Hi, Marie32, and welcome. Lots of people nibble around the edges of quitting before actually taking the plunge. If you are interested in the idea of quitting, you've come to the right place. I recommend reading through all of the old posts here, and doing some reading at www.whyquit.com. That will give you some orientation to nicotine addiction, what quitting is like, and what you might expect when you quit. You might also start to mentally prepare yourself for quitting. Make a list of the reasons you want to quit. Make a list of the reasons you continue to quit. Compare the two. Write about your hopes and fears about smoking and quitting in your DS journal. Educate yourself about the different ways to quit, and think about which one might work best for you. Start making a quit plan. Visit the main board here every day and read the posts and responses so you start to get to know us and find out more about quitting. I hope you chose to give quitting a shot. It's not easy and it's not fun, but it is doable. And you'll find lots of support here.

Beesley, has said it all. You make it as hard or easy as you want to, it's your choice.

i am so glad that you are considering not smoking. Instead of thinkning about it JUST do it. start by picking a stop date, then have a plan on how you will do it, cold turkey, Chantix etc. Start eliminating areas where you associate with smoking. Good luck and let us know how you do.

the book the easy way to stop smoking is very helpful. I used chantix for about three weeks, signed in here daily and read that book. 50 plus days smoke-free and breathing easier. Jump on board as soon as you are ready it is so worth it.

welcome marie,doesn't 20 years fly by?!I couldn't believe it when i realised I'd smoked for 12!!!
You've had some great advice so far but you've made the biggest step by deciding you want to quit.
Think of it as an exciting challenge to strive towards rather than something to dread.When i quit,although really hard,rather than like in the past saying "I CAN'T smoke" I told myself "I DON'T WANT to smoke"
Try and occupy your mind with new hobbies/interests, and please do not forget to treat yourself with all the lovely money you'll be saving!!I've managed to afford driving lessons since quitting so i have something to look forward to.
If you struggle really bad please come on here for advice or just to let off steam.Usually when you've done that during a really bad craving,the cravings are much less by the time you come off.
I wish you lots of luck...you can do it xx

Hi and welcome, stick around and make your plan when you're ready....you can do it!

Frineds and Family were very surprised when they recently found out I quit...I was a lover of smoking...but back in May I started thinking it's time! I started Chanpix and eventually picked my quit day...and have been a "non-smoker" for 4 days now...I keep thinkging how proud I feel, I don't feel embarassed by it anymore, funny how I didn't realize that about me before...until I quit and am no longer sneaking off for a smoke. Don't over think it, try not to panic the closer you get to the date...I keep a couple of cigs way up in a cubboard so I don't have anxiety attacks thinking I don't have any "in-case" moments....pick up a good novel and barry your thoughts in the pages of the book...and rest when you can! Good Luck!

I just started Chantix yesterday and have had only two cigarettes. It makes you feel a little goofy but I have craved them a lot less. I was smoking 1-1/2 packs a day and am looking forward to being free of the nicotine demon! Good luck Marie and try your hardest. I am 37 and my health went from great to horriblr in one year. Quit while you can!