The Quit Smoking Report Ezine

The Quit Smoking Report 10/06/98

Brought to you by QuitSmoking.com
http://www.quitsmoking.com

Hello,

In this issue:

<> Letter from the Editor
<> Featured Product: DeathCards
http://www.quitsmoking.com/deathcards/
<> A Word From Our Sponsor
<> Smokers' Stories

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hello again everyone!

I received an interesting phone call today. A telemarketer was
surprised to reach a business when she called my number. She
didn't quite understand what I had said when I answered the
phone and she asked me to repeat the name. "The Quit
Smoking Company," I repeated slowly. She chuckled and said,
"Oh, I've got the wrong number. And I like to smoke."

She was definitely not a prospective customer. Nor was she
likely to quit smoking any time soon. Let's face it: if you are
trying to quit and plan to succeed, you've got to want to quit
more than you want to smoke.

I realized that in the simplest terms, quitting is like a seesaw.
If you place two children of equal weight on a seesaw, they
should remain level or balanced. But as soon as you place a
slightly heavier child on one end, or place a lighter child on
one end, the seesaw will tip to one side and end up on the
ground. Quitting is the same: Place more effort and desire on
*quitting* than you do on the desire to smoke and your
"smoking seesaw" will tip in favor of you quitting forever.
Place a little effort on quitting and your seesaw will drop
slowly. Place a lot of effort on quitting and your seesaw will
slam to the ground.

Okay, I know that's an over-simplification of the situation, but
it really is the basic truth of how to quit (or for that matter,
achieve anything spectacular in your life).

Keep that seesaw in mind the next time you want to smoke.

+++

This issue, I've chosen to send you more smokers' stories than
usual, and not send an article on quitting. The feature article
will resume in the next issue.

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FEATURED PRODUCT: DeathCards
http://www.quitsmoking.com/deathcards/

This week we introduce a new product to The Quit Smoking
Company line. Death Playing Cards are playing cards designed
for kids, not their parents or teachers. Unlike pamphlets and
fliers that end up in the trash, Death Playing Cards are packed
with important information about the dangers of tobacco,
alcohol, and drug abuse in a macabre format that kids (and
adults) will use and keep indefinitely.

If you have a child you would like to help stay free of tobacco
and smoking get a deck of DeathCards for them.

Visit the DeathCards web page at:
http://www.quitsmoking.com/deathcards/

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Has nothing worked to help you quit smoking?
You need the EasyQuit Smoker's Support System.
EasyQuit is a five step herbal, nutritional quit smoking
system designed to help you kick the habit in 7 to 10
days. Before you give up hope, visit our web site for
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SMOKERS' STORIES

DWright438@aol.com writes

Thank you for your emails- i have quit smoking now for 10
days- I am taking Zyban for the first and the last time- This
stuff makes me feel out of control and has done nothing for my
cravings!!!! I have patches, gum and if they made a hat and
gloves I'd buy them too!!!!!! Ha! The 1st week was a breeze (
like it always is!) and now it appears to be getting worse. right
now I would love to kill the moron who invented cigs!!!!
Anyone with any ideas let me know- oh yeah, today i bought
the cinnamon sticks someone told me to try them- And was of
over $4- I tell you quitting in the last ten days has cost me
ALOT of money and now I'm wondering if it has cost me my
sanity!!!!

+++

Elizabeth Beattie (EBEATTIE1@compuserve.com) writes

Subject: My "Giving Up " Story

Its amazing when I think back to the beginning - that I actually
forced myself to enjoy smoking just to fit in socially with the
"in" crowd at school.. That was 19 years ago. I thought
smoking was really cool for years. I always told myself I
would give up by the age of 25. Then 25 came and went and I
was still smoking at the age of 30. I had managed to give up
smoking for 5 months, when the company I used to work
introduced a "no-smoking" ban. They paid for hypnosis and it
did work - but that CRAVING never went away and I managed
to give in to the craving. At first it was just a puff here and
a puff there - then I started scrounging the odd ciggie here
and there then as usual I ended up buying packets of 10's
then progressed to 20's and even went out and bought myself
a cigarette case to keep them in!

This year I saw the death of two work colleagues who I
desperately miss. One of cancer of the esophagus and the other
from liver and bowel cancer. One was a smoker and the other
an ex-smoker. It just seemed to me that everyone I knew was
dying of some kind of cancer and they were all smokers. But it
really hit me when I saw one of my colleagues 2 days before he
died. It really frightened me. Now I am not afraid of dying -
but I felt that I didn't want to go this way and giving up
cigarettes does not guarantee that I will not develop cancer -
however, I wasn't about to help it along. On July 1 1998, I
carried around with me a packet of cigarettes and a lighter for
two days but didn't have one. I was on holiday in Tenerife at
the time. I realised that I didn't really feel too bad for not
having a cigarette. I took up swimming whilst on holiday and
continued to swim when I got back to England. I haven't
smoked a cigarette since and to be quite honest I don't miss it
all that much. The office where I work is a smoking office
(which is unusual) and there are about four smokers around me
but I haven't been tempted and really don't think about
cigarettes even when someone is smoking in front of me.

There are times when I do notice that I am not smoking, such
as when I'm out socially in a pub or a nightclub, or when I am
stressed out! But I eat an awful amount of bananas and I type
EMail messages to my friends if I feel I have to do something
with my hands.

I don't give smokers a hard time about smoking as even though
I realise that my health is still at risk whilst at work and when
hanging about with smokers. But I have given up smoking for
myself and not for anyone else. I understand what it is like to
be a smoker and I remembered that a self righteous ex smoker
lecturing me was the last thing I needed when I lit up!

+++

Judy Ken Zutz (Judy_KenZutz@bc.sympatico.ca) writes

Hi Fred: I haven't sent off a note to you now for over 5 months
now. I quit smoking on my birthday, Jan. 6th, after 43 years of
the nasty habit. I loved smoking and still miss my friend but I
do believe the way our friends have been dropping off lately
that there is some truth in the death related causes of smoking.
I must admit that so far I am free of smoking for over 8 months
now and I sure don't regret getting the monkey off my back.
I've heard that one must go through the 4 seasons before you
can truly feel better. Well, people tell me I look 10 years
younger, my colour is great (not the yellow look of a smoker!),
And I do feel great. When friends light up it sometimes has a
pull of memories but I've come to the conclusion it is a mind
game. The urge only lasts 8 sec. And it's gone. I quit for
three months one time and thought I had it licked enough that
I could take a drag from a friend's cig. No way, Jose, I was
back on the weed again. I think once an alcoholic. Always an
alcoholic and smoking and not smoking is the same. My dad
was 3 packs a day and quit 30 years ago and says he still misses
it off and on. I enjoy your messages of support. Keep up the
good work. Regards, judy z.

+++

Vicky Murray
(VICKY_MURRAY@HP-USA-om1.om.hp.com) writes

Hi Fred,

I am on my 6th week of nonsmoking after 25 years. I have not
had 1 cigarette in almost 6 weeks. Each day gets a little
easier. What has helped a lot is that before I quit I was
smoking the lowest tar/nicotine cigarette on the market. This
got the nicotine contents in my system down, so when I did
quit on my schedule date (August 8) the withdrawal was minimal.
The behavior was more difficult than the craving for the
nicotine.

That's where your E-Z Quit artificial cigarette helped a lot! I
also gave up Wine. I have not had any wine since before I quit
smoking. Any alcoholic beverage will decrease your
willpower to quit and increase your urge to smoke. If you are
really really serious about quitting, and you drink, you must
quit the drinking too to be successful (at least for the first
few months).

I also believe that prayer got me through this and is continuing
to get me through (just like the Bible says "I can do all things
through Jesus Christ who strengthens me"). The power of
prayer is awesome. If you're not a believer in prayer, just try
it, you'll see it really does works!

Keep the faith and pray hard!

Sincerely,
Vicster

+++

Foxsparkle@aol.com writes

Hi Fred. I smoked for 18 years and quit 4/1/98 for a lot of
reasons but the main driving factor was that I had to have
surgery. Three disc decompressions, a spinal fusion with
hardware implantation (titanium bolts, screws, brackets and
rods) and a bone graft was necessary. The doctor told me that
my smoking will prevent the bone graft from solidifying and
the fusion may not "take". I was scared enough just worrying if
the surgery would work to alleviate my pain and return me to a
normal active life and back to my friends at work. I didn't want
my smoking to prevent my surgery from "fixing me".

This surgery and the thought of finally getting out of pain and
on with my life, along with the help of Zyban, did the trick! I
was very motivated and proud of myself. Never touched
another cigarette! What a great feeling! My friends (all of
which smoke) admired my courage and perseverance. My
family, especially my 8 yr. old daughter and nephews and
nieces think I'm wonderful for doing it. Although they think
their Aunt is so cool... she just decided "I don't feel like
doing this anymore". (It seems so simple to them.) I really
wanted to go with the cravings but I kept picturing myself pain
free and smoke free........sort of a new start with my new
healthy body! It made me want to eat right too!!! And I lost
weight!

I have enjoyed reading everyone's stories since March and they
have helped me stay on track. I have never written because it
takes forever. I can't sit at the computer very long due to pain
so I have to keep coming back later and adding more. But this
time I decided I would write no matter how many times I have
to come back to get it finished. Sorry it's so long..I just had
to tell it all.

Well...all I can say is HELP! I had my surgery in May. I am
still having significant pain. I'm discouraged and can't seem to
do anything but take pain medication, and sit around and eat. I
keep thinking what if this is as good as it gets? I'm incredibly
frustrated! Can you guess what I really want to do????? Smoke
my brains out! My daughter is now at school so it's too easy to
sit alone all day and think about cigarettes....the surgery is
over and I'm still in pain. I feel like it didn't work so why
worry about my smoking harming anything.

I bought a pack of cigarettes and feel like a little kid sneaking
and hiding. I've been going outside because I don't want
anyone to "pop in" and smell the lingering smoke! I smoke a
cigarette and quickly go brush my teeth! I kept telling myself,
"Just this one pack and I'll get through this period of being
down and I'll get right back up". I'm on pack number two,
feeling ashamed and thinking about whether I can stop with
this one or should I keep sneaking. This sounds so stupid. I
keep saying this isn't like me...but I keep doing it!. Any
suggestions????

+++

William Bernstein (WBernstein@atherton.net) writes

Well, I have two weeks today without smoking. It hasn't been
easy, but it's been worth it. I've gone two weeks before a
couple of times this past year, but I feel more secure about it
this time. I did a lot of prep work before quitting, and it has
really helped: Listing reasons for quitting; setting up a
support group; accumulating informational and inspirational
reading material; setting up distractions for smoking situations;
canceling plans where smoking would be occurring, and other
things as well. I've paid particular attention to the mental
obsession and what triggers it off for me. That has been my
biggest obstacle in the past - the mind factor. I've worked hard
on thought replacement.

Thanks for all the support, and I will keep you posted as to my
progress.

+++

Frank Cruz-Aedo (jfcruz-aedo@worldnet.att.net) writes:

Subject: MY STORY...

My name is Frank and I've been struggling with quitting quite
some time now since I started in 1981.

I have a beautiful supportive wife who thankfully doesn't
smoke and beautiful 8 month old baby boy. I do not smoke
around them! I've tried the patch, nicorette, cold turkey. The
best method I've found (and I'm going to attempt it once again!
Wed the 15th) is to quit cold turkey and at the same time get
FANATICAL about EXERCISING! You must replace a bad
habit with a good habit. The only way to do it!

Pick a sport or fun exercise and stick to it! Get into it! Go
nuts about it! Buy at the supermarket several jugs of water
for at home or in the car. Drink lots of water and commit to
doing your exercise thing on a regular, often basis. Minimum
four times a week. Every week! Every month! For the rest of
your life. Your long life depends on it! Buy some health
magazines; or sports magazines you intend to get into and
do it!!

I'm addicted to the nicotine even tho I cough up a storm at
night and wake my wife and baby (and myself!). I've continued
to smoke even tho I have a beautiful wife and baby. I've
continued to smoke after over 15 years even tho I know the
dangers and hazards of smoking. WHY??!! Why do we
continue to flirt with the precious existence of our own lives??

I'm gonna start wearing my "I don't smoke!" t-shirt and "Life is
Good!" t-shirt and get again fanatical about my good health (or
rather journey towards it - it's LIFE LONG!).

I'M GONNA DO IT!

+++

Sherry (jeffsher@newulmtel.net) writes

Subject: why i quit

Fred-I have tried to quit smoking many times. This time I am
totally determined to make it for good. Almost 4 weeks ago I
got to work and after about 10 minutes there I had a panic
attack. Normally I can stop a panic attack by deep breathing,
but guess what - I can no longer take a deep breath. So there I
was having a panic attack and gasping for air and just getting
more and more paniced - so right then and there I made a
promise to God that I would never have another smoke EVER.
And I have not had even an urge (and my husband still
smokes). I drink lots of water and go for lots of walks and
butter-rum life savers are really great. I wish everyone the best
in their attempts to quit.

It can be so difficult and even if you don't make it the first
(or 20th) time, never give up.

+++

Lynn (ndec@bellsouth.net) writes

Subject: I quit June 1991

I finally quit smoking almost 7 years ago after several
unsuccessful attempts. Even thought I had managed to quit
several times, the longest period I had remained quit was about
3months.

It seemed to me that the BIGGEST obstacle in my not being
successful, was being tempted by other people's smoking!!!
Seems like I could get by okay till I was around others smoking
then I just felt compelled to smoke.

So for me to be successful I NEEDED to hide from cigarettes
and smokers.

I tried several approaches to help motivate myself, like placing
signs all around about how much cigarettes stunk, how many
things I had damaged with burn marks or burn holes, about
how smokers weren't welcomed hardly anywhere any more.
Kept reminding myself about the amount of money that was
literally going up in smoke ( 5 years equals almost $9,000.00 )
!!! Desperately trying to convince myself that I didn't want to
smoke.

It always appeared to me that the best time to quit was in the
morning after I had been 7 or 8 hours without a cigarette. In
June 1991, I took some classes ( 5 nights in a row ) to quit
smoking. Cold turkey, no drugs no nicorette and no patches.
On the first night when they informed us that when we arrived
on the 3rd night we would have smoked our last cigarette
before entering and furthermore we would for 30 days carry
around with us at least a half pack of cigarettes. We would not
empty any ashtrays from where we last smoked nor would we
sit in non smoking sections of restaurants. I said to myself "no
way that's impossible for me to do"

I smoked 3 packs per day and had been smoking 28-30 years.
They told us we were addicted to nicotine not unlike being
addicted to alcohol or narcotics. The first night they told us to
smoke all we wanted but just to say every time we had a
cigarette "I want a cigarette". Second night we were told to
smoke all we wanted to but before each cigarette to say "I want
a cigarette, I can have a cigarette" but when we entered class
the 3rd night we would have smoked our last one.

The night of the 3rd class I had smoked all my cigarettes before
leaving home and had to stop to buy a pack in order to have the
half pack of cigarettes required. From where I purchased the
cigarettes to the class location was about a half hour drive . I
smoked five cigarettes on the way to class but I have never had
as much as a puff off a cigarette since that night 6/12/91. A
card was placed in our pack of cigarettes ( the ones we would
hold, carry, and fondle for 30 days )

It read:

I want a cigarette
I can have a cigarette
For now I choose:
1. To not have a cigarette
2. To start back smoking

All I'm saying here is that this program has a very high success
rate. It uses no medications or no hypnosis. Just cold turkey.
There point is you CAN NOT HIDE from cigarettes. If you
choose to try you may get by awhile, however you will not be
prepared when you do meet up with them. Somehow in almost
a magical way this mind set, this changing of the prospective
gave me a new power I had not known before. I HAD THE
CHOICE and by my having the power I was free.

Hope my story is able to motivate and help someone !!!

GOOD LUCK !!! Lynn

====================

Where's your story? I'd sure like to share it with the other
subscribers to this email list. Mailto:fredk@quitsmoking.com

I hope to hear from you!

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You can find additional helpful quit smoking tips and
information at http://www.quitsmoking.com/quitinfo.htm

While you're there, take a look at our products page at
http://www.quitsmoking.com/products.htm for some helpful
quit smoking tools.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Until next time, BEGIN WRITING YOUR "QUITTING STORY",

Fred Kelley

QuitSmoking.com
Phone: 770-346-9222
Fax: 770-475-5007
Web: http://www.quitsmoking.com
Email: mailto:fredk@quitsmoking.com

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© Copyright 1998 Fred H. Kelley
This email may be freely distributed and forwarded
as long as the entire email remains intact.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor or professional therapist.
The information included in this email is my opinion and the
opinions of the people sending in their comments.
Fred Kelley and QuitSmoking.com make no
warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or
accuracy of the contents of The Quit Smoking Report.

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