficult time dealing with the actual habitual part of smoking, and this is where we need a little more help. We need backup. We need to have a “personal trainer” if you will, to guide us through the steps it takes to quit. Someone who will support our habit as well as our wish to quit. Someone who will back you all the way. Someone to cheer you on. Someone who is not going to lecture you or make rude comments about your habit. This makes the situation much worse, and I am sure smokers everywhere will agree with this. It’s almost like dealing with a rebelling teenager when you tell a smoker they should quit.

In my eyes the stress in my life is phenomenal at times (this is a personal excuse I tend to use way too much) Hey, guess what? Non-smokers have just as much stress in their lives as smokers do, but they deal with it in different, healthier ways most times. The day I took my first drag off a cigarette was a life altering experience. All of a sudden I seemed to fit in, to be “cool”, to not have the “little miss perfect” name I had made for myself back when I was 16. Like the song goes, “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger.” Now that I have kids, and I am almost at the age my mother was when she died, it’s time for another life changing experience – to quit. I was 20 when my mother passed away. She was not around to see me get my license (yes, I was 20) for my wedding, or for the births of five of her grandchildren. My father was absolutely lost.

Mom was a smoker. She did not, however, die of any smoke related disease, but of malignant melanoma. Who is to say, though, that smoking may have contributed to the metastases of the disease to her brain? Why take the chance? ‘Can I be so “stupid” to even smoke to this day?’ is a question I often ask myself. This is where the routine sticks a little too strongly. I am used to having the nicotine at certain times of the day: two in the morning, two at lunch and two on the way home, and then two to three in the evening. (Another excuse--but least I am willing to admit it). Yes, having the Smoke Free Policy here at work has helped me. I am no longer able to have 2 cigarettes on each break, so there are four of the troublemakers gone already. I don’t miss them. Thank you WMHC.

I want to be around for both of my daughter’s weddings, the births of all of my grandchildren(and hopefully great grandchildren), I want to be able to enjoy my retirement with my husband, travel, enjoy precious time with my family. I have set my quit date, thanks to a fellow colleague and friend. I am going to quit, and this time it’s going to be for good.

Many times I have heard fellow smokers say “I wish I never started smoking”. Me too.

I started smoking when I was twelve and it took until the age of 26 to finally quit. Over the years I had tried the pill, the patch and gum but nothing ever seemed to work. I finally decided to quit cold turkey and now in exactly one month I will have been smoke free for two years. The health benefits of not smoking coupled with the memories of the withdrawl symptoms I had to go through are what have helped me stay smoke free. I was also able to save up enough to spend five weeks travelling around India a few months back thanks to the money I saved from not buying cigarettes!

Along with my loving wife, I quit smoking on October 20, 2008 and have been smoke-free ever since. We have taken the money we wasted on that silly habit and are paying for a new car. With the money we previously used to buy cigarettes, we’re making the monthly payments on a 2008 vehicle. That is incredible, don't you think?

I started smoking when I was 14 and am 27 now... I smoked pretty heavily, ending my 'smoking career' with about 16 smokes per day. After about my 8th attempt to quit - I finally did it! (Cold turkey!) The reason I finally quit: I got a bad cold - and ended up with a puffer, 2 puffers, and once those ran out, onto my third. It’s pretty sad that I'm only 27 and have smoked myself to almost having asthma. I still wheeze, but not as much, and it’s usually at night time... it’s getting better everyday, I just hope it stops! Don't give yourself a reason to quit, don't wait until you get sick! I'm only 27 - and that’s pretty sad in my books. I quit by cutting down for a couple weeks until I didn't need that one smoke a day anymore. Everyone has their own way - but it's possible!! I'll be smoke free forever.

Hi there. I used to smoke. Who didn't really??? I started in high school. Must of been the pressure of looking good, funny eh? Looking back at it now and boy what a experience. Now after the controlling "white-tar-stick" episodes of my life, I am 27 and I have officially quit.

I haven’t wanted to have one for over a year now. I didn't quit cold turkey though. I tried to. Problem was that I would go out to a club or some party during a quitting period and guess what? I had a smoke and started up again. After so many quitting episodes I realized I felt so crummy and gross when I did smoke. I smelled terrible too. Friends, family and even girlfriends at the time said I smelled terrible and that they didn't want to be around me when I had a smoke. Talk about uncomfortable.

I have a 5 yr old daughter. She asks about people who smoke and she knows it’s bad. She has asked me "Is (whoever is smoking) going to be sick and die because of smoking??" Now that was too much to take in. I am engaged now and my fiancee who I love so so very smoked a pack a day. She has slowed down her habit though with some courage. Hopefully with all the activities we can do together like walking, fishing, camping, fitness center activities etc... we can both look back at it and say we DID smoke and boy was that disgusting.

We all can quit, just believe in yourself to do so. Trust me, it’s the best thing you could do for yourself. And when you do quit, because you will!!! Help those you love as well. I am currently helping the one I love quit. Being there for them, helping them out is also the best thing you can do for someone else who smokes. Remember "I CAN DO IT, I CAN QUIT THIS".

I have two small children, and I had noticed that I would get winded running around the playground with them. At 32, this seemed ridiculous to me. I had been smoking for 15 years and have tried to quit several times in the past. There was always a reason to extend my quit date, or start up again "temporarily". Usually I convinced myself that things were stressful at the time, and I would quit later. The problem is, later never comes. I kept thinking of my wonderful kids and how I may be cheating them out of time with their dad later in life. I knew I had to quit, and this time there would be no excuses. This is a stressful time of year at work for me, but I keep telling myself that there is no "perfect time" except RIGHT NOW. I have always hid my habit from the kids, but as of two days ago, I don't have to anymore. Sure there are cravings, but when I get them, I just look at a picture of the kids, take a deep breath, and push it out of my mind. If cravings get really bad, I just think of my grandfather. He used one match in the morning, and lit cigarettes off each other all day. He did this for about 35 years, and then one day woke up and decided that he wasn't going to smoke anymore. And he never did. I figure if he could do that, I can kick my habit. I am excited about my change, and if you take it one day at a time, you can get there!

I’ve been smoking for 40 years and tried to quit on a number of occasions with limited to no success. Stress has always been my "reason" for smoking. There was never a good time to quit and the years just rolled by. I could always justify my smoking until recently. I went to Mexico for a week and was always out of breath and had no energy to enjoy myself. I knew the reason was my life-long smoking habit. I decided to quit upon my return to Vancouver. My quit date was December 1, 2008 but I ended up smoking two cigarettes that morning. I felt that I had let myself and my family down again, but I didn’t give up. I didn't smoke the rest of that day and now I haven't smoked in an entire week. I am already feeling much more energetic and am breathing much more easily.

I quit smoking on October 11, 2006. It is the greatest accomplishment of my life. I tried nine times before I made it stick. This time I told myself that I was not quitting smoking, but choosing not to smoke. I used everything I had available to me. Smoking cessation medication, nicotine patches, had a friend quit with me, etc. I cried, threw temper tantrums, depression, you name it. I am a little bit heavier now but that can be easily fixed with a little more exercise. Oh my! Can I breathe easier!!! So here's to you! Let's see you try it too!

I was only 42 years old when I was diagnosed with COPD. I remember thinking “this is going to kill me.” But it at first wasn’t enough to make me quit smoking, a habit I’ve had since I was 13 years old.

I had several warning signs of COPD: a lot of coughing, congestion and was often short of breath. I had tried to quit smoking several times, but always resorted back to the cravings.

It wasn’t until I saw a COPD commercial that I found the inspiration to quit for good.

The ad showed an image of a healthy lung in a non-smoker and an image of a lung in which the patient had smoked for 32 years. I couldn’t get the image out of my head. I didn’t ever want to see a cigarette again!”

I finally took the plunge and quit smoking on August, Friday the 13th.. Since joining a pulmonary rehab group, I can walk better, breath better and I’m not coughing anything up. Between exercising and eating healthier, I have also lost 17 pounds.

I quit smoking about 15 years ago. I went to see my doctor because I had shortness of breath. He told me: If you want to see your grandchildren graduate, you’d better stop smoking. That was it. I haven’t smoked since then. It just opened my eyes. I realized I was killing myself. I used to spend $4 a day on cigarettes. Since I’ve quit, I’ve put $4 a day into a jar for 15 years. I’ve saved $20,000. I use the money to take my wife on trips and buy her presents. I’ve been married to the same wonderful woman for 59 years.

This is my fourth year now of not smoking. I used willpower to quit. I went cold turkey. I was talking to my doctor about quitting because I had high blood pressure. He offered me a patch. But I told him that I’m going to try and help myself first.

I’m a councillor for the Cross Lake Band. But I used to be an Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) worker. My job was to promote healthy eating and living. That’s when I started thinking seriously about my health. I wanted to be a healthy role model.

So I quit smoking, started eating healthy and did my exercises. My husband Reginald supported me. He quit nine years before me. Instead of smoking, we would go for a walk.

After I quit, I noticed that I didn’t have colds every month. I used to get colds all the time and cough a lot. My breathing is healthier now. My taste has improved. I feel good. My blood pressure is back to normal.

I know some women are worried that they will gain weight if they stop smoking. But, you know, I used to weigh 245 lbs. when I smoked. Today, I’m still working on my weight, but through healthy eating, I’ve lost about 25 to 30 lbs. A lot of people would come into my office and ask how I did it. I would tell them just eat small portions, three times a day, and drink lots of water.

Some people don’t want to quit smoking because they’re afraid they’ll gain weight. But that’s an excuse. They just don’t want to quit smoking!

There are a lot of people smoking in our community. And there’s a lot of cancer, too. So that really motivated me to do something. That’s why I started The Blue Light Project. It’s brought a lot of awareness about smoking in our community. I hope other communities will adopt the project, too.

If I can quit, so can you. You just have to challenge yourself and motivate yourself to do other things, instead of smoking.

I quit a thousand times before I actually quit for the last time. Just about every night when I went to bed, I would say that this is my last cigarette. But in the morning I would light up again. When we found out our son was coming, we knew we had to quit. My wife smoked too. My wife used the "patch" to help her quit while I just quit "cold turkey".

I soon realized, once I got past the initial withdrawal symptoms which were not as bad as I thought, that smoking for me was more of a habit. I simply changed my habits. Instead of sitting around after a meal and having a smoke, I got up right away and did the dishes or went outside. I listened to music in the car instead of smoking. I knew I had to quit for my son so that was my inspiration. After about two weeks, the thoughts of smoking left me and I didn't even crave a cigarette. I quit in July 2000 and have not touched a cigarette since and do not feel any urge to. To quit, find a good enough reason and change your habits, avoid smoking situations.

Between the two of us, we had smoked for a total of more than 74 years. Finally, we decided that after years of pressure from friends and family, and feeling like social outcasts, we were ready to quit. We had both tried before, but we weren’t truly ready. This time we knew we had to finally end our addiction.

Prompted by the provincial smoking bans and the inconvenience they caused, we decided in the fall of 2007 that we were ready to quit once and for all. We have now been smoke-free for over a year and it has been a complete lifestyle change. We now feel better physically and can enjoy going out in public again!

We realize that in our heads, we were ready to quit and that made all the difference. Once someone knows they’re ready to quit, the next step is just giving it a try.

I quit smoking in 1999 because I wanted to see my grandchildren. My first grand-child was born in 2008 and I have enjoyed knowing her for every minute of her life. I didn't think that I could quit on my own, so I spoke with my family doctor about it. She suggested that I try a smoking cessation pill, which I did. I can tell you that it worked for me. Eight weeks later, I was smoke free.

With the exception of taking one drag from one cigarette in May and again in June that year, I have not had any cigarettes. I do not have any craving for it, although I know that I do occasionally smoke in my dreams. Before I quit, I could not even conceive of being smoke-free for a few months, let alone 10 years. It turns out that it was easier than I thought it would be. One last note, though. I now have asthma and probably COPD. I'm glad I quit when I did because I wonder if I would still be alive today. My age is 54.

Hi. My name is Gina. I am 52 years old, and have been a smoker for 37 years. I quit smoking on March 23rd 2009, the last of many attempts, I hope. I have tried over the years, most things on the market, but always failed. I have been smoke free now for over two months, but I feel sometimes it gets worse instead of better.

I needed to hear from other quitters tonight, and am pleased I found this website. It has helped. I am still craving cigarettes at certain times, and feel very down and low at these times, but I am determined to get through them. I already know I am in better health, but I still feel as though I have lost something, rather than gained so much, once in a while. I was hoping that I may get that little bit of a boost from other successful quitters, that will spur me on, and hopefully give me the help and encouragement I need to keep me on track. Thank you for your support and for reading this.

May 13, 2010 I had colon resection surgery (fortunately the mass was not malignant); I also learned I was diabetic. I had stopped smoking for the surgery and while hospitalized. I am a Vietnam vet and retired law enforcement...63 years old. I smoked for 50 years. Quit cold turkey after returning home from surgery. It's really not that hard to do folks...ya just gotta really want to and say “enuf”. The morning coughing went south almost immediately and I feel more energetic and I don't have to constantly be clearing my throat. Good luck to all...you can do it!

I had had enough of smoking after 25 years at it, started wondering when I looked around how long I would be there to see their life accomplishments ... graduations, marraige...etc and a few smokers about 5-7 years older than me (42) starts the thought process so i went seen Doc and he gave me prescription for a smoking cessation pill and it worked but it takes will power and beating your brain in this is tough but as non smoker it is worth the fight. My best advice is to keep trying no matter what if you slip get up and try again. the first day is hardest then just keep telling yourself how long its been since you had last one next thing you know you will be saying its been a day then a week then a month. The pills definitely take the edge off then you just have to program yourself out of the habit. The first day is rough then after that it gets easier and easier and after a week you will never want one trust me, everything starts to improve taste breathing.

There's nothing more motivating than your Ear, Nose and Throat Physician telling you that you have cancer. We were fortunate, we caught it early, but I decided that no matter the outcome, I wasn't going to be a smoker any longer. It was difficult, but my focus was getting through the radiation treatment and the surgery following. I was very young for a Laryngectomy and while I'm very happy to still be here, I'd rather not have to breathe through my neck. The point of my story is that if you smoke please find ANY motivation to quit.

About the middle of March 2009, I decided to quit smoking. This was my 4 or 5th attempt in the past year to quit smoking. During this time I learned that smoking had affected 2 people really close to me in a very bad way. This really opened my eyes to what smoking can do to you and all the things it holds you back from.

Now I am able to jog 2 times a day for a good distance without stopping and my skin looks so much better. Also, I find that I just respect my body so much more. Sometimes when I have had a few pints of beer with friends I get the temptation, but the disgusting taste and smell just come to thought and it automatically becomes something repulsive.

Lastly, smoking is just stupid. Maybe you could equate it to driving drunk or doing anything that can put your life in jeopardy, because the smoke kills you, but slowly! This is my story and I hope that it inspires someone else to quit as well. P.S.: Smart people don't smoke!!!!!

Well, I am starting day 4 today. Today is officially the longest I've gone without a cigarette since I was 13 (and I am 35 now). That's why even though it's only 84 hours (yes... I'm counting in hours), I'm writing about it. I was motivated by many things, the most important of which are: a) being there for my children when they are older. b) being there for the man I love (and who loves me so dearly). c) being angry that this little white stick controlled my life!!

I'm sure there are a ton of smaller reasons - but these were the biggest ones. I quit one (planned) night. My partner destroyed my remaining cigarettes (because we thought it would be healthy for him to play a part in the 'rituals') and threw away ashtrays etc, while I went outside to smoke my last one. As I smoked it, I 'talked' to it. I told it how I hated it. I told it how I hated how it made me smell. I told it I hated it for trying to take me away from my loved ones... I told it that ~I~ was in control and that I was no longer fooled by it's supposed power.

Sure, I get cravings, but my mindset this time is soooooo much different than in the past. That's what's making it work for me. I DON'T want to be a smoker. I WANT to be smoke free. I WILL NOT quit quitting. I'm not even tempted to quit quitting. It's not an option. For the small cravings I just pop a mint inn my mouth, or take a deep breath, and I always say something in my head like, "Screw you craving. I am in control" - Hey, it helps! LOL!

For the larger ones (stronger ones) I take a long drink of water and take a few deep breaths. I tell myself it will go away VERY soon (and it does). Mindset.. Mindset.. MINDSET. Oh, did I say MINDSET!? It's a choice. It's a resolve. I know I will stay quit.

I smoked heavily (1.5 - 2 packs a day) for nearly 30 years. I tried many different things to quit smoking but never really had much success. A good buddy of mine quit at a stop smoking seminar and so I decided to give it a try. In February 2004, I attended the seminar in downtown Vancouver. I was skeptical, but haven't smoked or wanted to ever since. That was over five years ago. Since quitting, I have sent around 30 people to the seminar and at least 25 of them have quit successfully. If I can do it, anyone can. Seriously.

I recall counting down the months to my quit date, which would be my 40th birthday. Being a fitness enthusiast at the time, my "fit" friends would tolerate my smoking habit, but often questioned me about why I continued. I enjoyed smoking – I found it calming, like my own little security blanket. But I knew I had to quit as I was very afraid of having a stroke (strange that I wasn't worried about lung cancer – just a stroke). I always put off their questions by saying - "don't worry – I'll quit when I'm forty," never thinking that "forty" would actually arrive. And it was coming, month by ticking month.

My friends threw me a big 40th birthday bash and all knew it would be my last day on cigarettes. The funniest part was the birthday cake with "cigarettes" instead of candles. What a way to ruin a perfectly good cigarette.

I had prepared for this momentous event by getting a prescription for a smoking cessation pill, and as directed, had been taking the medication for a few weeks prior to my quit date. This medication did help in that it quenched my taste for cigarettes – I remember having a hard time getting through a cigarette after about two weeks I found that taking this medication assisted in the beginning stages of quitting; however I attribute my overall success at quitting to sheer will power. I knew that I couldn’t “sort-of quit”. It had to be 100 percent. Believe me – there were some bad moments. In the end it all worked. I have never had another cigarette, not even a puff. I think I am very afraid that if I have just a wee puff, I would probably become addicted again.

My advice to anyone quitting - make sure you have friends and family that you can contact and "be grouchy with." I informed many of my friends that I wasn't going through this alone and I made good on that promise. I called, I squawked, I complained. But eventually, I just developed a normal life and then that smoking thing just became history.

I am now a fitness instructor at the YMCA and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. It sure feels great to have a clean set of lungs to breathe with when I have to instruct, motivate and sometimes cajole our class participants through a cardio-torture Spin class, and then later in the day, don a pair of snowshoes for a two-hour climb up a steep mountainside.

It sure is great to breathe! And it sure is great not to reek of cigarette smoke. I am soooo sociably acceptable now.

I quit smoking on Jan 1, 2009. I had been smoking for at least 9 years with my earliest going back to when I was 12. The first day was really hard. I thought it would get harder, but it only gets easier. Now the nicotine is out of my system.

It’s the habit I am trying to conquer by starting new habits. Even though it has been many years, I remember playing Nintendo with my older brother. So I went out and got myself an old Nintendo system and games and have been playing the games I used to love! It doesn't bother not to smoke because I am not used to smoking while playing the video games. Seems a little silly, but it is working for me. Maybe Nintendo isn't your thing... but try to think of something that you used to do before you smoked, and make it a new habit.

Only being quit for 1 week but I feel a lot better. I had to quit because I love surfing and when the waves got big I could notice my breath was short. I want to have clean lungs full of air for me. I couldn’t go on smoking. I’m 25 now. Quitting smoking has made my face better skin better and my immune system great. I never get sick anymore. I hope I never go back to it. thanks for reading.

I have now been smoke-free for six months and I’m so proud to be able to say that. I smoked one to two packs a day for over 50 years, so I wasn’t sure I could quit. I had smoked for such a long time that I felt I would never be able to quit. As it turns out, quitting wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I don’t have cravings and I no longer feel like an outcast because I’m the only person smoking at a social gathering. After years, I have finally ended my addiction and I’m encouraging other smokers I know to do the same.

I finally stopped smoking about 12 years ago, after twice quitting for two (2) seven-year periods. When I smoked (3 packs daily), I didn’t think of the implications or effects on my cardio-vascular system and/or heart disease; nor was I aware of the effect upon others of my second-hand smoke.

About 10 years ago I participated in a Smoking Cessation Training program. While I can’t point a finger to a particular event – I can state that it was mainly due to the public repetition of information that I finally realized the health implications which finally propelled me into quitting. As a result of all of this, I have had bypass surgery and was recently diagnosed with COPD. Try not to let this happen to you.

I now volunteer my help in support of lung health programs. I am a non-smoker and current President of the NL Lung Association.

My story really begins on the wide Atlantic Ocean. While going overseas to World War ll, I found that cigarettes were being sold for 6 cents per package of 20. I was not a smoker, but there was no way I could resist this bargain. So, I discarded what I felt I did not need, and filled my luggage with cigarette cartons. I was hooked during the 5 day passage.

I smoked for many years after, but with many feeble attempts at quitting; some lasted a day and one of them a year. All attempts failed and I went back to smoking; but with the desire to quit always in the back of my mind. Then, on September 10, 1988, when I reached for my after breakfast cigarette, I said to myself "Damn you, No!" I returned to my bedroom and put the package of cigarettes in the drawer, and promised myself it would not come out again.

Today, almost 21 years later, it never did. But I knew it would take a real test of will to leave the package where it was, especially with the plans I had for my upcoming trip. On September 14th of 1988, I would be taking part in a reunion of Airmen in Winnipeg, and it would last about 5 days. I would meet many old friends, and make many new ones, sing a lot of the old songs, and imbibe far more than I should. There were parades, speeches, toasts, bands, the whole works. The hours were from early in the day until early the following mornings, each day; all of which is a smoker's bane. Smoking was rampant all around me during the reunion. As I drove back to Calgary on the last day of the reunion, I reveled in the fact that I had not smoked one cigarette during the entire affair. It had been tough to turn down all offers (I did not carry any smokes) but I knew then if I could do it for 8 days, I could do it for life. And, it worked!

Today I have emphysema, presumably as a result of those 55 years of smoking. However, had I not quit when I did, my life would not have been as good as it has been since, and I may not even have been able to write this story. I loved a cigarette, but I learned to love life more.

I quit smoking in 1993. Back then, I was a canine officer (on the Saint John Police Force). I was on my feet a lot and had to pass a fitness test. I had been smoking at least a pack a day since I was a teen, along with cigars and smokeless tobacco.

My Dad had smoked all his life and had a heart condition. He was a very strong man and his only health issues were caused from smoking. Our family has a history of asthma and of course cigarette smoking makes this worse. I knew that the smoking was causing me breathing problems and would eventually attribute to more and more health issues. I just knew I had to get rid of them to improve my health. It was difficult to quit but I did it.

I am now 56 years old and a marathon runner. I’ve done nine full marathons and the Boston marathon twice. I also compete in triathlons and have raced the half iron man distance twice. I plan to race as long as I can. All of this is something I would not be able to do if I had continued to smoke.

I smoked for approximately 40 years. I really enjoyed every puff. The more Canada stopped us smoking in places & talking about second-hand smoke, the more furious I got & smoked more.

One day I threw away the cigarettes because I was coughing so much I couldn’t stop. I went on the patch for a 10 week program. Every day I was saying “I am fine…….but I don’t know what I will do when the 10 weeks is up.” Remember, I said this every day. After 8 weeks I had a cigarette & then a package & then a carton on to smoke agony for a few more years. I did this a few times. Then I was so down on myself, a gentleman at work said don’t be down on yourself, I have a friend that tried to quit 37 times & finally he quit & has been smoke free now for over 30 years…..Well that was my inspiration. But I still kept smoking. I coughed & coughed day in & day out.

Then one day I was walking down my apartment hall which isn’t very far & by the time I got there, I was absolutely out of breath. It scared me so much it was time to do something. I bought the patch. I went on the 10-week program, but as I was getting closer to 10 weeks, I bought another box of patches & stretched it out for another couple of weeks & that was 2 years ago. Yahooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! Go on the patch, one day at a time, don’t cheat, & pray a lot.

Good luck & best regards

My story is a bit different. I can not tell a lie. I enjoyed smoking to the end. I quit after 47 years – cold turkey. No patch or crutches, they just drag it out longer and are a waste of money, if you are serious about it why use a crutch? I smoked a pack and a half as long as I can remember. I made one year this Aug. I was watching TV and saw the price was going up again to an average of 5 dollars a pack, it made me so mad I decided it was time to stop. I did it with gum. When I got over the habit part, the gum took it's place. I don't miss it now. Bad thing is I still like the smell when I walk by someone smoking. Plus my boyfriend bet me a thousand bucks I could never stop. Yes he paid up. lol

I made the decision two weeks ago to quit and have used the patch and family and friends as support.I have quit many times before but have always allowed myself excuses and a moment of weakness to start again I really enjoy this website and find that it really informs you of the effect of smoking to all parts of your body and is not preachy or trying to sell a product. I will continue to also use this as a coping tool.

I read a book that changed my life and allowed me to stop smoking - and it was EASY! The book is Allen Carr - The Easy Way to Stop Smoking - you can get it at any book store for about $20. I smoked a pack a day for 17 years, and now I have no desire to smoke another cigarette. My doctor had never even heard of this book - and this is the only thing that "cured" me of the nicotine addiction. I did not think I could be a happy non-smoker. But I am...I am FREE!!! :)

It is now day 16 and I must admit it feels great. I have tried to quit before but I find this time I really don`t want to smoke. I have my moments but they pass quite fast. Hooray for me and anyone else that has quit!

Let me first say that my addiction has spanned about 42 years. And like most smokers I have tried quitting and been some what successful with cessation tools. The fact I kept starting again is why I say “some what successful”. Patches, nicotine free cigarettes, pills, gum, inhalers and lozenges all worked for various lengths of time. But the fact remained I always went back to the evil little things. My head is finally around the fact I am an addict. It is all about the nicotine, nothing more nothing less. Every craving and desire I have for the little devils is just want for the nicotine. I realize that now and I can deal with it and can honestly say I don’t miss them. Situations such as other people smoking, social events, hunting, fishing and having a drink don’t bother me anymore. I have my life back with no more hidden desire or need to smoke.

My wife and I (Kevin and Angela), both recently retired and smokers for the past 30+ years, finally made the decision to quit Jan 2, 2009. We had tried in the past with limited success but always found a reason to return to our old ways. It was when our children and grandchildren approached us, that the light finally came on and we resolved to quit.

Having moved upon retirement to an area where there are a number of older seniors, it became very apparent that, if we didn’t look after our lungs, there were some bad things in store for us.

The quit day came……tough couple of weeks followed. But now, when we talk to our kids and grandkids….we talk with pride. The downside is we have set a bad example for our children over the years and three of the five of them still smoke. I think the best thing we can do, and will continue to do, is remain smoke free. We found the support websites very helpful and insightful. Thanks.

Almost 3 years ago now, I finally reached the point where I had to quit smoking.

I had tried about 6 or 7 times before, once lasting as long as 3 weeks. This time I just marched downstairs and gave my remaining cigarettes to my neighbour. Then I started to prepare. I went on www.quitnow.ca. I made sure I always had an apple and my water bottle at lunch or at coffee breaks. And I walked. Fast! Every time I reached a milestone, 1 week quit, 1 month quit, I would buy myself something I really wanted, like a new pair of shoes. I could afford to by not spending $8.50 a day on cigarettes. I am now 55 pounds lighter, healthier, and have accomplished so much, like running The Vancouver Sun Run and joining a basketball team again. And I’m going back to school to become a nurse. My daughter is so proud.

One summer, years ago now, while climbing two flights of stairs at work, I blacked out and ended up sitting on the stairs until I regained my vision and my breath. I went to my doctor and he asked me how much I was smoking. Two packs a day was my reply. He said if I didn't quit smoking I would be dragging around a breathing machine within a year. And if I kept smoking that he would be at my funeral in two years. He said that I had the start of emphysema but it wasn't too late to reverse the damage. I am pleased to say I have not touched a cigarette since. My have lungs have healed and, at 65 years of age, I am looking forward to a happy, healthy retirement.

After 13 years of smoking, I gave it up. It was not an easy thing to do, but I have two children and a family I care about much more than cigarettes. I used medication to help me quit. It worked wonders for me. I also quit drinking and eating anything that I associated normally with smoking. I used to drink Coca Cola when I smoked, but I now just drink tea or coffee and if I’m very stressed out, I find scotch mints work great in place of a smoke in my mouth.

You will quit if you’re determined. Get more active. Get rid of all those things that remind you to smoke. I went out skating and swimming with my family and it totally got my mind off smoking. It will do the same for you too!

My dad passed away 7 years ago today from a heart attack. Today is my quit day. I quit a year after he passed away for 3 years and although I never thought I would start again, I did. I will be 50 years old in a few weeks and I want to be around to see my children get married and have children of their own. I am using a smoking cessation pill to quit as well I have prayed to my dad to give me the strength I need. I will do it this time.

The first time I picked up a cigarette I was in Junior High School at the age of 13 (I am now 33). To this day I still lie about when I started. And when I started lying and making up excuses for why I smoked I realized that I shouldn't be a smoker. I was embarassed. I didn't want to be a pariah anymore. My friends didn't smoke, my husband doesn't smoke, my co-workers didn't smoke. I was an outcast and to make matters worse I hated the taste and the task. I smoked because my body hasn't known anything else. A few years ago I started having shortness of breath and chest pains. I started looking in the mirror and seeing the effects. And the last straw was when I read up on the effects it has on your reproductive system. I really never took into consideration that it may hurt my chances of conceiving a child. I didn't pick a date, I never said after "this pack". I picked up a book, "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. I read the book in about a week. And unlike every other unsuccessful time that I've attempted to quit, I didn't feel nervous. I was confident that I could do this. And finally someone put into prospective how useless and dirty this habit really is. There are no benefits to smoking! The moment I finished reading the book, I smoked my last cigarette and flushed an entire pack down the toilet and haven't looked back since. I can't say it's not hard. I was physically ill for the first 3 days. I'd never quit cold-turkey. Next few weeks were mentally tough and then it just got easier and easier. Now I'm 7 months smoke free! Don't get me wrong you still get the cravings and you might always but I have worked far too hard to kick the habit that I would hate myself if I picked up a cigarette again.

I have smoked a package of smokes a day for over the past 40 years with never once trying to quit (well maybe for 2 hours). One day in February 2008 while at my grandson’s hockey game, I went outside in -40 below to have a smoke and felt like a person with leprosy. People said I was crazy standing outside in -40 weather. That made me really think and shortly after I went to see my doctor.

March 21, 2008 was my quit date. I am so proud of myself and my family is ecstatic. Yes, it was tough, but as each smoke-free day passes I feel more like a champion. Throughout the quitting process I have stayed in contact with the www.quitnow.ca chat room. It was honestly my saving grace.

I started smoking 18 years ago at the age of 15. I was at a party, and a boy offered me a cigarette, so I accepted. I remember feeling like I was sucking fire right down into my lungs, but I also felt cool and rebellious. For the next few months, I would have one or two cigarettes a week at parties or whatever. I hid this from my parents who both quit smoking when I was a baby due to my severe allergies. They were both hard-core anti-smokers and I knew I'd be toast if they found out.

I started smoking more and more, not really thinking about health problems. I was 16, what could possibly happen to me? On my 18th birthday, the first "legal" adult thing I did was to buy a pack of smokes, no more cajoling my older friends into supplying me. By the time I was 19 I was smoking a pack a day. I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling out of breath. I stood outside in minus 40 "Winterpeg" weather puffing away. I had constant bronchitis and sinus infections.

Finally, when I was 23, my friends (most of whom were non-smokers) told me that they would not sit in the smoking section of bars and restaurants anymore. I had a chest x-ray for one of my many chest infections that showed a small spot, which thankfully turned out to be nothing, but left me scared. Also, my parents found out and were so disappointed in me. I realized that the need and desire to quit was going to have to come from me, and not someone else's pressure. With the support of my friends and family, I quit on June 26th, 2000 after 8 years of smoking. It was hard at first; I chewed gum and started making bead and hemp necklaces to keep my hands busy. I had three cigarettes that first year, and none since.

Quitting smoking is the thing in my life that I am most proud of. I think what really drove it home was when I was in a recent car accident, and standing traumatized by the side of the road, three people offered me cigarettes. I turned them down without a second thought. I know that I am smoke free for life, and I like to help other people who are trying to quit. Good luck, you can do it and once you have you won't believe how much brighter life looks when you aren't seeing it through a veil of smoke.

I began smoking at a very young age. I smoked daily by the time I was 10 and was at a pack a day by 16. Over the years I tried a few honest attempts at quitting. I used gum, patches and cold turkey but at 32 I was still smoking 1 to 1 1/2 packs a day. Laying in bed at night I could hear a slight wheezing and/or popping noise coming from my chest. I knew it was from smoking and I knew I had to get serious about quitting.

I picked November 03, 2008 as my quit date. I went cold turkey; I won't lie, it was one of the toughest things I've ever done. It's easy after a few weeks when your head starts to clear and you think, 'well hey, that wasn't so bad' but when you are there, when you are in the moment you have to find strength you didn't even know you had. You have to stall and trick yourself, you have to take one day at a time because the rest of your life seems pretty overwhelming.

I read a lot of horror stories online; e-journals kept by lung cancer patients and every fact or statistic I could get my hands on. I played on my mortality fear to keep myself in check and for me it seemed to really help. March of 2010 and I'm still smoke free (yay!); for anyone about to quit or just embarking down that road, you can do it! You just have to find your motivation, it gets easier everyday. Before you know it, you'll be the one a year and a half later looking at smokers and thinking to yourself 'how in the world did I ever enjoy that?'

I quit smoking on October 31, 2004 after smoking for more than 30 years!! If I can do it anyone can!! And I know, we've all heard that line so many times but believe me I was the last person I ever thought would quit smoking. Quitting smoking is the best thing I've ever done and I've never felt better!

If I hadn't been sick with what started as a cold in September of 2004, I'd likely be still smoking today but because of what I was experiencing, I was scared into quitting. My doctor told me that he knew I likely wouldn't be able to quit cold turkey but to wean off of the cigarettes gradually in what I felt to be a good time line for me.

I decided then and there on that day that I would have my last cigarette on October 31st! I weaned myself from smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes to being smoke free by November 31st!!I did it in 30 days! I accomplished what I wanted to do and I was so proud of myself and I still am to this day!! Best of luck to those who decide to quit smoking! You CAN do it :)

I turned 50 this year and have been a smoker from the age of 12. It all started with smoking in the laundry mat near the school. That’s where the cool people hung out and smoking was cool. We were too young to realize the implications of what we were doing to ourselves. I remember getting caught stealing two packs of cigars because of this stupid habit.

12 months ago I quit drinking and purchased a stationary bike and faithfully rode at least 5 times a week 30 minutes per and was feeling really good but started experiencing shortness of breath and ironically I never once thought it was from smoking (I may have been in denial)

I was smoking a pack a day and went to the Doc and he said I have to quit smoking. This was Sept 24/2010.I went home and took the weekend to consider what I am going to do and by Monday I decided to quit. My Mom is the second reason of my quitting. She has smoked since she was 12 or 13 and she is now 78 and has emphysema and has tons of smoking related health problems. She is reliant on a puffer and numerous medications and it’s just sad to hear her suffer when we talk. So I prepared for my quit smoking and only smoked 3 cigs and when I went to sleep that night I told myself that I will not have another cig. I also decided I didn’t have time to fill the prescription that the doc gave me and went COLD turkey.

It’s a struggle...I don’t let up or give in to the relentless cravings knowing that they only last for a few minutes and then are gone. Day 8 to my current day 26 have been so much better as far as withdrawal and craving goes. I haven’t been coughing as much as I thought. I don’t feel as wonderful as I thought I might but hopefuly as time passes I will get better and better.

I had been a full-time smoker for 9 years and was smoking almost a pack a day. I started young, at age 16 and by age 25 I knew that I had to quit. I tried several times over this summer and failed. However, every time I tried I lasted a little bit longer. Recently I was able to last an entire evening and not succumb to a craving. It was at this point where I realized that I could quit. I had newfound confidence in myself, knowing that the will power was there to overcome an intense craving. I then stopped altogether. While difficult, I found that if you don’t look ahead and instead handle each craving as it comes and if you continuously reward yourself, it is very manageable without any type of patch or gum to quit for good. All you have to do is know that if you can make it through one craving; you can make it through all of them.

Around 4 months ago, I started to cough and spit up blood, which really started to scare me. I also stepped onto a scale and noticed that I had lost a significant amount of weight. I went to the drug store and bought some nicorette inhaler, because I had been a smoke for almost 15 years and was smoking more than a pack a day, and I assumed it would be extremely difficult to quit. But I set a date, and never opened the inhalers. Its been 14 days since my last smoke, the withdrals are extremely hard, but I'm learning to deal, knowing that it will only get better. I found eating lots of high protein foods, drink lots of frozen concentrate juice, and exercise has made it that much easier, for I wanted to gain the weight I had lost but healthy weight. I also found that I can feel myself getting up set, nothing is better than a deep breath. I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but one day at a time, I just hope and pray that I had quit in time, fingers crossed, for I have booked an appointment to see a doctor.

I started smoking when I was twelve years old. It was only 1 cigarette, once and a while. My parents didn't smoke; actually, no one in my family smoked. I suffered from depression, and noticed that a lot of people who were upset, stressed or angry would have a smoke and it seemed to make them feel better. If it worked for all of those people in the movies, on TV and in public places everywhere I went, it would work for me. I enjoyed the thrill of searching for where I would be able to get my pack of cigarettes. I thought I was being sneaky, hiding it from my parents. It was something I would do once and a while. Around age 15, I gradually started smoking just a few a day, then half a pack a day, then a pack a day by age 18. I relied on my smokes as a crutch, an excuse to sneak away from a situation and be alone for just a few minutes. My addiction to nicotine tricked me into thinking that I was head over heels in love with smoking. Smoking started getting really expensive as I was spending over $400.00 a month on cigarettes ($12 to $14 a pack in Manitoba). By age 26, I was feeling the effects of smoking, and was fearful every time I went to the doctor that I was going to get bad news. I was starting to become paranoid about what tobacco was doing to me. I noticed wrinkles on my face, and people were commenting on my pale skin, with someone asking "are you feeling ok? You look pale" almost every day. I tried patches, gum and the nicotine inhaler, and failed misreably. I couldn't even make it through one day without a cigarette. Then I tried a smoking cessation drug, and after 4 days of taking the drug I went one full day without a smoke. Because of adverse side effects (horrible dreams), I stopped taking the drug after just one week, but didn't start smoking again. I knew that if I could make it one day without smoking, nothing could stop me from going everyday without smoking. It's been 4 months and I feel fantastic. No cravings. And I have learned to associate the smell and even just the thought of tobacco with a noxious feeling in my stomach. Smoking is something that I thought I would never be without, but quitting was the best gift I could have given myself. I will never, ever use tobacco again in any form.

I have been a long time smoker, 21 years. And a heavy smoker to boot, sometimes smoking almost 2 packages per day, and not weak cigarettes. Often times, I found myself cutting the filters down or off to get a stronger tasting cigarette. Over time, I've developed a severe case of asthma from smoking. At the young age of 42, I graduated to the use of Spiriva to control my onset symptoms of COPD.

On the morning of February 18, 2009, when I woke up.... something was different for me. Instead of getting out of bed, putting my shoes on, getting the dog and going outside for my morning smoke, I just put the dog out instead, went to the kitchen and had a glass of water. I looked down at my cigarettes and decided that was it for me, I quit. Now everyone else in my household didn't think I would do it. After all, my boyfriend smokes as does my daughter. Though none of us do in the house or ever have.

Now, March 24, 2009... I still have not had a cigarette. The cravings still come in spurts, but when they do I just tell myself, "What are you thinking? You've never smoked in your life." I haven't resorted to eating mints or chewing gum. And I am feeling 150% better already. The wheezing in my chest comes and goes now instead of coming and staying.

I'm a quitter... (:

Nancy

I began my love affair with cigarettes when I was 15. I had my first puff among my fellow high schoolers, and was immediately hooked. Most of the people belonging to that group went on to smoke for only a couple of years, but I continued to smoke for nine years. At 24, I finally realized that if I quit now, I would have a chance at healthy lungs before it got too late. I have been smoke free for 2 months (using Nicotine replacement gum), and feel great. I have tried to quit smoking before but have never felt ready...this time, I know it's the right time, and it hasn't been that difficult. If you're a young twenty-something, I encourage you not to wait for the next big milestone (as I always was)...quit now, and have healthy lungs for life.

I started three days after I started school in grade one and I quit when I was thirty-three in 1971. But most of the damage was done by then and I now have COPD. But the most heart warming story for me was while visiting a doctor about something different, he asked me if anyone in my family smoked and I said my daughter does and he said to me: Why don't you tell her to quit smoking so she can be around for her children? She said she would and it is almost a year now since she quit. Knowing what I am going through now, I am so glad for her.

I started smoking when I was 14. My sister smoked and I bummed a cigarette off of her. I started out just smoking 3 cigarettes a day. Before I quit, I was smoking a pack and a half a day. What made me stop? Well, I got married and I quit drinking and smoking. I quit drinking when I was 27.

I thought to myself, if I can quit drinking then I can quit smoking. Smoking made me feel sick. It gave me headaches. So when I was 28, I quit cold turkey. I found it a lot harder to quit smoking than drinking. So I started jogging. If I felt like a smoke, I went for a jog. I ran from my house and back for 30 minutes.

I had a relapse three years later. I was playing video slots and I won $1,000. While I was waiting for the pay-out, I turned to the woman beside me and asked her for a cigarette. After that, I smoked for five months. Then I quit again. This time, I didn’t have any cravings or any withdrawal symptoms.

Since then, I’ve been smoke-free for 12 years. Pretty much everyone I know thinks it’s great that I quit. It was the best thing I ever did.

My wife Eugennie quit smoking three years ago. But there are a lot of smokers where I live (on Cross Lake Reserve, Manitoba). I’ve done several workshops on quitting for parents at the HeadStart (pre-school) program where I work.

Then there’s the Blue Light Project (a pilot project that provides blue light bulbs for people have declared their homes smoke-free). That’s my pride and joy.

My dad died of a rare nasal cancer. He smoked all his life. My uncle Charlie died of lung cancer. My message to everyone is: Don’t start smoking.

Hi, My name is Robert Marcil. I am 41 years old and I am a non-smoker. As I type this I am having a nicotine craving, but I refuse to give in. It’s been 4 Days since I gave up this nasty habit that I once enjoyed so much. I am using the patch and it is working. The other day I was flying a kite with my son who just turned 11, and he had such a smile on his face, as I was looking up at the kite in the sky, I thought to myself, I want to be around for him and his sister. I want to teach them how to fly a kite, hit a baseball, drive a car. I want to be there when they graduate from high school, get their first job, get married, and have children of their own. I want to be there for them when they need help, when they feel sad, when they need a hug. I want to be there!!!!!!

I refuse to let the tobacco companies poison me any longer. I refuse to become a statistic!!! Once you are gone do you think the tobacco companies are going to lend a helping had to your children and your loved ones when they need it? I don’t think so. Do you want to have your loved ones place flowers on your grave and say, “Why did you leave me” WOW my craving has passed; I feel much better now .I just quit smoking again . I am sure I will have to quit again in a little while, but for now I am going to enjoy this moment and this Victory!!! Someone once told me that you never quit smoking just once on your quit day, you will quit many times , 10 minutes after, 1 hour after that , 3 hours after that . Every time you want a smoke, you must quit again. Never stop quitting!!! I have read a lot of the stories on this website and they have helped me, hopefully my story will help someone else quit smoking. Good luck to everyone.

Best Regards from a non smoker!!!!

I lost my father 12 years ago to Lung Cancer January 26 1999 and I have been thinking about quitting for some time now and joined a Quit Smoking Cessation support group and was doing well and confident that I can do this with the help of a smoking cessation medication and so my father’s death date came and I decided that this was going to be the date I am not going to smoke that I am quitting and so I did just that and each time I wanted a cigarette I thought of my father and it turned me away and also I have a young child who I want to see do a lot of stuff in her life that I would like to be there for and it has been 24 hrs now since I last had a cigarette and it feels good as I never thought I would feel this way or could do just that quit smoking.

My journey to a healthy freedom started on January 20th! I went in for emergency wisdom teeth removal and left with a new outlook! I was told I shouldn't smoke for atleast 3 days, I thought to myself if I go 3 days without a cigarette why would I even bother to pick it back up again!? I'd be crazy to get sucked back in to such a filthy habit! So I went through the worst of the withdrawals while coping with the pain from my wisdom teeth! It wasn't fun but I've stuck with it and I plan to continue to stick with it! I feel great and it's only been almost 2 weeks! I've even been out partying and drinking with friends who smoke and have confidently said no to smoking! The freedom I feel can not be described by words! Best decision I've made in a long time! I'm free and on a great road to recovery!

Hi, I am writing this on behalf of my mom, who at the age of 64, quit smoking after 47 years. As a child, I constantly nagged her to quit because of the odour, negative health effects and cost She attempted several times but was unsuccessful. Often she would try to convince me that she had quit by hiding her cigarettes and sneaking away to have a smoke. I always knew that she hadn’t quit and often looked down on her for not kicking the habit.

I always wondered what it would take for her to quit. Unfortunately, we found out. At the age of 64, my mom was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and stomach. It was that day when she finally said “no more.” I am so proud of my mom for quitting what had controlled her life for so long!!

She often said it wasn’t as hard as hard as she thought that it was going to be. She also encouraged my dad and other friends who smoked to quit and said, “If I can do it, you can do it.” She died 3 months ago. She believed that the smoking caused her cancer and regretted every puff she took.

I look back on the years when I nagged her to quit and wished that I had been more supportive instead. I think that is the lesson we need to learn: to be more supportive and not condemning. I share this story with all in the hope that others realize that it’s not too late and to keep trying until you are a “Quitter!!”

A few friends and I started smoking when we were 15 years old. I tried many, many times to quit without success. First I tried cold turkey then I tried the gum. After I got married I tried patches. It wasn't until the year 2001 that I spoke with my physician about a quit smoking medication. I took the medication as prescribed and have been smoke free for 8 years now. I have never felt better. I started a website, to help encourage others and help motivate others to quit also. I would be excited to see people quit and feel as great as I do now!

I started smoking with my friends in school when I was 15 or so, kept it up into my 20s and got to a point where I wanted to quit. I stopped smoking cold turkey one Christmas (no, it wasn't the Christmas turkey...) and then experienced wanting a cigarette each and every time I had a coffee or a beer.

After 7 years of this I eventually did give in, having one, then another, and was back strong for another few years. I really felt I wanted to quit but couldn't. I got to the point where I would get up each day, pick up a pack of cigarettes at the local service station on the trip in to work, have a cigarette on breaks, after work, at the bar, and give whatever was left of the pack away, telling myself that was my last day of it. This went on for several months and I did not like myself at all for it, but couldn't break the habit.

A friend informed me of the Lung Association's Quit Smoking program that you could get at that time for $5 and follow at home or in sessions. I took it at home. The first part of the program leads you through questions and exercises to come to the realization and reinforcement that you truly wish to quit, and you set a goal date, and sign your declaration. Then the weekly rigors begin as you are to perform various tasks as you move towards that date. I feared that I wasn't following religiously, and the night before my quit date I literally smoked my face off... but Feb 1, 1982 I quit smoking.

And I have never had the urge to have another, and for the first 5 or so years I occasionally had the odd dream in which I had a cigarette and would wake up so very afraid and with such guilt it was unreal! But I'm OK now... and I am looking for that same program for several friends... Thank You Lung Association... I owe so much to you for this feat!

I had started smoking at the age of 13 and was smoking till I almost died in November 2003. I had fluid in my heart & lungs. I was out of it in the intensive care unit and they said that I rose up and said all of sudden, "I do not want to smoke no more" and went out again for another week. Then the doctor said, “Welcome back kid!”

After getting released out of the hospital, I then had to decide whether I was gonna smoke or not. At the time I was not sure what to do. I asked God. l thought about it and then I went to either buy something that cost about the same as cigarettes and little cigars.

Well I finally decided that I was needing things so I ended up not getting the smokes and ever since the age of 42, I have been rewarding myself with little things as a treat for no more smoking.

That was 6 years and I am glad and thankful.

I am 47 now and on oxygen each day and night 24 hours straight and nebulizer plus 3 inhalers and live with COPD. I have breathing problems. I say to the smokers, "Please try to stop as it is taking a life away"

May God bless and everyone have a good day! Thanks for reading.

I was taught to inhale when I was 13, worst day of my life. I spent the better part of 40 years smoking and trying to quit. I can't even say how many times I tried. I quit for 3 years and still went back; it was a vicous cycle that had me consumed with guilt and self loathing. You name it I had every excuse in the book. I tried every sceme to quit and nothing worked until I finally found the answer. A book called "Stop Smoking Now" by Allen Carr. This book literally changed my life. It gave me exactly what I needed to quit and be a non smoker for the rest of my life. Most amazing is that I am elated about it, I have no withdrawls, I am not eating myself to death and I feel GREAT!!!!! Never again will another cigarette touch my lips. If you want to find success please try this book. I can't explain how it works but it does - after over 30 years I am smoke free and loving it. Good Luck.

Today is my quit date and I decided this last night. I have asthma where I have to have my puffer on my person at all times because I can never breathe. I also went to the doctor two days ago and said I had pneumonia and they did some tests on my lungs because they thought something was wrong with them. Anyways last night I smoked the last of my cigarettes and promised myself I was never going to smoke again, due to my health as well as my schooling. I am a police foundations student, so I bought some nicotine gum and all day I haven't even wanted a smoke (badly ) every time I think about a smoke I remind myself that I’m 25, 2 kids, police foundations student, with breathing problems. All day I haven’t had to use my Inhaler or even have a little trouble breathing. I'm so proud of myself this is the first day of the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!

40 years of 40 packages per month. On Oct 26, 2009, I quit. Had had enough negativity from the world. Too long being a social pariah. Especially from my health nut husband. But I loved smoking...it was my reward...my true crutch. I'm almost at the 4 month mark. Darn hard..I am up 20lbs... really need some professional counseling to deal with food substituting. I will carry on... :-)

I started smoking when I was young. I smoked for 10 years, 2 to 3 packs a day. I decided to quit after my father died from lung cancer and realized everyone on his side of the family was dead at young age in their 50's from smoking cigarettes.

I did the patch for one month. Then it was cold turkey after that. The best part was my husband and brother in Law noticed and they decided to quit and wanted to help me more. They made a bet with me. I would get $1000.from each one if I would quit but there was a catch: if I ever started smoking again I would have to pay them back the money.

That is bet I will never have to repay. I’ve been smoke-free for 15 years. I put my cigarette money into something that helps me with my family of 5.I hired me a maid service that comes once a month to help me out. Best investment I made yet for our busy family to help free up my life to spend more time with the family. Enjoying not having to keep up with everything in the house, like when I was still smoking cigarettes. Very happy to be free! And smoke free! Best choice I ever made.

I hope this helps someone else. My family loved me enough to strengthen me to help me overcome it. I see how all my loved ones helped me – dead and alive. I did it for myself and for all of them. Family can be a great support team for good things in your life. You just have to do all the work. No Pain No Gain!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve been smoking on and off for 5 years, more heavily this past year. I have been cigarette free for 3 days now and I feel great. My wake up call was when I was coughing so hard I actually tore muscles in my ribs and they have been bad since september of 2010. I spend all the money I get on cigarettes instead of important things such as food and other daily items. I have lost jobs because of taking to many smoke breaks. Whenever I drink any type of alcohol I feel the need to have a cigarette. So I’ve been cutting down on that as well. I have been quitting alone without the help of gum, or a patch, or a doctor. When my 3 year boyfriend and I broke up, I became smoking 2 or 3 packs a day, but have slowly cut back to the point where I don’t need any in one day.

My name is Stephanie Anastasia Toth. I was diagnosed with emphysema on May 2, 2008, at the age of 35. My first reaction was disbelief, but also I had to quit smoking as soon as possible. I quit smoking on May 3, 2008 and I never started up again. The only side effect I had from not smoking, is my body got really cold. I am fine now. I live in Windsor, Ontario and I am very, very happy, that I am smoke free.

In September of 2010 my niece was getting married in Simcoe. The whole family drove down for the wedding. For some reason we just happened to get at the motel at the same time. I could still see my sister Jeannine leaning on her car and having a smoke. This was around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. After that we were outside having a beer around 6 o'clock and my sister ended up getting a massive heart attack. We almost lost her that day. She had to quit smoking and that is the biggest reason I quit. It's been almost 2 weeks today and I find it very hard. I'm basically doing this on my own and I will succeed.

My mom was always a heavy smoker. She began at the age of 9. I was always begging her to please stop because of the smell and the awful way she coughed. At the age of 13 I figured there must be something beneficial in smoking if she never bothered to quit, so I stole a pack of her cigarettes and started myself. Smoking was like second nature to me, I didn't cough, and the buzz felt great. At the age of 26 I started to develop a cough of my own and it didn't seem to go away. Around the same time I discovered a lump in my breast and got really scared. Thankfully neither of these issues turned out to be a serious health problem but it gave me the motivation to quit for the sake of my health, like I'd often begged my mom to do. I set a quit date and started taking inventory of the things that triggered me to light up. One month before my quit date my doctor told me I was pregnant! At the time I was smoking a half pack per day. I decided to start the process of quitting right away and gradually cut down for two weeks before stopping altogether. Breaks at work were the hardest; everyone went outside for a cigarette. I had to go for a walk or make some tea instead. My roommate was a chain smoker who refused to take it outside so I moved into my own place. I would not allow myself to have a cigarette anywhere but outside and only after work. The first two weeks were the hardest, but I'm so glad that I quit. My breathing has improved, my cough went away, and I don't feel needlessly tired all the time. My baby is healthy and there were no complications! Years from now I'll be so happy that my child won't have to go through all the ear infections and worry about asking her mom to quit smoking.

I had my first cigarette when I was twelve years old, and liked it. I would have a smoke every once and a while, and it was easy to get my hands on a relatively cheap $4.00 pack of 25 which would last about 3 or 4 weeks. My parents didn't smoke. By sixteen, I was smoking a half pack a day. Smoking was still allowed in restaurants and bars in Manitoba, so I could smoke wherever I pleased. I have to say that at the time, I really thought that I was enjoying myself when I would have a smoke. I continued smoking for about 10 years. Throughout those years, I still exercised, but not as much as I should have. Some days I would smoke a full pack, other days I would smoke a half a pack. It all depended on what I was doing and who I was with. One day shortly after my 26th birthday, I woke up with chest pain. I had smoked too much the day before. I noticed in the bathroom mirror the many wrinkles already starting to appear on my face from smoking. I was constantly going broke because of the ridiculously high cost of cigarettes (my brand cost me $13.00 for a pack of 25). Why was I choosing to make myself sick and spend so much money while doing it? I was otherwise healthy, exercising, eating right, and concerned about my health. I realized that I had chosen to ignore the fact that I was completely ruining my overall health by smoking. I was so addicted to tobacco that I was able to make myself believe that I didn't need to worry about it. It had gotten to the point that I didn't think I would be able to go a whole day without a cigarette. I honestly didn't think I would be able to; there was just too much stress in my life. "Now just isn't a good time" is something I was constantly telling myself. Nicotine replacement didn't work for me at all. I would slap on a patch or chew some gum, then have a cigarette. It was pointless for me. I went to talk to my doctor, and he ended up giving me a prescription for a smoking cessation medication. It's a controversial drug and I was skeptical about taking it, but at that point I was desperate. After one week of taking the medication, I had my first cigarette free day in 10 years. It was so empowering, I was so proud that I did what I said I was going to do. I knew that I had the power to do it. All it took was that one day without smokes. I started to read online how terrible tobacco really is, how tobacco companies dupe you into smoking, how unbelievably addictive tobacco really is, and how the addiction affects the brain. I'd chosen to ignore it all before. I ended up taking the cessation medication for only 2 weeks, and stopped. I had my mind made up - I didn't need the drug anymore. I decided that I wanted to live a healthy, tobacco free life. Smoking didn't relieve stress for me. It allowed me to FEEL satisfied and unstressed. It's the feeling that nonsmokers have all of the time. Cigarettes were like a friend to me. We went everywhere together. They helped me through some really hard times in my life. But they are like a friend that you don't want around and that just won't go away. Trust me; life is so much better when tobacco isn't a part of it. I will never in my life use any tobacco product again.

I finally quit smoking after 25 years on December 26, 2008 (my fiancé actually put nicotine replacement patches in my Christmas stocking!) For me, my morning coffee was a real trigger – so instead I drink tea and find that helps. I also drink lots of water. When I get a really strong craving, I may even brush my teeth or take a shower to remind myself how much better I feel without that awful lingering cigarette smell.

My fiancé told me recently he considered postponing our upcoming wedding because of my smoking. Only now that I’ve quit do I understand how much my habit must have affected him.

I put a portion of the money I used to waste on cigarettes each month and sponsor a 5-year-old boy through Christian Children's Fund of Canada. Once I no longer need the nicotine replacement therapy to help me quit, I plan on taking that money and having my two girls ages 6 and 4, select another child who we can sponsor.

I am going on 64 years young this year and had smoked from age 12 till just over a year ago. I truly loved smoking and for the bigger majority of years only smoked Export A and never developed a cough or hack. I had tried many many times to quit and lasted days, weeks sometimes but always knew I would return to my friend, the Cigarette. I tried, cold turkey, pills, patches, gum and believed I failed so many times because I did not have a purpose. I was healthy, I never was sick, no flu, no cold, no nothing so I never took quitting really seriously, although I did want to quit as it now was more of a stigma so here is what I did and so far (touch wood) I have not touched a cigarette in 15 months.

I quit cold turkey, and I did it by having a goal. My goal started daily and I took the money I would spend on a package of cigarettes and buy something with it. In my case I love golf and also fly fishing, so each day I would take the $10 and buy something for fishing or golfing. After a full week of not smoking I set my goal higher and decided I could go a week and take approximately $70 and buy something bigger. After a number of weeks of this, I knew I could go bigger, so set my sights on new golf clubs. They were fairly expensive so at the end of each week I took the $70 dollars and put it in a jar so I could see it and I did this until I had enough to buy my clubs. From there I bought a new fly rod and reel amd some other fishing gear. I have never thought of saving the money I used for cigarettes, instead I use it for out door activities that will improve my health and I will continue to spend that money on activities that make me healthier. IN the end I found for me the goal thing worked and because I wanted things important to me it was easier as it took my mind off the cigarette and transferred it to an object I wanted to purchase. I am proud of what I have accomplished and do not see myself going back to smoking. In closing, no matter how many times you quit and restart, never give up as your time will come. One day at a time!

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