I smoked about a pack or more a day for 7-8 years and finally quit, so believe me, it's possible. In the end, it's all about willpower, but here are some helpful tips to get you going. I've posted these before when the obligatory stop smoking thread pops up, and other guys who have quit agreed with 'em. These are all things that helped me quit.
-- Stop hanging around your smoking friends, at least for a month or two.
-- Either clean out the house, or move to another one. Expensive, I know, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to not want to smoke up a house when it's new and doesn't smell and look like an ashtray.
-- If you have smoking family or roommates, you're in deep kaka. Try and figure out how you can convince them to stop with you or leave the house because they're going to make it very hard for you.
-- Aerobic exercise, aerobic exercise and more aerobic exercise. Your lungs will let you know how terrible a habit it is. It will also help with the weight you're about to gain. Expect anywhere from 10-20 pounds if you're not exercising.
-- Brag to your friends and family that you're quitting. Peer pressure works. You won't want to let them down and will have a hard time facing them after smoking.
-- Think of family who have died from smoking. Think of diseases such as strokes and other horrible afflictions that are greatly enhanced for smokers. Think of death and disfigurement as much as possible to try and motivate you. LOL It can also be quitting for your wife or young child. Whatever motivates you. You need some big motivators to keep you going in the tough times.
-- Don't drink for a while and avoid bars at all costs! Alcohol = smoking.
-- Try to abandon habits that cause smoking. Or replace the smoking with something else. I know I would smoke like a chimney after dinner, on the computer at home, and other times.
-- Find other addictions to replace nicotine. Doctors will tell you this is unhealthy but it helps to increase your caffeine dependence or another mild drug temporarily. Not only does it give you another mental crutch, but it helps keep your energy going because you will feel tired for a while.
After you get through the first month, it's much easier. I still get urges to this day and I haven't touched a smoke in about 2 years. I get them at the weirdest times, but it's nothing compared to what it was like the first month.
Good luck and I hope you clear those lungs out! :starspin
