Quitting Smoking Makes You Sick
May 6, 2009
Quitting smoking has given me a heap of side effects I never expected. I wish I could say I felt awesome in the nine weeks since I quite but that would be a huge lie.
And I’m not trying to put you off quitting smoking. I’m sure the long term benefits will be worth it in the end. I just want you to be aware that you could wind up feeling like shit on your journey to freedom from smoking.
In the first few days, quitting smoking seemed suprisingly easy. The Nicotinell patches took away my craving for nicotine. Of course, I still kept reaching for an imaginary packet of cigarettes at certain times of the day. But what do you expect after more than 25 years of smoking 40 plus cigarettes a day?
Then I began to feel exhausted and depressed. My insomnia returned and my skin began to dry out and peel off. And I can’t stop eating – I’ve never felt so hungry in my whole life. For the first few weeks, I was easily able to skip meals, much the same as I did when I smoked – so this is a huge shock to my system.
So Am I Saying That Quitting Smoking Is Bad For You?
No – that would be ridiculous. When you quit smoking, it’s easy to blame every single health problem on the fact you’ve given up. And while it’s true that you might not feel on top of the world for a while, you probably wouldn’t be feeling 100% if you were still smoking.
I Have Had Some Health Improvements Since Quitting Smoking
My circulation has definitely improved. And when I caught a cold, I had a sore throat and sneezed quite a bit. Before quitting smoking, I would have felt like I was on the verge of pneumonia.
Does It Take A Lot Of Willpower To Quit Smoking?
If you’re thinking about quitting yourself – here’s one thing you need to know: Quitting smoking requires no willpower at all.
I used to believe you needed a lot of willpower to give up smoking, which is why I failed so many times. But the truth is – willpower is probably the very worst way to stop smoking. The trouble is, if you’re using willpower to avoid having a cigarette, you automatically feel as though you’re depriving yourself.
Instead, I used a combination of methods to quit smoking. I read The Easy Way to Stop Smoking
Quitting Smoking – My Biggest Tip
When you quit smoking, you do get cravings to smoke but they usually pass in seconds. And when you do get them, just ask yourself this simple question: “What are the benefits of having a cigarette right now?” This always works, because there are no benefits to smoking at all.
Have you tried quitting smoking? What worked best for you?
Comments
37 Responses to “Quitting Smoking Makes You Sick”
-
Successful And Outstanding Blogger
Hi Cath. Congratulations on being smoke free for more than two months. I’m fascinated by your comment that “willpower is the worst way to stop smoking”. I’d never looked at it from that perspective, before, but I can see how that mindset can set a person up to do “battle”.
My brother has been smoke free for about a year now. He started with the patch, plus he adjusted his schedule. No taking breaks with the “smokers”. He says there are a lot of noticeable benefits, including lots more energy. That’s an excellent question to ask yourself, because there are No benefits are there?
Davina’s last blog post..Positively Breathing — Affirmation 1
Hi Davina – Thanks. It’s great that your brother has been stopped for a year. I know where he’s coming from – re: not taking breaks with smokers.
Most of the people I employed smoked and I would definitely have found it harder, had I not been working alone. Stuart quit too and that definitely made it easier.
Hi Cath,
Thanks for sharing your experience and congratulations on being free of the habit for the past nine weeks.
I hope that you are able to turn that nine weeks into nine months and eventually, nine years.
The question which you ask when confronted by the craving sounds to me like a sensible way to put the choice into proper perspective. Looking at the much bigger picture, I am certain that any temporary benefit or reduction in pain from having that cigarette would pale in comparison to the extent of the longer term health benefits of quitting.
(P.S. apologies that I have not visited your blog in such a long time)
Andrew’s last blog post..Thank you to all April contributors
Hi Cath, Keep up the great work! You are going to be so glad you did this one year from now, you’ll be floating on air. You’re going to feel so good about yourself you’ll think Smoking Cath was an entirely different person.
Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Words that should be banned: Solutions – Guest Post by Clare Lynch
Congratulations on quitting. It is so rewarding! I quit 18 years ago. Like you I was very hungry and I got ill. The body has a lot of garbage to get rid of now. It will get better, hang in there!
Congrats!
Have you found a habit to replace it? (out with the old, in with the new)
It seems like everybody I know that’s successful has found some sort of replacement habit so instead of focusing on what they don’t want to do, they focus on what they want to do more of … so same trigger, but now a different response.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..Life Experiences and Leadership
hey Cath,
Good luck. I never got hooked in the first place, but my dad smoked for years. I know if isn’t easy to quit. Thanks for writing an honest post about it. And again, good luck! ~ steve, the trade show guru
Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..Trade Show Exhibit Booths and SEO
All I can say is, hang in there. I think it’s pretty obvious that in the long run, not smoking is far better for your health than smoking.
But of course, you already know that.
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..Bloggers Who Quit
Congrats on your current success! Quitting an addiction is a hero’s journey – you learn lots about the inner strengths you never knew you possessed before.
I know people who have smoked over 30 years and managed to kick the habit. Although their health still suffers in the present, these people are still alive in part because of having made a conscious choice. Congratulations on making a choice to change. You may make an analogy with a person who gets a new puppy. Its said a puppy will throw life into chaos and evoke discomfort. This describes the period of emotional and psychological adjustment. Your heart and soul know what’s right. The ego mind reminds you of cravings but you do what is for your higher good. Rememebr JFK’s famous speech about the space program.: “We are not going to the Moon because its easy. We are going because its hard…”
Liara Covert’s last blog post..Share your views on ‘Mankind is no Island’
Hi Andrew – No worries – I haven’t been writing much, so you didn’t miss anything.
Hi Brad – Thank you – that sounds good. I’m hoping non-smoking Cath will be a much better writer too
Hi Leslie – Thanks for the encouragement – 18 years is awesome.
Hi JD – Thanks – Not yet. I’ve done lots of stuff that I wouldn’t normally do – even bread baking, as I felt the need to break from my usual routine. But no new habits yet. I’m going to start running this morning though.
Hi Steve – Thank you. I think quitting is tough but it gets easier, as you get older and become more aware of your own motarlity.
Hi Vered – Thank you. That is so true. And these side effects are nothing compared to some smoking related diseases.
Hi Barbara – thanks. I like the way you said that – it makes it sound like an adventure.
Hi Liara – I love that quote and also the puppy analogy. Thank you.
Oh wow!! I shouldn’t be surprised by your results because I know that the Silva method works. What is commendable is perhaps your determination to stick to the exercises! Congratulations!! I cannot be any happier for you!
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Me In Every Thought
Awesome, Cath! I am sorry to hear there are so many side effects of quitting. I mean you expect them, but not that many or that long. My dad quit smoking and put in 50 cents into a container for every day he didn’t smoke. He used the money for trips and such. Maybe that will help?
Meryl K. Evans’s last blog post..List of Twitter Chats
OMG – CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I’ve always said that quitting smoking is the absolute HARDEST thing in the world to do because I felt like SHIT for the first SIX MONTHS after I quit.
It would surely be a LOT easier if you stopped and two weeks later felt GREAT – but that isn’t how it works!!!!
For me, there’s no such thing as “just one” cigarette and remembering the HELL of quitting is the only reason I don’t slip back into that old, comfortable habit!!! (Maybe I’d feel differently if I ‘d used Silva to stop!!!)
They say that when recovering heroine addicts talk about heroine, they get a dreamy far away look in their eyes like they’re remembering a long lost love – yeah, I get the same expression thinking about smoking.
BTW – my impetus to quit was my father’s battle with cancer of the larynx. He survived but breathes through a hole in his throat now.
Again – CONGRATS!!!!
Kathy | Virtual Impax’s last blog post..#1 Rule for Social Media Marketing Success…
Hi…
I love the coincedence of this post… as my last post was about how I stopped smoking with ease…
I’ve been an ex smoker for almost a year now.
take care and best wishes
Ribbon
Ribbon’s last blog post..A delightful read…
I’m so glad you haven’t given up, despite the challenges you’re facing. It’s not surprising, since the U.S. surgeon general (kind of like the chief doctor) once said that smoking is more addictive than heroin. Your body might be releasing toxins causd by the smoking.
It’s great that you’re being honest with it all. Smoking is such a problem for so many. I’m hoping you’ll inspire others to quit, too.
Dot’s last blog post..April Showers and May Flowers
Hi Evelyn – thank you. It’s been tough to stick at it but definitely worthwhile.
Hi Meryl – thanks – that is a great idea, I love travel, so I’ll do that.
Hi Kathy – Well done. I have read about the dangers of having just one and like you, it’s a risk I’m not willing to take.
In 2005, I read a book called the Easyway to Stop Smoking by Alan Carr. It really does make you feel differently about smoking. It didn’t help me give up though – I was afraid to read the final chapter incase it didn’t work.
It is great that your father survived but awful that he has to breath through a hole in his throat – no wonder you gave up.
Hi Ribbon – a year is brilliant – well done. I will be checking out your post.
Hi Dot – Thank you. I had heard the heroin comparison too. I suspect it probably is the toxins coming out but I guess that they’re better out than in.
Hi Cath. Glad to hear you’re not smoking anymore. You’re right, there’s nothing good about it.
Living here in Vegas, however, I tend to smoke about a pack and a half second hand smoke a day!
Ok, that was my feeble attempt at humor. Sorry to hear about the side effects, but at least you know those won’t last forever.
John Hoff – WpBlogHost’s last blog post..WordPress Security: The First Thing You Should Understand
Congats on quitting smoking! Keep at it. It’s worth it.
I never had to battle weight much before I quit smoking. It wasn’t until after I quit that I started gaining so much.
I wish I had known then what I learned later. If I had really realized how difficult it would be to keep the weight off, I would like to think that I would have done something about it.
Quitting smiking is worth it though. I quit in February, 1982.
We are currently travel in the eastern US and I’ve been posting some pictures on both blogs.
Mike Goad’s last blog post..Traveling in Tennessee, Virginia and Wednesday Weigh In
Hi John – Thanks. But when I read what you said I Google’d the smoking law in Las Vegas and it is not very strict compared to most places. I guessed that they’d still allow folk to smoke in casino’s but bars and offices??
Over here in the UK we’re not allowed to smoke in any public places at all, which is better for everyone. Having to go outside in the rain to smoke really does help you to quit.
i just read something on the web that said it’s easier for people to give up hard drugs than it is to stop smoking. you were able to give up smoking, but the other symptoms, that you mentioned, that follow are just as difficult. you’ve done the hard part in time i hope the side effects will pass.
Natural’s last blog post..Mirror, Mirror on the Blog….
You can smoke in casinos but not in the restaurants in the casinos (go figure).
As for bars, the law says you cannot smoke in them, but there’s nothing enforcing that law, so……
Who writes these laws, anyway!
John Hoff – WpBlogHost’s last blog post..WordPress Security: The First Thing You Should Understand
Congratulation, Cath for your big success here! I agreed that the nicotine patches could be your “best pal” to quit smoking, but the even important thing is your own determination to say “NO” to it! Remember, next time when someone persuade you to smoke again, you just said “No, thanks” instead of picking up the cigarette and smoking in front of them!
wilhb81′s last blog post..The Useful Business Tips 29: The Incredible Forecasting Future Techniques Are About to Reveal!
You are doing wonderful work here…and you need to pat yourself on the back for every day of success.
I think the side effects of quitting smoking are very hard to take and it takes your body a long time to adjust. And your body is demanding to feel good – food is another way it feels good quickly….
Getting all the medications out of my system is still an ongoing process and it is fairly yucky one…
I will keep you in my thoughts that the side effects pass quickly and you do not find a new addiction to replace them…being positive can help
Patricia’s last blog post..Lightening Up the Mother Load
Hi Valerie – I’ve also heard some people say that it’s harder to give up cigarettes than heroin. That said, I’m glad I’ve never had to try quitting heroin.
Hi John – I think it’s a good idea to keep smoking out of restaurants. It’s a shame they don’t make more of an effort to keep it out of other public places over in Vegas though. The non-smoking laws over here make it much easier for people to quit.
Hi Wilson – The patches do help with cravings a lot. Like you say, remembering to say no is another thing. Some folk say they forget to do that when they’ve had a few drinks.
Hi Patricia – Thank you. I can imagine getting the toxins from all your meds out of your system will be similar. Did you consider doing a liver flush for the toxins?
I’ve thought about it but haven’t decided whether to give it a go. Erica Douglass did one and she wrote about it here: http://www.erica.biz/2008/liver-flush-liver-cleanse-gallbladder-flush-experience-review/
nearly finished with the liver flush 5/12/ 09 will be done…a good thing for me…are you doing one?
Patricia’s last blog post..Lightening Up the Mother Load
Nine weeks is something to celebrate! I quit caffeine 5 months ago and still crave it now and then. Yet I go back to your question and realize no amount of caffeine is worth the migraines I used to have when I drank caffeinated drinks.
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..Authentic Happiness Series – Part Four (Career)
Patricia – I would like to try but I’m a bit nervous – will email you to see how you got on.
Hi Stacey – Thanks. If caffeine was giving you migraines, it was definitely worth cutting it out – good for you. I drink very little caffeine since quitting smoking – I drank way too much before.
And in the newspaper the other day, some scientist was claiming that caffeine is one of the things that cause holes in your brain. If that’s true, it’s definitely something to avoid.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Quitting Smoking Makes You Sick
Hi Mike – You still keep winding up in the damn spam folder. My dad quit fourteen years ago and his weight has fluctuated but he’s put on around 21 pounds in all.
I’m looking forward to seeing your pics.
Hey, congratulations on quitting…
I’ve never been a smoker but I imagine it can’t be easy. For much of this year, I have gone T-total and trained for a marathon that took place last weekend. I wasn’t completely out of shape before I started, but was far from being ‘in shape’. I went through 18 weeks of hard graft and managed to record a personal best, beating my marathon time from 12 years ago.
When you see an end result for your efforts like that, it really feels good.
Luxury Travel’s last blog post..The Palazzo unveils AZURE: the exclusive daytime luxury pool experience
Hi Cath,
Quit smoking May 30, 2009. First week easy and then downhill….very difficult. It’s not the desire to smoke, it’s the withdrawl/side effects. I need to know more about your skin. My skin is dry as a prune…drinking water hasn’t helped much. I feel like I look 100 years old and I’m scared it won’t get better!!! How’s your skin doing and what can I expect?
Thanks, Lisa
Congratulations on completing your marathon. That must have taken a lot of work and beating your personal best was a huge achievement.
Hi Lisa – The skin things is weird – mine alternated between v bad and v good. At the moment, I’m still getting spots etc – I guess a lot of it is the toxins coming out.
I persevered with the water and also used a l’oreal mild glycolic peel three times a week.
I guess things like skin problems settle down in time and they’re nothing compared to smoking related diseases.
The quit smoking info and forums on about.com is really useful: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-quitsmoking
I’m so glad to be a quitter! Its the best thing I have ever done!
it’s almost impossible that it was related to smoking….unless it was withdrawal symptoms and those give you headaches for sure. But they don’t last long.
It’s great to hear that you quit. Whatever you did, mentally, spiritually..just keep doing what your doing. The Silva System is a great program once you practice it. Best wishes.
you know what i did, i tried out electric cigarettes, i did quit smoking but i guess the addiction is transferred to another form of nicotine, oh well, im saving so much.
Great way to deal with the cravings. I used to make myself busy and then I didnt even think about the cravings.
Vapor Pak’s last blog post..Stop Smoking Today Part 1 of 3