[b]What do I do when I want to smoke?[/b] Before you quit (or after, if you�ve already quit), you should make a list of things that will work for you to keep you from smoking. Such things could be gum, hard candy, ice water, silly putty, licorice, a straw cut to the length of a cigarette, lollipops, etc� Also, make a list of things you will [u]do[/u] when you want to smoke, such as take a walk, take a bubble bath, watch a movie, etc� Knowing what works best for you and having a plan in place for when the cravings hit is a great method for dealing with the cravings. [b]Are there some people who just can�t quit?[/b] No, but if you�re thinking that you�re one of them, understand that you are most definitely [b]NOT[/b] alone! I, too, thought that I was someone who could not quit. It took me many tries, but I finally convinced myself that I could. And trust me, if I can do it, ANYBODY can. All you need is a heartbeat and the desire and determination to quit. The last two you can work on and build� if you don�t have the first one, then don�t bother! ;p [b]Which type of method is best? Cold Turkey or NRT?[/b] This is different for every single person and only you know you well enough to make this decision. When deciding on a quit method, you should first ask yourself the following questions. 1. Taking into account the money that I will be saving by not smoking, am I financially able to afford NRTs or other aids? If so, how much money can I afford to spend and for how long? - Figuring this out first can help you plan out your money situation so you can continue to use the method you choose for as long as recommended. 2. Does my state offer any programs to give free NRTs to people who wish to quit smoking? If so, am I eligible? - If you�re in the United States, you might be able to get NRTs (usually patches) for free. Many states offer these programs in addition to counseling and/or group support. This money comes from the settlement with the tobacco companies and more and more states are offering these types of programs. If you�re interested in using an NRT, it might be worth your while to check into this before you quit. 3. What is my tolerance for withdrawal symptoms? Am I the type of person who would be likely to give in if I had really

Pam, this is an absolutely awesome post and a must-read for anyone either planning to quit or just quit. On the topic of quit methods, if you're one of those who have tried it all and nothing worked, don't despair. Try your first method again. Or the second or third or whatever appeals to you. People change over time. Maybe (insert quit method here) is best for you, but you weren't mentally ready to quit last time you tried it. Just because it didn't work before doesn't mean it won't work now. Cutting down before your actual quit date is a good idea, many here have done it. You decrease your nicotine level and get to practice with overcoming some triggers. Please, though, pay attention to yourself if you do cut down. Cutting down may place you into an extended partial withdrawal. One side effect of that could be depression. If you find yourself feeling low, feeling like quitting may not work, or just wanting to give up on the whole quit thing, that's a BIG red flag. Smoke! Right away! One, two, or three should do it. That happened to me and 3 cigs in about 20 minutes fixed everything. The third cig was my last. Again, Pam, awesome post. I'm glad it didn't get completely lost in the holiday shuffle. :) Shevie [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 408 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,173 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1550.4 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 76 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 34 [B]Seconds:[/B] 35

bump for new members. Rusty :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/13/2004 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 634 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 17,773 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2219 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 87 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 36 [B]Seconds:[/B] 41

bump for new quitters Rusty :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/13/2004 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 647 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 18,128 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2264.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 89 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28

bump up to the top of the list for new quitters Rusty :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/13/2004 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 642 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 17,984 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2247 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 88 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 27 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37

This is a great knowledgeable post. We thank you both for sharing. It is this kind of positive support and knowledge that keep our members in check. Please take the time to post if you are having problems, we are always here to help :) Keep Strong, Josie ______________________ The SSC Support Team.